Researching shank design, bit material, and bit coatings can be confusing, but fortunately, drill-bit manufacturers make shopping relatively easy for the customer. Drill bits are labeled not only by the size of the hole they’ll drill but also by the type of materials they’ll drill.

Iscar has also developed a new lever dual lock securing mechanism for improved clamping rigidity intended for ISO turning inserts. The new design, referred to as the Combi-D-Lock family, combines the advantages of two conventional clamping methods through the use of a lever and a top clamp. An insert is locked in two directions from the top and the bottom. This provides better stability and rigidity, and in comparison to the conventional lever improves tool life and increases productivity.

To be 100 percent upfront, we have never liked DeWalt drill bits. We have found that they’re usually relatively low quality and pretty much “throwaways.” But this particular kit was incredible when it came to drilling metal. They didn’t walk at all, and they cut long, continuous, spiraled shavings—the sign of a sharp bit. The rounded shanks on the smaller bits did spin a little, but the no-spin shanks on the larger bits were great. Each bit stayed cool with a spritz of lubricant and remained sharp throughout the test. And, surprisingly, this budget kit drills through wood faster than some of the much more expensive drill bits in the test.

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This kit comes with 14 bits from 1/16 inch to ½ inch, all of which are made of high-speed steel. The smaller bits have rounded shanks while the larger bits have no-spin shanks. Each bit features the brand’s “black and gold” coating designed to keep them from rusting. Everything stores away in a see-through case, helping to keep the bits organized and easy to find.

While we don’t have an immediate use for a dozen ¼-inch drill bits, we do like that a full-time shop can order enough bits from Drill Hulk to replace their most commonly used sizes without purchasing a whole kit that contains unneeded sizes. However, we did notice that these bits can walk slightly, despite the 135-degree split point.

Tom Scalisi has been in the trades for over two decades. He loves to share his knowledge of construction, home improvement, tools, techniques, and products with the readers of Bob Vila, This Old House, Family Handyman, and even his pest control blog.

Home improvement centers often dedicate an entire aisle to drill bits, which come in a plethora of types and sizes for drilling holes in a variety of materials. Many drill bits can pierce through more than one type of material, but not all drill bits can drill through metal without heating up and snapping in half. Labels on drill bits indicate the type of material for which they’re suited, so it’s easy enough to find ones that are designed to drill metal. Depending on the type of metal the user is drilling through, some bits suit the task better than others.

From 30-31 October, ITC will again be exhibiting at the Advanced Engineering Exhibition on Stand T171 in Hall 3 at the NEC Birmingham.

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.

The Logiq-F-Grip parting system was designed to achieve extra stability and vibration-resistant high productivity parting and grooving operations. The highly engineered system is an assembled tool block that comprises a durable holder and a high-stiffness quad blade with pockets for mounting inserts.

The shank is the nondrilling end of the bit that fits into the drill’s mandrel or “chuck.” For hex shank bits, the shank size of the bit chosen (typically ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, or ½ inch wide) should match the chuck size of the drill.

When looking for a set of high-quality drill bits for metal, you may want to consider the Irwin 63137 set of bits. Made from cobalt high-speed steel, they’re designed specifically for hardened steel. They have 135-degree split-point tips, helping them to resist walking when starting a hole. They also resist wear and heat, making them a solid choice for drilling through metal materials. Bit sizes range from 1/16 to ½ inch wide, and the bits larger than ⅜ inch wide have reduced shanks.

Folks who need to drill a few holes in some metal surfaces but don’t want to break the bank on a set of expensive drill bits may prefer the DeWalt DWA1184 black and gold drill bit set. This set of all-purpose bits can drill wood, plastic, or metal and features 135-degree split-point tips to help prevent walking.

Some shank designs are more conducive to drilling through metal than others. Most shanks for this type of drill bit are either no spin or hex.

When it comes to thermal shrink fit toolholders, the chuck thickness is a factor that limits the working space of a tool which often causes an increase in the tool overhang to reach a machined surface. To address this, Iscar’s X-Stream family of thermal shrink toolholders is a series of slim design chucks to eliminate such a restriction. The new chucks follow Iscar’s coolant jet channel technology providing direct coolant supply to the tool cutting edge.

