Choosing the Right Drill Bit for the Job
Selecting the correct drill bit for a particular application is crucial for efficient drilling and clean holes. The wrong drill bit can damage the material, produce excessive heat and friction, and require extra effort from the drilling machine. Follow these tips to match the drill bit to the material being drilled.
Drill Bit Materials
The most common drill bit materials include:
- High-speed steel (HSS) - Used for drilling most metals, wood, and plastics. Economical and versatile.
- Cobalt steel - Retains hardness at high temperatures. Good for stainless steel and other hard materials.
- Carbide - Extremely hard and durable. Withstands high heat and abrasion. Used for hardened steels, cast iron, masonry, ceramics.
- Diamond - Used for drilling glass, stone, reinforced concrete. Very hard but brittle.
Drill Bit Types
Major drill bit types and their typical applications:
| Drill Bit Type | Uses |
|---|---|
| Twist drill bits | General purpose drilling in wood, metal, plastic etc. |
| Brad point bits | Produces clean, accurate holes in wood |
| Spade bits | Makes large holes in wood |
| Auger bits | Used for drilling deep holes in wood |
| Masonry bits | For drilling concrete and masonry |
Factors to Consider
- Harder materials require drill bits made from harder materials like cobalt, carbide or diamond.
- Larger drill bits are needed for deeper holes. Length of the bit should exceed hole depth.
- Soft materials like wood and plastic can use basic HSS twist bits.
- Always use sharp, undamaged bits. Inspect before drilling.
- Consider the thickness of the material. Thicker materials may need an application-specific bit.
- For metal, pick bits optimized to reduce "walking" or "wandering".
Taking the time to match the drill bit to the material, depth, and thickness will ensure efficient drilling and high-quality holes. Consult manufacturers' recommendations and seek advice from experienced users or suppliers when in doubt.
Types of Industrial Drill Bits and Their Uses
Industrial facilities utilize a wide variety of drill bits tailored to specific materials and applications. Selecting the optimal drill bit improves efficiency and minimizes wear.
Twist Drill Bits
Twist drill bits are the most common type used in industrial settings. They bore cylindrical holes and come in a range of sizes, lengths, and materials:
- High-speed steel (HSS) - Versatile and economical.
- Cobalt steel - Resists high temperatures when drilling metals.
- Carbide - Withstands heavy abrasion from reinforced concrete, masonry, etc.
- Solid carbide - For precision metalworking applications.
Auger Bits
Auger bits drill wide, deep holes in wood. Their length enables them to drill holes up to 12 inches deep. Common types include:
- Screw auger - Spiral shank with threaded tip to pull bit into material.
- Brad point - Centering point keeps bit steady and prevents wandering.
- Forstner - Flat-bottomed clean holes with no center point.
Hole Saw Bits
Tubular hole saw bits cut precise, circular openings. They are used with an arbor that attaches to the drill:
- Bi-metal hole saws - High-speed steel body with cobalt/carbide teeth for hard materials.
- Diamond grit hole saws - For ceramic tile, glass, and other brittle materials.
- Carbide abrasive hole saws - For cement, asphalt, reinforced composites.
Spade Bits
These flat, paddle-shaped bits bore large diameter holes in wood. Two main types are:
- Spur point - Center spur keeps the bit steady.
- Spear point - No spur for faster cutting.
Masonry Bits
Designed to drill holes in masonry, concrete, brick, and stone. Types include:
- Carbide-tipped - Brazed tip for hardness and durability.
- Diamond-grit - Industrial diamonds handle reinforced concrete.
- SDS rotary hammer - Hammer action pulverizes masonry.
Counterbore Bits
Counterbore bits cut flat-bottomed enlarged holes to accept countersink screw heads. They consist of:
- Pilot - Guide hole for accuracy.
- Counterbore - Enlarged flat bottom section.
- Shank - Fits chuck of drill or machine spindle.
Choosing the optimal industrial drill bit prevents wear, saves time, and results in a superior drilled hole. Consult manufacturers' guides for the proper bit for your application.
How to Select Drill Bits Based on Material Being Drilled
Choosing the right drill bit for the material being drilled is crucial for efficient machining and optimal hole quality. Consider the following key factors when selecting drill bits:
Hardness of the Material
Harder materials require drill bits made from harder materials:
- Soft metals like aluminum - High-speed steel (HSS) bits
- Harder metals like stainless steel - Cobalt or carbide-tipped HSS bits
- Very hard metals like titanium - Solid carbide or cobalt bits
- Masonry materials - Carbide-tipped masonry bits
Using a bit that's too soft causes premature wear, dulling, and poor hole quality.
