Quick Tip About Drill Bits

August 5, 2015 Quick Tip About Drill Bits

Drill bits come in a variety of materials, sizes and types. However, they also have something called a “point angle”, which basically refers to the angle of the bit tip.

So, if you come across a drill bit and are unsure what type of material it is suitable to drill, you can get one clue from the point angle of the drill bit.

Here is what you can tell from the point angle of the drill bit. As a general rule:

Standard twist drill bits (everyday, general purpose) usually have steeper point angles (118 or less degrees), and are suitable for wood, non-ferrous metals, and plastic.
Drill Bits which are suitable to be used on harder materials, such as stainless steel, will have flatter point angles (usually 135-150 degrees)
Occasionally you will come across a bit with what is called a “split-point” tip. These bits do an excellent job of keeping the drill bit on center, and minimizing any wandering. They are available in both standard (118 degree) point angles and 135 degree point angles.