There are several ways to determine what kind of metal a drill bit is for. Some metals can be identified by the label or receipt, while others require testing. Regardless, it’s important to use the correct drilling equipment and drill bit for the metal you plan to drill.
Split-point bit
To tell if a drill bit is for a metal project, you need to look at the point angle of the cutting head. Consumer drill bits have one of three different angles: 90 degrees, 118 degrees, and 135 degrees. The 90-degree bit is best for drilling soft materials, but it gets dull quickly.
A drill bit’s speed and feed chart will tell you how fast to drill a certain type of metal. It is important to note that this chart will only work in controlled situations, so you’ll need to know the metal you’re drilling. Using the drill speed chart will allow you to determine the relative speed of a metal with various drill bit sizes.
If a drill bit is for metal, it’s usually a step or spiral bit, but you can also find ones that are designed for wood and concrete. Metal bits typically come in a black or copper color with a slightly angled tip.
High-speed steel
High-speed steel drill bits have a harder surface than conventional steel bits. They are coated with titanium nitride to make them wear-resistant. Some drill bits are also coated with titanium carbo-nitride. Regardless of the type of coating, it is still important to use lubricant when drilling metal. This will reduce heat and friction.
High-speed steel drill bits are made of a combination of carbon steel and other elements. This material is able to withstand high speeds and is used in a wide variety of applications. These bits can drill steel, cast iron, copper, brass, and aluminum alloy. They are also suitable for wood drilling. However, they must be sized correctly or they will create excessive heat and slow the process of drilling.
High-speed steel drill bits are available in a range of diameters. Typically, HSS drill bits are one to 25 mm in diameter, with smaller diameter bits available for specialist applications. While these larger diameter bits are more expensive, they will fit into a standard 13 mm chuck.
Cobalt
A drill bit with cobalt is a special kind designed for cutting through metal. These drill bits contain a small amount of cobalt, which gives them their name. This material is tough and resistant to high temperatures, which is great for cutting through harder metals. However, this metal-on-metal bit is not suitable for general use. Instead, you should opt for HSS drill bits if you’re planning to do a lot of drilling.
Cobalt drill bits come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For instance, step bits are designed to drill shallow holes in sheet metal, while countersink bits are used to drill recessed holes. The most important thing to note about cobalt drill bits is that they are usually made of steel and contain a small percentage of cobalt. A higher cobalt content in a drill bit makes it more durable and heat-resistant. However, the percentage of cobalt will vary from product to product.
Flat bit
When you’re putting in holes for a project, you want to be sure to use the right drill bit for the task. The size of the shank is crucial in determining the type of drill bit you need. You can tell if a bit is made for metal or soft materials by the type of shank it has. Typically, a drill bit with a hexagon shank is best for working with metal.
If you’re not sure, you can refer to the drill bit’s label or receipt. Some drill bits come with a thin coating of titanium nitride or titanium carbo-nitride. These coatings help prevent wear and tear. You also should use a lubricant with your metal-cutting bits to minimize heat and friction.
Expansive bit
There are some things you need to know before using a drill bit for metal. First, it is important to know the type of metal that you are drilling. Some metals are easy to identify by the label or receipt, but others require specialized equipment. Drilling with the wrong type of drill bit can cause damage.
When drilling metal, you will need to use a drill bit with the right point angle. This angle will help you know how to set the depth of your drill. Typically, consumer drill bits come in three different angles – 118 degrees, 135 degrees, and 90 degrees. If you want to be sure you are using the right bit for your project, use a protractor to mark the angles of the drill bit.
