Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits

HSS & Cobalt Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits Explored

Definition: Blacksmith reduced shank drills are special types of drill bits with a large cutting end but a smaller shank (the part that fits into the drill). This smaller shank size then allows the drill bit to fit into standard-sized drill chucks - even when the bit itself is larger. They are called "Blacksmith" drills because they are often used for heavy-duty work, like drilling large holes in tough materials such as metal and wood. This is thanks due to its reduced shank design which makes them ideally suitable for both handheld drills and drill presses as well.

Adaptable Drill Bits

Blacksmith Reduced Shank HSS Drill Bits are a very adaptable and essential tool used in both professional and DIY projects.

This is because they have been designed to bore through a wide range of materials — including cast iron, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, wood, metal and plastics, to name a few.

As a result, these drill bits really are celebrated for their strength, durability, and adaptability for many application uses as a result.

Made from High-Speed Steel (HSS) or Cobalt

When made from High-Speed Steel (HSS), they really do a great job at offering you superior performance in drilling steel and other hard materials.

For instance, the reduced shank allows you to fit larger drill bits into smaller chunks on standard power drills, making them a very popular choice in many workshops as a result.

Consequently, by understanding the unique features and applications of these drill bits, including their general-purpose use and compatibility with a wide range of materials, we hope you will be able to maximise their efficiency and get the most out of your drilling projects as a result - hence why we have put together this guide to help you choose the right bit for you.

Key Features of HSS & Cobalt Blacksmith Drill Bits

One of the top features of Cobalt, or (High-Speed Steel) HSS Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits that makes them stand out includes, for instance:

Reduced Shank

The shank diameter is smaller than the bit diameter, which is often designed as a parallel shank, and allows larger drill bits to fit into standard 3/8" or 1/2" chucks on power drills as a result.

High-Speed Steel (HSS) Material

Similar to HSS drill bits, the HSS Blacksmith reduced shanks drill bits are made from HSS, which gives you excellent durability, heat resistance, and the ability to drill through hard materials like cast steel and stainless steel to name a few.

Milled Flutes

Their precision milled flutes also give you a very efficient chip removal, which in turn really helps to improve your overall drilling performance in materials like sheet metals and cast iron.

Point Angle

A standard 118-degree point angle also gives you a very efficient cutting and reduces the need for spot drilling or centre punching.

Consequently, these qualities make these bits very indispensable for various applications, from industrial settings to home improvement projects as well.

Applications of Reduced Shank Drill Bits

The strength of these Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits makes them a preferred choice for many professionals and hobbyists, and as a result, are widely used in many applications, such as for instance:

Metalworking

HSS drill bits are designed for drilling steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals efficiently.

Woodworking and Construction

Their sharp cutting edges also allow for clean holes in softwoods and hardwoods, as well as composite materials as well.

Plastic Drilling

These drill bits are also suitable for drilling plastic components without causing cracking or deformities to occur as well.

DIY Projects

Whether you are fixing things around the house or working on creative DIY projects, these drill bits will give you consistent performance across various materials, making them essential power tool accessories as a result.

Sheet Metal Fabrication

These bits are also deal for drilling holes in sheet metals without distortion as well.

Understanding the Blacksmith Drill Bit Design

Another important area for you to get to grips with when choosing the right Blacksmith drill bits for your application is understanding its overall design.

For instance, these drill bits are also known as Shank Blacksmith Drill Bits and have a distinct history and design, which is often associated with their origins in blacksmith shops.

For instance, traditionally, blacksmiths needed robust, large-diameter drill bits capable of drilling through metal, including cast iron and cast steel.

However, today, the design has been optimised further, featuring HSS material — and sometimes cobalt for an even more improved performance as well. Consequently, they also come with reduced shanks to improve their functionality all while retaining the rugged durability of the original blacksmith tools at the same time.

This combination of historical strength combined with their modern advancements, as a result, gives these bits a very competitive edge, especially when it comes to general drilling tools.

The Role of HSS in Drill Bit Performance

High-speed Steel (HSS) is the core material used in manufacturing blacksmith drill bits due to its ability to withstand high temperatures without losing hardness as it does so.

For instance, this material allows the drill bits to cut through tough materials like metal, wood, and plastics, all while maintaining a sharp edge even after prolonged use.

Furthermore, it has features such as web thinning which really help to improve its overall cutting efficiency as a result, by reducing the effort required during drilling.

The heat resistance of HSS then helps the bits not to easily degrade or wear out, thus extending the life of the tool accordingly.

The Importance of the Reduced Shank Feature

The reduced shank is also very important and a very defining feature of blacksmith drill bits, as it makes it possible for larger diameter drill bits to be used with smaller chuck sizes.

Standard drill bits with the same diameter as the bit itself would require a large chuck size - limiting their compatibility with many handheld power drills and drill presses.

However, the Reduced Shank Drill Bit solves this problem, increasing the use cases of the drill bits across various machines as a result.

This feature is especially beneficial when working with larger hole sizes but only when having access to drills with smaller chucks, for instance.

Common Sizes and Variants of Blacksmith Drill Bits

Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits also come in a variety of sizes to cater to different applications, with popular sizes ranging from:

Metric Sizes

From 13mm up to 25mm in diameter.

