A studio product view of the Freud 16-502 top bearing mortising bit, featuring a red carbide-tipped cutting head, a silver top-mounted ball bearing, and a polished steel shank.
A studio product view of the Freud 16-502 top bearing mortising bit, featuring a red carbide-tipped cutting head, a silver top-mounted ball bearing, and a polished steel shank.
A technical diagram showing a cross-section of a mortise cut into wood using a template, with dimensions indicating a width of 5/8 inch and a depth of 3/4 inch for the Freud 16-502 top bearing bit.
A technical illustration demonstrating the use of a top bearing mortising router bit to create a precise, flat-bottomed recess in wood for flush-mounting a metal hinge.
A studio product view of the Freud 16-502 top bearing mortising bit, featuring a red carbide-tipped cutting head, a silver top-mounted ball bearing, and a polished steel shank.
A studio product view of the Freud 16-502 top bearing mortising bit, featuring a red carbide-tipped cutting head, a silver top-mounted ball bearing, and a polished steel shank.
A technical diagram showing a cross-section of a mortise cut into wood using a template, with dimensions indicating a width of 5/8 inch and a depth of 3/4 inch for the Freud 16-502 top bearing bit.
A technical illustration demonstrating the use of a top bearing mortising router bit to create a precise, flat-bottomed recess in wood for flush-mounting a metal hinge.
Freud

Freud 16-502 5/8 Inch Top Bearing Mortising Router Bit 1/4 Inch Shank Down Shear Carbide Woodworking Tool for Hinges Dadoes Templates 3/4 Cut H

Only 2 left
SKU: 16-502
$21.49 USD

Description

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Achieve Industrial Precision with Freud’s Down-Shear Template and Mortising Technology

The Freud 16-502 Top Bearing Mortising Router Bit is the ultimate solution for woodworkers requiring flawless recesses and joinery in plywood, veneers, and solid hardwoods. Specifically engineered with a specialized down-shear angle, this bit slices through fibers by pushing them downward during the cut, effectively eliminating top-surface splintering and tear-out. This makes it an indispensable tool for high-end cabinetry, where installing hinges, hardware, or complex locksets requires a perfectly clean, professional finish every time.

Equipped with a precision-ground top bearing, the 16-502 excels in template routing and pattern work. This design allows you to follow jigs with absolute accuracy while the deep center gullets facilitate rapid material removal, preventing chip loading and heat buildup. Coated in Freud’s iconic red Perma-SHIELD® non-stick finish, this bit resists the friction and resin accumulation that often plagues standard bits. Whether you are using a hand-held router for onsite hardware installation or a table-mounted setup for repetitive dadoes, this carbide-tipped bit delivers the durability and sharpness required for industrial-scale production.

Key Features

  • Down-Shear Cutting Design: Angled cutters push wood fibers down to ensure a splinter-free, clean top surface.
  • Precision Top Bearing: Ideal for following templates and routing jigs for perfectly repeatable mortises.
  • Deep Center Gullets: Engineered for maximum material evacuation, preventing chip loading during deep cuts.
  • Perma-SHIELD® Coating: Non-stick coating reduces friction, protects against corrosion, and prevents pitch buildup.
  • Universal Routing: Highly effective on CNC, hand-held, and table-mounted portable routers.
  • Multi-Material Versatility: Provides superior results in solid wood, plywood, veneers, and composite materials.
  • Dual-Cutter Design: Features two high-density carbide cutters for balanced, vibration-free operation.

What's Included

  • (1) Freud 16-502 5/8" Top Bearing Mortising Router Bit

Specifications

Shank Diameter (A) 1/4 Inch
Overall Diameter (D) 5/8 Inch
Carbide Height (h) 3/4 Inch
Overall Length (H) 2-7/16 Inches
Number of Cutters 2
Maximum RPM 24,000 RPM
Bit Material High-Density Carbide Tipped
Bearing Type Top Bearing / Shank-Mounted
Coating Perma-SHIELD® Red
Ideal Use Template Mortising, Hinges, & Dadoes
Pro-Tip: When using a top-bearing mortising bit with a template, ensure your template is thick enough to engage the bearing fully before the carbide hits the wood. For the cleanest mortises, clear out the bulk of the material with a standard drill bit or Forstner bit first; this allows the router bit to focus on the final clean-up pass, extending the life of the bearing and the carbide edges.