What drill bit stays sharp longest?

Author: Marilou Hintz DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Carbide-tipped drill bits stay sharp much longer than steel, HSS or titanium bits. They're effective for drilling tile and masonry.

How to keep drill bits from dulling?

To prevent drill bits from dulling quickly, avoid overheating by using moderate pressure and cooling techniques, such as periodically dipping the bit in water. Lubricate metal drill bits with oil when drilling through metals, and clean off debris frequently.

What is the toughest drill bit made?

Carbide. Tungsten Carbide is by far the strongest drill bit available for any user. Drill bits manufactured from Carbide are tough and extremely hard with a high heat dissipation.

Which is better, HSS or titanium drill bits?

Titanium drill bits are high-speed steel bits (HSS) that have a titanium black oxide coating. They are very hard, and corrosion-resistant. They last much longer than regular high-speed steel drill bits, and they are good for cutting through any metal, including sheet metal.

Why do drill bits dull so fast?

Drill bits can become dull over time due to extreme heat from drilling holes on rigid surfaces and due to improper use. Friction and extreme heat can wear down the bit's critical cutting edges, making drilling jobs more difficult and time-consuming.

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Should you lubricate drill bits?

Use a lubricant or cutting paste when drilling metal to increase your efficiency and finish, and increase tool life. Using a lubricant while drilling allows you to: Reduce friction: minimize heat build up that can damage the drill bit or the surface of the material you are drilling into.

Can drill bits be sharpened when they become dull?

Once you're ready to sharpen your bits with a grinder, give them one last look to see which type of wheel you should use. If the bits look like they have suffered massive wear, use a coarse wheel. However, if the bits have experienced less damage, you can use a finer wheel.

What are the disadvantages of titanium drill bits?

Titanium Drill Bits are made of steel and coated with titanium nitride or carbonitride. Cobalt Drill Bits are made from a mixture of cobalt & steel alloys and are non-coated bits. Titanium Bits lose their coating over time & are less heat-resistant bits.

Why are cobalt drill bits better?

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.

What type of drill bit is best?

If you want a drill bit that can tackle a range of materials, then a multi-material drill bit or a metal drill bit is ideal. Multi-purpose drill bits are usually made from high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt and have a tungsten carbide tip.

What drill bits don't break?

Mechanics Length: Mechanics-length drill bits have a shorter flute then jobber-length bits, but they are stronger and more rigid, so they are less likely to break.

What is the hardest rock to drill through?

Known for its hardness and density, granite is a common igneous rock encountered in foundation drilling. Its crystalline structure can significantly slow down drilling processes. Another type of igneous rock, basalt is even harder than granite and is characterized by its fine-grained structure.

What is a jobber drill bit?

The Modern Meaning of Jobber Drill Bits

In modern use, “jobber” does not refer to the drill bit's versatility. Instead, a jobber drill bit is known for its length of approximately 8 to 14 times its diameter. This unique proportion allows it to bore deeper holes compared to other types of drill bits.

How long does a drill bit last?

How long will bits last? Speed and bit life depend on several factors, including the type of aggregate, age of the concrete, type and sharpness of the bit and the amount of steel or rebar in the concrete. Generally, you can expect to drill between 150 and 250 holes with each bit.

Why do my drill bits keep stripping screws?

The most common faults that lead to stripped screws include: The screwdriver or drill bit slipping out and scratching the screw. Using the wrong screwdriver for the given screw head or wrong size drill bit. Improper screwdriver etiquette, such as screwing too fast or at an angle to the head.

Is there a way to sharpen drill bits?

Either a bench grinder or a belt sander will work for sharpening bits. Just make sure that the guards on either one of these machines is less than 1/8" away from the belt or wheel so that your bit doesn't get caught between the guard!

What is the hardest sharpest drill bit?

Carbide drill bits are the toughest and most costly of the three. They're only suitable for expert use. Cobalt drill bits are also used to drill tough and long-lasting materials.

What does HS mean on a drill bit?

HSS stands for high-speed steel, which is the material used to make the drill bits. HSS drill bits also have four different shanks shapes – straight, reduced, tapered, and morse taper.

Can drill doctor sharpen cobalt bits?

The milwaukee cobalt red helix bit has a chip breaker at the front, when it gets the time to sharpen you can use Dr. drill buy you will loose the original shape it will erase the chip breaker, nevertheless you can use the drill without the chip breaker and sharpen it many times.

Which is the best drill bit titanium or cobalt?

Both cobalt and titanium drill bits are used to make holes in hard, tough materials like metal. Cobalt drill bits are the toughest you can get, and have no coating, unlike titanium drill bits. Titanium bits are coated with titanium nitride or carbonitride to reduce the effects of heat.

What is the disadvantage of using titanium?

Disadvantages of Titanium

The primary disadvantage of Titanium from a manufacturing and engineering perspective is its high reactivity, which means it has to be managed differently during all stages of its production. Impurities introduced during the Kroll process, VAR or machining were once near impossible to remove.

Which is better, cobalt or carbide?

In summary: Choose carbide for the toughest materials, high-speed machining, and long tool life, but be mindful of its brittleness and cost. Cobalt offers a good balance between HSS and Carbide for specific applications. HSS is the most budget-friendly option for softer materials and lower-volume work.

Should you unplug the drill press before changing the bit?

Disconnect power supply before changing or adjusting bit or attachments. Tighten the chuck securely. Remove chuck key before starting drill. Secure workpiece being drilled to prevent movement.

Can you sharpen drill bits with an angle grinder?

An angle grinder is a great tool for sharpening drill bits. This is quick and provides more precise results than older methods such as files or sharpening stones.

What is the best angle for a metal drill bit?

The best angle for a metal drill bit is typically around 135 degrees. This angle provides an aggressive cutting action that is effective for drilling through metal. What angle are drill bits sharpened at?

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