Which Drill Bits to Use HSS, Cobalt, or Carbide

Choosing the right drill bitcan feel confusing, especially when you are standing in front of shelves filled with HSS drill bits, cobalt drill bits, carbide drill bits, and even specialized tools like the tungsten drill bit or straight shank drill bit. Whether you are a professional machinist, a DIY enthusiast, or someone who simply wants cleaner, faster, and more accurate drilling results, understanding these drill bit types is essential.

Different materials require different levels of hardness, heat resistance, and durability. Using the wrong drill bit can result in broken tools, damaged workpieces, burned surfaces, or extremely slow drilling speeds. That is exactly why selecting the right bit matters.

In this guide, we will break down the differences between HSS, cobalt, and carbide drill bits in a simple and conversational way. By the end, you will know exactly which drill bit works best for your project and why.

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Why Choosing the Right Drill Bit Matters

Before we look at the types of drill bits, let us talk about why your choice matters so much.

When drilling metal, wood, or composite materials, you are essentially forcing a cutting tool into a surface at high speed. The friction creates heat, and the harder the material, the stronger your drill bit must be. A softer drill bit will dull quickly, overheat, or even snap.

Using the correct drill bit brings several benefits
Better cutting efficiency
Longer tool life
Cleaner holes
Less heat buildup
Reduced risk of tool breakage
Faster drilling speed
Better accuracy

Choosing between an HSS drill bit, cobalt drill bit, or carbide drill bit depends heavily on the material you are drilling and your expected production volume.

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What Is an HSS Drill Bit

HSS stands for High Speed Steel, a popular material for drill bits used in general applications.

Overview

HSS drill bits are versatile, affordable, and suitable for a wide range of materials. They work well for wood, plastic, aluminum, and mild steel.

They maintain their hardness even at moderately high temperatures, making them suitable for everyday workshop use.

Strengths of HSS Drill Bits

Budget friendly
Versatile for multiple materials
Easy to sharpen
Good for light to medium duty drilling

Best Applications

Wood
Plastic
Soft metals
General home use

If you only drill occasionally or work with softer materials, HSS is a reliable and economical choice.

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What Is a Cobalt Drill Bit

Cobalt drill bits are essentially upgraded versions of HSS, with 5 to 8 percent cobalt mixed into the steel.

Overview

Adding cobalt increases heat resistance and durability, making these bits a perfect match for harder metals. They are often used in machine shops and industrial environments.

Strengths of Cobalt Drill Bits

Excellent heat resistance
Cuts through tough metals
Longer lifespan than HSS
Ideal for repetitive drilling
Better wear resistance

Best Applications

Stainless steel
Cast iron
Titanium
Hardened steel
High heat drilling

If you regularly drill hard metals, cobalt is a major upgrade over standard HSS.

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What Is a Carbide Drill Bit

Carbide drill bits are the strongest and most durable option among the three. They are made from a combination of tungsten carbide and cobalt, giving them exceptional hardness.

Overview

Carbide is incredibly hard, but also more brittle than HSS or cobalt. These bits excel at drilling abrasive materials and hardened metals that other bits simply cannot cut.

Strengths of Carbide Drill Bits

Extreme hardness
Superior wear resistance
Handles abrasive materials well
Ideal for high precision drilling
Fantastic for high speed industrial operations

Best Applications

Ceramics
Hardened steel
Cast iron
Fiberglass and composites
High production drilling lines

Carbide drill bits shine in demanding environments where accuracy and tool life are critical.

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Comparing HSS, Cobalt, and Carbide Drill Bits

To help you choose more easily, let us compare the three types side by side.

Durability

HSS Good
Cobalt Better
Carbide Best

Heat Resistance

HSS Moderate
Cobalt High
Carbide Extreme

Cost

HSS Affordable
Cobalt Mid range
Carbide Most expensive

Material Compatibility

Wood HSS
Plastic HSS
Mild steel HSS or cobalt
Stainless steel Cobalt
Hardened steel Carbide
Abrasive materials Carbide

Ease of Sharpening

HSS Easy
Cobalt Moderate
Carbide Difficult and requires special tools

Carbide bits last the longest but require careful handling because they are more brittle. HSS is perfect for everyday use, while cobalt offers the best balance of performance and price.

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Understanding the Tungsten Drill Bit

Now let us talk about your main keyword the tungsten drill bit.

A tungsten drill bit is generally made of tungsten carbide, a material known for exceptional hardness. Tungsten adds strength and allows the bit to maintain cutting performance under extreme heat and friction.

Strengths of Tungsten Drill Bits

High wear resistance
Excellent heat handling
Ideal for drilling hard and abrasive materials
Perfect for long term industrial use

Applications

Hardened steel plates
Ceramic tiles
Composite materials
Glass drilling with special coatings

Tungsten drill bits provide premium performance when traditional HSS or cobalt bits simply cannot do the job.

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What Is a Straight Shank Drill Bit

The straight shank drill bit is one of the most common shank types used in drilling.

Overview

A straight shank means the diameter of the shank is uniform from end to end. This type of drill bit fits standard drill chucks and is known for good stability.

Strengths of Straight Shank Drill Bits

Easy to mount
Good rotational stability
Suitable for handheld and industrial drills
Wide compatibility

Applications

Woodworking
Metalworking
Plastic drilling
General manufacturing

Straight shank drill bits are popular because they provide a reliable connection and smooth operation for consistent drilling results.

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When to Use HSS, Cobalt, or Carbide Drill Bits

Let us break down when each type works best.

Use HSS When

You are drilling wood, plastic, or soft metals
You need a low cost option
You drill occasionally
Precision is not critical

Use Cobalt When

You drill stainless steel
You drill hardened or abrasive metals
You need stronger heat resistance
You perform frequent metal drilling

Use Carbide When

You drill extremely hard materials
You run high speed drill presses or CNC machines
You need the longest possible tool life
You work in industrial or precision manufacturing

Choosing the right bit ensures faster, cleaner drilling and protects your tools and materials.

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Additional Factors to Consider

Besides the bit material HSS cobalt or carbide several other factors affect performance.

Drill Speed

Harder materials require lower speeds.
HSS operates at higher speeds, while carbide often runs at very high speeds in CNC environments.

Lubrication

Using cutting oil extends tool life and reduces friction.

Coatings

Some drill bits include surface coatings for better performance, such as
Black oxide
TiN titanium nitride
TiAlN titanium aluminum nitride

Coatings improve heat resistance and reduce friction.

Cutting Angle

A 118 degree angle is standard.
A 135 degree split point angle provides faster starts and less walking on metal surfaces.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use HSS bits on metal

Yes, but only for mild or soft metals.

Are cobalt drill bits worth the investment

Yes, if you work with stainless steel or hard metals regularly.

Do carbide drill bits break easily

They do not break easily under proper use but can snap from side pressure because they are more brittle.

Should beginners use carbide

Not typically. Cobalt or HSS is better for learning.

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Final Thoughts Which Drill Bit Should You Choose

Choosing the right drill bit is all about understanding your material, your equipment, and your expectations.

If you drill soft materials like wood or plastic, go with HSS.
If you drill steel or stainless steel often, cobalt is the perfect middle ground.
If you drill hardened steel or abrasive materials and need the longest tool life, carbide or a tungsten drill bit is your best choice.

And if you want stable, accurate drilling with easy mounting, you simply cannot go wrong with a straight shank drill bit.

The right drill bit improves efficiency, extends tool life, and ensures clean, accurate holes every time. By understanding the strengths and uses of HSS, cobalt, and carbide drill bits, you can make confident decisions and get professional results no matter what project you take on.