► Champion | Drill Bits

Accurate & Efficient Metal Drilling 

Champion Drill Bits are suited to fabricators, mechanics, maintenance technicians, manufacturers & construction professionals who need accurate, reliable drilling performance across metalworking applications. Whether drilling mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium or cast iron, selecting the right drill bit helps improve hole quality, control heat & reduce premature tool wear.

At Industrial Shed, Champion Drill Bits can form part of a broader metalworking setup alongside Metal Cutting & Grinding Tools, Fabrication Tools & Workholding & Tap & Die Sets. Choosing compatible tooling, secure workholding & suitable operating conditions helps improve drilling accuracy while reducing unnecessary load on both the drill bit & machine.

This guide explains what Champion Drill Bits are, why correct selection matters & how different drill bit materials perform across common workshop metals. It also covers practical buying considerations, drilling technique, maintenance & troubleshooting to help Australian trade professionals achieve more consistent results.

At a Glance

Champion Drill Bits for Accurate & Efficient Metal Drilling

Champion Drill Bits are designed to create accurate holes while delivering dependable cutting performance across a broad range of professional workshop applications. Selecting the correct drill bit helps reduce cutting resistance, improve positional accuracy & produce cleaner hole finishes.

Drilling performance depends on more than diameter alone. Material type, cutting speed, feed pressure, lubrication, drill rigidity & machine condition all influence the result. Secure workholding from the Fabrication Tools & Workholding range can help reduce movement, while suitable Testing & Measurement Tools can support accurate marking, checking & inspection.

Whether completing one-off repairs or repetitive fabrication work, understanding drill bit design & application helps reduce premature wear, improve productivity & minimise avoidable rework.

What Are Champion Drill Bits?

Champion Drill Bits are rotary cutting tools designed to create accurate holes by removing material through sharpened cutting lips & spiral flutes.

As the drill bit rotates, the cutting lips shear material from the workpiece while the flutes carry chips away from the cutting zone. Effective chip evacuation helps control heat, reduce cutting resistance & improve hole consistency.

Different drill bit styles are designed for different operating conditions. Depending on the products available in the collection, these may include:

► Jobber Drill Bits – General-purpose drill bits suited to common workshop drilling tasks.
► Stub Drill Bits – Shorter, more rigid drill bits used where improved positional accuracy is required.
► Long Series Drill Bits – Designed for applications requiring additional drilling depth or reach.
► Reduced Shank Drill Bits – Larger-diameter drill bits manufactured with a smaller shank for compatible drill chucks.

Always check the individual product specifications before purchasing. Drill bit material, coating, point geometry, flute design, shank size & recommended application can vary between products.

Why Correct Drill Bit Selection Matters

Correct drill bit selection improves drilling accuracy, controls heat, supports efficient chip evacuation & extends usable tool life.

Using an unsuitable drill bit can cause excessive heat, poor hole finish, inaccurate sizing, rapid cutting-edge wear & increased machine load. It may also contribute to work hardening when drilling stainless steel or to chip clogging when drilling softer materials.

Selection should consider:

► The material being drilled
► Required hole diameter & depth
► Drill or machine capability
► Recommended spindle speed
► Feed pressure
► Lubrication requirements
► Hole tolerance & finish requirements
► Workholding stability

For fabrication work involving multiple processes, Metal Fab. Kits can help bring together complementary tooling for drilling, cutting, fitting & assembly tasks.

Why Choose Champion Drill Bits?

Champion Drill Bits are used across fabrication, engineering, manufacturing, automotive & maintenance applications where dependable hole-making performance is required.

Their practical value depends on matching the drill bit to the material, machine & drilling conditions. Even a quality drill bit can perform poorly when used at excessive speed, with insufficient feed pressure or in equipment affected by chuck runout, bearing wear or poor alignment.

Regular inspection & cleaning using a suitable Tool Maintenance Kit can help identify wear, built-up residue or damage before it affects drilling performance.

Choosing the Right Champion Drill Bit for Different Materials

Different metals produce different heat levels, chip forms & cutting forces, so drill bit selection and operating technique should be adjusted to suit the workpiece.