Thickness of the Material
Thicker materials may require specific drill bits:
- Sheet metal less than 1/8" thick - Standard twist bits
- Plate steel over 1/2" thick - Cobalt step bits
- Laminated composites up to 3" thick - Diamond core bits
General purpose twist bits often struggle with thicker materials.
Hole Diameter
Larger holes require larger drill bits:
- Holes under 1/4" diameter - Jobber length twist bits
- Holes 1/2" to 1" diameter - Stub length twist bits
- Holes over 2" diameter - Forstner bits or hole saws for wood
Using too small a bit for larger holes results in excessive wear and breakage.
Hole Depth
Deeper holes need longer drill bits:
- Holes under 1" deep - Jobber twist bits
- Holes 2-6" deep - Screw machine twist bits
- Holes over 6" deep - Extended length twist bits
If the bit is too short, the chuck will bottom out before reaching the desired depth.
Drilling Operation Type
Some materials and operations require specialized bits:
- Precise metalworking - Solid carbide gun drill bits
- CNC machining aluminum - 2-flute parabolic bits
- Drilling circuit boards - Small diameter PCB bits
Using the wrong bit for the operation can result in poor performance and damage.
Consider all these factors when selecting drill bits. Consulting manufacturers' charts can help match the optimal bit to your application.
Maximizing Drill Bit Life Through Proper Use and Maintenance
Drill bits are consumable cutting tools that deteriorate with use over time. However, following best practices for drill bit use and care can extend useful life dramatically.
Use Recommended Feeds and Speeds
Excessive drill speeds generate too much heat which accelerates bit wear. Too low feeds can rub and erode the cutting edges. Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended parameters for optimal bit life.
Use Cutting Fluids
Cutting fluids cool bits and wash away chips during drilling. For metals, use oil- or water-based fluids. For composites, wax sticks work well. Dry drilling heats and wears bits out faster.
Withdraw Frequently
Regularly back the bit out of the hole to clear chips. Built-up chips abrasively rub against flutes and edges, causing wear. Frequent withdrawal clears chips and dissipates heat.
Use Peck Drilling
Peck drilling involves a series of short drilling cycles – advancing the bit then retracting it slightly. This breaks up chips for improved removal. Continuous deep drilling packs in chips which overheats and wears the bit.
Drill Within Bit Capabilities
Pushing drill bits too hard shortens their life. Don't drill oversize/deep holes or use undersized bits. Stay within the bit's designed capacities for optimal longevity.
Avoid Side Loading
Excessive pressure on the side of the bit strains the cutting edges leading to chipping and premature failure. Let the bit cut without forcing it sideways.
Properly Secure Bits
Loose drill bits wobble during use, damaging the shank and bearing surfaces. Tightly secure bits in chucks or collet holders so they can't slip.
Regularly Sharpen Bits
As bits dull, more pressure is required causing increased wear. Frequently sharpen bits to restore cutting edges. For twist drills, sharpen the margins to original angles.
Inspect Bits for Wear
Check bits for chipping, rounded corners, discoloration or cracks indicating damage. Damaged bits produce poor hole quality and fail prematurely. Replace worn bits promptly.
Protect Storage and Changing
Bits are brittle and can easily chip if mishandled. Carefully store bits to avoid contact damage. When changing bits, avoid banging them against the chuck.
Proper drilling technique and bit handling will maximize cutting life. Implementing best practices reduces tooling costs over the long run.
Comparing Drill Bit Coatings - What You Need to Know
Drill bits are commonly coated to improve durability, lubricity, and other properties. Here is an overview of common industrial bit coatings and their characteristics.
Titanium Nitride (TiN)
- Gold-colored coating applied via PVD vapor deposition.
- Improves bit hardness and lubricity.
- Reduces friction and increased heat resistance.
- Ideal for high speeds in materials like aluminum, brass, and plastics.
Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN)
- Violet-gray coating applied by PVD or CVD.
- Lower friction than TiN with oxidation resistance up to 900°C.
- Used for high speed machining hardened steels and cast iron.
- Provides thermal shock protection.
Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN)
- Gray coating deposited by CVD.
- Excellent abrasion resistance and hardness.
- Stable at high temperatures with low friction.
- Used for machining steels or nickel-based alloys.
Diamond Coatings
- Microscopic diamond particles electroplated on the bit.
- Enhances wear resistance, even in abrasive materials.
- Allows high speed drilling in composites, ceramics, stone, etc.
