Tip 1: Select the Appropriate Drill Bit

Using the right drill bit for the material is crucial. Wood requires a wood drill bit, concrete needs a masonry bit, and metal calls for a metal drill bit. It may seem obvious, but adhering to this rule prevents damage to both your material and your drill bit. Metals vary in properties, and each type has a corresponding drill bit designed for optimal performance.

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Tip 2: Begin Drilling Slowly

Starting at high speeds when drilling into hard metals or stainless steel is not advisable. Begin drilling slowly to avoid damaging or overheating your drill bit. Overheating dulls the bit, necessitating a replacement.

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Tip 3: Secure the Drill Bit Properly

Preventing your drill bit from slipping when you begin drilling is essential to avoid damaging the workpiece. Create a small dent in the metal with a sharp tool, such as a center punch. This dent will hold the drill bit in place and prevent slipping. This step is unnecessary when using HSS (Cobalt) Metal Drill Bits with a 118˚ split point, which naturally prevents slipping. Explore our selection here.

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Tip 4: Use Coolant and Cutting Oil

Cutting oil is vital for extending the life of your drill bit. Both the quality of the drill bit and the manner in which it is used are important. When drilling metal, using the appropriate cutting oil reduces wear by cooling both the drill bit and the material. Overheating will shorten the bit's lifespan, often requiring a new one.

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Let's Get Started

The lifespan of a drill bit is influenced not just by its quality but also by how it's used. Ensure you select the right drill bit, maintain the correct speed, use the appropriate accessories, and choose the right drill machine. Recognize that drill types and their properties vary significantly.

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Rolled Forged or Fully Ground Drill Bits

In the production of metal drill bits, two major manufacturing methods are distinguished: rolled and ground drill bits. These are referred to as HSS-R (Roll Forged) and HSS-G (Ground).

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HSS-R Metal Drill Bits

HSS-R metal drill bits are manufactured using a roll forging process. In this method, unhardened material is used, which is only hardened in the final stage. The spiral grooves are pressed into the material, resulting in low surface roughness and efficient chip removal. Thanks to the rolling process, the steel structure remains intact, which results in high toughness of the drill bit. Additionally, HSS-R drill bits are typically the most cost-effective option.

HSS-G Metal Drill Bits

HSS-G metal drill bits, also known as HSS-S, are manufactured by grinding the spiral grooves into hardened material instead of pressing them. This results in sharper drill bits with higher dimensional accuracy. This more precise production method is more expensive than rolling, which explains the higher price of HSS-G drill bits.

Materials and Coatings

Metal drill bits are available in various materials and coatings, which influence the properties of the drill bit and its suitability for specific applications. The most common variants are HSS, HSS-Co, and HSS-TiN.

HSS

The standard HSS drill bit is an affordable and versatile choice. It is often of the roll-forged (HSS-R) type. HSS drill bits are suitable for a wide range of materials, such as steel, aluminum, copper, hardwood, and plastic. However, they are less suitable for very hard materials like stainless steel (RVS).

HSS-TiN

HSS-TiN drill bits feature a titanium nitride coating, recognizable by their golden appearance. This coating provides extra protection against wear, ensuring the drill bit stays sharper for longer and is less prone to damage. Additionally, the coating reduces friction during drilling, leading to cooler operation and higher drilling speeds.

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With this comprehensive knowledge, you can make the right choice for any drilling application. Whether you are working with soft materials or have specific requirements for drilling into hard metals, there is always a suitable drill bit to meet your needs.