Whiteside Router Bits 3051 Keyhole Bit with 3/8-Inch Large Diameter and 7/16-Inch Cutting Length

Excellent router bit for cutting keyholes to hang your items on the wall. I've been using this bit in combination with a router table to add keyhole slots in a variety of woods including pine, maple, and oak. It cuts very cleanly and the 1/2" helps to prevent vibration. This bit has no problem plunging into softwoods (i.e. pine, poplar, cedar, etc...), but I would recommend drilling a 3/8" diameter hole if you are adding keyholes in hardwoods (i.e. oak, hard maple, hickory, etc...) It CAN plunge into hardwoods, but I would recommend using featherboards and a pushblock as plunging is much more difficult when compared to softwoods. See picture of keyhole in red oak. Overall, excellent bit and very satisfied with results.

I've had a few 1/4" shank keyhole bits and once they get hot, they snap off. I think this does a better job distributing the heat and it hasn't broken. Typically, I would make several passes to keep the bit cool. However with a keyhole, all material must be removed in one pass, thus my discovery that they get hot and may break.My bit is still sharp and easily cuts any wood type. Also, keyholes are the best way to hang things if you have the material in the frame or your piece is solid wood. They are flush and easy to level.I am pleased with the Whiteside 3051 bit so far and would recommend it.

I have made over 3 cabinet doors now. Very pleased with results. I like to buy made in USA and this set of bits are priced similar to all the competition that is available. Received product withing timeframe and the bits are coated with a thick plastic film. I will stick with this brand for future purchases.

Nice clean cut. I like using bits with .50 shank, and Whiteside offered a keyhole in that diameter. As with any keyhole bit, it is pretty easy to clog up in the channel that is cut due to the inability to remove the cut material. Recommend that that you take is slow to avoid the narrow section of the shank from breaking. On CNC. I usually cut this slot at about 4 ipm.

I have Freud / Diablo bits as well but I prefer my Whiteside bits. The keyhole bits are no exception. I opted for the 1/2" shank and bought both the 3/8 and 1/2 diameter bits. I generally use them horizontally and for most projects the 3/8 is my go to..

Keyhole bit. I use this in my CNC. Works Great !

I used it today for the first time. I put it in my table router, and plunged the wood over the bit. It never gave the slightest hiccup, the cut was dead on. The only issue I had was getting the bit out of the wood. After the cut, I shut the motor off, and worked the bit off. It was somewhat surprising that it took a minute, the sawdust blocked the opening. It's a physics thing, and I know now it takes a few seconds to work the bit out.

Just like all of the Whiteside bits they are all great.