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.

Precision carbide cutting tool maker Iscar has released a raft of new products to address the latest trends in modern metalworking. PES finds out more. The slogan ‘Where Innovation Never Stops!’ appears on the walls of Iscar production facilities around the world and has been synonymous with the company for several decades. The COVID-19 pandemic did not interrupt the innovation process, and between 2020-2021 the cutting tool specialist introduced the NeoLogiq marketing campaign comprised of advanced cutting tools and tooling solutions for modern metalworking. The significant and accelerated changes in manufacturing such as digitisation and the shift to electric drive in the automotive industry have resulted in new demands for cutting tools. Iscar has responded with an expansion of its NeoLogiq range. According to the company, ‘Machining with No Boundaries’ is the term that sums up the NeoLogiq mindset. Holemaking advances Iscar’s Cham-IQ-Drill, the family of assembled drills that mount exchangeable carbide heads, has been upgraded with new heads in the 33-40mm diameter range These heads can be mounted on any drill with the appropriate pocket size. The main feature of the new heads is a multifunctional cutting geometry, which enables the effective drilling of a wide range of materials such as steel, stainless steel, heat-resistant special alloys, and titanium (ISO P, M, and S groups of application) assuring hole precision within IT10-IT9 accuracy grades. Iscar says its customers will benefit from using the new heads; more interchangeability means less tools to stock. A NeoSwiss turning tool carries a quick-change head with indexable insert The Iscar Logiq-3-Cham is also based on the concept of exchangeable carbide heads with three flutes for improved productivity and is now supplemented by new carbide heads for achieving nearly flat bottom holes. Flat bottom holes are necessary for screw head sockets, spring seats, washer ports, etc. The heads ensure drilling up to an 8-hole depth-to-diameter ratio without a pre-hole. The new design facilitates generating holes with a nearly flat bottom in a single pass. The heads are mounted on existing Logiq-3-Cham tools that significantly expand the application range of the family and reduce inventory costs. Longer drilling applications ModuDrill is a family of modular drills with replaceable carbide heads that carry indexable inserts and provide an alternative solution. Mounting an exchangeable extension holder on a drill body increases the drilling depth by an additional 200mm when machining holes in a diameter range of 33-40mm. In high-speed reaming, a combination of a carbide reaming head with a rolling device in one single tool results in a short operational time for achieving accurate hole diameters along with a mirror-like surface finish. Modular turning A modular tool concept is the way to reach high levels of versatility and NeoSwiss is a new tool system with quick-change heads, that follows this concept. There are different types of heads for indexable inserts. The system is suitable for turning, parting, grooving, and threading applications. Through the use of an innovative high-clamping-force mechanism, the heads are mounted on a toolholder. The mechanism provides an accurate cutting edge position each time and utilises high position repeatability. The system intended mainly for Swiss-type machines enables removing heads and replacing inserts within the tight confines of CNC machining centres. A 90-degrees NeoDo S890 face mill Locked up rigidity Iscar has also developed a new lever dual lock securing mechanism for improved clamping rigidity intended for ISO turning inserts. The new design, referred to as the Combi-D-Lock family, combines the advantages of two conventional clamping methods through the use of a lever and a top clamp. An insert is locked in two directions from the top and the bottom. This provides better stability and rigidity, and in comparison to the conventional lever improves tool life and increases productivity. Logiq-F-Grip features a new highly advanced tool family for parting solutions. The central component of the family is a robust tool block that mounts a four-pocket adapter. There are cases when the rib, a reinforcement element of the block, interferes and prevents clamping the block on typical turret positions. NeoLogic overcomes this problem by providing additional blocks with the rib placed on the alternative side of the block. The Logiq-F-Grip parting system was designed to achieve extra stability and vibration-resistant high productivity parting and grooving operations. The highly engineered system is an assembled tool block that comprises a durable holder and a high-stiffness quad blade with pockets for mounting inserts. Milling innovations NeoDo S890 is a family of 90° indexable face mills for rough and semi-finishing operations. The mills mount durable square double-sided inserts with eight cutting edges. NeoDo S890 facilitates face and square shoulder milling while providing an additional option for milling close to shoulders where there are workpiece or workholding fixture constraints. Iscar customers have requested additional corner radii and tool diameters, therefore, this tool family has been expanded with additional pressed to size inserts with a 0.8mm corner radius and cutters in diameters 32 and 25mm including endmill design configurations. A durable double-sided round insert is now available. The combination of an innovative pocket design and a special peripheral shape of the insert provides reliable insert clamping and fail-proof insert indexing. Depending on the depth of cut, there are up to six insert indexes on each side (up to 12 indexes total). When indexing, there is no need to remove the insert clamping screw. The main application of the new cutters is for rough and semi-finish milling complex surfaces, especially in die and mould, power generation, and aerospace parts. The range of solid carbide endmills has been expanded by adding new tool diameters and corner radii. A Micro 90 coolant-driven high-speed compact spindle ensures extremely high rotating velocities Toolholder upgrades Iscar SpinJet, a family of coolant-driven high-speed compact spindles for small diameter tools intended to upgrade existing machines to high-speed performance, is now supplemented with Micro 90 intended for miniature rotating tools in milling, drilling, countersinking, thread milling, engraving, chamfering and deburring operations. Micro 90, made of a solid titanium shell and assembled from just six parts, enables rotating velocities that range from 35,000 to 53,000rpm while the main machine spindle remains idle. When it comes to thermal shrink fit toolholders, the chuck thickness is a factor that limits the working space of a tool which often causes an increase in the tool overhang to reach a machined surface. To address this, Iscar’s X-Stream family of thermal shrink toolholders is a series of slim design chucks to eliminate such a restriction. The new chucks follow Iscar’s coolant jet channel technology providing direct coolant supply to the tool cutting edge. Evolving to meet demand Changes in metalworking technology place new demands on cutting tools and to meet these demands, cutting tool manufacturers develop new products to assure increased performance. In turn, The industry’s response to the products spawns new requirements. Iscar’s NeoLogiq series is based on new tools that were developed with its customers’ input. The company says its clients can expect more development to assure advanced machining in the new era of metalworking. Iscarwww.iscar.co.uk

