HSS Drill Bits

HSS drill bits are made of high-speed steel, a specialist alloy manufactured to be even tougher than regular steel. Usually containing additional chromium or tungsten, HSS doesn’t lose sharpness under intense friction, heat and abrasion, which allows it to keep drilling against even the toughest surfaces.

While more expensive than standard drill bits, HSS bits also tend to be more precision-engineered, which means they’re often favoured for tasks where a high level of accuracy is required.

How to Choose Drill Bits for Metal, Plastic & Wood

Because of their high tolerance to heat, HSS drill bits are the go-to choice for a lot of metal drilling. However, they’re equally suitable for a range of drilling tasks, including drilling into wood and plastics. The only thing they’re not very suitable for is masonry, which requires specific masonry drill bits.

Usually, when choosing a drill bit, the main focus is on the size and shape. However, when it comes to HSS, you also want to consider what material the bit is made from and any coatings it has.

Standard HSS drill bits are a great all-rounder, suitable for most metals, woods and plastics. However, if you’re drilling into a very hard metal, such as stainless steel, you may need a cobalt HSS drill bit – these are even tougher but can be more brittle so require a trained, steady hand.

There are also some more specialist options, such as TiN (or titanium nitride) coatings, which can help keep the drill bit sharp and reduce friction to help it last longer.

If you’re not sure what bit is right for you, check out our guide to finding the right drill bit for every material.

HSS Drill Bits in Various Sizes

Our wide range of HSS drill bits has a shape and size for every job. From 1mm up to 22mm drill bits and beyond, plus a huge variety of styles, there’s something to suit everyone.

Many of our products are available in various sizes, so if you find the right drill bit, explore the product page to see what sizes are available. If you want to pick up a range, our HSS drill bit sets are ideal for both trade and DIY use.

With a huge range of products to choose from and fast delivery available, it’s never been easier to find everything you need at Fastbuild.