Straight flutes withstand the heavy pressure needed to penetrate hardened steel. These bits cut more aggressively and resist stress better than spiral-flute bits. A lower-priced alternative to solid carbide, they stay sharp when drilling abrasive material but won’t last as long.

Cut clean holes in abrasive material without fraying or delaminating the surface. Made of carbide, these bits resist wear to retain a sharp edge, even after after hundreds of cuts.

Harder and more wear resistant than cobalt steel, these carbide bits create an accurate starting place in your workpiece. Cut an indent, then continue drilling with a longer bit. The indent prevents slipping so the final hole is centered and precise. Carbide stays sharp at high temperatures and faster speeds. It can be brittle, however, so these bits require a rigid machine tool holder to prevent breakage and should not be used in hand drilling applications.

Create an accurate starting place in your workpiece. Cut an indent with these bits, then continue drilling with a longer bit. The indent prevents slipping so the final hole is centered and precise. Cobalt steel resists wear to stay sharp when cutting hard materials, such as nickel. Also known as spotting drill bits.