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I'm looking at the websites for our local hardware stores (Rona, Totem, Home Hardware, Home Depot) for a 3 foot long drill bit, but all I'm coming up with is standard bits.

The problem is that it's probably a specialized tool and might even have a special name.

I need a drill bit long enough to punch a hole from my upstairs home theatre room into my basement server room.

Is there a special name for this bit and where might I find such a tool?

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I definitely read that the first time as a 3" bit, and I was very confused. – Doresoom Jan 10 at 17:38
my bad. THREE FEET LONG – Chase Florell Jan 10 at 17:42
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Hahaha, this reminds me of Spinal Tap so much. (Warning: NSFW language) – Doresoom Jan 10 at 18:17
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You can probably go to a local electrical wholesaler and pick one up. 36, 54, and 72 inches are the norm and you can even get extensions if you need longer. – lqlarry Jan 11 at 3:33
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3 Answers

up vote 10 down vote accepted

Try searching for "auger bit".

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great, thanks!!! – Chase Florell Jan 10 at 17:21
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up vote 8 down vote

Klein Tools has some Flex Auger Bits and Extensions.

Next time you're at the Home Depot check the Electrical section.

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I find these fun to use for some reason. Most of them have a screw at the tip of the bit to make them self-starting too. – Steven Jan 10 at 20:29
Ideal makes a good flex bit also. We always called them installer bits. – shirlock homes Jan 10 at 22:50
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up vote 3 down vote

Try "installer bit"; the flexible ones are particularly nice. I have a 54" one, which is enough to run a line for a light switch into the floor below.

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There's a hole in the drill bit, which lets you use it as a fish:

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What is the wire mesh on your pull rod called? I had that at one of my high school jobs, but haven't been able to find it since and don't know its proper name. – Kellenjb Jan 11 at 16:31
@Kellenjb as far as I can tell, it's just called a "wire mesh cable pull" or "cable grip". A search for that finds a bunch of places where you can buy different sizes with different types of attachments. The one I have came with the installer bit. – gregmac Jan 13 at 15:08
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