Chicago Latrobe vs. Irwin drill bits???

cdhknives

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Some good deals on a set of wire gauge drills...Irwin is cheaper but C-L is the short length I like for small hole drilling in metal. Which is the better overall deal?

Irwin
C-L Stub length
 
I don't think Irwin makes anything in the USA anymore.
The description on Amazon says the C-L set is "Made in the USA".
Since I don't know your definition of "deal", my best answer is I would buy the C-L.
C-L is a long standing USA company with a good reputation, IMHO.
 
Another factor you might want to consider is the point style. The Irwin bits have a 118º chisel point (general purpose) tip. The C-L have 135º split points.
 
Irwin are "quality" consumer grade, Chicago-Latrobe are actual quality industrial grade.
 
Thanks guys. Despite only using wire size bits once in a blue moon (when only that size will do) I went ahead and spent the extra for the C-L bits. They are 50% more cost but the stub length just works better with tiny holes. I doubt in my lifetime I will drill enough holes with any one bit for the quality difference to become an issue.
 
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