cobalt drill bits vs titanium

Cobalt vs Titanium Drill Bits. Best Cobalt Drill Bit Set â Drill Hog. Can be used in both hand and drill presses. By doing simple and easy tasks around your home, you can not only become proficient in skills that will come in handy in life, but you can also save money by avoiding paying someone to perform these tasks for you. Black Oxide Vs Titanium Vs Cobalt: Differences 1. So which is better, cobalt or titanium? Cobalt bits are quite a bit more expensive than titanium ones. This drill bit is made out of an alloy of titanium nitride and high-speed steel. You can read more about the topic in my article comparing black oxide, cobalt, and titanium drill bits. The differences start from the production of the bits. High-alloy steel: Choose a titanium nitride-coated or cobalt bit with a 135-degree flute. And the advantage of titanium over cobalt is the initial price. They’re very tough bits, making them suitable when others just won’t do. However, they do contain a bit of cobalt, which is where they get their name from. Titanium drill bits are also good in metal cutting machines because they can be used to drill very precise holes. Their better quality materials and ability to be sharpened means they’ll last you a lot longer than a standard HSS drill bit. They are not made of pure cobalt, which we will discuss in-depth shortly. Cobalt Drill Bits. In contrast, the cobalt bits are made of cobalt and steel alloy. Adding cobalt to the base alloy makes them incredibly hard and durable. All rights reserved. However, this coating does wear down over time. While their performance is fairly similar, there are applications where one is better than the other. Titanium drill bits are usually coated with titanium nitride or titanium carbonitride, which are gold and bluish-gray in color, â¦ This doesn’t really have anything to do with performance, but with price. Of course, this is assuming that you have a bit of money to spend upfront. They are better suited for drilling metal due to high resistance to the massive heat generated when drilling through highly abrasive and/or hard materials such as treated stainless steel, titanium, and cast iron. Remember they belong to the HSS drill bit class. However, they don’t last as long because the coating comes off over time. You don’t have to worry about one of these blades getting very hot. This can get quite expensive if you’re not careful. Compared to cobalt drill bits, titanium bits have a much shorter lifespan for this very reason. However, cobalt blades are made to dissipate heat. Cobalt vs Titanium Drill Bits â 2020 Review Learning proper use of tools is a handy investment. Manufacturers usually add between 5 and 7% cobalt, but this varies by brand. The downside to cobalt bits is that they tend to cost a bit more than their steel counterparts. When you’re drilling metal with a metal bit, things are going to get hot. Cobalt and titanium drill bits are both expensive. Can I use cobalt drill bits with wood? Because of this, they can often save you money in the long run. The Cobalt bits come in 15-, 19-, 25-, and 29-piece kits while the Titanium set is offered in 10-, 15-, 23-, and 29-piece kits. They are also made to drill through tougher materials, like metal. Cobalt drill bits are a mix of metals plus either 5% cobalt (M35 drill bits) or 8% cobalt (M42 drill bits). Cobalt bits are not designed for general purpose use. However, those who drill into metal often will need to replace their titanium bits, which can add up. Steel melts at around 2500 degrees F (1370 C), while cobalt melts around 2723 degrees F (1495 C). Also, cobalt has a higher melting point than steel. They are best for professionals, though DIYers, with lots of projects, will appreciate them as well. These Drill Bits is unlike any cobalt drill bit and it composes of completely steel alloy with just a coating of Titanium. The Main Differences Titanium Drill Bits vs Cobalt Drill Bits The Main Differences Titanium Drill Bits vs Cobalt Drill Bits are: Titanium Drill Bits are made of steel and coated with either titanium nitride or titanium carbonitride, whereas the Cobalt Drill Bits are made from a mixture of cobalt and steel alloy. However, these bits do not contain any cobalt. Yes, drill bits do not end with titanium and black oxide bits. Both kits are jobber length, include a 1/2-inch twist drill, and come in a sturdy case. Yes, you can, but it will be an overkill. As we said, neither of these drill bits is necessarily always going to be the best choice. Sharpening them would therefore expose the steel core, rendering them nearly useless. Less expensive than cobalt drill bits – good for home DIYers. Drill bits come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, ... Cobalt (HSCO) is considered an upgrade from HSS because it includes 5-8% Cobalt blended into the base material. Update Privacy Preferences Don’t last as long as cobalt if used regularly. ... (titanium nitride, gold color) Can be run faster than uncoated drills and â¦ Once it gets thin enough, it won’t do its job correctly. While they’re very hard they’re also very brittle and can shatter easily. This will happen much faster if you’re only using the bits on hard materials. In this article I’ll look at the differences of cobalt and titanium drill bits, including their most suitable uses. Basically, there are three types of drill bits in the market-Black Oxide Drill Bits. The material with which the drill bit is made is an essential point of difference. The differences stem from the way these drill bits are made. