Holes for pcb

[soupbone]

I'm getting ready to etch my first pcb board! :icon_biggrin:What size of drill bit should you use to drill the holes for the resistors,capacitors, etc.?

[deadastronaut]

0.7mm

[Cardboard Tube Samurai]

I use 0.8mm

[Zapp Brannigan]

I use 0.6-1 mm drills, depending on certain component's leads diameter. 0.8 mm suits fine in most cases.

[bassmannate]

Are metric bits readily found in the US? All I've ever found is standard sized ones.

[dedguy]

You can find metric bits in the States, but you have to order them, I use carbide metric ones all the time at work. If you get a 1/32 drill bit it measures out to .79mm, and that you can find at your local hardware store. Good hunting.

[soupbone]

Hmmm..Thanks for the answers!So,I'm guessing from everyones answers between a .79mm or an 8.0 is the best?

[newfish]

I've had very passable results with a 1mm bit.

The hole size is perfect for off-board wires and component leads alike.

[deadastronaut]

I've had very passable results with a 1mm bit.

The hole size is perfect for off-board wires and component leads alike.

till it comes to the ic pads...and it rips em off the board....

[soupbone]

Hmmm..Thanks for the answers!So,I'm guessing from everyones answers between a .79mm or an 8.0 is the best?

deadastronaut said 7.0.I'm confused.

[dedguy]

Reread his post it said 0.7 not 7 

[ACS]

Are metric bits readily found in the US? All I've ever found is standard sized ones.

I genuinely laughed out loud at that one... (no offence bassmannate )  "standard" when referring to a system that in the whole world only the US and some sectors in the UK still use, just made my day...

[soupbone]

Reread his post it said 0.7 not 7 

My bad

[dedguy]

Two of the places to get bits from is MSC Industrial Supply and McMaster-Carr. I don't know about shipping and stuff like that, but I do know they have all the sizes that you could ever use !!!!

[peps1]

1mm perfect for all old and new components (some old old parts like mustard caps have issues with smaller bits)

[smallbearelec]

You should have twist drills in the range of #59 to #63 to accommodate a variety of lead diameters.

WE HAVE DRILLS..and Dremel accessories, and lots of other tools, as well as storage for such!

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Categories.bok?category=Tools+-+Drills

Note that assortments are available, and I have both the regular "jobber" drills that fit a Dremel collet and the 3/32" shank types to fit a Jacobs chuck.

Most people know me for parts, but I have also done my best to have all of the "other stuff" that otherwise has to be mail-ordered. Please do check out those sections of the store and give yourself a CHristmas/New Year's present!

For those who need an overview of what tools to buy for pedal-building, here's a shopping guide:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/Tools/Tools.htm

Regards
SD

[blooze_man]

I use the #60 from Smallbear. Wires fit perfectly without the holes being "too big" for component leads. Can't remember what guage wire I use.

[darron]

Are metric bits readily found in the US? All I've ever found is standard sized ones.

Metric IS standard size......

sigh....



I use 1mm but my donuts are usually a bit bigger than most PNP transfers provide

[davent]

I've found a #72 and #66 (or 65) cover just about everything in a pedal build, however they're both pretty fragile. [With numbered bit sizing the larger the number the smaller the bit, #72 (.0250) & #66 (.0330)].

http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/newtuncardri.html

dave

[teemuk]

I don't use just one bit size, because neither are the component leads always the same diameter.

0.7 mm is a good standard choice that fits most component leads of low-power resistors, caps, semiconductors etc. If the hole is for bulkier wiring, or power resistors and alike, I switch to using a 1 mm bit. Holes for trimmers and potentiometers usually require as big as 1.5 mm  bit because of the rectangular shaping of their leads.