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Forstner Bit - Piloted Forstner Bit

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

Piloted Forstner

Bit for drilling pillar bedding

Use Electric

Hand drill

Cuts Straight

Clean for accurate, aligned holes

Opens Existing

Stock screw holes for 9/16-inch

Steel, Blue

Finish

$57.99
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SKU: 080909000

Overview

This piloted forstner bit is intended for drilling pillar bedding holes with an electric hand drill, offering a straightforward way to work without a jig. It is designed to open existing stock screw holes to accept commonly used 9/16 inch bedding pillars while helping keep the cut aligned. The bit is steel with a blue finish and includes the listed bit and pilot dimensions for compatibility planning. It suits hunters and rifle builders looking for a practical tool for bedding work where controlled, accurate drilling matters.

Why Hunters Choose the Brownells

Piloted Design

An electric hand drill

Cuts Straight

Clean for accurate hole preparation

Opens Existing

Stock screw holes for 9/16-inch

Useful Pillar

Bedding without requiring a jig

Includes 1/2-inch

Shank for drill compatibility

Key Features

  • Piloted Forstner bit for drilling pillar bedding holes without a jig
  • Designed for use with an electric hand drill
  • Cuts straight and clean for accurate, aligned holes
  • Opens existing stock screw holes for 9/16-inch bedding pillars
  • Steel, blue finish
  • Bit measures 5 inches long with a 1/2-inch shank

Best Used For

  • Hunters bedding rifle stocks who need accurately aligned pillar holes without a jig
  • Users working with an electric hand drill on existing stock screw holes
  • DIY rifle builders installing commonly used 9/16-inch bedding pillars
  • Shooters wanting a piloted bit for straight, clean pillar bedding holes
  • Shop users needing a dedicated bit for pillar bedding setup work

Specifications

Bit Diameter9/16" (14mm)
MaterialSteel, blue
Overall Length5" (12cm)
Pilot Diameter.312" (7.9mm)
Pilot Length1 1/2" (3.8cm)
Shank Diameter1/2" (12mm)

Pros

  • Piloted design helps align pillar bedding holes with an electric hand drill.
  • Cuts straight and clean for accurate hole preparation.
  • Opens existing stock screw holes for 9/16-inch bedding pillars.
  • Useful for pillar bedding without requiring a jig.
  • Includes a 1/2-inch shank for drill compatibility.

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed for opening existing stock screw holes to accept commonly used 9/16" bedding pillars, so it is purpose-built rather than a general-purpose drill bit.
  • The 1/2" shank requires a compatible drill chuck, which may limit use on some hand drills.
  • The pilot and bit dimensions are fixed, so fit is tied to the existing hole size and the intended pillar diameter.
  • Intended for pillar bedding work, so it is not a substitute for a full drilling jig when a broader setup is needed.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Forstner bits
  • Pillar bedding tools
  • Drill bit sets
  • Gunstock repair and bedding accessories

Suggested Accessories

  • Drill press vise
  • Cutting oil
  • Center punch
  • Bore guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this piloted Forstner bit used for?

It is designed to drill holes for pillar bedding and to open existing stock screw holes to accept commonly used 9/16 inch diameter bedding pillars.

Do I need a jig to use this bit?

The product description says it can drill holes for pillar bedding without a jig.

What size holes does this bit make?

The bit is listed as 9/16 inch diameter, with a pilot measuring .312 inch diameter.

What are the listed dimensions of the bit and shank?

The bit is listed as 5 inches long with a 1/2 inch diameter shank. The pilot is listed as 1 1/2 inches long.

What material and finish are listed for this bit?

The specifications list it as steel with a blue finish.