Mild Steel

Mild steel is one of the most common materials drilled in fabrication & maintenance environments. General-purpose HSS drill bits are often suitable when used with an appropriate spindle speed, steady feed pressure & suitable cutting lubricant where required.

A centre punch can help reduce wandering at the start of the hole. For larger diameters, a pilot hole may reduce cutting load, although the pilot should not be so large that the main drill bit cannot cut effectively at its centre.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel generates considerable heat & can work harden when the drill bit rubs instead of cutting. Lower spindle speeds, firm continuous feed pressure & suitable cutting fluid generally produce better results than high speed with light pressure.

Cobalt drill bits are commonly selected for demanding stainless steel applications because they retain hardness more effectively at elevated cutting temperatures.

Aluminium

Aluminium is relatively easy to drill but can create long, stringy chips that interfere with chip evacuation. Sharp cutting edges, suitable flute clearance & regular withdrawal during deeper holes can help prevent clogging.

Excessive built-up material on the cutting edge may reduce hole quality & increase burr formation.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is abrasive & can accelerate cutting-edge wear. It commonly produces short, powdery chips rather than long swarf. Sharp drill bits, rigid workholding & suitable spindle speeds help improve accuracy & tool life.

Because cast iron dust can be hazardous to breathe, use appropriate respiratory protection where required. Suitable options can be found in Respiratory Protection & Accessories.

Product materials, coatings, geometries & recommended operating conditions vary throughout the Champion range. Always refer to the individual product page before selecting a drill bit for a specific material or application.

HSS vs Cobalt Drill Bits

HSS drill bits provide dependable all-round workshop performance, while cobalt drill bits are generally better suited to harder materials & higher-temperature drilling conditions.

Neither option is automatically best for every task. The correct choice depends on the workpiece material, hole depth, drilling frequency, machine condition & operator technique.

Where a drilled hole will be threaded, pairing the correct tapping-size drill with suitable Tap & Die Sets helps improve thread accuracy & reduce the risk of tap breakage.

How Different Trades Use Champion Drill Bits

Champion Drill Bits support accurate hole-making across fabrication, automotive, construction, maintenance & manufacturing applications.

The correct drill bit depends on the workpiece material, required hole diameter, machine capability & finish standard. Different trades may use the same drill bit type in very different operating conditions, so selection should be based on the actual task rather than the trade name alone.

Fabricators

Fabricators use drill bits for brackets, frames, plates, enclosures, structural components & general assembly work. Hole accuracy is especially important where drilled parts must align with bolts, rivets, pins or threaded fasteners.

Stable workholding helps reduce movement during drilling. Depending on the job, suitable Bench Vices, Welding Clamps & Magnets or other Fabrication Tools & Workholding may improve repeatability & operator control.

Mechanics

Mechanics use drill bits for equipment repairs, bracket modifications, broken fastener removal, component fitting & vehicle maintenance.

Before drilling, the work area should be inspected for wiring, fuel lines, hydraulic hoses, sealed components or hidden fasteners. The broader Automotive & Mechanical range can support workshop inspection, maintenance & repair tasks.

Maintenance Technicians

Maintenance teams often drill replacement mounting holes, repair damaged guards, modify machinery brackets & restore components during planned or emergency maintenance.

Because maintenance work frequently involves unknown or worn materials, technicians should inspect the workpiece carefully before selecting a drill bit. Surface coatings, hardened sections, weld repairs & previous modifications may affect drilling behaviour.

Manufacturers

Manufacturing environments may require repeated hole sizes, predictable cycle times & consistent finishes. Drill bit selection should account for production volume, workpiece material, machine rigidity & replacement intervals.

Regular checking with suitable Testing & Measurement Tools can help identify dimensional drift before it results in rejected components.

Construction Trades

Construction professionals may use drill bits for steel framing, brackets, fixings, service supports, plant installation & general site modification.

On-site conditions can introduce dust, moisture, movement & limited access. Suitable Work Safety Protections should be selected for the task, environment & applicable workplace requirements.

Agricultural & Rural Workshops

Rural workshops often drill machinery guards, trailer components, brackets, gates & repair plates. These jobs may involve weathered steel, painted surfaces, corrosion or previous weld repairs.

