Hanson 60172 Drill Bit

This drill bit index is basically the same one manufactured and branded by Huot. The major differences are that this one is painted a lustrous blue color and has easily readable drill size markings painted in white. The Huot index is bare metal with the size marking stamped into the metal. (I'm fairly certain that this one is manufactured for Irwin by Huot.) I uploaded several pictures to show how nice the index really is because the picture in the Amazon description doesn't do it justice.I've been using the index for over a year and I have to say that I like it more each time I use it. The paint seems very durable, and the index markings are still clearly visible. Granted, I'm not a machinist who uses drill bit's every day, but I'm impressed with the durability so far. (Keep in mind the photos show the condition of the index after I used it for over a year).All the previous indexes I've used were the 'clam shell' type. The nice ones raised the drill bits as you opened the door whilst the not so nice made you reach in and manually lift up each row of bits. While I preferred the ones that raised the bits with the door, I often had wiggle and jiggle to get the door to open properly. And God forbid if one of the smaller bits came out of its hole while the index was closed and jammed the door shut!With this index the bits are always upright and ready to be grasped. The index can be used free standing, or mounted to a wall. I use it free standing so I can carry it to various locations in my shop. This leads me to the only real con of this index.If the index is tipped over some of the drill bits will escape. To be fair, the same thing can happen if you tip over a regular clam shell index (believe me, I've done it). Another potential con for some is that the size markings for the 2nd & 3rd row are behind the drill bits instead of in front of the bits like the first row. No big deal for me, but others may not like this arrangement.Nuff said, thanks for reading.

Sometimes I just can not say enough about how good something is. I was elated when this index came and my bits were finally organized in a way that I could see the size.This index holds all my bits nice and tight. It is very brightly labeled so you can see the size without any help. It is made of steel and completely painted with a nice hard finish that should hold up well. Now I can go purchase the bits that I now know I am missing.My only regret is not buying it sooner.

I like that the drill size is easy to read on the drill bit holder.

What I like about it:This Irwin drill bit stand is decent quality, holes are well sized to hold each size bit. It is made of sheet metal but is formed and welded (or brazed?) in a way that lines up both holes correctly to make each drill bit stand up straight and not lean into into other bits. The gauge of steel is thick enough that it feels very solid and would take quite a bit of force to deform it. Also a plus is it has key holes on the back for wall mounting.What I don't like about it:Although there are clearly marked white numbers for each hole, only the first row of numbers are in front of the bits; The second and third row of numbers are for some odd reason marked behind the bits. This makes it difficult to read them when you are facing forward, which is what you would do if this stand was wall mounted. To see all the numbers you have to look straight down from the top or from the side/angled. To me this is just a poor design and could be so easily fixed.The only other thing I don't like (and honestly its very minor) is that since the bits go through two sheet metal holes about 1/2" apart they do not simply 'slide' straight down into place, so sometimes you need to wiggle the bit around to locate the second hole. Again, it's minor and really not a big deal, the only reason I mention it is that I was so used to my old Craftsman holder, which had full length holes for each bit so they just slid right down with no 'wiggling' necessary.Why I bought it (for those who like a little backstory):I bought this drill bit stand to replace an old Craftsman (plastic) drill bit stand that I kept on my drill press bench. I loved that old Craftsman, I used it for many years. It was black plastic with perfectly sized molded holes and easy to read gold colored raised numbers in front of every drill bit. I would still be using that holder today if I hadn't been careless one day and knocked it over on the concrete floor. It broke into pieces (some that disappeared into the nether regions of my shop floor never to be seen again). I went on Amazon and looked for a modern replacement hoping I would find the same basic thing, but this Irwin holder was the closest thing I found. I will likely buy another holder/stand closer to what I originally had from another site but for now this one is pretty good and i think it will certainly do the job just fine for most people out there.Bottom Line:The quick access convenience of having drill bits easily in reach without opening up a case or a drawer can't be beat, and this holder works great for that purpose. I would recommend it to anyone who uses drills and drill presses a lot. Overall I think this a a good quality product at a decent price.

This is just what I wanted. This will last forever.

This drill index is easy to read. I added magnets to keep bits handy right on the drill press.Search this link to find the magnets I used: B0B1M7FVSFUsed #6-32 Phillips Flat Head machine screws & nylock nuts to attach magnets to existing holes in the index.

Amazon screwed up one item in the description. They say it is plastic but it is not!!! It is painted metal, steel. I tried to click the link to report an error in their description but the link doesn't work!!The paint is probably powder-coat and appears to be very rugged. The white printing of the drill sizes for each hole is very easy to read.I like this product.

Works well, and is easy to read the sizes.