Drill bit size on a pcb???

[Beatles-1964]

What size bit is commonly used on a pcb? Are there local retailers that carry the smaller sizes?

 

Thanks

[casper2]

Though hole diameter Typical .020 inches. You need drill bit #76. MCmaster Carr (3096A194) has them. need to use a drill press.

[AMZ-FX]

A #60 or #66 are okay for all purpose pcb drilling.

 

I think I keep a stock of #60 on hand for most of my drilling as it will accept most common wire sizes...

 

-Jack

[nos]

Gonna let you all in on my secret. I use a Dremel engraving bit. Works GREAT and I've used the same one for as long as I've been making own PCB's (probably drilled about 20 boards). Hasn't broken yet. It cost me maybe $2 at Lowe's or Home Depot, I don't remember which.

 

I use it in a standard hand-held drill, but it would work fine in a press. If you look at the pic, you'll see why it won't break.

 

 

The only drawbacks (and these might apply equally to other bits, but I've never used another bit, so I'm not sure):

 

1) It is really only large enough for standard diameter leads. I have to ream out the holes to fit hookup wire and thicker leads (ie. bigger diodes, transformer lugs).

 

2) The bit hangs up a little as you back it out of each completed hole, due to the ball shape. This hasn't been a problem yet and it's just one of the quirks of using that kind of bit. But I always C-clamp my PCB to a scrap board, and I make sure the clamp is close to the area I'm drilling. I don't want to pull up on the drill and have the bit catch and crack the PCB.... but like I said, it hasn't happened yet, and I don't foresee a problem.

 

That's it for issues. Give it a try. They're cheap enough that if it doesn't work, you're not out a lot of money.

[$uperpuma]

I use .032" bits from drillbitcity and a drill press.. its just barely big enough to accomodate 4001 diodes but perfect for everything else I need.

[ickystay]

#66 (.0330") for me. Sometimes need to widen the hole for fat diodes and trim pots.

[philbo]

Depends on the type of board.

 

If I'm using surface mount parts, it'll be between 0.013" and 0.020". If it's thru-hole parts, maybe up to 0.042", perhaps as big as 0.0625" for big capacitor or diode leads.

 

For the tiny bits I use a pin vise to drill them by hand under a microscope (those 0.013" bits will break just by giving them a nasty look - - they're very delicate.)

 

Above 0.025" or so, I use a small drill press.

[nerol1st]

In the mod kit I just bought the guy recomended a fine file. But I say whatever works .

[parrotheada1a]

In my shop we drill pcb's with CNC machines. 10 mils up to .281's. Spindle speeds run at 60-100K RPM for small sizes up to about .035. The speeds go down to 15K as the drills get bigger.