Metallics HSSC12E Drill Bit HD Cobalt St 135d SplPt 1/4" 4" YLW (1pc)

The Metallics HSSC12E is a cobalt drill bit, which is the alloy you want for stainless, hardened strut channel, and tool steel. Cobalt holds its edge at the higher temperatures those materials generate, where a plain high speed steel bit dulls and work hardens the hole. The 135 degree split point starts on its own without a center punch and resists walking on hard, slick surfaces. Run it slow with steady pressure and cutting fluid.

Straight shank, so it chucks into any standard 3-jaw keyed or keyless drill chuck. It is not an SDS bit and not a quick-change hex shank, so it won't drop into an impact driver collet directly.

It cuts a 1/4 inch hole. Overall length is 4 inches, so the flute length is shorter than that once you account for the shank in the chuck, which puts it in jobber-length territory, fine for strut, enclosure walls, panel steel, and junction box work but not for deep through-drilling of thick stock.

No. Cobalt is for metal. For masonry and concrete anchors you need a carbide-tipped masonry bit, and for wood a brad point or auger will cut faster and cleaner. Use the HSSC12E where the hole is in steel, stainless, aluminum, or strut.

A 118 degree point has a chisel edge that skates on hard metal, so it wants a punched center mark. The 135 degree split point on this Metallics bit is self-centering and starts where you put it, which matters when you're drilling an enclosure face or a strut flange you cannot reach with a punch. It also pushes chips out more freely in tough alloys.

One bit, supplied in a pouch rather than an index or case. If you are stocking a van or a shop bench for repeat 1/4 inch holes, order multiples under part number HSSC12E.