Aluminium is a soft, ductile metal — and that brings its own challenges. With standard-length bits, it can bind, clog, or wrap around the flutes, leading to snagging, overheating, or even snapping the bit.

Our HSS Stub Drills are built to solve that. The short flute length offers more control, reduces flex, and delivers cleaner, more accurate holes — especially in sheet aluminium, trunking, and conduit.

Unlike cobalt stub drills, which can be too aggressive and prone to tearing softer materials, HSS Stub Drills strike the ideal balance of precision and control. They’re available in both single and double end formats, with a full range of metric and imperial sizes.

This is the go-to choice for trades drilling aluminium day in, day out — and the one we recommend first.

Ideal for cutting larger-diameter holes in aluminium sheet, panels, and enclosures – such as for cable entry, fittings, or ventilation.

Bi-metal hole saws should be run at low speed with steady pressure to prevent heat build-up, melting, or snagging. Used correctly, they produce clean openings without distorting thin aluminium.

Best suited to thicker aluminium sections or applications where a strong, rigid drill is needed.

The reduced flute length and robust profile make blacksmith drills more stable when drilling larger diameters, particularly with high-torque or pillar drills. They are less suitable for thin sheet, where grab and distortion can occur.

Standard HSS drills can be used for aluminium on light-duty or mixed-material work.

Cobalt drills are designed for hardened and stainless steels and offer little advantage in soft aluminium, where their aggressive cut can increase the risk of grabbing.

For regular aluminium drilling, HSS stub drills remain the better choice.

Excellent for aluminium sheet, panels, and enclosures.

Step drills cut progressively, reducing grab and leaving clean, round holes without tearing or distortion. They also deburr as they cut, making them ideal for electricians, HVAC installers, and fabrication work.

Best used at low speed with light pressure.