Cleaning the work area before drilling helps expose defects & reduces the chance of starting a hole on an uneven or unstable surface.

Before You Buy Champion Drill Bits

Before buying Champion Drill Bits, confirm the material, hole size, drilling depth, machine capacity & expected workload.

A drill bit that performs well in thin mild steel may not be the best choice for stainless steel, deep holes or repeated production work. Checking the key application details before purchasing helps reduce incorrect selections & premature wear.

Buying Checklist

► Confirm the material – Identify whether the workpiece is mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron or another compatible material.
► Check the required diameter – Match the drill bit size to the finished hole or tapping requirement.
► Consider hole depth – Deeper holes may require additional flute length, staged drilling or improved chip evacuation.
► Check shank compatibility – Confirm the drill bit shank will fit the available chuck, collet or machine spindle.
► Assess machine capability – Larger drill bits may require greater torque, lower speed & more rigid equipment.
► Review drilling frequency – Occasional workshop drilling may have different tooling requirements from repetitive production work.
► Confirm lubrication needs – Some materials benefit from cutting fluid or lubricant to control heat & improve edge life.
► Check workholding – The workpiece must be secured before drilling.
► Review personal protection requirements – Select suitable eye, face, hand, hearing & respiratory protection for the task.

Where accurate marking is required before drilling, Markers & Pencils, Rulers & Straight Edges & Measuring & Layout Tools can support more consistent hole placement.

Choosing the Right Champion Drill Bit

Choose a Champion Drill Bit by matching its diameter, material, length, point geometry & shank design to the workpiece and machine.

Diameter is only one part of the selection process. Two drill bits of the same size may perform differently because of their construction, geometry or intended application.

Drill Bit Material

HSS drill bits are suitable for many general workshop tasks. Cobalt drill bits generally provide higher heat resistance for more demanding metal drilling.

The product description should confirm the actual drill bit material. Colour alone should not be used as the only identification method because surface finishes & coatings vary between manufacturers.

Drill Bit Length

Shorter drill bits are generally more rigid & may reduce deflection. Longer drill bits provide additional reach but may require greater care to prevent wandering or breakage.

Select the shortest drill bit that provides enough flute length & access for the required hole.

Point Geometry

Point angles vary between drill bit designs. A 118-degree point is common on many general-purpose twist drills, while 135-degree split-point designs are often used to improve starting control on harder materials.

The correct geometry depends on the specific drill bit, material & application. Always confirm product specifications rather than assuming every drill bit uses the same point angle.

Shank Type

Straight shanks are common on general-purpose drill bits. Reduced shanks may allow larger drill diameters to fit compatible smaller chucks.

The shank must be properly seated & tightened. Dirt, burrs or damage on the shank can contribute to poor clamping or excessive runout.

Individual Drill Bits vs Sets

Individual drill bits are useful when replacing frequently used sizes or purchasing for a specific task. Sets provide a broader range of diameters for workshops that regularly encounter different hole requirements.

For businesses equipping apprentices or general trade workshops, Apprentice Starter Kits & Tool Sets & Combo Kits may help build a broader equipment base.

Quick Selection Guide

Use the table below as a starting point, then confirm the individual Champion product specification before purchase.

For threaded-hole preparation, confirm the recommended tapping drill size before using Tap & Die Sets. An incorrect pilot diameter can increase tapping force, weaken thread engagement or contribute to tap breakage.

Professional Workshop Tips

Good drilling results depend on preparation, correct machine settings & controlled cutting technique.

Best Practices

► Inspect the drill bit before use. Check for chipped cutting lips, uneven wear, bent shanks, corrosion or built-up material.
► Mark the hole accurately. Use a suitable layout method & centre punch where appropriate.
► Secure the workpiece. Never rely on hand pressure alone to restrain metal during drilling.
► Select the correct speed. Larger diameters & harder materials generally require lower spindle speeds.
► Apply steady feed pressure. The drill bit should cut rather than rub.
► Use suitable lubrication. Where recommended, cutting fluid helps reduce friction & control heat.
► Clear chips during deeper drilling. Withdraw the drill bit periodically when required to improve evacuation.
► Reduce pressure near breakthrough. This can help limit grabbing, burr formation & sudden feed-through.
► Check hole size. Measure critical holes before continuing with assembly or tapping.

