High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are a popular, versatile cutting tool that can help you cut precisely and efficiently. Coatings such as titanium and black oxide can make HSS suitable for drilling a wider range of materials. To work safely and get the most out of your tools, learn what an HSS drill bit is and when you would use it.
Understanding High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel is carbon steel alloyed with more than seven percent tungsten or molybdenum, and it contains chromium, vanadium, and cobalt. This steel is called high-speed because it cuts faster than older high-carbon steel tools, such as those used in the 1940s.
Tip: HSS Needs Resharpening
No drill bit will stay sharp forever, and resharpening your HSS drill bit is an essential maintenance requirement. Sharpen your drill bit to prevent damage to the tool and workpiece, optimize cutting efficiency, and ensure your safety. Use a specialized bit sharpener tool or sharpen the bit by hand with a belt sander or bench grinder.
Materials HSS Can Drill
HSS can withstand high temperatures, and the reliability of HSS makes it the most common drill bit material. HSS drill bits can cut various metals, wood, and plastic.
Metals
HSS can drill into softer steels, iron, brass, copper, and aluminum alloy. Do not use standard HSS drill bits for harder metals or stainless steel. Instead, use a harder drill bit, such as cobalt, carbide, or a titanium-coated HSS.
Wood
HSS bits can drill through hardwood and softwood. A titanium-coated HSS bit will perform better than a standard HSS when drilling hardwood.
Plastic
HSS can also drill plastic. Spur-point drill bits, called dowel bits, are best for drilling into plastic because twist drills are more likely to cause the plastic to break.
Black Oxide HSS
Standard HSS twist drill bits are unsuitable for composite, which contains a combination of two or more materials with different chemical and physical properties. A standard HSS bit will dull too quickly and generate excessive heat that damages the composite.
However, you can drill composite materials with a black oxide HSS drill bit. Manufacturers create the black oxide coating by heating the HSS to 950 degrees Fahrenheit. The black oxide reduces friction and makes the bit more corrosion- and wear-resistant.
Enjoy the Versatility of HSS Drill Bits
An HSS drill bit is made of high-speed steel, and you can use it to drill wood, plastic, and softer metals. If you need a tougher bit, such as for hard metals or hardwood, you can successfully use a titanium-coated HSS drill bit. Also, you can cut composite materials using a black oxide HSS drill bit.
As this information shows, HSS bits are highly versatile, and you should equip your workshop with a high-speed steel drill bit set from Drill Bit Warehouse.
We carry the best quality drill bits for metal work. Shop our selection of HSS drill bit sets today to ensure you have proper cutting tools in various sizes for all your projects.
