HSS Drill Bits & Drill Bit Sets

HSS Drill Bits & Drill Bits Sets Explored

HSS (High-Speed Steel) drill bits are a vital tool in both industrial and DIY settings.

This is due to these hand tools being known for their durability, adaptability, and ability to drill through various materials such as, for instance:

• Aluminum
• Acrylic
• Brass
• Bronze
• Carbon Steel
• Cast Iron
• Ceramic Tile (with a masonry bit or special coating)
• Concrete (with a masonry bit)
• Copper
• Drywall
• Fiberglass
• Hardwood (e.g., Oak, Maple)
• MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
• Mild Steel
• Nickel
• Plexiglass
• Plastic (various types)
• Polycarbonate
• Plywood
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Rubber
• Softwood (e.g., Pine, Cedar)
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium
• Tool Steel

Consequently, as you can see, they are indispensable in tasks ranging from metalworking to woodworking.

So let us help you understand more about these drill bits if they are right for you, and if you are still unsure which ones are the best drill bits for you, our customer service team is on hand to answer any questions you may have to help you find the right product.

Composition and Manufacturing

HSS drill bits can be crafted from a blend of steel alloys, primarily including Tungsten, Chromium, Vanadium, and Molybdenum.

Consequently, these materials are selected for their ability to maintain their hardness at very high temperatures, which is essential during High-Speed Drilling (AKA: HSS).

The manufacturing process then involves several stages, from forging and heat treatment to precision grinding and coating, all to ensure that each bit meets strict quality standards and performs as you expect it to do so.

Range of HSS Drill Bits

HSS drill bits come in various forms, each designed for specific applications.

For instance, you can buy:

HSS - Cobalt Drill Bit

The HSS-Cobalt alloy steel drill bit contains a small percentage of cobalt, making it more heat-resistant.

These are ideal for drilling through hard metals like stainless steel and cast iron, as the bits are durable and maintain sharpness longer, making them perfect for tough drilling tasks.

HSS-E Drill Bit

HSS-E drill bits are high-speed steel bits with added cobalt for extra strength.

Consequently, these bits are suited for drilling in hard materials like stainless steel and alloyed steel.

This is due to their offering better wear resistance and, as a result, being often used in industrial applications for precise drilling.

HSS-E-PM Drill Bit

HSS-E-PM drill bits are made using powder metallurgy, giving them superior toughness and wear resistance.

Consequently, they are excellent for drilling through hard and abrasive materials. These bits are commonly used in high-precision work, providing long tool life and maintaining accuracy under tough conditions.

HSS-EX Drill Bit

HSS-EX drill bits are premium high-speed steel bits designed for extreme conditions.

These perform excellently when drilling hard and tough materials, as these bits are highly durable and offer you improved cutting efficiency - making them suitable for industrial and demanding applications especially.

HSS-HM Drill Bit

HSS-HM drill bits are designed to drill hard metals with maximum precision.

They are made from high-speed steel with added hard metals for enhanced performance.

Consequently, these bits are perfect for tough drilling tasks and, as a result, ensure that you get a longer tool life, especially in industrial settings.

HSS Co 5 Drill Bit

HSS Co 5 drill bits contain 5% cobalt content, making them more heat-resistant and durable as a result.

As a result, they are ideal for drilling through harder materials like stainless steel and Titanium, as these bits maintain their sharpness longer and are commonly used in heavy-duty drilling tasks.

HSS Co 8 Drill Bit

HSS Co 8 drill bits contain 8% cobalt, offering even greater heat resistance and durability.

Consequently, these bits are perfect for drilling through extremely hard materials like hardened steel and titanium alloys. They are also commonly used in industrial applications requiring high precision and long tool life as well.

HSS M42 Cobalt Drill Bit

The HSS M42 Cobalt drill bit is made from M42 grade high-speed steel with 8% cobalt.

It is highly heat-resistant and maintains sharpness when drilling tough materials like stainless steel, Titanium, and Inconel.

These bits are ideal for heavy-duty and high-precision drilling tasks.

PM-HSS Drill Bit

PM-HSS drill bits are then made using powder metallurgy, resulting in enhanced toughness and wear resistance as a result.

Consequently, they are excellent for drilling hard materials and offer you a longer tool life as an end result.

These bits are commonly used in applications that require high precision and performance under extreme conditions.

