Twist drills – find manufacturers and suppliers

Twist drills are rotating tools with spiral grooves along the shank that are mainly used for drilling cylindrical holes in materials such as metal, wood or plastic.

They work by a rotating motion in which sharp cutting edges on the drill head penetrate and remove the material. The characteristic spiral groove, also known as the spiral or drill helix, ensures that the removed material, known as drill chips, is removed from the cutting edges and from the drill hole.

Below are the main components, types and possible uses of twist drills, their advantages and tips for correct use:

Main components of twist drills:

1. Tip:
   At the front end of the drill bit.
   The tip makes contact with the material.
   It has sharp edges that cut the material.
2. Cutting edges (main cutting edges and secondary cutting edges):
   The main cutting edges at the tip perform the drilling.
   They create the actual breakthrough in the material, while the secondary cutting edges smooth the edges.
3. Spiral (drill helix):
   These grooves along the shank transport the chip up and out of the drilled hole.
4. Shank:
   The cylindrical part that is clamped into the drill.
5. Tapered helix angle:
   The angle at the tip that controls how drill bit penetrates the material. common angles are 118° or 135°, depending on the material.

Types of twist drills:

There are different twist drills depending on the material and intended use:

1. HSS drill bits (High-Speed Steel):
   Use: Suitable for metal, plastic and wood.
   Features: High heat resistance and hardness. Standard for most drilling work.
2. HSS-TiN drill bit (Titanium Nitride Coated):
   Use: For metal, stainless steel and hard plastics.
   Features: Coated with titanium nitride, which reduces friction and extends service life.
3. Cobalt drill bit (HSS-Co):
   Use: Ideal for drilling in hard metals such as stainless steel or cast iron.
   Features: Made from an alloy with cobalt, making them extremely heat resistant.
4. SDS drill bit:
   Use: For stone, concrete and masonry.
   Features: Special mount for impact drills or hammer drills to penetrate heavy materials.
5. Wood drill bit:
   Use: Specifically for woodwork.
   Features: Often with a centering tip that allows precise placement and large spirals that quickly evacuate chips.
6. Step drill:
   Uses: Ideal for drilling holes in thin metals or sheet metal.
   Features: Tapered shape with multiple diameters to produce different hole sizes with one drill bit.

Use of twist drills:

Twist drills are used in a variety of applications. Here are the most common uses:

1. Drilling metal:
Twist drills are often used for drilling in metal. They are made from HSS (High-Speed Steel) or carbide to provide the necessary hardness and heat resistance.

2. Woodworking:
In woodworking, twist drills are used to drill precise and clean holes in wood. They ensure effective chip removal and minimize splintering.

3. Plastic processing:
Twist drills are also suitable for drilling in plastics. Sharp cutting edges and an adapted speed are important here to avoid material deformation.

4. Drilling in masonry:
Special twist drills, such as SDS drill bits, can be used to drill holes in masonry or concrete. These drill bits are robust and often fitted with carbide tips.

5. Precision drilling:
Twist drills are used in precision engineering and mechanical engineering for precise drilling where tight tolerances are required.

6. Application in hand and machine drills:
Twist drills can be used in both hand drills and stationary drilling machines, depending on the drill size and material.

Advantages of twist drills:

• Twist drills are suitable for a wide range of materials and applications.
• The spiral-shaped grooves efficiently remove the chips, resulting in clean holes and a longer drill bit life.
• When used correctly, twist drills can drill precise and clean holes, especially in wood and metal.

Tips for the correct use of twist drills:

• The type of drill bit should always be adapted to the material. For example, use special wood drill bits for wood and HSS drill bits for metal.
• The speed of the drill should be adapted to the material and the drill diameter. Metal generally requires lower speeds than wood or plastic.
• Drilling in metal generates heat. Use coolants such as drilling oil to prevent overheating and extend the service life of the drill bit.
• Make sure that the spirals remain free of chips so that the drill bit does not jam or break.
• Apply the drill bit with even pressure to prevent it from breaking or splintering the material.
• Twist drills can be resharpened if necessary to maintain cutting performance. Regular maintenance extends the life of the tool.

Twist drills are basic tools for drilling in materials such as wood, metal, plastic and concrete. To achieve the best results, you should choose the right type of drill bit, adjust the speed and ensure correct cooling and chip evacuation.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when buying twist drills:

When buying twist drills, there are several important factors to consider to ensure they meet the requirements of your applications:

• Choose the right material for the drill bit based on the material you want to machine:
• HSS (High-Speed Steel): Suitable for general metalworking.
• Cobalt-alloyed drill bits: Resistant to high temperatures, ideal for hard materials such as stainless steel.
• Carbide drill bits: For particularly hard materials or high wear resistance requirements.
• Titanium-coated drill bits: Offer increased hardness and corrosion resistance.
• Choose the right diameter for your application. A wide selection of diameters enables precise and specific drilling.
• The point angle of the drill bit, typically 118° or 135°, influences the drilling efficiency:
• 118°: Universally applicable for soft to medium materials such as wood, plastic and soft metals.
• 135°: Better for harder materials such as steel, as the shallower angle requires less drilling force.
• Consider the required length of the drill bit, depending on the depth of the hole you want to drill. There are short, standard and long drill bits.
• Coatings such as TiN (titanium nitride) or TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride) improve the wear resistance and service life of the drill bit. These coatings reduce friction and heat development.
• The geometry of the cutting edges determines the efficiency of the drilling process and the quality of the hole. A high-quality cutting geometry is important for demanding materials and precise work.
• Make sure that the shank of the twist drill (e.g. round shank, hexagonal shank) is suitable for your drill.
• Decide whether you need individual drill bits or a complete set. Drill bit sets often offer a wide selection of sizes and are practical for various applications.
• Compare the quality and price of different brands and types. Cheap drill bits can quickly become blunt, while high-quality drill bits offer a longer service life.
• Look for special features such as self-centering tips or cooling channels that may be beneficial for certain applications.

By considering these factors, you can select twist drills that are best suited to your specific requirements and offer a long service life and precise drilling results.

Twist drills can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Twist drills from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.