Product Description
CMT 537.160.31 Forstner Bit - 16mm Diameter, 8mm Shank, Right-Hand Rotation is a precision drilling tool engineered in super strength SP steel for boring clean, flat-bottom holes in softwood. Whether you are installing hinges, fitting shelf pin hardware, or routing niches for brackets and frames, this 16mm bit delivers the repeatable accuracy that finish carpentry and cabinet installation demand. The right-hand rotation and dual-spur design make it equally at home in a drill press or a handheld drill, giving woodworkers a reliable solution for creating arched openings, oval cutouts, and precisely sized recesses at virtually any angle.
Key Features
- Super Strength SP Steel Construction - the SP steel body maintains its edge through extended production runs, delivering long-lasting cutting performance and reducing the need for frequent bit replacement.
- 2 Precision-Ground Spurs (V2) - the dual spurs score the wood fiber at the perimeter ahead of the main cutting edges, producing chip-free bore walls and a cleaner entry circle in softwood.
- 2 Cutting Edges (Z2) - twin cutting edges work in tandem for balanced material removal, reducing vibration and keeping the bit tracking true through the full depth of the cut.
- 8x30mm Shank - the 8mm shank seats securely in standard drill chucks and collet holders, providing solid tool-holder engagement that minimizes runout during plunge cuts.
- Right-Hand Rotation - compatible with all standard right-hand drills and drill presses, eliminating the need for specialized tooling or counter-rotation setups.
- 16mm Cutting Diameter - a commonly specified size for European-style hinge cups, shelf pin holes, and bracket niches, making it a practical everyday choice for furniture and cabinet work.
- 3-35/64 in. Overall Length - provides sufficient reach for deep recesses and pocket cuts without excessive bit overhang that could introduce flex or chatter.
- Flat-Bottom Hole Geometry - produces a true flat floor at the base of every hole, which is essential for flush hinge seating, clean hardware installation, and decorative arch or oval cutouts where a consistent pocket depth is required.
Why This Product
- Engineered specifically for precise flat-bottom drilling - the forstner geometry eliminates the tapered point left by twist bits, giving you a perfectly flat pocket floor that allows hinges, shelf pins, and hardware to seat flush and function correctly.
- Versatile beyond straight plunge cuts - the bit can bore overlapping holes and cut at an angle into the workpiece, making it the right tool for creating arched openings, oval cutouts, and installation niches for brackets, straps, and frames where a standard twist or spade bit cannot follow the required path.
- Long-lasting SP steel means fewer tool changes - super strength steel construction maintains sharpness over extended use in softwood, keeping your workflow moving without constant re-sharpening or bit swaps on production runs.
- Right-size diameter for common cabinet and furniture hardware - at 16mm, this bit aligns with widely used European hinge cup specifications and standard shelf pin sizing, reducing setup time when working from pre-engineered furniture or cabinet plans.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 537.160.31
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Forstner Bit
- Diameter: 16mm
- Total Length: 3-35/64 in.
- Shank: 8x30mm
- Number of Cutting Edges: 2
- Number of Spurs: 2
- Blade Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood
- Installing hinges, shelf pins, and cabinet hardware
- Creating arched and oval openings at any angle
- Creating niches for the installation of brackets and straps
- Creating recesses for frames and grids
Frequently Asked Questions
What material is this Forstner bit designed to cut?
This bit is designed for drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood. The super strength SP steel construction supports long-lasting cutting performance in natural softwood applications.
Can this bit be used at an angle to create arched or oval openings?
Yes. The forstner bit geometry allows it to be angled into the workpiece and used to create oval and arched openings at any angle, as well as overlapping holes - tasks that are not practical with standard twist or spade bits.
What shank size does this bit use, and is it compatible with a standard drill chuck?
The bit has an 8x30mm shank (8mm diameter, 30mm length), which fits standard 8mm-capable drill chucks on both drill presses and handheld drills. The right-hand rotation means it works with any standard direction drill.
What is the difference between the number of spurs and the number of cutting edges on this bit?
This bit has 2 spurs and 2 cutting edges - two separate functional elements. The spurs score the wood fiber at the outer perimeter of the hole first, producing a clean entry circle and chip-free bore walls. The cutting edges then remove the material inside that scored circle to form the flat bottom of the hole. Both working together produce the clean, precise pocket that forstner bits are known for.
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