Freud PB-003 1/2″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Freud PB-003 1/2″ (Dia.) Precision Shear Forstner Bit

The Freud PB-003 Precision Shear™ 1/2″ Forstner Bit is a tight, easy-to-place boring bit for clean flat-bottom holes in small parts and detailed woodworking. A 1/2-inch Forstner bit is commonly used for shallow hinge and hardware recesses, dowel and peg-style joinery pockets, and precise jig holes where straight walls and a smooth bottom matter more than raw speed. It drills plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods with a crisp rim edge, which helps when working on face frames, cabinet accessories, furniture components, and trim that will be stained or clear coated. With a 1/4″ shank and 3-1/2″ overall length, the PB-003 fits smaller drill chucks and quick-change adapters, and it’s well suited to drill press setups for controlled depth work.

Freud’s Precision Shear™ geometry uses a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated rim that slices wood fibers throughout the rotation for less splintering and chipping. The steep angled cutting edges create “chisel-like” curls for faster chip removal, helping reduce friction and heat compared to designs that pack fine dust into the cut. An ultra-sharp center spur improves starting accuracy, which is especially useful when drilling repeat 1/2″ recesses on layout marks or when boring into narrow stock where the bit must track true.

Freud 1/2″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit At a Glance

• 1/2″ Cutting Diameter: Ideal for small recesses, jig holes, and joinery pockets.
• Precision Shear Serrated Rim: Helps reduce chipping on plywood veneers and hardwood edges.
• Flat-Bottom Hole Cutting: Creates clean pockets for hardware seating and detail work.
• Ultra-Sharp Center Spur: Starts accurately and helps reduce wandering on entry.
• Steep Angled Cutting Edges: Produces smooth walls and efficient chip clearing.
• 1/4″ Shank: Fits smaller chucks and many quick-change setups.
• Right-Hand Rotation: Standard clockwise cutting direction.
• Wood Compatibility: Drills plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods cleanly.

Markets

• Cabinet and Millwork Shops: For small recess drilling in doors, frames, and casework details.
• Furniture Builders: Useful for dowel-style pockets, small counterbores, and hardware seating.
• Construction and Renovation: Helps with precise recesses in trim, blocking, and wood repairs.
• Maintenance and Facilities Teams: For repair work requiring controlled-depth recesses in wood fixtures.
• Woodworking Hobbyists and Advanced DIY: A practical 1/2″ Forstner bit for jigs, templates, and shop projects.
• Trade Schools and Training Programs: Supports accurate boring technique on drill presses and guided setups.

A 1/2″ woodworking Forstner bit is often selected when the workpiece is narrow or the recess needs to stay compact, such as on rails, face frames, and small hardware locations. Cabinet and furniture shops benefit from the serrated rim because it helps keep entry edges clean on plywood and hardwood, reducing finishing time around the hole. Contractors and maintenance crews use this size for small repairs and fixture work where a flat-bottom pocket helps parts sit properly and keeps fasteners below the surface. In training and DIY use, the smaller diameter is easier to control, the center spur helps with consistent placement, and the chip-clearing cutting action helps reduce heat buildup during repeated holes—especially when paired with a drill press or depth stop.

Freud PB-003 1/2″ (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
• Designed to reduce dust packing, friction, and heat versus common Forstner designs
• Suitable for plywood, hardwood, and softwood drilling applications

Freud PB-003 1/2″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Includes

• (1) Freud PB-003 Precision Shear™ 1/2″ Forstner Bit

Freud PB-003 1/2″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Specifications

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

Freud PB-003 1/2″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Warranty

• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee

Why Woodworking Professionals Choose the Freud 1/2″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Professional woodworkers choose the Freud PB-003 1/2″ Forstner bit when they need a small, flat-bottom recess that stays clean on plywood and hardwood without splintering the rim. The Precision Shear serrated edge helps reduce tear-out on veneered panels and keeps entry edges crisp on hardwood trim, which cuts down on sanding and touch-up. The 1/4″ shank fits common drill chucks and quick-change adapters, while the ultra-sharp center spur improves accuracy for repeat drilling in jigs and hardware layouts. For drill press work and controlled-depth pocket drilling where clean fit matters, this 1/2″ boring bit is a reliable option.