Freud PB-016 2-1/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Freud PB-016 2-1/8″ (Dia.) Precision Shear Forstner Bit

The Freud PB-016 2-1/8″ Precision Shear Forstner Bit is built for drilling clean, flat-bottom holes in plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods. It’s a practical choice for woodworking tasks that need accurate recesses such as counterbores, hardware seating, plugs, and joinery work where a smooth hole bottom and clean rim edge matter. With a 3/8″ shank and right-hand rotation, it’s suited for drill presses and handheld drills when the workpiece is properly clamped and supported.

This bit uses Freud’s Precision Shear™ cutting geometry, including a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated rim that slices wood fibers through the full rotation. The design increases shearing action for efficient cutting at higher rotational speeds while helping reduce splintering and chipping. Compared to many standard Forstner designs that can pack fine dust in the cutting area, the chip-making “chisel-like” curl action helps clear material faster, reducing friction and heat that can shorten edge life. The ultra-sharp center spur supports accurate starts, and the steep angled cutting edges help leave smooth walls and a flatter hole bottom with less sanding needed.

Freud 2-1/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit At a Glance

• 2-1/8″ Cutting Diameter: Ideal for larger recesses, counterbores, and specialty woodworking tasks.
• Precision Shear Serrated Rim: Slices fibers to reduce chipping on entry and around the rim.
• Flat-Bottom Hole Capability: Produces clean recesses for hardware and joinery work.
• Ultra-Sharp Center Spur: Helps start accurately and reduces wandering.
• Steep Angled Cutting Edges: Creates smoother walls and efficient chip removal.
• 3/8″ Shank: Fits common drill chucks and drill press setups.
• Right-Hand Rotation: Standard clockwise cutting direction.
• Forged Construction: Built for durability and long service life.

Markets

• Cabinet and Millwork Shops: For clean counterbores and recesses in sheet goods and hardwood parts.
• Furniture Builders: Useful for large flat-bottom holes for fittings, joinery, and plug work.
• Construction and Renovation: Helps with wood hardware mounting and custom carpentry details.
• Maintenance and Facilities Teams: For repair work requiring clean recess drilling in doors, fixtures, and trim.
• Woodworking Hobbyists and Advanced DIY: A dependable large Forstner bit for shop projects and jigs.
• Trade Schools and Training Programs: Good for teaching accurate boring and flat-bottom hole technique.

Shops and builders often choose a larger Forstner bit like this when a spade bit or hole saw won’t leave the flat bottom or clean rim needed for a proper fit. Cabinet and furniture makers benefit from the serrated edge because it helps control splintering on plywood veneers and improves finish quality on visible surfaces. Contractors and maintenance teams get a reliable solution for drilling controlled-depth recesses for hardware or wood repairs, especially when using a drill press or guide jig. For schools and hobbyists, the accurate starting spur and smooth cutting action help produce consistent results while reinforcing good drilling habits like clamping, steady feed pressure, and clearing chips during deeper bores.

Freud PB-016 2-1/8″ (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-016 2-1/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Includes

• (1) Freud PB-016 2-1/8″ Precision Shear Forstner Bit

Freud PB-016 2-1/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Specifications

• Bit Diameter (D): 2-1/8″
• Shank Diameter: 3/8″
• Overall Length (L): 3-1/2″
• Rotation: Right hand (RH)
• Material Compatibility: Plywood, hardwoods, softwoods

Freud PB-016 2-1/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Warranty

• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee

Why Woodworking Professionals Choose the Freud 2-1/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Woodworkers choose the Freud PB-016 when they need a large 2-1/8″ Forstner bit that leaves a clean rim and a flatter-bottom recess with less sanding afterward. The Precision Shear serrated edge helps reduce chipping on plywood and improves edge quality on visible hardwood surfaces, which matters when the hole will be seen or needs a tight, clean fit. The ultra-sharp spur supports accurate starts, and the steep cutting edges help form chip curls for faster clearing during deeper bores. For drill press work, jig building, and hardware recess drilling, crews and DIY users rely on this forstner bit for repeatable hole quality and controlled cutting in both softwoods and hardwoods.