1. Drill America Tool School www.DrillAmerica.net
Drill Bits
Drill America Tool School

2. Features of a Drill Bit Drill Bits are categorized by: Diameter (Size)
Flute Length
Overall Length
Point Type/Angle
Shank Type and Size
Material
A drill bits categorization and functionality is dependent on these features.
To view these products in action check out our product videos!

3. Flute Length (Cutting Length)
Size, Length and Shank
Shank
Diameter (Size)
Flute Length (Cutting Length)
Overall Length
To view these products in action check out our product videos!

4. Deeper Look - Overall Length
Jobber Length (Standard Length)
118° Conventional Point and 135° Split Point
Mechanics Length (Short)
Short Black and Gold Drill with 3-Flat Shank
135° Split Point
Stub or Screw Machine
Shortest Drill Bit
Aircraft Extension Drill
6” or 12” long drill bit with jobber length flute
Taper Length Drill
Long drill bit with long flute length
118° Conventional Point
Extra Length (Long Boy)
Available in 8”, 12”, 18” or 24”
To view these products in action check out our product videos!

5. Deeper Look - Point/Angle
Drill Bit Point Type/Angle:
The two most common point types are:
118° Conventional Point
135° Split Point
Conventional Point means the drill bit has a 118° point.
It is the tip for most standard drill bits
Split Point means the drill bit has a 135° point.
Split point angle is self centering and prevents the drill from walking during use
Also called heavy duty drill bits
118° Conventional Point
135° Split Point

6. Deeper Look - Shank Drill Bit Shank
Describes the end of the bit that is held in the drill chuck.
Many types, the most common are:
Round (seen to the right)
3-Flat Shank
Taper Shank
¼”-28 Threaded Shank
SDS Plus Shank
Some drill bits may have a reduced shank enabling greater size flexibility. Certain diameters available in ¼”, ⅜” ½” and ¾”
To view these products in action check out our product videos!

7. Deeper Look - Shank (Continued)
Round Shank
-Most common
3-Flat Shank
-Tighter Hold in Drill Chuck
Reduced Shank
-Can be round or 3-Flat
Taper Shank
-For larger drills, use on special machinery only
Threaded Shank
-Used in Aircraft
SDS Plus Shank
-Used in Masonry

8. Deeper Look - Material Drill Bit Material
The most common materials are:
High Speed Steel
General purpose drill bit. Most popular material.
Cobalt
Extra hard for stainless steel
135° Split Point
Solid Carbide and Carbide Tipped
For non ferrous materials
Masonry (Carbide Tipped)
For brick, concrete and other masonry work.
High Speed Steel
Cobalt
Solid Carbide
Carbide Tipped Masonry

9. FAQ’s What drill bits do you recommend
KFD Drills (Killer Force Drills) are premium grade high speed steel with a 135 degree split point tip. They are our best sellers.
What is your most economical drill bit?
DWDN drill bits are general purpose, high speed steel with a black oxide finish.
What do I need for drilling stainless steel?
DWDCO cobalt drill bits (D/ACO for domestic).
Do you have large diameter drill bits?
For any drill bit over ½” we recommend DWDRSD series reduced shank drill bit with a ½” shank.
Do you have long drill bits?
The DWDDL series has extra long drill bits with long flute lengths from 8” - 24” long.
DWDA/C Aircraft Extension Drills are 6” and 12” long with jobber length flute.
Do you have drill sets?
Absolutely. Please check catalog for the selection.
Do you offer drills for glass and tile?
DWDGD series have a tungsten carbide spear point. Suitable for glass, mirrors and very hard ceramic tile.
Do you have drill bits for concrete and brick?
DAM series are standard round shank masonry drills and SDS series are SDS Plus masonry drill bits.
What about wood drills?
We have a few pages dedicated to wood drill bits (spade, brad point, forstner etc..) in our catalog.