- More expensive than other coatings.
Zirconium Nitride (ZrN)
- Greyish-yellow coating applied via PVD.
- Good corrosion resistance and thermal shock capabilities.
- Stable at higher temperatures than TiN or TiAlN.
- Recommended for steels and nickel alloys.
Chrome Coatings
- Electroplated chrome layer.
- Resists wear and corrosion.
- Provides smooth surface with low friction.
- Used in aluminum and other non-ferrous materials.
Consider the workpiece material, operating conditions, and other factors when selecting coated drill bits for optimal tool life and performance.
Key Industrial Drill Bit Specs to Understand - Size, Shape and Design
When selecting drill bits for industrial applications, there are several vital specifications to consider regarding size, shape, and design features.
Bit Diameter
- The diameter or width of the hole that the bit drills.
- Sizes range from micro drill bits under 1 mm to large diameter bits over 50 mm.
- Larger bits can drill deeper holes but require more powerful machines.
Flute Length
- The fluted portion of the bit that does the actual cutting.
- Longer flutes allow deeper hole drilling.
- Length is designated as jobber, stub, screw machine, etc.
Overall Length
- The total length including the shank that goes into the chuck.
- Must be matched to chuck capacity.
- Extra length provides greater driving leverage.
Point Angle
- The angle grind on the tip of twist drill bits.
- Common angles include 118°, 135°, and 150°.
- Higher angles drill harder materials, lower angles are more self-centering.
Number of Flutes
- Twist bits usually have 2 flutes but some have 3 or 4 flutes.
- More flutes provide faster chip ejection and cutting.
- 2-flute is most common for general purpose drilling.
Coating Material
- Bits are coated with materials like titanium, chrome, diamond, etc.
- Coatings reduce friction and improve wear resistance.
- Pick coatings suited for the material being drilled.
Bit Tip Style
- Tip shapes like split point, trochoidal, etc. are optimized for specific uses.
- For example, brad point for clean wood holes versus flat bottom for through holes.
- Pick the appropriate tip design for your drilling needs.
Understanding key drill bit specifications allows selecting the right bit shape and dimensions for your industrial machining application.
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Save Money On Industrial Drill Bits And Sets
Here are some ways to save money on industrial drill bits and sets:
- Buy drill bit sets instead of individual bits to save money in the long run.
- Look for discount prices on industrial drill bits and sets from reputable suppliers.
- Consider purchasing from online marketplaces that offer competitive pricing.
- Avoid buying cheap drill bits that may not last long and end up costing more in the long run.
- Look for deals and promotions on drill bits and sets from retailers like Lowe's.
- Invest in high-quality drill bits that are designed to last longer and perform better, like cobalt drill bits.
Are There Any Websites That Offer Coupons Or Promo Codes For Industrial Drill Bits?
Yes, there are websites that offer coupons or promo codes for industrial drill bits. Here are some examples:
- HotDeals.com offers 30% off with 25 active Drill Bit Warehouse Promo Codes & Coupons.
- AutomationDirect.com offers industrial drill bits and sets at discount prices.
- Coupert offers 10% off Drill Bit Warehouse coupon & discount code.
- Slickdeals.net features weekly super coupons where you can save 20 to 25% off at Harbor Freight.
- WebbyPlanet.com offers Drill America Promo Codes & Sales.
- Lowes.com offers TR Industrial drill bits and a variety of tools products online.
By using these websites, you can save money on industrial drill bits and sets. It is important to check the terms and conditions of each coupon or promo code before making a purchase.
What Are The Current Promo Codes Available For Drill Bit Warehouse?
Based on the search results, here are the current promo codes available for Drill Bit Warehouse:
- 15% off promo codes & coupons
- 30% off promo codes & coupons
- 10% off coupon & discount code
Please note that these promo codes may have expiration dates or specific terms and conditions. It is recommended to visit the respective websites mentioned in the search results for more details and to ensure the validity of the promo codes.
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How Do I Apply A Promo Code At Drill Bit Warehouse?
To apply a promo code at Drill Bit Warehouse, follow these steps:
- Visit the Drill Bit Warehouse website and add the items you want to purchase to your cart.
- Click on the cart icon in the top right corner of the website to view your cart.
- Scroll down to the "Order Summary" section and look for the "Promo Code" field.
- Enter the promo code you have in the "Promo Code" field.
- Click on the "Apply" button next to the field.
- The discount should be applied to your order total.
Please note that the specific location of the "Promo Code" field may vary depending on the website's design. If you have any issues applying the promo code, contact customer service for assistance.