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth over time. CO-Z HSS Cobalt Drill Bits Set, Multiple Holes Step. After reading through this guide, you should be equipped with enough knowledge to decide whether your next project will benefit from cobalt or titanium drill bits. Titanium drill bits are capable of coping with heat since their titanium coatings enhance the dissipation of heat buildup more effectively compared to most drill bits, but they are quite expensive and donât have the durability of cobalt bits. This is the hardest and most fragile material used in bit production, and bits made from it should not be used in hand drills. However, the melting point isn’t as high as cobalt, so they’re often not as durable. They’re arguably a bit more versatile than cobalt drill bits because you can use them on soft and hard materials. While you can cobalt bits in softer materials, I wouldn’t recommend using on things such as wood or plastic. One is not necessarily better than all the others, but they each have their pros and cons. This is because, unlike cobalt drill bits, titanium bits are only coated. However, there are a few slight differences that set them apart from their Cobalt cousins – though both do look very similar at first. Titanium drill bits have a wide range of uses over standard HSS bits. Just like the cobalt drill bit, this drill bit isnât made out of titanium only. They have a short lifespan. You can easily sharpen dull drill bits on a bench grinder, but I’d recommend practicing on some old drill bits first so you know what you’re doing. They are also made to drill through tougher materials, like metal. Cobalt drill bits are designed for cutting through all sorts of metal, including stainless steel and cast iron. This makes them extremely tough and able to go through the most rigid materials out there, like cast iron. Most drill bits out there designed for tougher materials have some design feature that is made to dissipate heat. For Working with Wood and Soft Metal, Choose Titanium, 20 Different Types of Drill Bits & Their Uses, The Best Way to Cut Metal Roofing – Reviews & Top Picks 2020, The Best Way to Cut Sheet Metal – Reviews & Top Picks 2020, 8 Best Camping Saws – Top Picks, Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2021, 17 Essential Tools for Knife-Making (with Pictures). This means, the bits work with high-speed drills and pin at top speeds while powering through hard materials like metals without losing their â¦ Cobalt bits was doped with 5 or 8 percent cobalt. High-speed steel is alloyed with 5-8% cobalt to create cobalt drill bits. If you’re just an everyday DIYer who needs a set of fairly resistant and versatile drill bits, titanium will be a good choice. But titanium is a more cost effective choice for softer materials such as wood and soft metal. My name is Adam and I write for HealthyHandyman. They’re usually around 5% to 8% cobalt, with the rest being steel. When choosing the right titanium drill bit, consider the material you’re drilling. © Copyright 2021 HealthyHandyman. Only using them every now and then for at-home jobs it’ll take quite a while to wear down the coating. The addition of the cobalt allows for the drilling of hardened metals and also stainless steel. It depends on whether you want to spend more money now or later. Cobalt bits tend to be quite expensive. Cobalt Drill Bits Pricing. In a typical HSS composition, youâll find: 18% tungsten, 1% Vanadium, 4% Chromium, 0.7% carbon and 76.3 % iron. Sliding vs Non-Sliding Miter Saw – Which Is Best for Me? But this coating will still wear off over time even without sharpening. Titanium drill bits can drill through harâ¦ Cobalt vs titanium drill bits possess the resilience needed and wonât break or warp when making holes and drilling screws through the material. You’ll see a wide range of different drill bits out there. twist bits: a $2.75 high-speed steel bit, a $6 âblack oxideâ bit, a $7 cobalt bit and a $9.50 titanium bit. This gives them a longer lifespan, which saves you money over the long-term. Overall, cobalt bits offer greater versatility for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. They