Skip to content
BuyOnceRight: buy once, buy right
Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch

Freud

Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch

  • 3/4-inch mortising bit
  • Perma-SHIELD coating
  • TiCo carbide
  • For mortise and tenon joints
Check price on Amazon

Sponsored link · confirm price and availability on Amazon · updated

On this page

Is the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch ranks #7 in our Best Plunge Router Bits 2026 list (best mortising bit). Its biggest strength: purpose-built for mortise routing -- the most common plunge routing application. The main caveat: single fixed width -- buy additional bits for other tenon thicknesses.

Overview

What the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch does well

Keep in mind that single fixed width -- buy additional bits for other tenon thicknesses.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • 3/4-inch mortising bit
  • Perma-SHIELD coating
  • TiCo carbide
  • For mortise and tenon joints
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Purpose-built for mortise routing -- the most common plunge routing application
  • 3/4-inch width matches common tenon thicknesses in furniture-scale joinery
  • TiCo carbide produces clean mortise walls without tearout in most hardwoods
  • Perma-SHIELD coating reduces friction and pitch buildup during repeated plunge cuts

Cons

  • Single fixed width -- buy additional bits for other tenon thicknesses
  • Mortise-specific -- less versatile than a general spiral plunge bit
Fit check

Should you buy the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Single fixed width -- buy additional bits for other tenon thicknesses
  • Mortise-specific -- less versatile than a general spiral plunge bit
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Plunge Router Bits 2026· Best Mortising Bit#7 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: woodworking

  1. Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
  2. You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
  3. Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
  4. Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
  5. Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch: common questions

Is the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch ranks #7 in our Best Plunge Router Bits 2026 list (best mortising bit). Its biggest strength: purpose-built for mortise routing -- the most common plunge routing application. The main caveat: single fixed width -- buy additional bits for other tenon thicknesses.

What are the downsides of the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: single fixed width -- buy additional bits for other tenon thicknesses; mortise-specific -- less versatile than a general spiral plunge bit.

What are the key features of the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch?

3/4-inch mortising bit, Perma-SHIELD coating, TiCo carbide and For mortise and tenon joints.

What are the best alternatives to the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch?

Worth comparing: YONICO 14320 CNC End Mill Solid Carbide Up Cut Set, 3 Bit, CMT 653.158.11 Insert Carbide Straight Router Bit, 5/8-Inch and Amana Tool 49310 Special Rabbet Plunge Bit. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Freud 16-520 Mortising Bit, 3/4-Inch?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

More woodworking shortlists

More like this

Other woodworking we recommend

All woodworking

Browse all research