ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt Drill Bit

The ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt Drill Bit is a premium
high-speed steel cobalt (HSS-Co) twist drill engineered for
demanding drilling applications in hard and abrasive metals. With a precision
fully ground body, cobalt-alloyed HSS (typically ~5% Co) and a
135° split-point tip, it delivers superior performance in stainless steel,
alloy steels and tough materials. Ideal for fabricators, engineers, maintenance teams,
automotive and M&E contractors.

The ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt Drill Bit is manufactured from
cobalt-enriched high speed steel (often M35 or equivalent) and then
fully ground to final size. This process produces a:

• Highly concentric, true-running drill for accurate holes,
• Optimised flute profile for efficient chip removal, and
• Smoother cutting action compared with rolled or milled bits.

The addition of cobalt gives the bit significantly higher red hardness, allowing it
to maintain cutting performance at the elevated temperatures generated when drilling:

• Stainless steels and acid-resistant steels,
• High-tensile and alloy steels,
• Abrasion-resistant and work-hardening materials,
• General mild and structural steels, where extended life is desired.

These bits are ideal for both hand-held drilling with cordless/corded drills and
pillar drills/drill presses in workshops, especially where standard HSS drills
blunt rapidly.

Typical Use Cases

• Stainless steel fabrication – drilling handrails, balustrades, tanks, cladding and frames.
• Engineering & workshop – holes in alloy steels, cast steel, high-tensile bolts, brackets and fixtures.
• Automotive & plant maintenance – drilling into chassis members, exhausts, brackets and engine-related steels.
• Mechanical & electrical installation – penetration of stainless trunking, control panels,
  cabinets and heavy-duty containment.
• General metal fabrication – any application where standard HSS bits wear too quickly
  in tough materials.

Application & Usage Tips

• Tool & mode selection:
  • Use in a rotary drill/driver, combi drill (rotary-only) or drill press.
  • Never use hammer mode – hammer action will damage both bit and workpiece.
• Speed & feed (especially for stainless):
  • Use lower RPM than you would for mild steel; cobalt bits prefer
    slower speeds and steady pressure.
  • As a rule: larger diameters = lower RPM. Refer to cutting speed charts where possible.
  • Avoid rubbing – the bit should be cutting continuously, not just spinning and polishing the surface.
• Lubrication:
  • Always use a good cutting fluid or oil when drilling stainless, hard steels and thicker materials.
  • Lubrication extends tool life, improves finish and reduces the risk of work hardening.
• Starting the hole:
  • The 135° split-point reduces wandering, but on smooth, curved or critical work use a centre punch.
  • Begin with steady pressure until the point is fully engaged.
• Drilling technique:
  • Maintain the drill square to the surface for round, accurate holes.
  • Use a peck drilling method on deep holes: drill a bit, withdraw to clear chips and reapply cutting fluid,
    then continue.
  • If the drill starts to squeal or turn blue, reduce speed, increase lubrication and check the bit is still sharp.
• Care & maintenance:
  • Allow bits to cool in air; do not quench in water (thermal shock can damage the cutting edge).
  • Store in a drill index or case to protect the cutting lips.
  • Re-sharpen cobalt bits with appropriate equipment when dull; keep the correct point angle and lip symmetry.

Technical & Performance Overview

Exact specification (material grade, size range, tolerance) may vary within the
ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt line. Always refer to the specific pack or
ForgeMaster technical documentation for precise details.

