Drill bits for metals. Most frequent types and uses in DIY

We arrive at the third installment of the saga dedicated exclusively to bits dedicated to mainly DIY use.

Previously we saw the drill bits for wood, and for construction materials. Now, it is the turn of the drill bits intended for metalworking.

This type of bits, for those of us who are DIY enthusiasts, are of quite a lot of use since, on occasions, we work with metal, whether they are sheets, plates, aluminum, or any other.

The selection we have made is shorter than the other three deliveries, but not for that, insufficient.

Let’s dive into the matter!!

metal drill bits

Drill bits for metals differ from other types of drill bits, both in the material with which they are made, as well as in the angle of the cutting planes, the type of tip, the evacuation channels, and other aspects that make them especially suitable. for machining ferrous materials.

Tips on the use of drill bits for metals

In general, in order to extend the useful life of the metal drill bitsTwo important aspects must be taken into account:

• On the one hand, we must perform the drilling of metals at low revolutions. Otherwise, we run the risk of deteriorating the tip prematurely and rapidly.
• And, on the other hand, it is advisable to lubricate both the drill bit and the area that we are drilling with oil. With this we manage, on the one hand, to cool the drill bit and, on the other, to prevent it from getting caught in the material we are working on.

With that said, let’s get started with our selection of drill bits, which we’ll be testing alongside the drill. Uneo Maxx from also from Bosch.

HSS-G metal drill

We will start by looking at the HSS-G drill, or high-performance high-speed steel.

This type of drill bits are indicated for use with alloyed and unalloyed steel, cast steel, non-ferrous metals, and hard plastics.

It has a self-centering cross point, which makes it possible to eliminate punching prior to drilling, but preventing it from slipping.

This drill bit allows up to 40% faster drilling progress, with 50% less feed effort, than other standard HSS drill bits.

In the video that we include at the end of this article, you can see the tests carried out with a steel plate.

HSS-R metal drill

In second place we have the HSS-R drill, it is a variant of the previous one, but with some difference.

It is indicated for alloyed and non-alloyed steel, for non-ferrous metals, and hard plastics.

It has great elasticity, thanks to hot forming. This minimizes the risk of breakage, especially in drills with a diameter of less than 6 mm. Something that, more than one, has happened to us on occasions.

The tests carried out have been carried out on a 18 mm thick methacrylate plate.

Now we will see two bits for metal, but they are especially suitable for bodywork.

Bosch HSS-G Double Ended Drill Bit

On the one hand, we have the HSS-G double-ended drill bit, recommended for numerous applications in steel sheets, non-ferrous metal sheets and plastics, as well as in sheet metal work.

It has double useful life, thanks to its two drill tips and spirals, each one at one end. It’s literally like having two bits in one. You just have to mount it at one end or the other, in the drill chuck.

Finally, indicate that it has a cross point for drilling without the need for prior punching.

The tests have been carried out on galvanized steel sheet.

HSS-R bodywork drill

Finally, we have the HSS-R body drill bit.

It is very similar to the previous one, and is recommended for drilling sheets and tubes.

Its extra short size makes it ideal for working in confined spaces. And if, in addition, you have an angled drill chuck, you can drill in very, very small spaces.

We have tested this bit on a piece of copper pipe.

Didactic video on drill bits for metals

In this video you have all the didactic and informative material explained, all the tests carried out, as well as close-ups of both the drill bits and the tests.

Our selection of DIY drill bits

If you have not yet had the opportunity to see the previous articles, here are the links, so you can access the information.

Part 1 – Drill bits for wood or carpentry

Part 2 – Drill bits for construction materials

3rd Part – Drill bits for metals

4th Part – Special Drills

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Soon you will be able to see the new and latest installment dedicated to the selection of “special” drill bits.

Do not miss it. It is very interesting, and it can be very helpful in DIY.

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