Irwin 87908 1/2 Inch Spade Bit High Speed Steel Hex Shank

Product Description

The IRWIN 87908 is a 1/2-inch spade-blade drill bit built for fast, aggressive wood boring in residential and light commercial electrical and rough-in work. The bit is machined from high-speed steel with a bright finish and features a 1/4-inch hex shank that seats securely in standard quick-change chucks and impact-rated drivers. At 4 inches of shank length, it gives electricians and rough-in carpenters enough reach for typical stud-bay penetrations without requiring an extension. The two-spur cutting geometry scores the outer edge of the hole before the paddle clears the waste, reducing tear-out on finished surfaces.

This spade bit is suited for drilling wire-chase holes, cable-run penetrations, and rough framing applications where speed matters more than a polished bore wall. Electricians pulling branch circuits through wood framing and plumbers rough-in drilling through plates and joists will find this size and shank combination compatible with the cordless drill-drivers and quick-change setups common on jobsites. The 1/2-inch diameter is a standard size for single-cable penetrations and small conduit knock-through work.

Key Features

• 1/2-inch cutting diameter for standard cable-run and rough-in penetrations
• High-speed steel construction for durability across repeated drilling cycles
• 1/4-inch hex shank is compatible with quick-change chuck systems and impact drivers
• 4-inch shank length provides reach through standard dimensional lumber and framing members
• Two-spur tip design reduces tear-out and improves hole quality in wood substrates
• Bright finish with no coating buildup that could affect fit in tight tolerances

Compatibility

Designed as a standard spade-blade drill bit for use in any 1/4-inch hex quick-change chuck or conventional drill chuck that accepts round-shank bits, compatible with cordless and corded drill-drivers rated for spade-bit use in wood.

Installation Notes

This bit is installed by licensed electricians, apprentice wiremen, and rough-in carpenters under NEC and local building code requirements for cable and conduit routing. Confirm the drill-driver torque setting is appropriate for spade-bit work before starting to avoid overdriving through thin material. Always verify the drilling path is clear of existing wiring, plumbing, and structural fasteners before boring. Inspect the bit tip for wear or damage before each use, as a dull spur will deflect and produce oversized or off-center holes.