• Brand: ForgeMaster
• Product type: HSS ground cobalt twist drill bit (HSS-Co).
• Base material: High-speed steel with approx. 5% cobalt content
  (commonly M35 or equivalent – see packaging).
• Manufacturing: Fully ground flutes and diameter for precision and smooth cutting.
• Point angle: Typically 135° split point for self-centring and reduced walking.
• Shank: Straight (cylindrical) shank, sized to drill diameter
  (reduced shank for larger sizes where applicable).
• Size range: Common metric sizes approx. 1.0–13.0 mm (and larger in steps),
  supplied individually and/or in sets (check product options).
• Suitable materials:
  • Stainless steel (INOX),
  • High-tensile / alloy steels,
  • Mild steel & structural steel,
  • Cast steel,
  • Non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, brass,
  • Some hard plastics (with correct speeds and care).
• Tool compatibility: Fits standard 3‑jaw drill chucks on cordless, corded and pillar drills.
• Standards: Manufactured in accordance with typical HSS twist drill standards
  (e.g. DIN/ISO equivalents – see label).
• Storage: Keep dry and clean in a box or index; avoid mechanical damage to cutting edges.

ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt Drill Bit Features & Customer Benefits

• Built for tough metals
  Cobalt content and full grinding make these bits far more durable in stainless and high-tensile steels
  than standard HSS drills.
• Precision drilling
  Ground flutes and accurate sizing give true-running holes with reduced vibration and
  improved positional accuracy.
• Less walking and faster starts
  The 135° split-point tip bites quickly and helps stay on mark, cutting
  down on wandering and the need for heavy centre punching.
• Excellent value over time
  Although more premium than basic HSS, the extended life and better performance in hard materials
  can significantly reduce total bit consumption.
• Versatile in workshop & on site
  One bit type can cover a wide range of steel and stainless drilling tasks, simplifying stock for
  engineers, fabricators and maintenance teams.

Frequently Asked Questions – ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt Drill Bit

1. When should I choose a cobalt drill bit instead of standard HSS?

Use cobalt HSS (HSS-Co) when drilling:

• Stainless steels and acid-resistant steels,
• High-tensile and alloy steels,
• Other hard, abrasive or work-hardening metals,

or whenever standard HSS bits are dulling too quickly in metal.

2. Do I still need cutting fluid with cobalt bits?

Yes. While cobalt bits tolerate heat better, using a suitable cutting fluid or oil is highly recommended:

• Reduces friction and heat,
• Extends bit life,
• Improves hole quality.

3. Can I use these bits in a cordless drill?

Yes. ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt Drill Bits are well-suited to cordless drills:

• Use an appropriate low speed and high torque setting,
• Let the bit cut steadily – avoid stalling the motor,
• Keep batteries well charged for best performance.

4. Are these suitable for aluminium and softer metals?

Yes, they can be used on aluminium, brass and copper. However, cobalt is somewhat over-specified for
very soft materials; if used:

• Use higher speeds (but avoid excessive heat),
• Clear chips frequently to prevent clogging.

5. Can ForgeMaster cobalt bits be re-sharpened?

Yes. They can be re-ground using suitable drill sharpening equipment:

• Maintain the original point angle (typically 135°) and correct lip relief,
• Avoid overheating during grinding (use coolant or light passes).

Proper re-sharpening restores performance and maximises the investment in cobalt drills.

6. Common Uses & How to Use ForgeMaster HSS Ground Cobalt Drill Bits

Common Uses:

• Drilling fixing and clearance holes in stainless steel handrails and balustrades.
• Creating bolt and rivet holes in structural and alloy steels.
• Maintenance drilling on plant, machinery and heavy vehicles.
• Workshop fabrication of frames, brackets and fixtures from hard steels.

How to Use – Step-by-Step:

1. Select the correct bit diameter and ensure it is sharp and undamaged.
2. Clamp or secure the workpiece; mark the hole location and, if needed, centre punch the point.
3. Fit the bit into the drill chuck and tighten firmly; set the drill to rotary-only mode.
4. Apply a small amount of cutting fluid to the mark, especially on stainless or hard steel.
5. Start drilling at a low speed, applying steady pressure until the bit is fully engaged.
6. Use a pecking action for deep holes: drill part way, withdraw to clear swarf and reapply cutting fluid, then continue.
7. Once through, ease off pressure, let the bit break through cleanly and then stop the drill before withdrawing fully.