HSS Drill Bits: What Are They and When to Use Them

Whether you’re in the building trade as a professional or engaged in your own DIY projects, it’s essential to understand when to use the right sort of drill bit for the job. In this field, the HSS drill bit is one of the most widely used and versatile options. It would be an unusual toolbox or work cabinet if it didn’t have at least one set of HSS drill bits, and many pro tradesmen will use them every day.

In this blog, we’ve taken some common questions about these drill bits, such as what are HSS drill bits, what are HSS drill bits used for, and when to use an HSS drill bit, so you can make the most of your tools.

What Are HSS Drill Bits?

HSS stands for High Speed Steel, so HSS drill bits are those made from high speed steel. This is a steel alloy specially designed to withstand the high temperatures, friction and abrasion of drilling operations without losing hardness or sharpness. Specifically, high speed steels have added content of chromium and tungsten and are produced by hardening the molten steel slowly by air-cooling rather than quenching it with water like most carbon steels – this is what makes high speed steel so tough. The first commercial high speed steel was introduced in 1910, creating a sea-change in industrial production and machining due to the increased work rates possible. Now HSS drill bits are available to workers, trades and craftspeople of all kinds.

Drill bits made from high speed steel are highly durable and so are ideal for cutting in a variety of materials. HSS drill bits are known for their precision-profiled sharp edges and excellent resistance to wear. Even in intensive drilling tasks, HSS drill bits will maintain the precision of both their shape and your work. Whether you’re working on metals, wood or plastics, HSS drill bits are the dependable choice. In fact, they’re often called ‘jobber’ drill bits because, like a jobbing tradesman or worker, they can be used for a wide variety of jobs and projects.

What Are HSS Drill Bits Used For?

HSS drill bits can be used for a huge range of drilling tasks, and are well-suited to use on materials commonly encountered in day-to-day jobs – metal, wood and plastics. The properties of high speed steel gives it excellent heat-shedding and heat-resistant qualities which are key for maintaining their performance in intensive heavy work – overheated drill bits suffer rapid wear. HSS drill bits are therefore ideal for tasks where precision or speed (or both!) are needed to produce clean, accurate holes to specific dimensions. This applies across general construction, home improvement projects and professional work.

Are HSS Drill Bits for Masonry?

We’ve already mentioned how HSS drill bits can be used on many common construction and engineering materials. But are HSS drill bits for masonry? The answer is – generally, no. HSS drill bits are not designed for use with masonry (materials such as brick and stone). When used on these materials, the drill bit will wear quickly, damaging the bit and leading to inefficient drilling. Can you use HSS drill bits for concrete? Again, it’s best not to. Concrete is another form of masonry. This work requires specially designed masonry drill bits suitable for hard and abrasive materials.

Are HSS Drill Bits for Metal?

Yes, metal is one of the primary uses of HSS drill bits. They’re excellent for drilling through a variety of metals, including mild steel, aluminium and copper, and without losing their sharpness. With good response to heat, HSS drill bits maintain performance even under heavy use on metalworking projects, whether in workshops or on-site construction.

Can HSS Drill Bits Be Used for Wood?

Can HSS drill bits be used for wood? Yes, they can. Although primarily designed for resistant materials, HSS drill bits will come to no harm when used on softer organic materials. Your main concern will be damaging the wood itself by drilling too fast – make sure you control and moderate the drill speed to avoid tearing the wood by splintering or burning the surface with the hot drill – the drill bit may resist high temperatures, but the wood may not! This versatility is why HSS drill bits are such a useful all-rounder, since you don’t have to keep swapping drill bits when working between metals, plastics and wood.

When to Use an HSS Drill Bit

Knowing when to use an HSS drill bit depends on the material and the type of project. HSS drill bits are ideal for metal, wood and some plastics, especially when precision and heat resistance are required. They are perfect for tasks where durability, sharpness and versatility are important, such as building furniture, assembling machinery, or creating accurate holes in metal components. Avoid using them on masonry or concrete, but for most other materials, HSS drill bits are a reliable and efficient choice.

HSS Drill Bits from Rennie Tools

We hope this blog has answered your questions about HSS drill bits and made it clear why they’re such a vital and useful tool to have in your toolbox. Rennie Tool Company manufactures and sells a wide range of HSS drill bits. Browse our range, and you’ll see that whatever size, shank shape and quantity of drill bits you need, we’ll almost certainly have the product for you. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or have any questions about our products or ordering and delivery service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.