Image

Image

The cutting edge on a good quality cobalt bit should last for longer than a standard HSS bit. Like other HSS bits, they are corrosion-resistant, which means they should retain their condition in all storage and usage conditions they’re likely to experience. However, cobalt can be brittle. If your cobalt drill bits aren’t cared for properly or are dropped, they can break – which can prove costly.

Image

It’s crucial for the safety of your tools and yourself that you use the right bit for the job. You will find cobalt drill bits stocked alongside other popular choices, including titanium coated, titanium nitride and tungsten carbide bits. Each of these has its strengths and weaknesses which you should be aware of before buying.

Cobalt drill bits are incredibly strong. They can be operated at much higher speeds than a standard HSS drill bit. The ability to withstand heat means that cobalt bits perform for long periods without cooling or the need for cutting fluid.

We will pass the details you give us, including delivery details, your email address and your phone number, to the relevant supplier.

This item will be delivered directly by our supplier. Lead times are shown on the product and trolley pages and are always advertised in working days (Monday to Friday).

Cobalt bits are a combination of steel (or another alloy) mixed with a small percentage of cobalt, typically between 5 – 7%. Cobalt has a melting point of 1495°C and a boiling point of 2927°C, which makes it perfect for use at high temperatures. By combining a small amount of cobalt with another alloy, the results are incredible.

Items that come direct from a supplier will be delivered by the courier chosen by the supplier. Where possible, suppliers will update you with delivery information. This may be by email, phone call or text message.

PayPal Credit and PayPal Pay in 3 are trading names of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH. Terms and conditions apply. Credit subject to status, UK residents only, Toolstation Ltd. acts as a broker and offers finance from a restricted range of finance providers. PayPal Pay in 3 is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Pay in 3 eligibility is subject to status and approval. 18+. UK residents only. Pay in 3 is a form of credit. Check if affordable and how you will repay. May make other borrowing more difficult or expensive. See product terms for more details. *Representative example: Representative 23.9% APR (variable) - Purchase rate 23.9% p.a (variable) - Assumed credit limit £1,200 - More info

The strength of cobalt means that drill bits are better suited to the tough challenge of cutting through steel. Cobalt bits aren’t suitable for general applications. For less intensive operations, like drilling through wood, plastic or light metals, an HSS drill bit is perfect.

If your order contains items stocked by us and items that come direct from the supplier, your order will be automatically split and processed accordingly.

Once you have placed your order online, we’ll have it ready for you at the store you have selected in as little as 5 minutes. We will hold your order for 14 days, after which we will automatically generate a refund to the payment type you used to place the order.

Don’t forget your mobile number – Make sure your mobile number is added so that we can text you when your order is ready to collect. Please wait for your text or email before coming to collect your items.

Items delivered direct from suppliers cannot be returned through a store. You would need to return these items direct to the supplier, unused and in their original packaging, at your expense. You can arrange for the items to be collected, for a fixed fee of £9, by contacting our Customer Services team. The fee will be taken off your refund. There is no charge for faulty items being collected.

If you’re unsure of the equipment you need, then speak to us. At R.D. Barrett we’ve been supplying the public and the trade with high-quality tools since 1975. We’re always happy to answer any questions you might have, and give you the benefit of our experience to ensure you have the right tools to do the best job.

Items over 30kg can only be delivered from Monday to Friday. If ordered before 6pm, please allow up to two business days for delivery. Orders placed after 6pm Thursday will be delivered after the weekend.

Most of our suppliers can deliver to any UK address. Delivery to remote or offshore postcodes may take a little longer than the advertised lead time. If the supplier cannot deliver to your postcode or we believe your order may take longer, we will try to tell you beforehand.

If an item is eligible for Next Business Day Collection in store, the order must be placed by 9pm Monday to Thursday for collection the next day. Orders placed after 9pm on Thursday, and up to 5pm on Sunday, will be available for collection on Monday. For larger items over 30kg, please allow two business days.

HSS and cobalt drills need to be cared for and maintained to ensure they deliver consistent performance. Even the hardest wearing materials can become blunted or dulled after a period of hard work. Using the correct drilling technique improves the lifespan of any drill bit.

Sunday delivery – £10.00 or £5.00 for orders over £25 & FREE for orders over £75 (order by 4pm Saturday) Times may vary for items being delivered directly from the supplier. For more information, please visit our delivery information page below.

R.D. Barrett was established in 1975 by Ron Derek Barrett, an ex employee of both DS & G Lathes and Ford Motor Company. We hold one of the UK largest stock of engineering tooling.

They are most often used to cut through hardened and abrasive materials. Cobalt bits are able to cut through the most hardened metals, including bronze, cast iron, stainless steel and titanium. They are also able to cut through weld seams.

Over time, HSS drill bits can become blunt and need to be sharpened, which demands specialist tools that aren’t always available. If you’re using HSS drill bits for long periods or at high RPMs, you may need to use cutting fluid to keep the bit cool.

Our standard opening times are 7am-8pm Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm Saturday and 9-4pm Sunday. Please check your local store is open on the store locator page, before you visit.

HSS bits are hardwearing and heat resistant. The large concentrations of chrome and nickel in stainless steel ensure that HSS bits are super strong and durable. HSS drill bits are capable of safely drilling through hardwood, some metals and plastic. They’re safe to operate at high speeds (RPM) and provide long-lasting performance – as long as they are maintained.

Sturdy, hardwearing and robust, modern metal drill bits can cut through the toughest materials with no trouble. When it comes to drilling, selecting the right tool for the job is crucial. In this article we describe the difference between High-Speed Steel (HSS) and cobalt drill bits, their strengths and weaknesses, and when you should use them.