Drill Bits / Lok Adaptor

Some of the most common and versatile tools you can find in any home tool chest or machine shop are drill bits. Drill bits consist of cutting tools that can remove material to create holes that typically have a circular cross-section.

With the abundance of drill bit types and drill bit sizes, it’s possible to create various kinds of holes in many types of materials. To create holes, drill bits are attached to a drill. The drill has a part called the called the “shank” (in the chuck), which clamps onto the upper end of the bit. The rotation of the drill generates the power that enables the bit to cut through the material.

Whether the job requires a power drill bit, straight shank masonry drill bit or various types of stubby drill bits, you can find the appropriate drill bit to bore holes in wood, metal, porcelain and glass. At All Points Fasteners, we sell high-quality drill bits in a variety of types and materials to fit your application needs. Contact us today to find out more about our straight shank masonry drill bits.

Besides drill bit sizes, one of the most critical parts of choosing a drill bit involves the material makeup of the tool. Drill bits are made from a variety of methods that include:

Low-Carbon Steel — A soft, low-carbon steel bit great for cutting wood, but the poor temper of these bits make them unsuitable for cutting hard metals. To extend the lifecycle of low-carbon steel, you must sharpen them. The advantage is its relative inexpensiveness, especially when compared to some more exotic drill bit materials.

High-Carbon Steel — These drill bits are available in both low- and high-carbon steel. The metal you choose depends on the purpose. High-carbon steels are better than low-carbon steels because they require less maintenance, including sharpening. Also, high-carbon steel maintains its form and is more effective over a longer period. It can cut both wood and metal, which makes it a better choice for hard wood.

High-Speed Steel (HSS) — This special type of carbon steel has the advantage of being able to withstand high temperature while maintaining structural integrity — especially its hardness. High-speed rotation creates friction that can raise temperatures significantly. HSS makes this type of drilling easer. Also, many HSS drills have specialized coatings, such as titanium nitride​, which give them better lubricity, decreases friction and helps prolong the drill bit’s life, making it very economical for most projects.

Cobalt (HSCO) — Considered superior to HSS, HSCO has 5-8% Cobalt blended into the base material, which makes it an excellent choice for boring holes into harder steel and stainless steel grades.

Carbide (Carb) — As the hardest and most brittle of the drill bit materials, carbide is mainly used for production drilling that requires the use of high-quality tool holders and equipment. Carb should not be used in hand drills or drill presses because these drill bits are made to handle the most demanding and hardest materials.

Most drill bits have a standard 118° point angle. For a faster start, select a bit with a 135° self-centering point angle. When it comes to drill point lengths, use shorter drill bits to do the job when possible. Not only are shorter drill bits more accurate and function better in tight places, but they also have more rigidity, which means they will not break as often.

As you conduct your drill bit set review, consider that drill bits come with a variety of coatings, which you may want to consider.

•  Black Oxide: This bit has a black oxide surface treatment that helps reduce friction. It is not suitable for nonferrous materials.

•  Bright: This type of bit does not have a real finish, but is highly polished, which enhances chip flow. It is used in woods, plastics, and aluminum.

•  Titanium Nitride (TiN): Titanium drill bits have a gold color, and are harder and more wear-resistant compared to other drill bits. TiN works best for stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum, because the bit runs faster than uncoated drills and has a longer life.

Working with the right drill bits helps your project go more smoothly. When it comes to matching the correct bit to the substrate material, getting the right depth and diameter of the hole and completing your work in a cost-effective manner, choosing the appropriate masonry drill bit sizes or other types of drill bits can extend the life of your drill and drill bits, and help you improve your productivity.