Bits that drill through metal are further classified by the types of metal they puncture. For example, some bits are capable of drilling through ferrous metals, such as cast iron, and others through nonferrous metals, such as copper and tin.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is investing £500m to transform its historic Halewood facility into a state-of-the-art production site for electric vehicles (EVs), the company announced in September.

Iscar SpinJet, a family of coolant-driven high-speed compact spindles for small diameter tools intended to upgrade existing machines to high-speed performance, is now supplemented with Micro 90 intended for miniature rotating tools in milling, drilling, countersinking, thread milling, engraving, chamfering and deburring operations. Micro 90, made of a solid titanium shell and assembled from just six parts, enables rotating velocities that range from 35,000 to 53,000rpm while the main machine spindle remains idle.

Iscar’s NeoLogiq series is based on new tools that were developed with its customers’ input. The company says its clients can expect more development to assure advanced machining in the new era of metalworking.

Whether you’re just getting into metalwork or you want to expand that drill bit set, adding metal drilling bits to an arsenal of tools is a good investment. If drilling through metal is a new endeavor, there may be some questions that need answering.

DIYers and pros who go through a lot of ¼-inch drill bits for their heavy-duty metalworking projects may benefit from the Drill Hulk’s ¼-inch cobalt steel set. This 12-pack of bits features jobber-style lengths, which means their lengths are relatively long compared to their diameters. They’re made from durable cobalt high-speed steel, feature 135-degree split points for drilling through metal without walking, and have a no-spin shank to prevent them from spinning in the chuck.

