Have you ever heard of a split point drill bit? If so, you may be wondering what exactly it is and what it can do. A split point drill bit is an innovative tool that is designed to make drilling into hard materials easier and more precise. It is designed with a split point tip that helps the bit to cut into the material without wandering off-track. This allows for a more precise and even hole to be created with less effort and in less time. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using a split point drill bit and how it can help you in your DIY projects.
What is a Split Point Drill Bit?
A split point drill bit is a type of drill bit designed to cut through hard materials such as steel, aluminium and stainless steel. It has a split point tip which allows it to quickly penetrate the material being drilled. This makes it ideal for drilling in tight spaces and for making precise holes in thin material.
The split point tip is created by grinding the drill bit’s point at an angle which creates two cutting edges. This allows the drill bit to start cutting immediately, reducing the amount of pressure needed to drill into the material. The split point also helps reduce walking, a common problem with regular drill bits.
The split point drill bit is commonly used in metalworking and construction. It is also used in other industries such as automotive, aviation, and electronics. It is an essential tool for any workshop or professional toolbox.
What is a split point drill bit used for? It is used for drilling holes in hard materials such as steel, aluminium and stainless steel. It is used for making precise holes in thin material, for drilling in tight spaces and for reducing the amount of pressure needed to drill into the material. It is also used for reducing walking when drilling.
What is a Split Point Drill Bit Used For?
Split point drill bits are designed to reduce walking and skidding when starting a hole. The split point is created by having two sharp edges that meet at the centre of the drill bit, rather than one point like a standard drill bit. This helps create a more accurate hole and minimizes the need for a pilot hole.
Split point drill bits are used for drilling wood, metal, and plastic. The split point design allows for faster penetration and improved accuracy when creating holes in steel, aluminum, and other hard materials. The split point also helps reduce the amount of friction and heat created while drilling, which helps improve the longevity of the drill bit.
Split point drill bits are ideal for use with a drill press or hand drill. They are great for creating precise and accurate holes in a variety of materials. They are also often used for creating pilot holes for screws and other fasteners.
Split point drill bits are essential for any toolbox, as they can help you create accurate holes in a variety of materials with minimal effort. With the right tools and techniques, split point drill bits can help you create professional-looking results.
Advantages of Split Point Drill Bits
Precision
Split point drill bits provide excellent precision to ensure effective and accurate drilling. With a split point tip, the drill bit produces a smaller hole with less effort. This allows for a more precise result and a cleaner finish.
Accuracy
Split point drill bits guarantee accuracy and reduce the risk of misalignment. Their design eliminates the need for re-centering the bit in the material, as the split point eliminates the need for a pilot hole. This makes them ideal for difficult applications where accuracy is key.
Durability
Split point drill bits are extremely durable and can handle tough drilling applications. They are made from hardened steel, which allows them to stand up to the toughest drilling conditions and maintain their sharpness for longer.
Versatility
Split point drill bits are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of materials and applications. They can be used for drilling hard metals, such as stainless steel, as well as softer materials like wood and plastic. Their ability to cut into different materials makes them a great choice for all kinds of projects.
Types of Split Point Drill Bits
- Jobber Length Split Point Drill Bits – These are the most common and versatile type of split point drill bits. They are designed for a wide range of materials, from softwood to stainless steel. They are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, depending on the application.
- Taper Length Split Point Drill Bits – These are designed for drilling in deep, hard-to-reach areas. They are longer and their points are tapered to provide better access to tight spots. They are also available in different sizes and lengths.
- Short Length Split Point Drill Bits – These are designed for drilling shallow, close-tolerance holes. They are shorter and their points are designed to provide a more precise cut. They are available in a variety of sizes and lengths.
- Extra-Long Length Split Point Drill Bits – These are designed for drilling in hard-to-reach areas. They are much longer than other types of split point drill bits and their points are designed to provide a more precise cut. They are available in a variety of sizes and lengths.
Split point drill bits are designed to provide a faster, more accurate cut and reduce the potential for drill bit wandering. They have a split point tip, which is designed to reduce walking and provide a more precise and consistent cut.
Using a Split Point Drill Bit
- Faster drilling: Split point drill bits have more cutting edges, allowing them to drill faster than standard drill bits.
- Improved accuracy: The split point drill bit offers improved accuracy due to its self-centering design, which eliminates the need to pre-drill a pilot hole.
- Less slipping: The split point drill bit has a sharper point, which reduces the chance of slipping off the material being drilled.
- Less breakage: The split point drill bit has a tougher tip, which reduces the chance of breakage.
- Reduced heat: The split point drill bit has a lower heat generation due to its increased cutting edges.
- Less vibration: The split point drill bit has less vibration due to its improved cutting edges.
