Magnetic Drill Bit Sorter

Intro: Magnetic Drill Bit Sorter

I hate the little plastic holders that hold drill bit sets that you buy at the hardware store. They hold the drill bits tightly so it's hard to get them in and out. The text is too small to read the size of the bit, and if you have multiple bits out it can be hard to tell where they go back. They are good if you are taking your tools to a job site, but for using in the shop they are just a pain.

That's why I created these magnetic drill bit trays. The bits are held relatively securely but can be easily removed and replaced. There is a lot of space for large labels that can be read from a distance (or just with aging eyes), and they act as sorters so that bits can be put back in the right place even into an empty tray. If you drop them the bits will scatter, so not great for a remote job site, but for in the shop they are ideal.

This instructable will cover both the large and small trays, but you can make either one alone.

STEP 1: Constructing the Flats

The flats of the trays are made by laminating rectangular sheets of material together. The base piece in my design was 1/4 inch thick, but it could be any similar size. The pieces can be cut before assembly, but I had more success by making my parts oversize and then trimming the final product so it fit comfortably around the bits that I used. You can use two edges as reference edges and leave the others floating for trimming to size later.

Wood glue is best for attaching the layers of wood or card stock. To attach the magnetic material I used Barge contact cement, although hot glue could also be used.

STEP 2: Adding Individual Magnets

For the large tray individual rare-earth magnets are used. You'll want to place them about 2 inches up from the bottom. This is so that the magnet is aligned with the non-fluted part of the drill shaft for better contact, and so that you have a lot of leverage when removing the bit.

Installing the magnets can be done using a press fit to keep them flush with the flat of the surface. Drill a hole a bit smaller than the magnet -- I used 15/64 inch which is just a bit smaller than my 1/4 inch magnets. Place the magnet flat over the hole and then use a clamp to force it into the hole. They can be tricky to get started but once they start they can be squashed flush.

STEP 3: Laying Out the Grooves

You want to create slots where your bits will contact the magnets or the magnetic sheet. These serve as guides to hold the bits in orientation, but should not be so tight as to prevent the bit from being in complete contact with the magnet. You also want them wide enough to use for labels.

I used a thin card stock for this. The groove doesn't need much depth to function. There are probably several ways to do this, and you may want to find one that works for you. I started at one end and laid out my bits one at a time and placed a 1/2 inch (or so) wide strip of card stock up next to that one before moving to the next. When dealing with the rare-earth magnets you have to carefully trim the strips to leave the right-sized gap for each bit. Take your time and double-check the fit because it can be hard to adjust once done.

On the large tray I used white glue to attach the strips. On the magnetic sheet I used hot glue, although I think contact cement might have been better.

Comments

[throbscottle]

Jeezy Creezy! I read "magnetic drill shortener"! Then I read it again. Phew!
Nice design but I wouldn't make or use it because I don't want magnetic drill bits. Clip holders for the bits, that would be the thing.

[Bill WW]

My fist thought was the same concern about magnetizing the bits. I work with magnets a lot and its annoying to find my tools have been magnetized.

[Technicsau]

Have to agree on this one, there is nothing more a hindrance then having metalbits and splinters on your drill tip spinning and you are trying to locate the centre punch dent. I just recently build a de-magnetiser as it was getting bad. I love magnets in the right places, and they are great in the workshop, but not for drills. I have a magnet for holding the chuck key.

[throbscottle]

Can you share your de-magnetiser design? Pleasey weezy lemon squeezy

[Prfesser]

Caution is advised when the bits will be used to drill in steel/iron. The magnets will make the bits slightly magnetic, and it's hard to get all the chips off. For woodwork or drilling non-ferrous metals, however, it's a great idea!

[Sandi Spires]

Good point! Indeed magnetic bits can be an issue drilling ferrous materials. Most of my work is with wood so not much of a problem for me, bit important to be aware of.

[ChrisS53]

I agree. Even vibration when cutting causes my milling cutters to become magnetized. There is a reason I have a demagnetizer ...

[Sandi Spires]

The reason I called it a sorter is that the length of each bit is marked on the surface. I didn't mention that in the build (sorry) but having that means that even with an empty tray you can place each bit exactly where it goes. Obviously this only works for specific bit sets.

For sorting unknown bits I typically use digital calipers.

[RonaldoN5]

Excellent work.

[n6ces.r]

Nice project, but sorting is my problem, and this won't solve it. 80 year old eyesight can't read the markings on the bit, so wouldn't know where to place in this project. Suggestion for project model #2 . . . Maybe if there was an aluminum strip at the bottom with holes in it for each size.

[DrJoMaVa]

I really like this. It might be more accurate to call this a drill index rather than a sorter - when I read the title I took it to mean it would sort the bits for you.

[LarryH150]

It said sorter.. It does not sort.

[deceiver]

Nice bit holder. I was wondering where the sorting came in. I reread it and can't find that. NIce idea for holding them but to sort them you've got to put them in the correct spot right?

[liquidhandwash]

I really like this, great work, I might design a 3D printed version.

[Sandi Spires]

Thank you. Making a 3D printed version based on this prototype would be great

[Sandi Spires]

Credit where credit is due. Spouse used my login to create & publish this project. You can find his 3-D model work as metaform3d on Thingiverse .