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.

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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.

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After determining the material you will be drilling into you'll need to work out what size hole you need to make. Making sure to identify the right size drill bit will prevent any slippage when driving the bit or screw. You should look to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw you intend to use, for example if you are using a 4.5mm screw then use a 4mm drill bit. You can use this quick video guide to picking the right drill bit size if you are not sure on the size of your screw.

If you are looking to anchor a wall plug they are colour coded so you can use this as a general guide to work out what size bit you will need:

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If a neat and tidy finish is important you may want to use a countersink drill bit that leaves the flat-head screw sitting flush with the wood.

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.

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.

You’ve finally got round to that DIY project you have been planning. You may already have your safety goggles on and a drill in your hand, but now you are questioning, “what drill bit do I need?”.

A drill bit that can tackle a material such as brick, stone or concrete needs to be tough. It also needs to be the right shape to prevent cracks and splits as you drill. A masonry drill bit is perfect for this, and is usually made from High Speed Steel, or HSS, with an incredibly tough carbide tip to allow it to penetrate with ease.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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One of the main considerations when it comes to selecting the right drill bit is knowing what surface material you are drilling into. You can buy multi-purpose drill bits that can handle a variety of substances, however the quality will diminish more quickly than those designed to tackle specific tasks such as drilling into bricks. Here we look at what drill bit is right for different material types.

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.

You’ll need to use a HSS drill bit with a cone shaped tip to drill into metal whether its aluminium, copper or brass. A cobalt drill bit will be needed for drilling through tough stainless steel.

If you are looking to create bigger holes for cabling or pipes you will need a specialist drill bit called a hole saw. Be sure to check the description carefully to see which materials the hole cutter can tackle.

HSS bits are designed to withstand the heat generated from drilling into metal, although it’s still a good idea to use drilling fluid to maintain the drill bit’s longevity.

Top Tip: Hold the wall plug next to the drill bit and mark it using some tape so you know how deep to drill into the wall.

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Tile drill bits need to have a strong carbide tip to penetrate the hard surface and prevent cracking or chipping. They can often be used to drill into glass too, but make sure to check this before you buy. Tile drill bits are often more expensive than non-specialist bits as they feature a more durable tungsten carbide tip.

SDS, or slotted drive system, drill bits are specifically designed for SDS drills as they can be held securely in place during the hammer action. They are for heavy duty drilling so ideal for masonry.

Before you reach for the wrong one, it’s important to understand that the incorrect drill bit can be problematic. Not only can it lead to a job taking longer than necessary, but can also leave you with damaged materials, damaged tools, and it can be a safety hazard.

Top Tip: when working on tiles place a piece of tape over where you plan to drill to stop the drill bit tip from slipping when you start drilling.

Whether you’re fitting hinges in a door frame or putting furniture together you’ll ideally used a wood drill bit. An auger bit has a corkscrew design that easily penetrates through wood leaving a neat finish on the edges of the hole

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Whenever working at a height, you're going to need some sort of access equipment, but should you choose a podium or a scaffold tower? In this guide, we will discuss whether a podium tower or scaffold tower is best for your job and what equipment we have to hire at HSS.

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.

While you may have heard of a masonry drill bit, countersink drill bit, metal drill bit, HSS drill bit, SDS drill bit, you may not know what they all are and what are they intended for. Our drill bits guide will talk through different types of drill bits and how to select the right one for the job, whether it's putting up a shelf on the living room wall or hanging a mirror on bathroom tiles.

A regular multi-surface or wood drill bit will work well on plasterboard. You shouldn’t use a masonry or metal drill bit as they are too powerful and will damage the plaster.

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.