Difference Between HSS and Cobalt Drill Bits

When drilling any material, the fair bit is essential so that holes are often bored quickly and easily. If you're a newbie at DIY, this text explains the way to choose the proper drilling bit for the work when boring through various materials like metal, masonry, plastics, wood, glass, and tiles.

Drilling is one of the main everyday activities which homeowners complete. There are many bits available on the market, which makes this tool more versatile. But at the same time, it creates confusion when settling on the right bits. Because a right but can keep your equipment practical and functional for a long time. At this place, you'll see the difference between HSS and cobalt drill bits, so you can choose the one that fits your job.

Cobalt vs. HSS drill bit: Usage

These drill bits are capable of helping you in drilling in soft materials like light metals, plastic, and wood. These drill bits of HSS use a bench grinder to be sharpened; the drill doctor is far better for it. On the other hand, cobalt drills are useful for grilling hard materials like chrome steel or hardened metals.

HSS Drill Bits

HSS or hot-work steel bits are made up of steel with the addition of other elements like chrome and vanadium. This enables them to be used at high drilling speeds. HSS bits are often used to drill iron, steel, and other metals like brass, copper, and aluminum alloy. They will even be used to drill plastic. If nothing else is available, you can use an HSS bit to drill wood; however, if the aperture is deep or has a large diameter, the bit will get too hot, and the drilling process will take longer.

Pros of HSS drill bits

The following are the pros of HSS drill bits:

• Versatility: HSS drill bits are highly versatile when compared to cobalt drill bits. They can be used in a variety of materials, including wood, plastics, mild steel, brass, etc.

• Affordable: HSS drill bits are highly affordable or cost-effective compared to other drill bits.

• Flexible: HSS Drill bits are highly flexible, which means they are less prone to breakage. It makes them ideal for drilling tasks that don’t require as much effort.

• Ability to resharpen: HSS drill bits can be resharped multiple times, which enhances their durability and minimizes cost.

Cons of HSS Drill Bits

The following are the cons of HSS drill bits:

• Slow cutting rate: HSS Drill bits cut slowly, mainly hard materials, when compared to other drill bits like Cobalt or Carbide. 

• Inadequate Heat Resistance: HSS drill bits are not ideal for cutting through materials that generate heat during the process, as these bits are not good at dissipating heat. 

• Require Cooling: HSS drill bits require cooling if cutting for a longer period. Use good-quality lubricants or coolants to prevent overheating and premature wear.

Cobalt Drill Bits

Another option for drilling hard steel or chrome steel is cobalt alloy bits. They're manufactured from solid alloy, not just coated like titanium bits, and sometimes marked HSS Co. The addition of cobalt makes the drills more durable, and they can resist higher temperatures during drilling without losing their edge. They are more likely to slice the leading edge since they are more expensive and brittle. Cobalt steel bits can, of course, be used for drilling "normal" low-carbon steel or other metals.

Pros of Cobalt Drill Bits

Following are the pros of Cobalt drill bits:

• Outstanding Resistance to Heat: Cobalt drill bits are perfectly suitable for cutting hard materials like stainless steel or cast iron as they have superior resistance to heat. They can withstand high temperatures without breaking a bit.

• Increased Hardness: Cobalt increases the bit’s hardness, which ultimately improves wear resistance and durability compared to standard drill bits.

• Highly recommended for demanding applications: HSS drill bits are highly recommended for drilling through demanding applications where standard drill bits fail.

Cons of Cobalt Drill Bits

The following are the cons of Cobalt drill bits:

• Expensive: cobalt drill bits are usually more expensive than HSS drill bits due to their cobalt coating.

• Brittle: Cobalt drill bits are brittle. It is prone to wear and tear if not handled carefully or can cause chipping or breaking if applying excessive pressure.

• Less flexible: Cobalt drill bits are less flexible due to their increased hardness and rigidity, which increases the chances of breaking the bits when working with hard materials or while applying excessive pressure.

HSS Vs. Cobalt Drill Bits: What’s the difference

These are a number of the differences between high-speed drill bits and cobalt drill bits:

• Application

HSS drill bits are ideal in relatively hard metals and wood, while cobalt is suitable for hardened metals, cast iron, and chrome steel.

• Brittleness

HSS drill bits are more elastic and, as such, don't break easily, while cobalt drill bits are more brittle and chip quickly.

• Resistance to Heat

HSS has less resistance to heat, while cobalt drill bits operate efficiently at extreme temperatures.

• Constituents

HSS contains steel and other elements like chromium and vanadium, while cobalt drill bits have an additional 5-8% cobalt aside from these elements.

• Durability

HSS is a smaller amount durable, while cobalt lasts longer under proper maintenance.

• Versatility

HSS is more suitable for multipurpose use than cobalt drill bits, which give it a far better value for money.

• Price

HSS drill bits are generally cheaper, while cobalt bits are a little bit more expensive.

By now, we believe you want to be ready to determine the proper drill bits to use between HSS and cobalt. The materials, application, and budget are a number of factors you would like to think about before you make a choice.