Suitable Clamps & Vises can improve workpiece stability, particularly during bench drilling & fabrication.

Common Mistakes

► Running the drill too fast for the material or diameter
► Applying light pressure that allows the cutting edges to rub
► Continuing to use a visibly dull or damaged drill bit
► Drilling stainless steel without controlling heat
► Failing to secure thin sheet before breakthrough
► Using excessive side pressure to enlarge a hole
► Allowing chips to pack into a deep hole
► Using a drill chuck with visible wobble or poor grip
► Selecting a pilot hole that is too large for the following drill bit
► Ignoring burrs before fitting bolts, rivets or threaded components

Common Problems & Solutions

Most drilling problems can be traced to drill bit condition, machine setup, speed, feed, lubrication or workholding.

Never clear swarf while rotating machinery is running. Stop the equipment & isolate it where required before removing chips or inspecting the work area.

Trade Tips for Better Drilling Results

Small adjustments to preparation & technique can significantly improve drilling consistency.

Start with Accurate Layout

An accurate hole begins with accurate marking. Check dimensions from a reliable datum rather than measuring each hole from the previous mark, as small errors can accumulate.

Measuring & Leveling Tools can support layout checks where alignment or level is important.

Use a Pilot Hole Carefully

Pilot holes can reduce cutting load for larger drill diameters, but an oversized pilot may remove the material required for the main drill bit's chisel edge to guide the cut.

The best pilot size depends on the final drill diameter, material & drill geometry.

Control Heat in Stainless Steel

Stainless steel can harden locally when the drill bit rubs. Use a suitable drill bit, lower speed, firm feed & appropriate lubricant.

Repeatedly pausing while maintaining contact may create heat without useful cutting.

Support Thin Material

Thin sheet can flex, distort or grab as the drill breaks through. Clamp it securely & use backing material where appropriate.

Keep hands away from the drilling zone because thin metal can rotate suddenly if it catches.

Deburr Finished Holes

Burrs can interfere with assembly, prevent fasteners from seating correctly & create sharp handling hazards.

Deburr holes using a suitable tool without removing excessive material or altering the required diameter.

Check Runout Before Blaming the Drill Bit

A new drill bit will not correct a worn chuck, bent spindle or poorly seated shank. Rotate the machine slowly & inspect for visible wobble before beginning critical work.

Maintenance & Storage

Cleaning, inspection & protected storage help preserve drill bit condition & reduce avoidable damage.

Cleaning

Remove loose chips, cutting fluid residue & debris after use. Dry drill bits before storage to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Do not handle sharp cutting edges carelessly. Metal swarf may also be sharp enough to cause injury.

Inspection

Check drill bits for:

► Chipped or rounded cutting lips
► Uneven wear
► Blue or dark heat discolouration
► Bent or damaged shanks
► Corrosion
► Flute damage
► Material built up on the cutting edge

A drill bit with unequal cutting lips may produce oversized, rough or off-centre holes.

Sharpening

Some twist drill bits can be resharpened when the cutting edges become dull. Correct sharpening requires both cutting lips to remain equal in length, angle & relief.

Poor sharpening may cause the drill bit to cut on one lip, wander or create an oversized hole. Replace drill bits that are cracked, heavily chipped, bent or no longer suitable for safe resharpening.

Storage

Store drill bits in their original case, indexed organiser or protective rack. Avoid placing loose drill bits in drawers where cutting edges can strike other tools.

Keep sizes clearly identified to reduce incorrect selection & unnecessary handling.

Replacement

Replace a drill bit when it:

► Requires excessive pressure to cut
► Continues overheating under correct operating conditions
► Produces inaccurate or poor-quality holes
► Shows cracking, severe chipping or bending
► Cannot be securely held by the machine
► Has been sharpened beyond a practical serviceable length

A suitable Tool Maintenance Kit may help with routine workshop cleaning & inspection.

Product materials, coatings, geometries & recommended operating conditions vary between drill bit types. Always follow the individual product information, equipment instructions & applicable workplace safety procedures.