standard

Drill Bit Materials: HSS vs Cobalt vs Carbide (Overview)

This page provides standardized, specification-oriented reference information.

Specifications

Specification Value
HSS (High-Speed Steel) General-purpose; good for wood/plastics and many mild steels (varies by alloy).
Cobalt (e.g., M35/M42) HSS alloy with added cobalt; often better for higher-heat drilling and tougher steels.
Carbide Very hard and wear-resistant; typically used for abrasive materials; more brittle and requires rigid setup.

Availability

As an Amazon Associate, Baseline earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.

Sources

  • Manufacturer documentation
  • General woodworking/drilling references

Last updated: