Freud PB-0015 5/16″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Freud PB-0015 5/16″ (Dia.) Precision Shear Forstner Bit

The Freud PB-0015 Precision Shear™ 5/16″ Forstner Bit is built for detail drilling when the hole has to be clean, flat-bottomed, and accurately placed on small parts. A 5/16-inch Forstner bit is often used for compact hardware recesses, shallow counterbores for small fasteners, and tight jig or fixture holes where straight walls and a smooth bottom help parts register correctly. This smaller diameter is also helpful for pocket-style recess drilling and overlapping holes, because the rim-guided cut can stay cleaner when boring close to an edge or breaking into a nearby hole. The PB-0015 drills plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods, and it’s designed to cut composites, solid surface material, and veneered panels where chip-out on the rim is hard to hide. With a 1/4″ shank and 3-1/2″ overall length, it fits common drill chucks and many quick-change adapters for controlled, repeatable boring.

Freud’s Precision Shear™ design uses a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated rim that slices wood fibers throughout the full rotation to reduce splintering and chipping. Multiple cutting edges increase shearing action for efficient cutting, while steep angled cutting edges create “chisel-like” curls for fast, clean chip removal. That chip clearing helps reduce friction and heat compared to dust-packing Forstner designs that dull faster and leave rougher hole edges. An ultra-sharp center spur supports accurate starts, which is critical when drilling small 5/16″ recesses on layout marks or when working in narrow stock.

Freud 5/16″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit At a Glance

• 5/16″ Cutting Diameter: Ideal for small recesses, jig holes, and fine detail drilling.
• Precision Shear Serrated Rim: Helps reduce chipping on veneered panels and hardwood edges.
• Flat-Bottom Hole Cutting: Produces clean pockets for hardware seating and precise recess work.
• Ideal for Overlapping Holes: Rim-guided cutting helps keep edges cleaner near existing bores.
• Ultra-Sharp Center Spur: Starts accurately and helps reduce wandering on entry.
• Steep Angled Cutting Edges: Produces smooth walls and fast chip removal.
• 1/4″ Shank: Fits common drill chucks and many quick-change holders.
• Right-Hand Rotation: Standard clockwise cutting direction.

Markets

• Cabinet and Millwork Shops: For small recess drilling in doors, frames, and casework details.
• Furniture Builders: Useful for compact pockets, jig holes, and controlled-depth recesses.
• Solid Surface and Composite Fabrication: Helps bore clean flat-bottom pockets in man-made materials.
• Construction and Renovation: For precise recesses in trim, blocking, and carpentry repairs.
• Maintenance and Facilities Teams: For repair work needing neat pocket holes and accurate placement.
• Woodworking Hobbyists and Advanced DIY: A practical 5/16″ Forstner bit for templates, jigs, and small parts.
• Trade Schools and Training Programs: Supports accurate boring practice and repeatable drilling setups.

A 5/16″ woodworking Forstner bit is typically chosen when the work is small and the tolerance for tear-out is low—such as drilling clean-bottom pockets in narrow rails, face frames, or fixture parts where larger bits can weaken the material. Cabinet and furniture shops benefit from the serrated rim because it helps keep veneered plywood and hardwood rims cleaner, reducing sanding and touch-up around the pocket. In composite and solid surface work, the controlled cutting action supports a cleaner recess compared to more aggressive bits that can chip edges. Contractors and maintenance crews use this size for small repairs and hardware seating where a flat-bottom pocket improves fit and keeps fasteners from standing proud. For schools and DIY users, the accurate starting spur and chip-clearing cutters make it easier to maintain steady feed pressure with less heat buildup during repeated holes.

Freud PB-0015 5/16″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Features

• Double-ground cutting geometry for efficient boring and clean hole edges
• Razor-sharp serrated rim for fast cutting with reduced splintering and chipping
• Multiple cutting edges for greater shearing action and efficient material removal
• Steep angled cutters that produce smooth walls and flat-bottom holes
• Ultra-sharp center spur for accurate starting and improved control
• Chip-clearing cut that helps reduce friction and heat versus dust-packing designs
• Designed to cut composites, solid surface, veneered panels, hardwoods, and softwoods
• Ideal for flat-bottom holes, pocket holes, and overlapping holes

Freud PB-0015 5/16″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Includes

• (1) Freud PB-0015 Precision Shear™ 5/16″ Forstner Bit

Freud PB-0015 5/16″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Specifications

• Bit Diameter (D): 5/16″
• Shank Diameter: 1/4″
• Overall Length (L): 3-1/2″
• Rotation: Right hand (RH)
• Material Compatibility: Plywood, hardwoods, softwoods

Freud PB-0015 5/16″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Warranty

• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee

Why Woodworking Professionals Choose the Freud 5/16″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Woodworkers choose the Freud PB-0015 5/16″ Forstner bit when they need a small flat-bottom pocket that stays clean on veneered panels and hardwood without chipping the rim. The Precision Shear serrated edge helps reduce tear-out and keeps entry edges crisp, which matters on visible cabinet components and detail furniture work. This diameter is also useful for overlapping holes and pocket-style recess drilling in tight layouts where a clean rim is harder to maintain. With a 1/4″ shank for common chucks and quick-change holders, an ultra-sharp center spur for accurate starts, and chip-clearing cutting edges that help the bit run cooler, this woodworking boring bit is a dependable option for repeat holes in plywood, hardwood, and softwood.