HSS VS Carbide VS Cobalt Drill Bits: Which Is Best?

When you work with rigid, tough materials, you need the best drill bit tools to make any headway. But which drill bit works best: high-speed steel, carbide, or cobalt? Let’s find out.

High-Speed Steel Drill Bits

High-speed steel, also known as HSS, drill bits contain high concentrations of nickel and chromium in stainless steel, offering an extremely robust and durable tool. In addition, they offer heat resistance and a tough finish for drilling through rigid materials.

HSS drill bits work best for metals, PVC, and hardened plastics for easy drilling. Moreover, HSS drill bits offer long-term performance if properly maintained. Furthermore, it’s necessary to sharpen them throughout their life due to becoming dull.

Cobalt Drill Bits

Cobalt drill bits combine 5 to 7 percent of steel or other alloys within their makeup. As a result, they offer extreme durability, drilling at substantially faster rates than traditional high-speed steel drill bits. Moreover, cobalt drill bits can go long work periods without cutting fluid or cooling due to their heat resistance.

Cobalt drill bits often work best with cutting through rigid and abrasive materials, including stainless steel, bronze, titanium, and cast iron. They also last longer than HSS drill bits, being corrosion-resistant and maintaining a sharp edge. But remember, they can have more fragile makeup, so practice proper handling to prevent breakage.

Carbide Drill Bits

Carbide drill bits offer a higher heat dissipation rate for a longer-lasting edge and have a hardy makeup that lasts longer than other drill bits. However, one difference between carbide and cobalt drill bits is their performance.

Carbide drill bits have a longer-lasting performance and work at higher speeds to decrease manufacturing speeds, along with their added toughness that helps them cut through non-ferrous metals. Moreover, they offer impeccable uses for masonry and stone drilling.

Which Is Best?

So, which drill bit is best: HSS, cobalt, or carbide? At the end of the day, carbide drill bits offer the most demanding performance, except only being suitable for expert users.

Moreover, they have a higher price tag than the other drill bit options. However, cobalt drill bits make a perfect choice if you want a long-lasting, tough drill bit. Lastly, if you work with softer materials, an HSS drill bit would work best.