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Logiq-F-Grip features a new highly advanced tool family for parting solutions. The central component of the family is a robust tool block that mounts a four-pocket adapter. There are cases when the rib, a reinforcement element of the block, interferes and prevents clamping the block on typical turret positions. NeoLogic overcomes this problem by providing additional blocks with the rib placed on the alternative side of the block.

When indexing, there is no need to remove the insert clamping screw. The main application of the new cutters is for rough and semi-finish milling complex surfaces, especially in die and mould, power generation, and aerospace parts. The range of solid carbide endmills has been expanded by adding new tool diameters and corner radii.

Dustcontrol UK is set to exhibit its innovative dust extraction solutions at the Advanced Engineering Show 2024, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 30-31 October.

The Iscar Logiq-3-Cham is also based on the concept of exchangeable carbide heads with three flutes for improved productivity and is now supplemented by new carbide heads for achieving nearly flat bottom holes. Flat bottom holes are necessary for screw head sockets, spring seats, washer ports, etc. The heads ensure drilling up to an 8-hole depth-to-diameter ratio without a pre-hole. The new design facilitates generating holes with a nearly flat bottom in a single pass. The heads are mounted on existing Logiq-3-Cham tools that significantly expand the application range of the family and reduce inventory costs.

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One of the best features of the Irwin 29-piece set is the range of sizes available. Each bit increases by 1/64-inch increments between 1/16 and ½ inch, meaning there is a bit for almost any size hole.

Tooling manufacturer Horn has introduced a new carbide insert grade, SG66, for turning components from steel that has been case hardened to 58 HRC. Due to the high flexural strength of the carbide substrate, the insert is also suitable for interrupted cutting.

We tested these Top Picks products to ensure that they had what it takes for drilling metal. To qualify as one of the best drill bits for metal, the bit needed to perform well in the metal that it’s designed to drill. Bits also need to be durable and able to withstand the friction and heat produced when drilling through metal. The following recommendations are all at the top of their class for metal drilling, and one (or more) may be an asset to your tool collection.

Precision carbide cutting tool maker Iscar has released a raft of new products to address the latest trends in modern metalworking. PES finds out more.

Through hands-on testing, we found a number of drill bit sets that rise above the competition and help make holes in myriad metals. Some of the results were truly surprising. For those of you working on a project that requires drilling through metal, read on to learn about the factors to consider before shopping for the best drill bits for metal.

It depends on what kind of metal you’re drilling through. Titanium bits are suitable for drilling through soft metals such as aluminum, while cobalt bits are better suited for drilling through hard metals like cast iron.

Changes in metalworking technology place new demands on cutting tools and to meet these demands, cutting tool manufacturers develop new products to assure increased performance. In turn, The industry’s response to the products spawns new requirements.

Manufacturers face an age-old paradox: manufacturing efficiency versus quality. After all, higher efficiency risks compromising quality while focusing on quality can reduce productivity – and this dilemma is becoming more challenging.

These bits are made for hard use. Their construction is durable, retaining an edge while drilling through thick ¼-inch steel. The no-spin shank prevented the chuck from slipping, boring right through the metal without stopping. They also stayed cool while drilling.

Then we moved to some heavier-duty 7-gauge flat stock, again testing how each bit made it through the test. We did our best to maintain similar speeds and pressure throughout each portion of every test. Afterward, we did our best to hand sharpen each of the larger bits with a file. The bits that passed these tests were given awards based on their strengths.

These bits did a fine job of drilling through our test materials. They didn’t walk when we started the holes, and they bored through the metal at a reasonable pace. The case itself has a cheap plastic tab to keep it shut, but otherwise, it does a good job of keeping these bits safe and organized. They stayed cool while drilling and retained their sharp edges even after several holes. Our biggest complaint is the rounded shank, as the small bits did spin a bit in the chuck.

The best way to drill through thick metals is to use a drill press rather than a handheld drill—a press best achieves a clean, smooth hole. Be sure to drill slowly and use cutting fluid to lubricate the bit, too. Let the bit cool down every few minutes to keep it from overheating and breaking.

