When shopping for drill bits, you may come across high-speed steel (HSS). They are a popular choice for consumer and commercial drilling applications alike. HSS drill bits, however, aren’t the same as conventional steel drill bits.
What Are HSS Drill Bits?
HSS drill bits are heavy-duty drill bits that are designed to resist friction heat. Drilling generates heat in the form of friction. As the drill bit rotates against the inner walls of the hole, friction will occur. And the faster the drill bit rotates, the more friction it will produce.
HSS drill bits still generate friction, but they are able to withstand this heat while simultaneously allowing for faster speeds. HSS drill bits are typically made of steel mixed with other metals or elements, such as chrome. With their heavy-duty construction, they are able to resist friction heat. This means you can operate HSS drill bits at faster speeds than conventional steel drill bits.
Long-Lasting
If you’re tired of constantly replacing your broken or worn drill bits, you may want to invest in a set of HSS drill bits. Thanks to their durable, heat-resistant properties, they last a long time. HSS drill bits can last for years when properly maintained.
Faster Drilling Speeds
One of the main benefits of HSS drill bits is faster drilling speeds. Some drill bits simply can’t handle the fastest speed setting of certain power drills. Friction heat causes them to crack or warp, at which point the drill bits must be replaced. HSS drill bits, however, offer a solution. They are designed specifically to handle fast drilling speeds without sustaining damage from friction heat.
Supports a Variety of Materials
You can use HSS drill bits to drill into a variety of materials. Whether you need to drill into wood, plastic or even metal, an HSS drill bit will likely do the job. Other types of drill bits, of course, are limited to specific materials. You may be able to drill into wood with a different drill bit but not plastic or metal.
Inexpensive
HSS drill bits are inexpensive. Steel costs less than many other materials. And because HSS drill bits are made mostly of steel, they are inexpensive as well. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on cheap drill bits that may only last for a month or two, you should consider purchasing a set of high-quality HSS drill bits.
