HSS-M Blacksmith Drill Bits

HSS blacksmith drill bits are built for one job: punching large diameter holes through metal without wandering, binding or burning. These are M2 grade high speed steel bits with a black oxide coating, milled flutes and a 12.5mm parallel shank that fits straight into any standard 1/2″ chuck. No adapters, no faff. Available in sizes from 13.5mm up to 25mm, so whether you are cutting cable entry holes in a steel enclosure or working through heavy gauge sheet, there is a size that fits the job.

The 118° split point is the key feature here. On a standard jobber drill, you spend the first few seconds hoping the bit stays where you put it. The split point bites immediately and self-centres on contact, which means no pilot hole needed and no skating across the surface before it cuts. That alone saves time on repetitive work.

What Makes These HSS Blacksmith Drill Bits Different From Standard HSS

Standard HSS jobber bits are ground for general purpose use and typically max out at 13mm. Blacksmith bits are a different beast. The geometry is optimised for larger diameter cutting, with a heavier flute and a shank that stays at 12.5mm regardless of the cutting diameter. That reduced shank is what lets you run a 20mm or 25mm bit through a regular drill without needing a specialist chuck or machine. The black oxide coating gives a degree of heat and corrosion resistance, and the M2 steel composition means the cutting edge holds up better under the heat generated when drilling thicker or harder material.

Milled Flutes

The flutes on these bits are milled rather than formed, which gives tighter dimensional tolerances and a cleaner finish to the flute geometry. In practical terms this means swarf clears more efficiently during cutting, which reduces heat build-up and extends the life of the cutting edge. Dimensionally precise manufacture also means consistent performance across the size range, so a 16mm hole is actually 16mm.

These HSS blacksmith drill bits are a solid choice for electricians, fabricators, plumbers and engineers who regularly need to cut larger holes in metal without stepping up to a hole saw or a magnetic drill. Priced per bit, they represent serious value at this specification level.