Thread: Self centre Vix style bits

I have a bunnings set and they are okay to use, be aware that the more expensive ones clog up just as much as the cheaper versions. There will probably be some that will disagree, but that's life.

I have a couple of singles I bought rather than a set - they were not cheap as I knew they would get considerable use.

Yes, they work well but you do need to clear them after each hole - an absolute pain but until I can find something that will do the same accurate job I'm struck with it. Not had any experience with the cheap asian sets.

Originally Posted by peterlonz

I am in the process of fitting out our new kitchen with European hinges.
I guess anyone with even a little experience knows the advantages of using Vix bits to accurately fix hinge plates & the like.
I bought a low cost set which have proved a nightmare in use.
They clog up & need cleaning/freeing up after almost every hole.
Also the holes drilled need extending in depth so it's a slow process.
Despite that they do make a decent job of centering the required holes.
Searching Amazon & EBay there is no shortage of these Asian look a likes, but most better quality US made stuff costs a small fortune when shipping is considered.
Can anyone recommend a suitable source of quality product at a reasonable price?

Hi Peter

I can't quite follow what you are trying to do.
European hinges are designed to be used with the 32mm system of holes.
There's a certain amount of vertical adjustment in the hinge, so why do you need to accurately centre the holes?
Provided the hinge holes are the correct distance from the front of the cabinet, I'm thinking a 5 mm brad point bit will be much faster.

Just make yourself a simple jig to get the off-set from the front right

I have two different brands, Vix and the ones from Rockler. The ones from Rockler are much better. That doesn't do you much good as we're a half a planet away. And the sizes that are available here are Imperial sizes. I've not noticed anything in metric sizes.

However upon further consideration,

All Vix style bits will clog.
All Vix style bits will need to have their holes drilled deeper.

Putting paraffin into the chip evacuation slots and working the bit will help substantially. I usually will work a lot of paraffin into the evacuation slots. Then start the drill turning slowly while holding the centering mechanism with my fingers and working it up and down. The more paraffin that you get in there the better the drill works. Usually the paraffin job is good 3 or 4 hinges.

After the first heavy paraffin job all that is necessary is to just load up the evacuation slots. The paraffin that I use is commonly called Canning Wax. One box is enough to last a life time.

Originally Posted by ian

Hi Peter

I can't quite follow what you are trying to do.
European hinges are designed to be used with the 32mm system of holes.
There's a certain amount of vertical adjustment in the hinge, so why do you need to accurately centre the holes?
Provided the hinge holes are the correct distance from the front of the cabinet, I'm thinking a 5 mm brad point bit will be much faster.

Just make yourself a simple jig to get the off-set from the front right

YES you are basically correct & I have made a suitable drilling jig to fix the plates which fit inside the cupboard. But the hinge part that sits on the door does ideally require two holes be centered to fix the 35 mm Diam insert in the correct orientation.
I guess you could do without this, but I have found my drills drift off centre even when centre popped. Besides I am a bit anal about being accurate, like everything to be within +/-0.5 mm.
Interesting that of some over 50 reviews of these products (of various quality) on Amazon very few people mention clogging. This is surprising given my experience & the response here.
For something designed to speed up work, these products can hardly be described as invaluable, which is the most often used adjective.
BTW I have made a few changes on one of my units, which will stop the spring over-riding the sheath.
But this reduces the drill depth to only 5 mm. After 20 (approx 3 mm Diam) test holes in HMR Malteca particle board I have no clogging. Penetration of only 5mm is of course inadequate, but extending hole depth is quicker than relieving clogging!
Still like to know how the genuine Vix article behaves.

Hi Peter

I've used vix bits many times to set standard [not Euro] hinges.
I find them very useful for centring the dill bit in the hinge counter sink, but to work your hinge rebate has to be exactly spot on.
If the rebate is off a little bit, then drilling slightly off centre (with a standard twist drill) so the screw drags the hinge into position is the better option.

I wouldn't think of using a Vix bit to mount Euro Hinges -- a brad point bit would be my choice.

last time I mounted Euro hinges I had access to a dedicated drilling machine

the time before I used a drill press and a forstner bit for the cup hole -- and I drilled the 5mm screw holes with a power hand drill and brad point bit, aligning vertical by eye.

I've done a bit of searching. This what I have.

http://www.hardwaresource.com/index...._detail&p=6674

You might try using the search term "Blum EcoDrill M31.1000" in your search engine. You may find local sites that I wouldn't find.

I bought mine about 10 years ago and it was in the $220 US range. I see that they have gone up considerably since then. (But hasn't everything.)

The huge advantage to the drilling jig is that the holes on the door are intended for the press fit plastic inserts for the screws. I usually take an Irwin squeeze clamp and push the insert into place while attached to the hinge.

I had to install hinges on 28 doors for the shop and then later several other cabinets, etc. Yes the tool was very expensive but I can say that it was probably the best $200+ that I've spent for tools.

A local (Australian) source for the Blum EcoDrill M31.1000 would be Lincoln Sentry (www.lincolnsentry.com.au), 07 3244 3200.

It is listed on p614 of the Blum Catalogue and technical manual 2013/2014, which I got from them, under the heading Assembly devices. I have no idea of the price, but would expect it to be significantly more than in the States; let's face it, everything is.

Mark