Your Complete Drill Bit FAQ & Resource Guide
Drill Bit FAQ’s – Expert Answers & Buying Guide
Welcome to Drill Bits World’s ultimate FAQ library — your one-stop source for answers to everything drill bit related. Whether you’re a contractor, machinist, DIY enthusiast, or industrial buyer, we’ve organized our most common questions by category so you can find exactly what you need fast.
From choosing the right drill bit for your material to understanding specialty designs like auger, masonry, carbide, diamond, and extra long drill bits, you’ll find detailed, straightforward answers backed by decades of experience.
Need to know what bit works best for stainless steel, how to drill without cracking brick, or what “SDS” really means? It’s all here — plus tips to help extend tool life, improve drilling accuracy, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you don’t see your question here, contact us and our team will be happy to help.
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- FAQ's: Annular Cutters
- FAQ's: Carbide Tipped Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Diamond Drills
- FAQ's: Electrician's Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Extra Long Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Holesaw Drills
- FAQ's: Masonry Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Metal Working Drills
- FAQ's: Percussion Core Drills
- FAQ's: Reamers
- FAQ's: Reduced Shank Drills
- FAQ's: Silver & Deming Drills
- FAQ's: Stanley Hydraulic HD-45 & Skil 736 Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Taper Shank Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Wood Drill Bits
What’s the lifespan difference between HSS and cobalt reduced shank bits?
Cobalt bits can last 2–4 times longer in hard metals compared to HSS, assuming proper use and cooling.
Do I need lubrication when drilling with reduced shank bits?
Yes, especially in metals. Cutting oil reduces heat, prevents premature dulling, and extends bit life.
What’s the maximum hole size I can drill with a reduced shank bit?
It depends on the bit — reduced shank designs can go up to 1-1/2" cutting diameter for a 1/2" shank.
Can you sharpen reduced shank drill bits?
Yes — they can be sharpened on a bench grinder or with a drill bit sharpener, following the correct cutting angle.
Are cobalt reduced shank bits more brittle?
Cobalt is harder and more heat resistant but slightly more brittle than HSS, so avoid side pressure to prevent chipping.
Do reduced shank drills come in different sizes?
Yes — common reduced shank sizes include 1/2" and 3/8" shanks, with cutting diameters much larger than the shank.
Can you use reduced shank drills in a hand drill?
Yes — they’re designed to fit standard drill chucks, including handheld drills, drill presses, and magnetic drills.
Which is better, HSS or cobalt reduced shank drills?
For mild steel, aluminum, and wood, HSS is economical and effective. For stainless steel, hardened steel, and other high-tensile metals, cobalt will last longer and cut more efficiently.
What’s the difference between HSS and cobalt reduced shank drill bits?
HSS bits are made from high-speed steel for general-purpose drilling in softer metals, wood, and plastics. Cobalt bits contain 5–8% cobalt for added hardness and heat resistance, making them better for stainless steel and other hard alloys.
Why use a reduced shank drill bit?
It lets you drill larger holes without needing a drill with a bigger chuck size — for example, a 3/4" bit with a 1/2" shank fits a standard 1/2" drill.
What is a reduced shank drill bit?
A reduced shank drill bit has a smaller shank diameter than the cutting diameter, allowing large-diameter holes to be drilled in drills with smaller chucks.
How do you maintain a reamer?
Keep it sharp, avoid forcing it, use proper lubrication, and store it in protective sleeves to prevent edge damage.
What’s the difference between a chucking reamer and a construction reamer?
Chucking reamers are precision tools used in machine setups for fine hole finishing; construction reamers are heavier-duty and used in fabrication environments for enlarging and aligning holes.
How do I choose the right reamer size?
Choose a reamer that’s slightly larger than the pre-drilled hole size you need to finish — the hole should be about 0.010"-0.015" smaller than the final reamed size.
What coatings are available for reamers?
Common coatings include black oxide for rust resistance, TiN (titanium nitride) for wear resistance, and uncoated for general use.