HSS Drill Bits
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About HSS Drill Bits
High-Speed Steel (HSS) drill bits are essential precision tools for drilling into metal, wood, plastic, and composite materials. Manufactured from hardened steel alloys containing tungsten, chromium, and vanadium, HSS drill bits maintain their cutting edge at high temperatures, delivering superior performance and longevity compared to standard carbon steel bits. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from leading brands including Bosch Professional, Bosch Home and Garden, and BlueSpot, with options ranging from individual replacement bits to comprehensive 99-piece sets.
The HSS drill bit collection at MyToolShed features multiple grades to suit different applications and budgets. Standard HSS-G (ground) bits handle general purpose drilling in mild steel and softer materials, whilst titanium-coated versions offer enhanced hardness and reduced friction for extended tool life. For demanding metalwork, HSS-Co (cobalt) bits containing 5-8% cobalt alloy deliver exceptional heat resistance when drilling stainless steel and hardened materials. Advanced options like Bosch's PointTeq technology feature self-centring tips that prevent wandering and enable faster, more accurate drilling with less pressure required.
Applications
HSS drill bits are indispensable across numerous trades and industries:
- Engineers and Fabricators – precision drilling in steel components, metalwork fabrication, and machinery maintenance
- Electricians – creating cable entry points in steel enclosures, trunking, and junction boxes
- Plumbers – drilling through pipework, radiator brackets, and metal fixings
- Carpenters and Joiners – pilot holes for screws, dowel holes, and general workshop drilling
- Motor Mechanics – drilling out seized bolts, creating mounting holes, and automotive repair work
- Maintenance Engineers – industrial repairs, equipment servicing, and facility maintenance
- Steel Erectors – structural steelwork, metal framing, and heavy-duty fabrication
- DIY Enthusiasts – home improvement projects, furniture assembly, and household repairs
Choosing The Right HSS Drill Bits
Material Compatibility: Standard HSS-G bits suit mild steel, aluminium, wood, and plastics. For stainless steel or hardened materials, HSS-Co cobalt bits maintain their edge under intense heat. Titanium-coated bits offer a cost-effective middle ground with enhanced durability.
Set or Individual Bits: Complete sets from MyToolShed.co.uk provide better value and comprehensive size coverage. Popular 13-piece sets cover 1.5mm to 6.5mm in 0.5mm increments, whilst 19-piece and 99-piece sets suit professional workshops requiring extended ranges. Individual bits are ideal for replacing frequently used sizes.
Diameter Requirements: Smaller bits (1-3mm) suit pilot holes and precision work, mid-range (4-8mm) handle general engineering tasks, whilst larger diameters (10-13mm) accommodate substantial fixings and structural applications.
Quality and Brand: Premium brands like Bosch Professional offer superior metallurgy and precision grinding for trade use. Bosch's PointTeq range features innovative self-centring tips that significantly improve accuracy, particularly on thin sheet metal or sloped surfaces.
Safety Information
Always wear safety glasses meeting EN166 standards when drilling – metal swarf and hot chips are ejected at high speed and can cause serious eye injuries. Secure workpieces using clamps or vices; never hold items by hand as breakthrough moments can cause workpieces to spin violently.
HSS drill bits become extremely hot during use, particularly when drilling steel. Allow adequate cooling time before handling and use cutting fluid where appropriate. Ensure chuck capacity matches your bit diameter and follow HSE guidelines regarding RPM limits – larger bits require slower speeds to prevent breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HSS-G, HSS-R, and HSS-Co drill bits?
HSS-G (ground) bits are the standard choice for general drilling in mild steel, aluminium, wood, and plastics. HSS-R (rolled) bits suit lighter-duty applications and softer materials. HSS-Co (cobalt) bits contain 5-8% cobalt alloy, making them significantly harder and more heat-resistant – essential for drilling stainless steel and hardened materials used in professional metalworking.
Can HSS drill bits be used in wood as well as metal?
Yes, HSS drill bits work perfectly well in wood, though dedicated wood bits may produce cleaner holes. HSS bits are ideal when you need versatility for mixed materials on site, particularly for drilling pilot holes in both timber frames and metal fixings during the same job.
Are titanium-coated HSS bits worth the extra cost?
For regular trade use, titanium nitride coated HSS bits offer excellent value. The coating increases surface hardness approximately 3-4 times and can triple working life compared to uncoated bits. The increased cost is quickly recovered through reduced replacement frequency and faster drilling speeds when working with metal regularly.