CMT 537.317.31 Forstner Bit - 1 1/4" Diameter, 3/8" Shank, Right-Hand is a precision boring tool engineered by CMT for drilling clean, flat-bottom holes in softwood and light hardwood. With a toothed rim design, super-strength SP steel construction, and a precision-balanced centre point, this 1 1/4" bit delivers repeatable accuracy whether you are installing cabinet hinges, fitting shelf pins, or routing oval and arched openings at any angle.

Key Features

• Toothed Rim Design (>=25mm) - replaces the standard continuous rim at this diameter to actively manage heat buildup during extended boring, protecting both the bit and the workpiece surface from heat damage.
• Precision-Balanced Centre Point - keeps the bit locked on target the instant it contacts the wood, eliminating wander and producing repeatable, accurately placed flat-bottom holes every time.
• 2 Precision-Ground Spurs (V2) - score the wood fibre cleanly ahead of the main cutting edges, resulting in crisp, tear-free bore walls without splintering or blow-out.
• Super Strength (SP) Steel Body - provides the toughness needed to maintain a sharp cutting edge through repeated use in softwood applications, reducing resharpening frequency.
• 3/8 x 30mm Shank - fits standard drill press chucks and handheld drills, making the bit versatile across the most common shop and job-site machines.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matches the standard spindle direction of all common drill presses and handheld drills, requiring no special setup or adapter.
• 90mm (3 35/64") Overall Length - provides sufficient reach for typical cabinet, furniture, and millwork boring applications without excessive overhang.

Why This Product

• The toothed rim specifically engineered for diameters at or above 25mm solves the overheating problem that standard continuous-rim Forstner bits develop at larger sizes - keeping the bit cooler and the cut cleaner during real-world hinge and hardware boring tasks.
• The 1 1/4" cutting diameter is a go-to size for installing Euro-style cabinet hinges, shelf pin jigs, and similar hardware, making this bit a practical choice for cabinetmakers and finish carpenters who need consistent, flat-bottomed results.
• The 2-spur geometry paired with a precision-balanced centre point means the bit starts without skating and cuts without tearing, which matters when boring visible or finished surfaces where a clean edge is essential.
• The ability to drill at any angle allows woodworkers to create oval and arched openings - extending the bit's usefulness beyond straight plunge drilling into decorative and joinery applications.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 537.317.31
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1 1/4"
• Total Length: 3 35/64" (90mm)
• Shank: 3/8 x 30mm
• Number of Spurs: 2
• Number of Cutting Edges: 2
• Rim Type: Toothed rim (>=25mm diameter)
• Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Drilling precise flat-bottom holes for hinge installation in cabinet and furniture construction
• Boring shelf pin and hardware mounting holes in softwood casework
• Creating arched or oval openings at any plunge angle
• Installing cabinet hardware requiring a clean, flat-bottomed recess