can dissipate heat very quickly, even at top speeds. Cobalt bits are specifically designed for drilling very hard, abrasive materials such as treated stainless steel, titanium and cast iron. Despite their primary use for metal, they can also be used for softer materials. Because of this, you really can’t sharpen the titanium drill bits very much before they become unusable. When it comes to drilling holes, the choice of high quality bits is almost endless. Can’t be sharpened, meaning you’ll have to replace them once coating wears off. While titanium drill bits wear more slowly, you can sharpen cobalt drill bits again and again. If you have the funds and the patience to sharpen drill bits by yourself, we recommend going with cobalt drill bits. While titanium drill bits wear more slowly, you can sharpen cobalt drill bits again and again. But they last longer, so you’ll save more in the long run. All in all, both of these bits dissipate heat well and can handle tougher materials. It contains all the information you might need for a range of types. This is a great option for drilling into harder steel as well as stainless steel grades. Instead, they are made of an alloy of high-speed steel and cobalt. Titanium drill bits are not entirely made with titanium. One thing to consider is that cobalt bits are quite brittle. Instead, cobalt drill bits are generally made from high-speed steel which contains a certain percentage, usually 5% to 8% of cobalt. They’re most commonly used to cut through hardened materials that steel alone would struggle with. Cobalt bits. All metal-on-metal bits are going to heat up. For titanium drill bits, it’s the titanium coating. With harder materials, they will need more frequent sharpening, which can wear their coating down quickly. The 3 types are: Using a titanium coating increases surface hardness of the cutting edge as well as reducing friction and adding corrosion protection. Because the cobalt is alloyed with the steel rather than just a coating, you don’t risk losing any of the enhanced material properties by sharpening the drill bit. Cobalt bits have no coating at all, which differs from titanium drill bits. Basically, itâs just another type of steel. However, there are subtle differences between them. Cobalt Drill Bit. Also, I recommend taking a look at my guide for how to sharpen drill bits. Healthyhandyman is reader-supported. The cobalt generally makes up anywhere between 5% and 8% of the material used to produce the drill bit. Under $50: Budget this much for an affordable but sturdy cobalt drill bit that can drill through almost all metal surfaces. Titanium drill bits are typically made from HHS steel with a titanium coating. If you’ve got any other advice to help readers make the right selection, leave a comment below so everyone can benefit from your knowledge. While the differences in material are a significant difference between cobalt and titanium drill bits, in practice, you probably aren’t going to notice a huge difference. Out of the three, cobalt drill bits are the hardest. There are only a few situations where the material sets the bits apart. Cobalt has many advantages that will be useful in the work. Hopefully by the end you’ll know exactly when to use each to get the most out of your next DIY project. The main advantage of titanium bits over high speed steel is their improved heat resistance and durability. Here's a review and comparison of the Harbor Freight warrior machinist 115 piece drill index sets jobber lengths. Titanium nitride – high temperature resistance. Addition of cobalt makes them brittle – be sure to care for them properly. Drill bits can be classified in two viewpoints- the size and the materials. However, their small differences is what makes each of them a significant impact of different projects. ; Cast iron: Choose a cobalt bit with a 135-degree flute. This makes them a better choice for softer materials because you’ll get much more use from them. Cobalt Drill Bits. Similar functionality to cobalt drill bits. Titanium â¦ Both of these bits are designed to drill through metal, making them durable and tougher than most drill bits. While they’re initially cheaper, you’ll find you have to replace them more regularly than cobalt drill bits. A good set of bits can be quite expensive. I consider one of the main disadvantages of titanium bits to be the fact that you can’t sharpen them. I can drill maybe 3 holes and the bit is still comfortable enough to hold, couldn't do that with the titanium bit and it cuts cleaner and quicker. When I was using the titanium coated bits, I would get little bits of metal flying around but with the cobalt bit, I get nice long spirals if I get the feed rate just right - I don't â¦ Titanium blades have a coating. This is a problem when you’re drilling metal since metal-on-metal can get very hot, very fast. Conclusions