I remember the clang of a ruined pull like it happened this morning. A cheap bit skated across stainless then sliced a scar into a walnut drawer front. My jaw clenched. Next day I grabbed a cobalt bit from ICS cutting tools. Split point met steel and the hole cut straight in one smooth push. No drama. That small win turned me into a true believer.
You now hold the full playbook. I lay out the gear, the steps, and the care routine that keeps metal work clean inside a wood shop. Read it, try it, and feel the calm that follows a crisp hardware install.
Know the Two ICS Names
Search results show two firms that share three letters. One sells diamond chainsaws for concrete work. The other, the star of this guide, forges drills and taps in Casco Wisconsin. Keep that split clear and you will reach the right catalog every time.
Why Cobalt Beats Standard Steel
Wood feels soft under a bit. Stainless, brass, and titanium act like stone. Standard high speed steel surrenders when heat builds. Cobalt keeps its edge at higher degrees. Each drill from ICS cutting tools adds a 135 degree split point that bites on contact. Gold coating cuts friction and moves chips fast. You get round holes, bright walls, and bits that stay sharp long after cheaper sets head for the bin.
Prep Steps That Stop Skating
Many ruined parts start with lazy prep, not with flawed gear. Follow this short list and see the change.
- Scratch a fine cross with a sharp scribe
- Tap a light center punch
- Clamp the work tight to a fence or block
- Dial the drill to a low speed that suits bit size
- Add one drop of cutting oil
- Feed steady then lift to clear chips on deep cuts
- Spin once inside the hole to break the burr
Hit every mark and your pulls sit flush, every time.
Seven Core Sizes for Daily Builds
I keep seven drills within reach and cover nearly every furniture task.
- 116 inch
- 564 inch
- 332 inch
- 764 inch
- 316 inch
- 732 inch
- 1132 inch
Each one lives in the jobber line from ICS cutting tools and each one carries the same cobalt heart.
Quick Profiles of the Shop Heroes
Prices move, so check the tag online before you click buy.
116 inch Jobber Drill JDC004
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Best friend for tiny hinge pilots*
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Specs*
- Cobalt steel core
- Gold coating
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135 degree split point
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Shop wins*
- Zero skating across glossy pulls
- Long edge life even in steel
564 inch Jobber Drill JDC005
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Good step up for light pilots*
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Specs*
- Thick web resists flex
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Split point grabs on contact
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Shop wins*
- Clean line through thin brackets
- Runs cool on repeat cuts
332 inch Jobber Drill JDC006
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Bread and butter size for drawer fronts*
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Specs*
- Smooth flute for chip flow
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Gold finish fights heat
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Shop wins*
- Cuts most screw clearances in one pass
- Edge stays bright after long runs
764 inch Jobber Drill JDC007
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Adds wiggle room for hardware sleeves*
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Specs*
- Thick core holds size
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Split point ends wandering
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Shop wins*
- Stable on curved strap iron
- Burr free exit with light deburr pass
316 inch Jobber Drill JDC012
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Great for knock down bolts*
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Specs*
- Cobalt body to NAS 907 J spec
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Long flute for deep reach
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Shop wins*
- Round hole holds bolt tight
- Wall finish stays smooth
732 inch Jobber Drill JDC014
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Handles larger pulls and plates*
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Specs*
- Gold coat sheds heat
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Split point drives straight in
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Shop wins*
- Fewer pilot steps needed
- Diameter stays true under load
1132 inch Jobber Drill JDC022
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Workhorse near three eighths*
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Specs*
- Straight shank grips firm
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Long core resists flex
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Shop wins*
- Smooth break through without grab
- Clean edge on thick stock
Speed Guide That Saves Cutting Edges
Size sets speed. Slow the motor as the diameter climbs.
- Bits under one eighth inch run at medium speed
- Bits up to one quarter inch run at low speed
- Bits past one quarter inch crawl at the slowest gear
Add a drip of oil on stainless or titanium. Clear chips with a quick lift on deep holes. Wipe and deburr when finished.
Live Drawer Front Demo
Follow this path the next time you mount a stainless pull.
- Draw center lines and mark hole spacing
- Scribe crisp crosses
- Tap a gentle punch mark
- Start with JDC004 for a pilot
- Shift to final size with JDC012 or JDC014
- Deburr both faces
- Test fit screws and tighten
The pull sits square, lines up with its mate, and the front stays flawless.
When the Diamond Line Matters
You may need a trench in a slab for a media run. That job calls for the diamond chainsaws from the concrete branch of ICS. For daily furniture building you will stay with the drill line from ICS cutting tools.
Mistakes That Wreck Bits and Fast Fixes
- Bit walks across steel. Use a punch mark plus a split point tip
- Blue tip shows up. Drop the speed and add oil
- Hole turns oversize. Clamp close and use a stiff web bit
- Veneer tears on exit. Back the work with scrap and deburr
Care and Sharpening for Long Service
Cobalt drills cost more, so treat them like trusted friends.
- Clean off oil and chips after each cut
- Store bits in a rack rather than a pile
- Touch up the edge with a sharpening jig once you see dull spots
- Keep a cup of water handy for cooling during long sessions
A ten minute care routine triples service life.
Build a Starter Kit on a Budget
You can buy the full set, yet many builders start small. Pick these five first.
- 116
- 332
- 316
- 732
- 1132
That stack handles almost every hinge, pull, or bolt hole you will drill this year. Add the in between sizes as jobs demand.
Safety Gear Checklist
Metal drilling throws hot chips. Suit up before the motor starts.
- Clear wrap safety glasses
- Hearing muffs or plugs
- Nitrile gloves for chip handling
- Clamp or vise that locks the part solid
- Small fireproof can for oily rags
One minute of prep avoids hours in the clinic.
Common Questions Answered
- Why choose cobalt over standard steel?*
Cobalt keeps hardness at heat and cuts harder metals with less wear.
- Will these drills work in a cordless driver?*
Yes, set low speed and keep the work clamped.
- Do I need oil on every cut?*
Use oil on stainless and titanium, skip it on soft brass or wood.
- How often should I sharpen?*
Sharpen when the bit squeals or shows burn marks.
- Which size breaks most often?*
Tiny bits snap first, so use soft feed and punch marks.
Price Snapshot for Quick Planning
- Small cobalt bits start near three dollars each
- Mid sizes hover around six dollars
- Large bits approach eleven dollars
Spending a few extra bills now saves wasted time and ruined parts later.
Parting Notes from the Bench
A clean hole gives furniture a polished look that eyes notice even if minds do not. ICS cutting tools deliver that clean hole again and again. Grab a couple of core sizes, follow the steps in this guide, and watch your next drawer front or door face shine. Snap a picture when you finish, I can almost smell the fresh varnish already.