FRETS.COM
Shop Tip #291
© Frank Ford 2006; Photo by FF

Regular twist drills are most commonly sold in what is known as "jobber length."  For lots of operations, these drills are long enoung that they can bend and go off track, particularly if  you're drilling at an angle. Machine tool suppliers sell short "screw machine length" drills that are much more controllable.  Buy a few in common sizes, and  you'll be surprised how often  you reach for them.