A LITTLE BIT CAN MAKE A

DIFFERENCE. BIG

WHICH DRILL BIT DOES THE JOB? Drill bits come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and are available in a variety of materials and coatings. Most tooling and machining operations have a drill bit that’s designed speci� cally for the task. Here’s a quick overview of several types of drill bits, materials and design types.

DRILL BIT MATERIALS

A popular material good for drilling into soft steels aswell as wood and plastic.

HIGH SPEED STEEL (HSS) The hardest and most brittle of

the drill bit materials. It’s used mostly for production drilling where a high-quality tool holder and equipment is used. It should not be used in hand drills or even drill presses. These drill bits are

DESIGNED FOR THE MOST DEMANDING AND HARDEST MATERIALS.

CARBIDE (CARB)

Considered an upgrade from HSS because it includes

COBALT (HSCO)

5-8% COBALT blended into the base

material. This is a GREAT OPTION FOR DRILLING INTO HARDER STEEL as well as stainless steel grades.

DRILL POINT ANGLE

DESIGN FEATURES

118º STANDARDFound on MOST COMMON drill types. These drill bits typically have two cutting lips.

135º SELF-CENTERINGFour cutting lips enable this bit to begin DRILLING FASTER, especially in stainless steel materials.

STANDARDMOST

�DRILL LENGTHIf a shorter drill bit can do the job,

it’s a good option. SHORTER DRILL BITS ARE MORE

ACCURATE and because they’re more rigid they don’t break

as often. This helps keep workers on task and the project on schedule. Shorter

drill bits are also better in tighter, more con� ned areas.

SCREW MACHINE LENGTH

MECHANICS LENGTH

JOBBER LENGTH

TAPER LENGTH

TAPER SHANK

FLUTE DESIGNSTANDARD — This is the most common with

PARABOLIC DESIGN

The open design helps REMOVE CHIPS FROM THE HOLE. These are especialy

effective in very soft materials like plastics and aluminums.

30º ANGLES

The open design helpsFROM THE HOLE.

effective in very soft materials like

30º ANGLES

GET MORE USE OUT OF YOUR DRILL BITS

Choosing the right drill bit for the task is an important part of any project or application. Whether it’s matching the appropriate bit to the substrate material, getting the right match for the depth and diameter of the hole, or even the volume of work needed, the right choice can extend the life of your drill bits. This in turn helps to improve productivity by allowing you to get more done with each drill bit.

Information and expertise for this material provided courtesy of Green� eld, Industries, Inc.© 2014 W.W. Grainger, Inc. All Rights Reserved. W-WMFE726 8S6647

BLACK OXIDE(SURFACE TREATMENT)

Helps REDUCE FRICTION and INCREASE CHIP FLOW. Notfor nonferrous materials.

DRILL POINT

COATINGS

BRIGHT(BRIGHT FINISH)

Not a true � nish, but POLISHED FOR INCREASED CHIP FLOW. For use in plastics, woods and aluminum.

TIALN(TITANIUM ALUMINUM NITRIDE, VIOLET COLOR)For use in high-alloy carbon steels,nickel-based materials and titanium. NOT USED FOR ALUMINUM.

TICN(TITANIUM CARBONITRIDE, BLUE-GRAY COLOR)Great for stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum. HARDER and MORE WEAR-RESISTANT than other coatings.

TIN(TITANIUM NITRIDE, GOLD COLOR)Can be run faster than uncoated drills and helps INCREASE TOOL LIFE.