While we’re not huge fans of general-purpose bits typically, especially when it comes to drilling metal, these Bosch bits were excellent. They didn’t walk when starting a hole, and they removed long shavings of metal, proving they remained sharp while drilling. We were so shocked that these bits were this good that we kept drilling with them to see if it was a fluke. They drilled holes faster than the other bits in the test, which really surprised us.

In high-speed reaming, a combination of a carbide reaming head with a rolling device in one single tool results in a short operational time for achieving accurate hole diameters along with a mirror-like surface finish.

These bits are made from high-speed steel for strength, and they feature a titanium coating for reducing friction and increasing durability. The kit comes with a carrying case with a foam insert with recesses for each bit and a spring-loaded center punch for marking the holes’ locations.

We did dislike that the smaller bits have rounded shanks, as they can be a pain, particularly when the bit is about to drill all the way through the material. However, the large bits have no-spin shanks and do a great job of staying in place. The tips stayed sharp making hole after hole, and they remained cool to the touch during use (while using cutting oil).

Iscar’s Cham-IQ-Drill, the family of assembled drills that mount exchangeable carbide heads, has been upgraded with new heads in the 33-40mm diameter range These heads can be mounted on any drill with the appropriate pocket size. The main feature of the new heads is a multifunctional cutting geometry, which enables the effective drilling of a wide range of materials such as steel, stainless steel, heat-resistant special alloys, and titanium (ISO P, M, and S groups of application) assuring hole precision within IT10-IT9 accuracy grades. Iscar says its customers will benefit from using the new heads; more interchangeability means less tools to stock.

The bits didn’t cut quite as fast as some of the other drill bits in the test, but they did retain their edge nicely. They also didn’t walk at all when starting the bit, and the tap size chart inside the kit could definitely come in handy. What we didn’t like was the fact that every bit, despite its size, features a rounded shank. But the sturdy case with a spring-loaded latch ensures this kit stays shut, and the rubber molding on the case can prevent it from slipping off of a work surface.

Look for the words “metal drilling bit” on the package, followed by a list of metals the bit is designed to puncture. Here are a few additional tips that will help drill smoother holes and keep bits in tip-top shape.

It’s not a bad idea to clean drill bits after using them. After drilling, wipe away any residue on the bit with a soft cloth and then rub a bit of cutting fluid on it before storing it.

ModuDrill is a family of modular drills with replaceable carbide heads that carry indexable inserts and provide an alternative solution. Mounting an exchangeable extension holder on a drill body increases the drilling depth by an additional 200mm when machining holes in a diameter range of 33-40mm.

From 30-31 October, ITC will again be exhibiting at the Advanced Engineering Exhibition on Stand T171 in Hall 3 at the NEC Birmingham.

A modular tool concept is the way to reach high levels of versatility and NeoSwiss is a new tool system with quick-change heads, that follows this concept. There are different types of heads for indexable inserts. The system is suitable for turning, parting, grooving, and threading applications. Through the use of an innovative high-clamping-force mechanism, the heads are mounted on a toolholder. The mechanism provides an accurate cutting edge position each time and utilises high position repeatability. The system intended mainly for Swiss-type machines enables removing heads and replacing inserts within the tight confines of CNC machining centres.

Tooling manufacturer Horn has introduced a new carbide insert grade, SG66, for turning components from steel that has been case hardened to 58 HRC. Due to the high flexural strength of the carbide substrate, the insert is also suitable for interrupted cutting.

Avid metalworkers looking for a quality drill bit set for their metal projects may want to upgrade to the Irwin 29-Piece cobalt-alloy steel drill bits set. This set includes 29 drill bits from a 1/16-inch bit to a ½-inch bit, with bits larger than ⅜-inch wide having reduced-size shanks so they can fit smaller chucks.

The slogan ‘Where Innovation Never Stops!’ appears on the walls of Iscar production facilities around the world and has been synonymous with the company for several decades.

First, we drilled into some relatively light-duty 11-gauge steel angle iron, testing a few bits from each pack. We wanted to see how well they’d retain their edge, how hot they’d get, and how long it would take them to bore a hole in the metal.

