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Difference Between HSS and Cobalt Drill Bits

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 set about choosing 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 is completed by homeowners. There are many various bits available within the market, which makes this tool more versatile. But at an equivalent time, it creates confusion to settle 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 vs cobalt drill bits. in order that you'll choose the one which fits your job.

Usage of Cobalt drill bits vs HSS drill bits:

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 opposite hand, cobalt drills are useful to grill material that is hard and hard, like chrome steel or hardened metals.

HSS 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 wont to drill iron, steel, and other metals like brass, copper, and aluminum alloy. they will even be used to drill plastic. you'll drill wood with an HSS bit if nothing else is out there, however, if the opening is deep or of huge diameter, the bit is going to become excessively hot and drilling progress will be slower.

Cobalt bit

Another option for drilling hard steels 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 that they can withstand higher temperatures during drilling without losing their edge. The disadvantage is that they're costlier, more brittle, and thus more likely to carve the leading edge. Cobalt steel bits can, of course, be used for drilling "normal" low-carbon steel or other metals.

HSS Vs. Cobalt Drill Bits

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 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 may be a bit on the high-end.

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 the factors you would like to think about before you create a choice.

Previous article Jeremy Moore (@moore_graphix17)

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