The Freud 3/8" (Diameter) Precision Shear Forstner Bit (PB-002) is a professional-grade boring tool engineered for woodworkers who demand clean, flat-bottom holes with minimal tear-out. Featuring a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated edge and a unique multi-point geometric design, this Forstner bit delivers smooth, splinter-free results in hardwoods, softwoods, veneered plywood, solid surface materials, and composites - making it a go-to choice for furniture makers, cabinetmakers, and finish carpenters alike.

Key Features

• Razor sharp serrated edge for fast and flawless cutting - the double-ground edge slices cleanly throughout the full rotation of the bit, reducing splintering and chipping so holes require little to no sanding after drilling.
• Quality Forged Construction for extended life - forged bit body provides the structural integrity needed to withstand repeated use across demanding materials, helping you get more work from a single bit.
• Ultra Sharp Spur to ensure an accurate starting hole - the precision spur registers precisely on the workpiece surface, preventing wandering and giving you a clean, on-target entry point every time.
• Steep Angled Cutting Edges - produce holes that are smooth and flat, and create "chisel-like" curls for fast, clean chip removal - this geometry actively evacuates material from the cutting zone rather than letting chips and dust pack in, which reduces friction, heat buildup, and bit dulling.
• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee - backed by Freud's lifetime guarantee, giving buyers long-term confidence in the durability and performance of this bit.
• Multiple cutting edges produce greater shearing action - allows for faster rotational speeds and more efficient cutting compared to conventional Forstner bit designs, meaning less time per hole and less strain on your drill press or handheld drill.
• 1/4" shank diameter - compatible with standard drill press chucks and handheld drill drivers, providing broad versatility across common shop tools.

Why This Product

• Where conventional Forstner bits allow chips and dust to accumulate in the cutting area - increasing friction and heat and dulling the bit prematurely - the Precision Shear design actively clears material with chisel-like curls, extending cutting life and maintaining edge sharpness over more holes.
• The serrated, double-ground edge makes this bit especially well-suited for veneered plywood and delicate hardwood surfaces where tear-out or rough edges would require time-consuming sanding - delivering a cleaner finish straight off the drill.
• With a 3 1/2" overall length and a compact 3/8" cutting diameter, this bit covers precision work such as pocket holes, overlapping holes, and flat-bottom boring in tight or detailed workpieces where accuracy matters most.
• Compatibility with both a drill press and a handheld drill gives woodworkers flexibility to use this bit in stationary shop setups or on-site finish work across softwoods, hardwoods, composites, and solid surface materials.

Specifications

• Brand: Freud
• Sub-Brand: Precision Shear
• Manufacturer Part Number: PB-002
• Category: Forstner Bits
• Sub Category: Precision Shear Forstner Bits
• Diameter: 3/8"
• Length: 3 1/2"
• Shank: 1/4"
• Rotation: RH
• Compatible Tools: Drill Press; Hand Held Drill
• Compatible Materials: Composites; Solid Surface; Veneered Plywood; Hardwoods; Softwoods
• Pack Quantity: 1
• Country of Origin: Austria

Approved Applications

• Drilling flat bottom holes, pocket holes, or overlapping holes in plywoods, hardwoods, and softwoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Precision Shear design different from a standard Forstner bit?

Standard Forstner bit designs produce small chips and dust that collect in the cutting area, increasing friction and heat and causing the bit to dull quickly while leaving rough hole edges that require sanding. The Freud Precision Shear design uses a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated edge with multiple cutting edges and steep angled cutting geometry that produces chisel-like curls for fast chip removal, reduced heat, longer edge life, and cleaner flat-bottom holes.

Can this bit be used with a handheld drill, or is a drill press required?

This bit is approved for use with both a drill press and a handheld drill. The 1/4" shank is compatible with standard drill chucks found on both tool types, giving you flexibility depending on your setup and application.

What materials can the Freud PB-002 Forstner bit cut through?

The PB-002 is designed to drill through composites, solid surface, veneered plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods. Its serrated edge geometry is particularly valuable on veneered plywood and delicate hardwood surfaces where minimizing tear-out and splintering is critical.

What type of holes can this Forstner bit produce?

This bit is designed for drilling flat-bottom holes, pocket holes, and overlapping holes. The steep angled cutting edges and ultra-sharp spur work together to produce holes that are smooth and flat at the base, making it well-suited for joinery, hinge mortising, and other precision woodworking tasks.