Not all drill bits are made of steel. Steel is, in fact, one of the most popular materials used in the construction of drill bits. There are high-carbon steel drill bits, and there are low-carbon steel drill bits. In addition to steel, however, cobalt is commonly used in the construction of drill bits.
A chemical element with the atomic number 27, cobalt is a grayish-white metal. It’s harvested and used in many different applications, including the production of drill bits. What are the benefits of cobalt drill bits exactly?
Stronger Than Regular Steel
Most cobalt drill bits aren’t made entirely of cobalt. Rather, they are made of a combination of cobalt and steel. Cobalt serves as an alloying element. Cobalt steel drill bits such as these are particularly strong. They are harder and stronger than regular steel drill bits.
Long-Lasting
Cobalt drill bits will last a long time. It’s frustrating when you buy a new set of drill bits, only to accidentally break them shortly thereafter. Drill bits can break when driven into objects. Even if you use a low-torque setting on your drill, you may inadvertently break the drill bit. Thanks to their superior hardness and strength, though, cobalt drill bits won’t break easily. They will last a long time while providing you with a reliable drilling mechanism.
High Heat Resistance
Cobalt is known for its heat-resistant properties. It has a melting point of over 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. Drilling, of course, will generate friction, which in turn generates heat. Friction-related heat may damage drill bits made of other materials. With such as high melting point, this isn’t a concern with cobalt drill bits. Even cobalt steel drill bits can withstand high heat without deforming or otherwise failing.
Supports High-Torque Applications
Cobalt drill bits support high-torque drilling applications. There’s a correlation between torque and friction. The greater the torque, the more friction the drill will generate. Thanks to their superior strength, as well as their heat-resistant properties, cobalt drill bits can handle high-torque drilling applications.
Available in Different Sizes
You can find cobalt drill bits available in different sizes. Some of them are longer than others. Long cobalt drill bits will allow you to drill deeper holes than their shorter counterparts. The diameter of a cobalt drill bit may also vary. A larger diameter indicates a thicker drill bit. To drill a wide hole, you should choose a drill bit with a large diameter.
