Drilling Steel

Standard HSS drill bits are suitable for mild and structural steel when used at controlled speed with cutting fluid.

They offer clean, accurate drilling for general fabrication, fixings, and workshop use. Best suited to lighter sections and occasional drilling.

For harder steels or repeated use, consider upgrading to cobalt.

Cobalt drill bits offer improved heat resistance and edge retention when drilling steel.

Made with 5% cobalt alloy, they are ideal for tougher sections, repeated drilling, and applications where standard HSS struggles. Run at low speed with steady pressure for best results.

A reliable upgrade for demanding steel work. Drilling stainless every day? Step up to M42.

8% cobalt for maximum heat and wear resistance – the top of our metal drilling range.

For stainless steel, high-alloy steels and repeated drilling where M35 starts to struggle. A 135° split point gives a clean start without wandering.

Run at low speed with steady pressure and cutting fluid.

Designed for drilling larger diameter holes in steel with increased stability and control.

The reduced flute length improves rigidity, making blacksmith drills well suited to thicker steel and high-torque drilling. Ideal for fabrication and workshop applications where accuracy matters.

Clean, round holes in sheet steel, panels and enclosures – one bit covers a range of sizes.

Step drills cut progressively, so they don’t grab or tear thin sheet, and they deburr as they go. Ideal for electricians, HVAC and fabrication work.

Use at low speed with light pressure.

Designed for cutting larger-diameter holes in steel sheet and plate.

Best used at low speed with steady pressure and cutting fluid to reduce heat build-up. Ideal for panels, trunking, enclosures, and fabrication work requiring clean openings.

For stainless or a lot of holes, step up to Cobalt M42 hole saws.

The premium hole saw: an M42 cobalt cutting edge with superior heat and wear resistance.

Longer cutting life than bi-metal, so the right choice for thicker steel, stainless steel and repeated work – panels, enclosures and fabrication.

Low speed, steady pressure and cutting fluid, as always.