Auger Bit

First, we are professionals, and this was a very difficult installation. The 59/64" ( .7880") auger bit bored a hole that was way to tight tolerance and did not allow enough clearance for the bars to be inserted without jamming. The bit itself was sufficient for the job.

Don’t use the auger and the guide together. I was very pleased with the quality of the shelf hanger and the guide. The workmanship is top quality, too. The problems start when you try to drill the holes with the guide and the speed auger bit. 1. It is a good idea but the auger bit doesn’t fit into the guide. The cutting spur sticks out proud of the auger and it impossible to insert the bit into the guide. So, unscrew the guide, drill a 3/4” deep starter hole, put the auger into the hole, slide the guide back over the bit and rescrew the guide in place. Reverse that procedure to remove the auger. The guide works great this way. 2. For the same reason, a brace and bit won’t work either. 3. The speed auger is way too aggressive. It buries itself into the mantle, fast. Not the right choice for this job. 4. If you decide on the auger, it is too short for this job and you will need the extension. 5. The cures: Ideally, Spring for a 9/16” twist drill bit with an extension and the guide. Or, try the above solution by using the starter hole and placing and removing the guide. Or, go without the guide and hope you’re going straight….keep in mind you have very little wiggle room for error. It’s a snug fit and those holes need to be straight.

Perfect

Quality of shelfs is great, heavy duty. However, drilling the holes for the support posts was a challenge and a hassle. The drill bit became bound in the drilling guide on the first try...I had to heat it with a torch and beat the bit out. Then the holes I drilled did not line up with the posts perfectly and I had to re-adjust and overbore the hole to get shelves to slide on properly. Drilling the holes is just too complicated for the general do-it-yourselfer with standard wood working tools and hand drill...unless you have an industrial sized drill press to allow 20 inches of clearance. I originally wanted the basalt brackets because I feared this would be the case, but they are no longer available. I won't purchase the standard brackets again, unless I purchase the shelves as well (pre-drilled by the manufacturer).

The auger bit worked fine!!! The mantle brackets worked wonderful also! The brackets are up and the mantle is installed!!!