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.