Solid Carbide HSS Drill Bit

Solid Carbide HSS drill bits combine the toughness of high-speed steel with the hardness of carbide.

This makes them ideal for drilling through very hard materials like hardened steel and ceramics especially.

As a result, these bits offer you excellent wear resistance and are commonly used in high-precision industrial applications.

Centre Drills

Centre drills are then short and sturdy, used for creating a small, precise hole at the start of drilling.

This prevents larger drill bits from wandering and ensures accurate drilling.

Consequently, they are perfect for preparing workpieces for further drilling, particularly in metalworking and machining operations.

HSS Long Drill Bits / Extra Length Series

Extra-length series drills are longer than standard bits, which are then ideal for reaching deep into workpieces.

They provide extra reach for drilling through thick materials or in hard-to-access areas.

While these offer you greater flexibility, you should be careful when using them to prevent bending or breakage due to the extended length.

Jobber Drill

HSS Jobber drills and HSS Ground Drill Bits are some of the most common types of HSS drill bits, suitable for general-purpose drilling in various materials like drilling wood, metal, and plastic.

They have a standard length, making them very adaptable and reliable for every day drilling tasks.

This is because their design balances strength and reach for most standard drilling jobs.

Long Series

Long series drills are similar to jobber drills but are longer, providing increased reach for drilling deeper holes.

They are ideal for jobs requiring extended depth without compromising accuracy, as these bits are commonly used in applications where standard-length drills cannot reach, offering you more choice in complex drilling tasks.

Micro Drill

Micro drills are tiny, precision tools used for drilling very small holes in delicate materials like electronics, jewellery, and intricate metalwork.

They are designed for fine detail work, offering high accuracy in small-scale projects.

Also, due to their size, careful handling is crucial to avoid breakage during use.

Spot Drills

Spot drills are short, stiff bits used to create shallow starter holes that guide larger drill bits.

They help ensure that the final hole is accurately positioned, preventing the larger bit from wandering.

Spot drills are essential in machining processes where precision and accuracy are critical from the start.

Stub Drill

Stub drills are short and rigid, making them perfect for drilling shallow holes or in situations where minimal flex is required.

Their short length provides stability and reduces the risk of breakage, making them ideal for use in confined spaces or for drilling through thin materials with precision.

Applications of HSS Drill Bits

The adaptability of HSS drill bits makes them suitable for a wide range of application uses.

For example, in industrial settings, they are essential for metal fabrication, while DIY enthusiasts rely on them for woodworking and plastic drilling more often.

The more specialised HSS bits are also available for tasks such as countersinking and reaming, demonstrating their adaptability to various projects.

Drilling Metal

HSS drill bits are also commonly used for drilling through various metals, including steel, aluminium, and copper.

This is due to their durability and heat resistance properties, which make them ideal for creating precise holes in metal surfaces - whether for construction, manufacturing, or DIY projects.

Woodworking

HSS drill bits are also perfect for woodworking tasks, such as creating holes for screws, dowels, or bolts, as they can handle both softwoods and hardwoods - making them very solid around power tool accessories for furniture making, carpentry, and other wood-based projects.

Plastic Drilling

HSS drill bits are effective for drilling through various types of plastic, including PVC and acrylic.

This is because they can provide you with clean, accurate holes without cracking or damaging the material, which in turn makes them more than suitable for plumbing, crafting, and other plastic fabrication tasks.

Electrical Installations

Electricians often use HSS drill bits to drill holes in metal or plastic panels when installing wiring, sockets, or switches.

The precision and durability that HSS bits give you ensure that you get clean cuts while also reducing your risk of damaging the electrical components as well.

Automotive Repairs

In automotive repairs, HSS drill bits are used to drill through metal parts, such as engine components, exhaust systems, or body panels.

Their heat resistance and toughness make them ideal for working with the hard metals commonly found in vehicles.

Home Renovations

HSS drill bits are also essential tools for home renovation projects. This is due to them being used to drill through walls, floors, and ceilings easily, whether for installing fixtures, running pipes, or mounting shelves.

Jewellery Making

Jewellers use small HSS drill bits to create precise holes in metal, wood, or plastic components.

These bits are ideal for this delicate work, such as creating holes for wires, clasps, or decorative elements, all while ensuring high-quality craftsmanship in jewellery design.

Sheet Metal Work

HSS drill bits are also widely used in sheet metal work to create holes in thin metal sheets.