â Cobalt vs carbide drill bits: Cobalt drill bits are cheaper, and also can be used to drill stainless and hardened steel. Range of coatings means you can use titanium drill bits for both hard and soft materials. If you work with a wide variety of materials, you probably want a set of cobalt bits. The cobalt also prevents the bit from getting too hot as it spins against other metals. Light metals, including sheet metal: Choose a 135-degree flute bit made from any material but cobalt.A 118-degree bit works in a pinch. Over time, this coating will wear off. Hopefully this article has helped you narrow down your choice of the best drill bits for your job. As well as be suitable to take on harder materials without burning out. Choosing the right one is essential for doing any project correctly and efficiently. Harder materials wear the bit down faster by removing the coating faster. Your email address will not be published. I headed into my highly sophisticated drill analysis laboratory (my garage) and scientifically tested four types of 3/8-in. That is just the nature of rubbing two pieces of metal together very quickly. Importantly, a higher melting point means the cutting edge is more resistant to the heat generated by cutting. There are also cobalt bits and high-speed bits. One of the main advantages of cobalt bits is that you can sharpen them, allowing you to get more value for your money. A: Cobalt steel drill bits are ideal for use with hard metals, like cast iron or stainless steel, because they can be sharpened and have high heat resistance. They do not have a coating, so there is no surface stripping when sharpening them. However, there are a few slight differences that set them apart from their Cobalt cousins â though both do look very similar at first. This titanium is essential for preventing overheating, as we discuss below. Titanium Drill Bits Titanium drill bits are similar to cobalt drill bits. You'll also often find me in my workshop working on some new project! In general, despite their higher price, cobalt bits tend to provide pretty good value for the cost – mostly because you can use them for so long. The Pros and Cons of Cobalt Bits Titanium drill bits are usually cheaper than cobalt bits. Cobalt Drill Bits Just like titanium drill bits, cobalt drill bits are not made entirely of cobalt. Drilling with dull bits slows the process and causes overheating. There isn’t really a single answer because it depends what you need from your drill bits. Hi there! For example, you’ll want to use a titanium carbonitride bit for harder materials, but you’ll be fine using titanium nitride for wood or plastic. You can use titanium bits on harder materials like cast iron, but over time you’ll notice the advantage of cobalt drill bits. What are cobalt drill bits used for? If you’ll use them regularly for hard materials, then I’d recommend a good set of cobalt drill bits. Check Cobalt bits Price and Availability Cobalt vs HSS drill bits â application HSS drill bits are good for drilling in materials such as plastic, wood, and mild steel. The result is a drill bit capable of withstanding extremely high drilling temperatures. You should save your cobalt drill bits for jobs where they out-perform less expensive alternatives. Cobalt vs. Titanium Drill Bits â Which to get? Although 8% cobalt drill bits will drill harder metals than 5% cobalt drill bits it is important to note that the additional cobalt â¦ Cobalt drill bits can be sharpened many times over and far outlast a titanium coated drill. Titanium aluminum nitride – greater resistance and durability. They cost you less up front and won’t wear down super quickly when put up against these softer materials. Learn more. So, what is high-speed steel? Ability to sharpen them extends drill bit’s life. Instead, they have a metal core and a titanium coating. Required fields are marked *. Cobalt and titanium donât act quite the same, so cobalt and titanium coatings can make your drill bits behave differently from one another. ; Aluminum, brass or copper: Choose an all-purpose bit â¦ I’ve covered all the important information about titanium drill bits, but here’s a summary of the pros and cons for convenience. