Driling PCB for Diodes

[mcwilson]

I just got most of my Great Cheddar put together but I couldn't get the diodes to fit in the holes. What size drill do you guys use for this? I will just order one from small bear, I forgot another part anyway.....

[sta63bmx]

I use 0.030" for wires and resistors and caps and everything BUT bigger wattage resistors and bigger diodes.  For them I use a 0.040" bit.  Check your local hardware store, a True Value or Do It Best/ACE type place and ask if they have numbered drill bits.  I can't remember exactly what number size mine are, but they're super close to 0.030" and 0.040".  Cheers.

[mikey]

Here's a link to help you convert to the wire sizes like smallbear uses

http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/toki/teched/codrills.htm

I use #60 bit for orange drops and thick-leaded diodes and #68 for about everything else ( from smallbear )

[Connoisseur of Distortion]

what are you using for diodes?? 1N400x??

[Seljer]

I used a 1mm bit (0.040") for 1N400X diodes and other things that wouldn't to fit into holes I drilled with a 0.8mm bit (about 0.030")

[stumper1]

I always use the same size small bit for all holes when drilling the board.  If I need to enlarge them slightly I just use a fresh sharp exacto blade to ream them out.  Put the tip in the whole.  Using VERY slight pressure - give it a few twists.  Then do the same to the other side of the board.  Be careful and check the fit as you go.   

[markm]

I use #69 or #68 drill bits.
I hand drill all of mine as I do not have a drill press.
My Black & Decker does well so, I'm okay with it for now.
To think, I used to use a Pin-Vise......THAT was a drag.

[SolderBoy]

I bought a set of those gold coloured ones years ago for pcb drilling, and they are still sharp.  I think they are hardened or something...

But recently I've been using a couple of bits that came with my new (cheap) engraving tool.  They are great because the twist part is only about 5-6mm in length so they don't flex.  In the highspeed engraving tool, they are extremely quick.  Would love to hear of some one stocking them so I can get some spares.  I've never seen them before.

As for sizes, C'mon guys!  get with the metric system!!   

From memory, I use 0.7 mm for most stuff, 1mm for PBC pins, and power diodes etc.

You should think about buying a pair of dial calipers - not just for measuring leads, but for measuring the drills too...  And if you have to drill a board for other PCB mount stuff like pots and jacks, you'll be able to grab the right drill straight away.

[Cliff Schecht]

I use the carbide bits available in packages of like 25 for $5 at Harbor Freight in a HB drill press. Works fine. The only annoying thing is that the bits come in a kinda random array and many of them are uselessly small. The good ones last for a long time though.