Whether for HVAC systems, roofing, or metal fabrication, these bits provide you with clean and accurate cuts, ensuring the proper fitting of screws, rivets, or bolts can then occur.

Benefits of Using HSS Drill Bits

The benefits of HSS drill bits are numerous. For instance, they are known for their longevity, often outlasting other types of bits under similar conditions.

Task Adapability

Their adaptability to different tasks also allows them to cut through different materials, including metal, wood, and plastic, easily, making them a very cost-effective choice.

Additionally, HSS drill bits enable high cutting speeds, improving efficiency in both professional and DIY applications as well.

How to Choose the Right HSS Drill Bit?

You can also get ones with specially designed tips with a split point, which help you ensure that you get a precise self-centring, allowing for a faster start and reducing the tendency of the drill bit to wander on the surface as you work into the material.

Once you know the materials and size you are going to be working with, it is also crucial to identify genuine HSS bits, as imitations may lack the necessary durability and performance.

Consequently, like ours, we only stock from reputable brands, so you will have peace of mind knowing the quality drills that are supplied to you.

What is the difference between HSS Stub Drill Bits and HSS Ground drill bits?

The main difference between HSS Stub Drill Bits and HSS Ground Drill Bits lies in their design and intended use:

HSS Stub Drill Bits

Stub drill bits are shorter and more rigid than standard drill bits. Their short length makes them less prone to bending or breaking, which is particularly useful when drilling shallow holes or when working in tight spaces.

Use Case

Due to their sturdiness and reduced length, stub drill bits are ideal for precision drilling, such as creating pilot holes, working on thin materials, or drilling in applications where accuracy and stability are crucial.

Common Applications

Stub drills are often used in metalworking, manufacturing, and applications where minimal drill bit flex is important.

HSS Ground Drill Bits

Ground drill bits are made from high-speed steel that is ground down to create the cutting edges and flutes. This grinding process results in a sharper, more precise cutting edge and a smoother surface finish compared to other types of drill bits, like rolled bits.

Use Case

The precision and sharpness of ground drill bits make them suitable for high-accuracy drilling tasks in various materials, including metal, high alloyed and unalloyed steel, tough metal, wood, and plastic. They generally offer better performance and longer life due to their refined edges.

Common Applications

Ground drill bits are used in situations where a high-quality finish and precision are required, such as in machining, manufacturing, and fine woodworking.

What are HSS Blacksmith drill bits used for?

HSS Blacksmith drill bits are designed with a reduced shank (usually 13mm) and larger cutting diameters, making them suitable for drilling larger holes in tough materials like metal, wood, and plastic.

Consequently, they are often used in more heavy-duty applications such as construction, metalworking, and fabrication, where standard drill bits can't handle the larger hole sizes or intense drilling requirements.

What are the differences between a HSS Reduced Shank Drill Bit and a HSS Twist drill bit?

An HSS Reduced Shank Drill Bit has a smaller shank diameter than the drill bit's cutting diameter, which allows it to fit in standard chunks while drilling larger holes.

In contrast, an HSS Twist Drill Bit has a consistent shank and cutting diameter, with spiral flutes that help remove material, making it ideal for general-purpose drilling in various materials.

What HSS Titanium drill bits are suitable for use?

HSS Titanium drill bits are coated with a Titanium Nitride (TiN) layer, enhancing their hardness and reducing friction.

This then makes them ideal for drilling through tough materials like metal, including stainless steel, aluminium, and cast iron. Consequently, they offer you increased durability, longer life, and better performance compared to standard HSS bits, especially in demanding, high-speed drilling applications.

What are the differences between a HSS HEX Shank Drill Bits and a HSS Straight Shank Drill Bits?

HSS Hex Shank Drill Bits have a hexagonal base, providing you with a more secure grip in drill chucks and quick-change adapters and reducing slippage during use.

They are ideal for impact drivers and quick bit changes.

HSS Straight Shank Drill Bits, on the other hand, have a cylindrical base, offering you more uniformity and compatibility with standard drill chucks - making them more suitable as a general-purpose Material Drill Bit on the whole.

What can come in a HSS Drill Bit Set?

Even though our metal drill bit sets can vary, these High-Speed Steel drill bit sets typically include a variety of drill bits designed to cover a wide range of drilling needs.

For instance, here is what you might find in a standard HSS drill bit set:

Variety of Bit Sizes

Drill bit sets often include a range of bits of various diameters, ranging from very small (e.g., 1mm or 1/16 inch) to larger sizes (e.g., 13mm or 1/2 inch). This allows you to choose the right one for when you are drilling different-sized holes.

