Drill Bits

[lclark]

What is the best size drill bit for regular hole through components...common resistors, IC sockets, and such? Thanks in advance!

 

[mneary]

I use mostly .024" (#73) for most parts. If the layout is tight, and a part has really small leads I might go down to 0.018" (#77) but this is a pretty delicate drill. Sometimes a part has larger than normal leads so I keep a few larger drills all the way up to 0.0465" (#56).

 

[3v0]

Ditto. I drill all my holes with a .024" bit. It is a bit sloppy for fine leads but still works. It is a tight fit for .1 pin headers but they go in. If in need a few larger holes I enlarge them with a bit in a pin vice or exato knife handle.

 

[lclark]

Thank you!

 

[Mikebits]

I always break those little suckers. So my default is #53 drill.

 

[3v0]

I always break those little suckers. So my default is #53 drill.

Are you using a drill press or drill stand? They help a lot. Also if you can get non carbide bits they have a bit of flex in them.

 

[mneary]

I tend to avoid anything as large as #53 because it's hard to get a good tent of solder between a .020" wire and a 0.059" hole.

 

[tonigau]

On Boards that I used to make & those that I contract out, I used a 0.8mm(31.496mil) hole for most parts (0.6w resistor, caps, 1n4148 etc) & 1mm (39.37mil) for (4004 diodes, 1W zeners etc..)

This always leaves plenty of room for consistent solder wicking to the top side pad.
However there are instances where I will make a hole a tight fit eg: single sided board & mechanically stressed (heavy) part, the close tolerance hole takes the stress away from the solder join.