Precision metal drills for reliable, high-performance holemaking

Reliable holemaking for every production environment

Metal drill bits, primarily classed as HSS drill bits, deliver process-secure, dimensionally accurate holes across a wide range of metallic materials. Designed for both hand-held drilling and CNC series production, these twist drills maintain cutting performance at elevated temperatures and provide the toughness required for industrial workshop and machining applications.

Why these drills matter in your workflow

The core function of metal drill bits is centred on efficient material removal with consistent hole geometry and repeatable centring. Their geometry and cutting-edge design reduce the need for rework, permit drilling without prior centre-punching on many surfaces, and ensure reliable chip evacuation. In practice, this means shorter cycle times on batch runs, safer setup for manual operations, and stable performance under the demands of production.

• Increased production uptime through predictable tool life and wear behaviour.
• Better first-pass quality thanks to optimised tip geometry and cross-point design.
• Versatile material capability: suitable for structural steels, cast irons and non-ferrous metals.
• Compatibility with hand drills, pillar drills and CNC machines for workshop-to-production scalability.

Benefits you can measure

• Reduced rework rates and improved hole tolerances.
• Longer intervals between tool changes when using HSS-Co 5 or HSS-Co 8 variants.
• Improved centring and reduced walking on smooth surfaces thanks to cross-point geometry.
• Flexibility across material classes from aluminium to hardened steels when selecting the appropriate grade.

Metav as your precision partner

Metav combines decades of industry expertise with a comprehensive range that democratises precision for workshops and procurement teams. From the logistics hub in Emmerich, Metav acts as a quality filter for the European market, supporting over 48,000 customers and stocking more than 250,000 products. For buyers seeking a single, reliable source for high-performance drill solutions, Metav offers consistent availability and a professionally curated selection of metal drill bits and related tooling.

Technical data at a glance

• material: high-speed steel (HSS)
• variant: rolled HSS-R; ground HSS-G; high-alloy HSS-E
• cobalt options: HSS-Co 5; HSS-Co 8
• suitable for: alloyed and unalloyed structural steel, steel castings, grey cast iron, sintered iron, aluminium, copper, brass
• geometry: typical tip angles 118° and 135°; cross-point (split point) for reduced walking
• application environments: hand drilling, pillar drill, CNC machining

Compact and reliably engineered, these metal drill bits—also referred to as HSS drill bits or twist drills—form the backbone of precision drilling operations in industrial and workshop settings.

FAQ

What distinguishes HSS drill bits from cobalt variants?
HSS drill bits provide high toughness and good performance at elevated temperatures; HSS-Co 5 and HSS-Co 8 variants add cobalt for increased hot hardness and extended tool life when machining tougher or stainless steels.

Which materials can metal drill bits handle reliably?
Metal drill bits are suitable for alloyed and unalloyed structural steel, steel castings, grey cast iron, sintered iron and non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper and brass, depending on the selected grade and geometry.

When should I choose ground HSS-G over rolled HSS-R?
Choose ground HSS-G for higher concentricity, better chip evacuation and longer service life in production; rolled HSS-R is a cost-effective option for standard workshop tasks.

How does tip geometry affect drilling performance?
Tip angles around 118° are common for general-purpose drilling, while 135° tips and cross-point designs improve penetration and reduce walking on harder or polished surfaces.

Can these drill bits be used on CNC machines?
Yes—metal drill bits are suitable for hand-held, pillar and CNC operations; selection of grade and geometry should match the machine capability and workpiece material.