Some sets offer both metric and imperial sizes to cater to different measurement systems.

Different Types of Bits

These are the most common types of bits included in sets, suitable for general-purpose drilling and drilling holes in materials like metal, steel, iron, non-ferrous metals, wood, and plastic.

Stub Drill Bits

Sets designed for more specific or delicate tasks often include shorter, more rigid bits for precision drilling.

Centre Drill Bits

Used for creating a starting point for further drilling, ensuring accuracy.

Long Series Drill Bits

Extended length bits for deeper drilling requirements.

Countersink Bits

Sometimes included for creating a conical hole that allows a screw to sit flush with or below the surface of the material.

Step Drill Bits

Some sets include step drills, which are designed to drill holes of multiple sizes using a single bit.

Metal Drill Bits

Often, the primary focus of an HSS drill bit set is designed specifically for drilling into various metals.

Wood Drill Bits

Some sets might include bits optimized for drilling into wood, featuring a different tip design for clean cuts.

Masonry Drill Bits

Although less common in a purely HSS set, some sets include bits for drilling into masonry materials like brick or concrete.

Bit Holders or Cases

Drill bit sets often come with a carrying case or holder that organizes the bits by size and type, making them easy to transport and store.

Countersinks or Deburring Tools

For finishing holes, these might be included to smooth out edges.

Depth Stops

Some sets may include depth stops to ensure consistent hole depth, which is particularly useful in repetitive drilling tasks.

Pilot Drill Bits

These bits are designed for creating pilot holes before driving in screws, particularly in wood or thin metal.

Tap Drill Bits

In some advanced sets, tap drill bits for threading holes might be included.

Spare Bits

Sets might include duplicates of the most commonly used sizes, as these tend to wear out faster.

How Do You Maintain HSS Drill Bits?

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your HSS drill bits.

Regular Cleaning

This can also be really straightforward and just requires regular cleaning, which can prevent premature wear and tear. But just make sure you don't put the drill bit away damp, and you clean any moisture off with a dry cloth.

Sharpening

Sharpening can also be done if, over time, your drill bits are starting to get a bit dull, but with appropriate tools and professionals who know what they are doing as well - this can also help to ensure the bit's cutting edge remains sharp and effective and you keep getting the wholes to the tolerances you expect.

Storage

You should also store these bits in a dry, organised environment to help maintain their condition for the long term.

How Do You Use HSS Drill Bits Safely?

Safety is also paramount when using HSS drill bits. It is essential to follow proper drilling techniques, use the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), and avoid common mistakes such as applying excessive force or using the wrong bit for the material.

Consequently, always make sure you are using the appropriate drill bits for your application and following the correct industry procedures as well to minimise the risk of injury and to ensure you have a use with these drill bits.

What is the lifespan of an HSS drill bit?

The lifespan varies depending on usage and the type of drill bit you decide to get, but with proper care, HSS drill bits can last through hundreds of drilling operations easily.

How do I sharpen an HSS drill bit?

This depends on the drill bit, but you want to use a specialised sharpening tool or a bench grinder, ensuring you maintain the original angle of the cutting edge - and ideally only if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, seek professional guidance.

Can HSS drill bits be used on hard materials like stainless steel?

They can, but it's recommended to use cobalt HSS bits for harder materials like stainless steel to avoid premature wear.

Always check the HSS drill bit you have with the material you are using to ensure compatibility.

What are the signs that an HSS drill bit needs replacing?

Dullness, excessive wear, or difficulty in cutting through materials are signs that the bit may need replacement, so keep an eye out for these.

How do I choose between HSS and cobalt drill bits?

Choose HSS for general-purpose drilling and cobalt for tougher materials where higher heat resistance is needed.

Are HSS drill bits suitable for woodworking?

HSS Drill Bits Overall

As you can see, HSS drill bits and HSS drill sets cover a large area and, as a result, remain a popular choice for professionals and DIYers alike due to their adaptability, strength, and cost-effectiveness.

So, whether for industrial applications or home projects, they will provide you with reliable performance across various materials.

Need help?

If you need help identifying the drill bits for your application, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We will be happy to assist you.

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Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies in the UK.

Consequently, we offer a wide range of products, including cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, and safety equipment, catering to various industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance, along with many more.

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