How to Extend Drill Bit Life and Maximize Performance

Anyone who drills metal regularly knows drill bits are a consumable tool. However, premature wear and breakage are often caused less by the bit itself and more by how it is used. By following a few best practices and choosing the right drill bit for the application, users can significantly increase tool life, improve productivity and reduce overall drilling costs.

Avoid One of the Most Common Drill Bit Mistakes

One of the fastest ways to damage a drill bit is using it to enlarge an existing hole.

Conventional drill bits are designed to cut from the center outward. When they are forced into a pre-existing hole, the cutting load becomes concentrated on small sections of the cutting lip instead of being distributed evenly across the entire cutting edge. This can chip the cutting edges, damage the point geometry and significantly shorten bit life.

If a hole needs to be enlarged, a reamer or step drill is typically the better solution. These tools are specifically designed to work with existing holes and can enlarge them efficiently without placing excessive stress on the cutting edges.

Super Primalloy® Ultra Step drill bits offer a unique stepped-point design that safely enlarges existing holes while reducing the risk of damage commonly associated with standard drill bits. This makes them an excellent option for applications that require multiple hole sizes or frequent hole enlargement.

Start Right with Proper Pilot Holes

Many users assume larger drill bits always require a pilot hole, but that is not necessarily the case.

High-performance drill bits are designed to drill without a pilot hole in many applications. If a pilot hole is required, it is important to size it correctly. An oversized pilot hole removes too much material from the center of the cut, leaving only the outer edges of the drill bit to do the work. This increases stress on cutting lips and can negatively affect performance and tool life.

When drilling a pilot hole:

• Use a smaller drill bit to establish the guide hole.
• Avoid pilot holes created with drill bits that have a web larger than 20% to 25% of the final hole diameter.
• Follow manufacturer recommendations for pilot hole sizing.

Proper pilot hole practices help maintain cutting efficiency and protect the drill bit from unnecessary wear.

Lubrication Makes a Huge Difference

One of the simplest ways to extend drill bit life is also one of the most overlooked: use a cutting lubricant.

Proper cutting fluids reduce heat, lower friction and help evacuate chips from the cutting zone. The result is improved drilling speed, reduced tool wear and longer-lasting cutting edges.

In many metalworking applications, a quality cutting lubricant can dramatically increase both drilling performance and drill bit longevity. Reduced heat buildup means the cutting edges stay sharper longer, especially during repetitive drilling operations and when working with hard metals.

Quality Steel Delivers More Holes Per Bit

Not all drill bits are created equal.

High-quality drill bits manufactured from premium steel provide more holes per bit, maintain cutting performance longer and reduce the frequency of sharpening or replacement.

Kimball Midwest drill bits are engineered with premium materials and performance-focused designs to help users maximize productivity while minimizing downtime.

Several product lines are specifically designed to increase tool life and maintain drilling performance.

Cryo-Gen N: Consistent Performance Throughout the Life of the Bit

Many drill bits gradually become dull, causing drilling speeds to decrease over time.

Cryo-Gen N drill bits are engineered to resist this common issue. While they deliver excellent overall life, their biggest advantage is maintaining a more consistent cutting speed throughout the life of the bit. This means operators spend less time compensating for diminishing performance and more time drilling efficiently.

SP Edge: Maximum Speed and Tool Life

For demanding applications, SP Edge drill bits represent Kimball Midwest's highest-performing drill bit technology.

The advanced coating improves both drilling speed and wear resistance, allowing users to drill faster while extending tool life. The result is increased productivity, fewer bit changes and lower operating costs.

Cobalt: Built for Heat-Generating Applications

Heat is one of the primary causes of drill bit wear.

Cobalt drill bits are specifically designed to withstand higher operating temperatures, allowing them to remain sharp longer in applications that generate excessive heat.

They are particularly effective when drilling:

• Stainless steel and other work-hardening materials
• Thick materials
• Production environments requiring a high volume of holes
• Applications with continuous drilling cycles

Since stainless steel becomes harder as it is machined, heat buildup can quickly dull standard drill bits. Cobalt's superior heat resistance helps combat this challenge, making it an excellent choice for more demanding jobs.

Get More Life Out of Every Drill Bit

Extending drill bit life doesn't require complicated maintenance programs or expensive equipment. Following a few simple practices can make a substantial difference:

• Avoid enlarging holes with conventional drill bits.
• Use a reamer or step drill when increasing hole size.
• Size pilot holes correctly.
• Apply a quality cutting lubricant.
• Select the right drill bit material and coating for the application.
• Choose premium-performance drill bits designed for longevity.

By combining proper drilling techniques with high-quality drill bits such as Cryo-Gen N, SP Edge, Ultra Step and Cobalt series products, users can achieve longer tool life, faster drilling speeds and more consistent results on every job. Contact your sales rep to learn more. If you do not already have a sales rep we can help you