IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ self-feed and auger bits tackle significant pain points for professionals who use them day in and day out. We’re teaming up with IRWIN to tell you more about these impressive accessories.
Beyond a Basic Bit Design
Self-feed bits and auger bits are crucial in the rough-in process for plumbers and electricians. General contractors and remodelers rely on them for a variety of hole drilling as well. We’ve personally used these types of bits on a variety of tasks. We can appreciate any advances that make hole-drilling a faster and more efficient process.
Pros turn to self-feed and auger bits when they want to make either larger or longer holes that other bits aren’t as effective at or simply can’t do at all. Having used dozens of these bits from various manufacturers—we can tell you that they’re not all created equally.
IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ self-feed and auger bits are specifically designed for longer usable life and to handle repeated nail strikes better than others.
While there are obviously some major differences in the two bit styles, IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ self-feed and auger bits share some key elements that help them achieve their goals.
For starters, they have a durable bi-metal construction with aggressive self-feeding screw tips. The way the design team engineered them, the cutting edges are able to maintain a sharp edge and handle multiple nail strikes effectively.
When the edge finally dulls to the point that you notice a difference in drilling speed, the cutting edge is resharpenable.
IRWIN wraps them up with a black oxide coating that enhances the bits’ corrosion resistance.
The result is a line of self-feed and auger bits that last 3 times longer* on average than IRWIN’s previous designs.
IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME Self-Feed Bits
Digging a little deeper into the performance side of IRWIN’s upgraded self-feed bits, there’s an impressive improvement in overall service life. Based on internal testing, IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ 2 9/16-inch self-feed bits were able to drill 6.3X** more holes vs IRWIN’s previous model in 1 1/2-inch Brazilian oak hardwood!
They use a 7/16-inch quick-change shank that’s appropriate for 1/2-inch drill chucks or right-angle drills that include a quick-change chuck. They are also long enough to drill through 4x dimensional lumber without the need for an extension.
IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME self-feed bits are available in 1 1/2-, 1 3/4-, 2-, 2 1/8-, and 2 9/16-inch sizes. There’s also a replacement screw tip in case the original gets dull or damaged.
IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME Auger Bits
The 7/8” Diameter Auger Bit drills 236 more holes*** compared to IRWIN’s Weldtec™ drill bits in 1 ½” thick pine with 8D common nails.
Along with the added durability, IRWIN ensured the design still has smooth drilling with fast, efficient chip ejection that results in clean holes thanks to its flute geometry.
Like the self-feed bits, IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ auger bits have a 7/16-inch quick-change shank. They’re available in 7 1/2- and 18-inch lengths covering 3/8-, 1/2-, 5/8-, 3/4-, 7/8-, and 1-inch diameters.
You can find IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ self-feed and auger bits at your favorite IRWIN retailer. Pro Tool Reviews has seen individual bits retail from $19.98 to $59.98.
Learn more by visiting IRWIN’s website.
*With respect to IRWIN®SPEEDBOR® SUPREME™ Self-Feed Bits – on average compared to IRWIN® SPEEDBOR Self Feed Bits. With respect to IRWIN®SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ Auger Bits – on average compared to legacy IRWIN® ship auger bits.
**IRWIN® SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ 2-9/16″ Diameter Self Feed Bit (SKU: IWAX2009) compared to IRWIN 2-9/16″ Diameter Self Feed Bit SKU (3046013) drilling into 1-1/2” thick Brazilian oak hardwood. IRWIN SPEEDBOR SUPREME™ 7/8″ Diameter Auger Bit (SKU: IWAX3018) compared to Weldtec™ 7/8″ Diameter Auger Bit SKU (1779343) drilling into 1-1/2” thick pine with 8D common nail.
