1/4" x 24" Bellhanger Drill Bit

Milwaukee 1/4" x 24" Bellhanger Drill Bit for Wire Installation

The Milwaukee 48-13-7325 Bellhanger Drill Bit is a 1/4" diameter, 24" long drilling solution designed for installing computer, security, phone, and cable wire systems. This bit provides extended reach in tight spaces and features a pull-through hole at the tip to simplify wire routing through drilled openings. Built for electricians, low-voltage installers, and telecom technicians, it combines aggressive cutting geometry with a secure-grip shank that prevents spinning in the drill chuck.

Key Features & Benefits

• Aggressive Tip Geometry: The bit's tip is engineered for faster penetration through wood framing, wall studs, and joists. This design reduces drilling time on every hole, so you finish wire runs faster.
• Non-Stick Coated Flutes: The flutes feature a coating that minimizes friction and prevents wood chips from binding inside the channels. Fast chip removal means less heat buildup and longer bit life.
• Pull-Through Hole in Tip: A machined eyelet at the tip allows you to thread wire directly through the hole after drilling. This eliminates the need for separate fish tape on many pulls, cutting installation steps.
• 3-Flat Secure-Grip Shank: Three flat surfaces machined into the shank create positive contact with drill chuck jaws. The bit locks firmly in place and won't slip under torque, even in high-speed applications.
• 24" Extended Length: The 24" reach lets you drill through multiple stud cavities or cross deep wall assemblies in a single pass. Fewer repositioning steps mean faster rough-in work.
• Versatile Wire System Application: Designed for all small-gauge wire installations including ethernet, coaxial, alarm, speaker, and telephone cable. One bit handles the full range of low-voltage trade work.

Compatibility & Requirements

This bellhanger bit fits any corded or cordless drill with a 3-jaw chuck capable of gripping a 1/4" shank. Milwaukee offers this bit in 12", 18", and 24" lengths to match different wall depths and reach requirements. The coated flutes and aggressive tip work in softwood and hardwood framing lumber commonly found in residential and light commercial construction.

Installation & Care

Insert the 3-Flat shank fully into the drill chuck and tighten securely so all three flats contact the jaws. Apply steady forward pressure during drilling to let the aggressive tip geometry do the cutting work without forcing the bit. After each use, wipe the flutes clean of wood debris and inspect the tip eyelet for damage or clogging. Store the bit in a protective case to prevent bending the long shaft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a bellhanger drill bit?
A: A bellhanger drill bit is a long, thin bit designed specifically for drilling holes through wall studs and floor joists to run wire. The name comes from its original use by telephone installers (bellhangers) who needed to route wire over long distances through building cavities. Modern bellhanger bits like the Milwaukee 48-13-7325 include a pull-through hole at the tip, allowing installers to thread wire directly through the bit after drilling, which speeds up low-voltage cable installation.

Q: What types of wire systems can I install with the Milwaukee 48-13-7325?
A: This bit is designed for computer, security, phone, and cable wire systems. It handles all small-gauge wire installations commonly found in residential and commercial low-voltage work, including ethernet, coaxial, alarm wiring, speaker cable, and telephone lines.

Q: How does the 3-Flat Secure-Grip shank prevent slipping?
A: The shank has three flat surfaces machined into it that create direct contact with the drill chuck jaws. This geometry prevents the bit from spinning inside the chuck under torque, maintaining positive drive even during high-speed drilling or when the bit encounters dense lumber.

Q: Why does the bit have a coated flute design?
A: The non-stick coating on the flutes reduces friction between the bit and wood chips as they evacuate the hole. This coating prevents binding, allows faster chip removal, reduces heat buildup during extended drilling, and extends the working life of the bit.

Q: What length options are available for Milwaukee bellhanger bits?
A: Milwaukee offers bellhanger bits in 12", 18", and 24" lengths. The 24" length (model 48-13-7325) provides maximum reach for drilling through multiple wall cavities or deep assemblies in a single pass.

Q: Can I use this bit with a cordless drill?
A: Yes. This bit fits any corded or cordless drill with a standard 3-jaw chuck that grips a 1/4" shank. The aggressive tip geometry is designed to cut efficiently even at the lower torque output of cordless tools.

Q: How do I use the pull-through hole at the tip?
A: After drilling your hole, thread the wire through the eyelet at the bit tip before withdrawing the bit from the wall cavity. As you pull the bit back out, the wire follows through the drilled opening, eliminating the need for separate fish tape on many installations.

Q: What materials can this drill bit cut through?
A: The aggressive tip geometry and coated flutes are engineered for softwood and hardwood framing lumber found in residential and light commercial construction. The bit is designed specifically for wood drilling applications in wall studs, floor joists, and similar structural framing.