Many DIYers don’t bother sharpening their bits when the cutting edges become dull and they have trouble drilling a hole, but it’s tool maintenance worth doing. You’ll get a longer life out of your drill bits if you sharpen their cutting edges with a bench grinder.

NeoDo S890 is a family of 90° indexable face mills for rough and semi-finishing operations. The mills mount durable square double-sided inserts with eight cutting edges. NeoDo S890 facilitates face and square shoulder milling while providing an additional option for milling close to shoulders where there are workpiece or workholding fixture constraints. Iscar customers have requested additional corner radii and tool diameters, therefore, this tool family has been expanded with additional pressed to size inserts with a 0.8mm corner radius and cutters in diameters 32 and 25mm including endmill design configurations.

When it comes to enlarging hotels in metal materials, a step bit like the ones in this five-piece kit from Comoware is the tool for the job. This kit features five different sets of bits, each with a series of steps, totaling 50 sizes from one kit. Sizes range from ⅛-inch to 1 ⅜-inch wide.

A durable double-sided round insert is now available. The combination of an innovative pocket design and a special peripheral shape of the insert provides reliable insert clamping and fail-proof insert indexing. Depending on the depth of cut, there are up to six insert indexes on each side (up to 12 indexes total).

The Bosch bits’ tapered tips can quickly penetrate the metal, balance the bit, and produce a clean, even hole. The set includes 21 bits ranging in size from 1/16 inch to ½ inch and is packaged in a plastic storage case.

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TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC) is pleased to announce that Andrew Elliott has rejoined the company in the sales department and senior management team.

Add a drop or two of lubricating oil to the bit and then grab the broken end of its shank with a pair of pliers. Twist counterclockwise to remove the bit.

The COVID-19 pandemic did not interrupt the innovation process, and between 2020-2021 the cutting tool specialist introduced the NeoLogiq marketing campaign comprised of advanced cutting tools and tooling solutions for modern metalworking.

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Drill bit coatings affect how a drill bit operates. Most metal drill bits are usually coated with titanium or black oxide. This coating is designed to reduce friction, which keeps the drill bit from heating up and eventually breaking. Because the coating reduces friction, it can also help increase drill speed.

Most drill bits are made from HHS, cobalt, or carbide. A bit’s material can influence how effective it is at drilling through different kinds of metals.

Those looking for an all-around capable set of drill bits may want to check out the Bosch black oxide metal drill bit set. Manufactured from high-speed steel and coated in black oxide, Bosch drill bits can withstand friction and heat so you can drill continuously without the bits heating up.

The significant and accelerated changes in manufacturing such as digitisation and the shift to electric drive in the automotive industry have resulted in new demands for cutting tools. Iscar has responded with an expansion of its NeoLogiq range. According to the company, ‘Machining with No Boundaries’ is the term that sums up the NeoLogiq mindset.

Manufacturers face an age-old paradox: manufacturing efficiency versus quality. After all, higher efficiency risks compromising quality while focusing on quality can reduce productivity – and this dilemma is becoming more challenging.

These drill bits are made from durable cobalt-alloy high-speed steel, helping retain a sharp edge while drilling. They all fit inside the sturdy hinged case with a spring-loaded latch to keep the kit closed when not in use. The case also has a tap guide inside to help you identify which bit to use for a particular bolt or fastener.

These are great bits, but we found they were better for enlarging holes than actually drilling them (at least when it comes to metal). If we started with another bit to drill the initial hole, we could quickly work up to the desired size with the Comoware (the tips of the bits themselves just didn’t seem sharp enough for metal). We liked that there are so many sizes in one kit, and the spring-loaded center punch worked well for locating the bit.

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Most drill bits fit both standard corded and cordless drills. While these small pieces of metal all look pretty similar, each type of drill bit is designed to make holes in specific materials—including wood, plastic, and metal—but won’t work as well on other materials.

There’s only one good way to test drill bits for metal: We needed to put some holes in some metal! We grabbed some scraps of metal off our welding cart, chucked some bits into our drill, and started drilling.