Imperial Sizes

From 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

Shank Sizes

Typically reduced to 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch to accommodate smaller chucks.

Flute Length and Overall Length

Flute length drills as well as overall length can vary depending on the bit size, allowing for deeper hole drilling when necessary.

As a result, each size is well suited to specific tasks, whether you are drilling small pilot holes or larger diameter holes for bolts and fasteners.

How to Select the Right Blacksmith Drill Bit For Your Application?

Choosing the correct Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bit for your application depends on several factors, such as for instance:

Material Type

Are you drilling through cast iron, stainless steel, wood, or plastic? Some drill bits, like cobalt drills or HSS bits, are better suited for harder materials, while others are optimised for softer ones.

Drill Bit Type

You also want to consider if a general-purpose twist drill bit suffices or if you need a specialised drill bit for wood or a jobber drill bit for deeper holes.

Blacksmith Drill Bit Size

You also want to match the bit size to the hole you need to create, considering the shank diameter for compatibility with your drill, for instance.

Shank Size Compatibility

Lastly, you want to make sure that the reduced shank will fit your drill’s chuck size; otherwise, you may have an issue getting started.

As you can see by, carefully considering these features will really help you choose the right bit for your project as a result.

Drilling Techniques for Different Materials, How to Use Them?

When drilling different materials with Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits, you can use specific techniques to get the best results. For instance, here, you want to consider the following:

Metal

For the metal ideal, you want to use slower speeds and apply steady pressure to avoid overheating, and spot drilling can be beneficial for starting the hole and preventing wandering.

Wood

A higher speed can be used here, but you want to avoid excessive force to prevent splintering.

For deep holes, consider using an auger drill bit.

Plastic

Here a moderate speed and pressure prevent melting or cracking of the material, and hand-cutting techniques can provide you with better overall control as a result.

Safety Precautions When Using Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits

Safety should always be a priority when working with any power tool.

As a result, when using Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits, you want to consider these precautions especially:

Wear safety goggles and gloves

You want to make sure that you wear safety goggles, and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris and sharp edges that may fly up.

Here, you also want to make sure that the goggles and gloves you pick are the right standards for the machine that you are using.

Secure your workpiece

You also want to secure your workpiece firmly to prevent movement during drilling.

Use proper speed settings

You also want to make sure that your drill speed is set to the right one for the material you're drilling into.

Seek expert advice

If you are unsure about any aspect of your drilling project, you need to seek expert advice prior to drilling.

If you need help, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team, and we may be able to help you with the right tool for your use case.

Advantages of Blacksmith Drill Bits Compared to Other Types

When compared to standard HSS bits, cobalt, and carbide bits, Blacksmith Drill Bits with a reduced shank have several advantages, with these being, for instance:

Varied uses

The reduced shank on these drill bits allows for use with more drilling machines, including those with smaller chucks.

Cost-Effective

These Cobalt or HSS bits are generally more affordable than carbide or cobalt alternatives, offering you the best price for general-purpose drilling when it comes to many applications.

Durability

HSS provides you with long-lasting performance, even under extreme heat conditions.

Maintenance and Care for Cobalt & HSS Blacksmith Drill Bits

To extend the lifespan of your drill bits, you should consider following these maintenance tips:

Regularly clean the drill bits

After each use, you want to correctly remove debris and material that may have built up on the bit itself.

Sharpen the cutting edges

When the end of the flutes becomes dull, you want to sharpen them correctly using a bit sharpening tool or consider a full-on replacement.

Then, features like web thinning can be restored during sharpening to maintain its efficiency result.

Store them properly

You also want to store them in a dry and organised location as a dedicated Cobalt or HSS Blacksmiths Drill Set case to prevent damage or rusting from occuring.

Inspect for Wear

You also want to regularly check for signs of wear on the flutes and point angles, and consider using centre drills for accurate starting points as well.

Can I sharpen HSS Blacksmith drill bits?

These bits can be sharpened using standard sharpening tools. If you need help, you should consider professional sharpening services, though.

How long do HSS bits last?

With proper care, HSS bits are long-lasting and durable, and with regular maintenance, they can extend their lifespan as well.

Why Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits are a Must-Have

As you can see, Blacksmith Reduced Shank Drill Bits are an indispensable tool for anyone working with metal, wood, or plastics.

This is because they are a very durable and adaptable tool, which makes them an excellent choice for both professional and personal use as a result.

So, whether you are outfitting a workshop or tackling a DIY project, these drill bits provide you with the performance and longevity you need.

With a wide range of sizes available — often at the best prices and with free next working day delivery when ordered Monday - Friday — there has never been a better time to upgrade your toolkit.

Contact Customer Services

If you are still not sure which Reduced Shank Blacksmiths Drill Bits is right for you or you need help, then please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

Standard Delivery

We have also extended our ordering hours to offer you next working day delivery, making your shipping experience even easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery option that suits you best to ensure the timely, hassle-free UK delivery of your products.

Standard next-day delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Direct?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom and can also offer you trade accounts.

As a result, we can offer you a vast selection of similar products, including indexable drill bodies, cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, Reamer tools, and safety equipment, many of which are available with special offers.

We also serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond.

Consequently, our outstanding customer service and expert technical team, fast delivery times, and technical support make us a trusted partner for all your business needs as a result.