Reliable Drilling for Everyday Workshop Work

When drilling is part of the daily workload, having the right bit for the material & hole size makes the job easier from the start. P&N Jobber Bits include options for general-purpose drilling plus more demanding metal applications, giving workshops practical choices across different sizes, constructions & finishes.

Depending on the range selected, P&N jobber drill bits include HSS, cobalt & TiN-coated options. Individual bits make it easy to replace commonly used sizes while drill sets provide a convenient spread of diameters for changing jobs.

Browse Drills for more drilling options or explore Power Tool Accessories when putting together the rest of your setup.

Match the Drill Bit to the Material

Not every drilling job places the same demands on a bit. The material being drilled is one of the first things worth checking before choosing.

P&N general-purpose bright jobber drills are suited to drilling materials including metal, wood & plastic. For tougher metal applications, P&N cobalt options extend into steel, stainless steel, cast iron, brass & aluminium.

Cobalt formulations are designed to provide greater abrasive resistance & retain strength at higher cutting temperatures. This makes the material being worked just as important as the diameter required.

Selected P&N jobber drills also feature TiN-coated tips. Titanium Nitride coating provides additional wear resistance around the tip & cutting-edge area where wear is concentrated.

If drilling sits alongside other metal preparation work, Metal Cutting & Grinding Tools can help complete the wider workshop setup.

HSS, Cobalt & TiN – What’s the Difference?

Knowing what each option brings to the job makes choosing between P&N Jobber Bits much simpler.

HSS Jobber Bits

High Speed Steel is a practical choice for general drilling work. P&N bright HSS options are suited to everyday drilling across materials including metal, wood & plastic.

Cobalt Jobber Bits

P&N cobalt jobber drills are intended for more demanding metal applications. Their formulation provides increased abrasive resistance plus strength at elevated cutting temperatures.

TiN-Coated Jobber Bits

Selected drills feature Titanium Nitride coating around the tip. The coating adds wear resistance where the cutting edges experience significant contact during drilling.

There is no single option that automatically suits every job. Start with the material, then consider the hole diameter & drill features that suit the work.

Before drilling begins, Punches & Awls can also help with marking & preparation where a defined starting position is required.

Look Beyond the Diameter

Diameter is important, but several other features can affect which jobber drill is appropriate.

► Material suitability – check that the selected drill is intended for the material being worked
► Drill construction – choose between HSS, cobalt or coated options according to the application
► Point geometry – selected P&N Jobber Drills feature a 135° split point designed for accurate positioning with less drilling pressure
► Flute design – selected options use parabolic flute geometry to assist chip evacuation
► Shank design – selected P&N drills feature precision-engineered parallel shanks for accurate hole sizing
► Required diameter – confirm the exact hole size before choosing an individual bit or set

Accurate drilling also starts with good preparation. Measuring & Layout Tools can help with positioning, measurement & layout before the drilling work begins.

Individual Jobber Bits or a Drill Set?

How often you drill different hole sizes can help determine whether individual bits or a set makes more sense.

Individual P&N Jobber Bits are useful when you know the exact diameter required, need to replace a worn or missing size or regularly use particular diameters.

Jobber drill sets keep multiple sizes together, making them practical where the required diameter changes from job to job.

Where available, bulk packs can also make sense for frequently used sizes that are regularly replaced.

Think about the work passing through the workshop rather than simply choosing the option with the greatest number of pieces. A carefully selected group of commonly used sizes can be more practical than carrying drills that rarely leave the case.

For workshops moving between drilling, cutting & other metalworking operations, Fabrication Tools & Workholding offers related equipment for the surrounding job.

A Better Drilling Setup Starts Before the Trigger

Good drilling begins before the bit starts cutting.

First confirm the material & required finished diameter. Mark the position accurately, secure the work appropriately then choose a drill bit suited to the application.

A simple approach is:

► Identify the material being drilled
► Confirm the required hole diameter
► Choose the appropriate jobber drill type
► Check the selected drill's point, flute & shank features
► Position the hole accurately
► Secure the work appropriately
► Use drilling equipment suited to the task

Regular workshop preparation can help keep commonly used sizes & equipment ready when they're needed. Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready looks at preparing tools & gear ahead of busier work periods.

Keep Common Drill Sizes Easy to Find

Small drill bits are much easier to use when the required diameter can be located quickly. Keeping singles, replacements & accessories organised can reduce unnecessary searching when moving between jobs.

Small Parts Organisers provide a practical storage option for smaller workshop items where organised access matters.

It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the power tool doing the drilling. 7 Signs Your Power Tool Needs a Service Before It Fails on Site highlights warning signs that may indicate attention is required before equipment causes an interruption.

For anyone building up a broader working tool kit, The Apprentice's First Tool Kit: What You Actually Need offers practical reading around choosing tools for day-to-day trade work.