Professional contractors and metalworkers have many options with their tools, including the drill bits they use. For example, they may consider using cobalt bits to gain advantages in their projects. However, certain aspects of these bits may make them the wrong fit for your next job. Review the pros and cons of using cobalt drill bits so you can make an informed decision for your project.

The Pros of Cobalt Drill Bits

There are many positive attributes that cobalt drill bits can bring to your work, including saving time and money. Read about their pros below to determine if they’re a good fit for your project.

Cobalt Drill Bits Are Durable

One positive aspect of using cobalt drill bits is that they have a long lifespan. Constructed from a blend of steel and cobalt, these bits exhibit a strength that withstands repeated use without degrading quickly. This quality makes them valuable assets in your workshop or on your construction site.

Their lifespan also saves time and money. Instead of having a broken drill bit derail your project, cobalt bits will stay strong, allowing you and your workers to remain on schedule. You will also spend less money on replacement bits, allowing you to enjoy cost savings in your business.

They Can Cut Into Hard Materials

Another reason you should use cobalt drill bits is that they can penetrate hard materials. For example, cobalt can cut through stainless steel, cast iron, or titanium. Its sharpness and durability enable seamless drilling without compromising accuracy.

For metalworkers and contractors, the capability to cut through tough metals means completing projects with greater precision and speed. In addition, the sharpness of the bits allows you to make clean holes, reducing the need for post-drilling corrections. With such reliable performance, these bits empower professionals to tackle complex projects confidently.

They Can Endure Intense Heat

Using heat-resistant tools can be beneficial during drilling operations, especially when working with metals. Cobalt drill bits excel in this aspect because they can endure high temperatures without losing their cutting edge. This resistance prevents overheating, which would normally damage the bit.

In high-friction scenarios, lesser drill bits would succumb to the heat, resulting in dulled edges and decreased efficiency. However, cobalt drill bits remain resilient, allowing consistent performance even under demanding conditions. This heat tolerance will also contribute to productivity, enabling you to complete tasks to your client’s satisfaction.

You Can Conserve Cutting Fluid While Using Them

The durability of cobalt drill bits also conserves cutting fluid. You might be accustomed to using ample fluid to prevent bits from overheating, but cobalt bits can perform for longer than some of their counterparts. That means you can use less fluid during longer drill sessions, allowing you to save it for future tasks. In addition, you will spend less on cooling fluid.

You Can Use Them at High Speeds

One last major advantage is that manufacturers design cobalt drill bits to perform exceptionally at high speeds—even better than high-speed steel (HSS) bits. This capability is crucial for professionals who must finish tasks swiftly and efficiently.

With cobalt drill bits, you can maintain rapid rotations without worrying about losing precision or control. Instead, this high-speed performance allows you to perform accurate drilling while reducing the time spent on each task. That means you can dedicate more time to other essential aspects of your projects.

The Cons of Cobalt Drill Bits

After reviewing the pros of cobalt drill bits, it’s time to examine the cons. Although these bits can offer advantages in durability and efficiency, some aspects might not fit your budget or work with the material you are drilling.

Cobalt Drill Bits Can Be Expensive

Although cobalt drill bits offer numerous advantages, they come at a higher cost than their HSS and titanium counterparts. For professionals on a tight budget, this expense may pose a challenge.

This makes it essential to weigh their advantages when making your investment. The extended lifespan and performance of cobalt drill bits often outweigh the original cost, so they may be a worthwhile investment for your project.

They Can Be Difficult to Sharpen

Users may find it challenging to maintain the sharpness of cobalt drill bits. Although their cutting edges remain sharp for a long time, eventual wear necessitates sharpening. Unfortunately, you may need specific equipment to sharpen them.

If you attempt to sharpen cobalt bits with a grinding disc, ensure you have the right skills. Without the proper expertise, you may damage them. You may need to outsource this task, which might not be convenient.

The Bits Can Be Brittle

Although cobalt drill bits are highly durable, using them improperly or failing to care for them can cause breakage. This is because cobalt itself can be brittle. Aligning the bits incorrectly or dropping them can damage them, and then you must pay for replacements.

Take care to store and use these bits properly. This will avoid unnecessary breakage and allow your cobalt bits to deliver on your investment.

Their Drilling Applications Are Limited

Although cobalt drill bits excel at drilling through hard materials, their performance diminishes when you apply them to softer substances. The hardness of the cobalt alloy, which proves advantageous for tough metals, can lead to over-penetration and undesirable outcomes when used on softer materials.

For example, these bits may cause wood, plastics, or other soft materials to split during drilling. This limitation restricts their versatility in projects that involve a combination of materials. Professionals working primarily with softer materials may find it beneficial to have alternative drill bits on hand to achieve optimal results.

Find Quality Cobalt Bits at Drill Bit Warehouse

After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of cobalt drill bits, you can decide whether they will help you complete your next construction or metalworking project. If you are interested in cobalt drill bits, consider purchasing them from Drill Bit Warehouse. We carry many products, including cobalt and penetrator drill bits for concrete and steel. You can count on quality products, as we only sell what we would use in our own endeavors!