Can HSS drill bits be used for metal?

HSS bits are made of carbon steel with the addition of additional elements such as chrome and vanadium. As a result, they are incredibly durable and are well suited for drilling into metal surfaces. HSS drill bits are suitable for drilling iron, steel, and other metals such as brass, copper, and aluminum alloy.

What can HSS drill bits be used for?

High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits can drill wood, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and soft metals such as aluminum. Cobalt drill bits are extremely hard and dissipate heat quickly. They're mostly used for boring in aluminum and tough metals such as stainless steel.

What type of drill bits are best for metal?

Cobalt drill bits are the best drill bits for hard metals including stainless steel. If you are using a hand drill then a 5% (M35) drill bit will be most suitable and it will be less brittle than other drill bits.

Can you use HSS drill bits for stainless steel?

HSS or High-Speed-Steel bits are designed for use on stainless steel and can be used for hand and machine drilling. It is recommended to use an HSS bit that is TiN tipped as the Titanium Nitride reduces friction which in turn reduces work hardening caused by excessive heat and minimises flank and crater wear.

Why can't I drill through metal?

Drilling through metals create a lot of friction. This friction generates heat. The heat generated in the process not only damages your drill bits, but can also damage the metal you are drilling into.

HSS cone

Are metal and wood drill bits the same?

The main difference between a metal and wood drill bit is in geometry. The wood bit has a spur in the center that will penetrate the wood and keep the bit stable during drilling. The metal bit is a twist bit with conical cutting tips followed by spiral flutes.

What drill bit is good for stainless steel?

1. What drill bit should I use for drilling stainless steel? When drilling into stainless steel the choice of drill bit will ultimately determine how successful you will be. Cobalt drill bits are considered the best option due to their ability to withstand the high temperatures created when drilling harder metals.

What drill bit will go through stainless steel?

carbide-infused drill bits are one strong option when drilling into stainless steel. Infusing drill bits with cobalt is another way that manufacturers achieve ultrahard drill bits. High-speed steel, also known as HSS, is the most common drill bit for metal applications. Cobalt bits are an extension of HSS bits.

Why can't I drill through stainless steel?

Stainless is actually a relatively soft metal, at least in its initial state. What stainless tends to do is “work harden” fairly quickly when heated, and drilling at high speed creates a lot of heat. When stainless steel work hardens, it becomes very hard and extremely difficult to drill.

What is the toughest drill bit for metal?

Cobalt (HSCO) includes between 5 and 8% cobalt in the base, making it an excellent option for drilling into harder steel and stainless steel. Carbide is the strongest drill bit for metal and is typically reserved for professional-grade tools.

Are cobalt drill bits better than HSS?

Cobalt drill bits are incredibly strong. They can be operated at much higher speeds than a standard HSS drill bit. The ability to withstand heat means that cobalt bits perform for long periods without cooling or the need for cutting fluid. They are most often used to cut through hardened and abrasive materials.

Are brass drill bits for metal?

1) Metal drill bits

These include aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, iron and non-alloy steel. Drills made of cobalt-alloy High Speed Steel (HSS-E) or even drill bits with a titanium coating are needed for stainless steel.

What is the difference between HSS and HSSE?

Carbon, tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum and chromium are the additives used in HSS steels. The alloying element cobalt is of particular importance. If the steels have a cobalt content of 5% or 8%, then these steels form their own alloy group, which is designated by the abbreviation HSS-E.

Can you drill concrete with HSS?

Carbide tipped: Carbide is an extremely strong metal that withstands enormous force. Carbide is also expensive, so tool manufacturers often use HSS for the shank, flutes and leads but add a piece of carbide to the point. Carbide tip bits are popular for masonry, concrete and tile drilling.

What is HSS G drill bit?

Ground precision drill bit for challenging drilling in metal and steel. The HSS-G Turbo metal drill allows drilling with extreme precision. The HSS-G quality ensures a long service life. Due to the aggressive, self-centering W-tip, it is possible to drill directly, without pre-drilling, in the desired diameter.

Which is better cobalt or titanium drill bits?

Cobalt drill bits are more expensive, but offer longer life, and are more resistant to heat than titanium drill bits. Cobalt drill bits are also tougher and can drill holes in the hardest metals. Here is a quick comparison chart that explains the key differences between titanium vs cobalt drill bits.

What kind of drill bit do I need for aluminum?

Aluminum is a soft metal and therefore a standard HSS drill bit will be able to drill into it. However because of the low melting point of aluminium a better choice would be to use a cobalt drill bit.

What is the best drill bit for cast iron?

The best drill bit to use for cast iron is a cobalt bit with a 135-degree point angle. The angle is sharper than that on a conventional bit, making drilling faster and more accurate. Cobalt bits are brass-colored. As an alternative, you can also use a gold-colored titanium nitride bit.

How can you tell the difference between a wood and steel drill bit?

As for how to tell them apart - wood drill bits have two distinguishing features: a spar (also brad) and a lip. The spar helps in keeping the bit centered when starting the hole and prevents wandering of the bit on the surface of the wood.

Why are some drill bits gold?

Twist bits are also available coated with Titanium nitride (TiN), these are easily identified by the gold like colour. This coating increases the hardness of the bit and adds a self-lubricating property.