Vix Bit

I install a lot of hardware, mostly in my own home, largely antique brass stripped free of paint, polished, or re-plated nickel.



One of life's little annoyances is an off-center screw hole. How to ensure a perfect pilot hole when drilling? Use a vix bit, a self-centering drill bit. The spring-loaded chamfered tip, or guide, centers the bit, then retracts into a larger housing as the bit penetrates. Vix Bits come in multiple sizes, most commonly 5/64 (intended for #3 & 4 screws), 7/64 (#'s 5 & 6), 9/64 (#'s 8, 9 & 10), and 11/64 (for #12 screws).

You're probably best buying them online, in a set (of three), or at a place like Rockler (feature coming soon).