Split point drill bits are an innovative tool that offers improved drilling performance compared to standard drill bits. They are designed with more cutting edges, allowing them to drill faster, more accurately, and with less slipping, breakage, heat generation, and vibration.
Benefits of Split Point Drill Bits
Safety
Split point drill bits pose less risk to operators than traditional drill bits, as they are designed to reduce the chances of the drill bit slipping or shifting during use. This makes them an ideal choice for both professional and DIY users, as they can be used safely and with confidence.
Time-Saving
Split point drill bits can be used to create accurate and consistent holes in a variety of materials quickly and easily, making them ideal for a broad range of applications. Their split point design allows them to cut through materials faster, saving users time and effort.
Cost-Effective
Split point drill bits are more cost-effective than standard drill bits, as they last longer and require less frequent sharpening. This makes them an ideal choice for both professional and DIY users, as they can be used for extended periods without needing to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Different Types of Split Point Drill Bits?
- Standard Split Point Bits – feature a small split point angle (118°) for general-purpose drilling applications.
- High Speed Steel Split Point Bits – feature a split point angle (135°) for drilling in harder materials such as stainless steel and cast iron.
- Angle Point Bits – feature an angle point tip (135°) for drilling into harder materials such as stainless steel and cast iron.
- Multi-Flute Bits – feature a split point angle (135°) and multiple cutting edges for increased speed and efficiency when drilling into harder materials.
- Titanium Split Point Bits – feature a split point angle (135°) and a titanium coating for increased wear resistance when drilling into harder materials.
Split point drill bits are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different drilling applications. Depending on the material and application, the right type of split point drill bit should be selected for the job.
How do Split Point Drill Bits Improve Drilling Accuracy?
- Minimal wanders and skips: Split point drill bits have a split tip geometry that significantly reduces the chance of the bit wandering off and skipping across the surface being drilled. This leads to extremely accurate results with minimal effort.
- Reduced walking: Split point drill bits also reduce the amount of walking, which occurs when the bit is not properly centered and starts to wander during the drilling process. This allows for greater accuracy and more consistent drilling.
- Better control: The split point design of the drill bit offers better control and a more precise drilling process. This reduces the chance of errors and increases the accuracy of the finished product.
- Faster drilling: The split point design of the drill bit also allows for faster drilling, as the split point helps to keep the bit centered and in the right position, reducing the time it takes to complete a drilling job.
Split point drill bits are an innovative tool that can significantly improve drilling accuracy. The split point design of the drill bit helps to reduce wandering and walking, while giving the user better control and faster drilling. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking to achieve precise results in their drilling projects.
What are the benefits of using a split point drill bit over a standard drill bit?
- Better Accuracy: Split point drill bits are designed with a conical point, which increases the accuracy of the hole being drilled. This is especially beneficial when drilling in tight spaces or when precision is important.
- Faster Drilling: Split point drill bits start drilling immediately without the need for pilot holes or center punching, which makes them up to 50% faster than standard drill bits.
- More Durable: Split point drill bits have a reinforced cutting edge, making them more durable and less prone to breakage than standard drill bits.
- Longer Life: Thanks to their unique design, split point drill bits have a longer overall lifespan than standard drill bits.
How should a split point drill bit be sharpened?
- Grinding wheel: Use a grinding wheel to sharpen the drill bit. Make sure the wheel has a grit size of no more than 100 and the wheel is running at a speed of at least 1,800 RPM.
- Angles: Use an angle grinder to sharpen the split point drill bit. To sharpen the drill bit, you need to set the angle grinder to two angles: a relief angle and a cutting angle. The relief angle should be 7-14 degrees, and the cutting angle should be 118-135 degrees.
- Sharpening: Start by sharpening the relief angle, then the cutting angle. Make sure to sharpen both angles evenly for the best results.
- Finishing: After sharpening the drill bit, use a file to clean up any burrs or imperfections. Finally, use honing oil or a honing stone to polish the drill bit.
What materials can split point drill bits be used on?
Split point drill bits can be used on a variety of materials, including:
- Wood – Split point drill bits can easily drill through wood with minimal splintering.
- Metals – Split point drill bits can be used on soft metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper.
- Plastics – Split point drill bits can be used on semi-rigid plastics, including PVC and ABS.
- Masonry – Split point drill bits can also be used on masonry such as brick and concrete.
Split point drill bits are designed to provide a more precise and accurate hole than standard drill bits, and can be used in a variety of materials.
Conclusion
Split point drill bits enable users to drill materials more quickly and safely than with traditional drill bits. They are ideal for metalworking, metal fabrication, and other construction projects. Their split point design significantly reduces walking, resulting in cleaner and more accurate holes. Split point drill bits also provide improved cutting action and require less pressure to drill, making them a great choice for drilling in tight spaces.
