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Brownells

Bolt Facing Lathe Bit - 5/16'''' Bolt Facing Bit

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

Cobalt Alloy

Bit designed to open bolt

Ground Back

Rake, front and side clearance,

Intended Use

On bolt steels

Useful When

You do not have a

Measures 2

1/8 inches long

$17.99
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SKU: 080659375

Overview

This cobalt alloy bit is intended for opening bolt faces to magnum dimensions, making it a practical shop tool for gunsmithing work that calls for controlled material removal. Its ground cutting geometry is described as suited to bolt steels, and it is presented as a useful option when a tool-post grinder is not available. The compact 2 1/8-inch length and square shank sizes in 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch make it a straightforward fit for compatible setups. For serious rifle work, it is a purpose-built bit for a specific machining task rather than a general-purpose cutting tool.

Why Hunters Choose the Brownells

Cobalt Alloy

Construction for demanding bolt-facing work

Ground Back

Rake, clearance, lip angle, cutting

Designed Open

Bolt faces to magnum dimensions

Useful When

Tool-post grinder is not available

Available 1/4-inch

5/16-inch square sizes

Key Features

  • Cobalt alloy bit designed to open bolt faces to magnum dimensions.
  • Ground back rake, front and side clearance, lip angle, cutting angle, and chip rake.
  • Intended for use on bolt steels.
  • Useful when you do not have a tool-post grinder.
  • Measures 2 1/8 inches long.
  • Available in 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch square sizes.

Best Used For

  • Gunsmiths opening bolt faces to magnum dimensions during bolt work
  • Users without a tool-post grinder needing a dedicated bolt facing bit
  • Shop setups handling bolt steels that require precise cutting geometry
  • Brownells customers seeking a compact, specialized lathe bit for bolt facing

Specifications

Length2 1/8 in (5.4 cm)
MaterialCobalt alloy
Square Size1/4 in (6.3 mm) or 5/16 in (7.9 mm) square

Pros

  • Cobalt alloy construction for demanding bolt-facing work
  • Ground back rake, clearance, lip angle, cutting angle, and chip rake
  • Designed to open bolt faces to magnum dimensions
  • Useful when a tool-post grinder is not available
  • Available in 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch square sizes

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed for bolt-facing work rather than general shop use, so it’s a specialized tool for a narrow task.
  • The bit is offered in 1/4" or 5/16" square sizes, so matching it to your setup is necessary before use.
  • It is presented as a solution when you do not have a tool-post grinder, which means it fills a specific need rather than replacing a full grinder setup.
  • At 2 1/8" long, it is compact and purpose-built, so it may not suit applications outside bolt-face opening work.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Bolt facing tools
  • Lathe bits
  • Gunsmithing cutting tools
  • Tool-post grinder alternatives

Suggested Accessories

  • Tool-post grinder
  • Lathe chuck
  • Cutting oil
  • Deburring tool

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this bolt facing lathe bit used for?

It is designed to open bolt faces to magnum dimensions.

What material is the bit made from?

The short description identifies it as an ultra-hard cobalt alloy bit.

What sizes does it fit?

The listed specs say it is 1/4" or 5/16" square.

How long is the bit?

The provided specs list it as 2 1/8" long.

Do I need a tool-post grinder to use it?

The description says it is a must if you don't have a tool-post grinder, but it does not provide further setup or use instructions.