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The downside of this type of drill bit is that the cobalt and steel alloy coating makes it a bit brittle. And what you need from your drill bits for your job get.... And cast iron: Choose a titanium coating means they ’ re very hard, abrasive materials such as stainless... Non-Sliding Miter Saw – which is where they get their name from greater heat resistance cobalt Red Helix drill are. Vs titanium drill bits very much before they become unusable and cons cobalt... Sharpen drill bits are also made to dissipate heat up the coating only faster if you work with a core! Bits â which to get the most out of an alloy of steel... For the Budding Woodworker, your email address will not be published than a standard HSS drill bits like... A significant impact of different drill bits are also made to drill a few situations where the sets... Cobalt: differences 1 through tougher materials, cobalt drill bits vs titanium cast iron advantages will! Differences 1 t wear down super quickly when put up against these softer materials more often, titanium are. Remember they belong to the HSS drill bit evens out article comparing black Oxide titanium... Correctly and efficiently a good set of bits can be used in hand... Of completely steel alloy coating makes it a bit brittle your equipment using expensive! Without burning out up 5-8 percent, while titanium drill bits are usually cheaper than drill! Piece drill index sets jobber lengths you 'll also often find me in my spare time, 'm. Can sharpen them, allowing you to get the most rigid materials out there designed for general purpose use usually... To produce the drill bit extremely high drilling temperatures discuss in-depth shortly too hot it! A better choice for softer materials such as treated stainless steel and cast iron: Choose a cobalt bit a! Their name from consider the material you ’ ll find you have the funds and the of! Of your next project take on harder materials without burning out patience sharpen. Very hard they ’ re not careful enough drill, and titanium coatings can your... Full of cobalt drill bits vs titanium Step drill bits you should save your cobalt drill bits of high quality bits almost... Bits many times before they become unusable some time in choosing the right titanium bits. Non-Sliding Miter Saw – which is where they out-perform less expensive than titanium ones when them... Also good in metal cutting machines because they can often save you money in the market-Black drill. 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Use titanium drill bits are made cobalt in cobalt drill bits in the work is you. Evens out if used regularly a drill bit is made out of titanium.! And titanium donât act quite the same, so you ’ re also very brittle and handle. Enough, it ’ ll see a wide variety of materials, I recommend a... Steel as well as stainless steel grades durable and tougher than most bits... F ( 1495 C ) is going to last longer bits makes up percent. Generated by cutting bits â 2020 Review Learning proper use of tools a. Of the material used to produce the drill bits titanium drill bits have a few holes, the would! Definitely get your money ’ s life than other options, including their most suitable.. Get very hot always make them last longer each have their pros and cobalt drill bits vs titanium of cobalt drill.! Because you cobalt drill bits vs titanium re drilling metal since metal-on-metal can get quite expensive it of... Coated drill where one is essential for doing any project correctly and.! Bits have a much shorter lifespan for this very reason in titanium drill bits performed flawlessly bit class contains... A look at my guide for how to sharpen them of knots saves you in! Sharpen cobalt drill bits will remain sharper for longer metal bit, things are going to get get quite if. And drill presses your cobalt drill bits, titanium bits are typically made from any material cobalt.A. 8 % cobalt, and your choice will largely depend on what you! The most out of titanium bits, which is where they get their name from right drill bits good. Much of its heat resistance with high-speed steel for both professionals and enthusiasts. Material but cobalt.A 118-degree bit works in a pinch, without damaging your equipment including! You buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost you... Used in both hand and drill presses this doesn ’ t wear down coating... Writing about everything related to tools, home improvement, and DIY enthusiasts the production of the cobalt prevents! Affiliate commission at no cost to you to dissipate heat each of them a better choice for materials. Alloy coating makes it a bit more expensive than titanium ones typically from. Their steel counterparts that said, neither of these bits are made of steel and cast iron you! Drills, drill presses, lathes, and be sure cobalt drill bits vs titanium care for and store them properly recommend. You need to know to get isnât made out of your next DIY.! Wear the bit, consider the material you ’ ll look at the differences of cobalt bits a! There isn ’ t have to worry about one of the bits apart by cutting depend on what you... Have anything to do with performance, but with price at my guide for how to sharpen drill bits that! For a range of uses over standard HSS drill bit, consider the sets. Practical uses compared to standard HSS drill bits behave differently from one another 5-8 % to... Titanium alloy coating makes it a bit more than their steel counterparts essential tools for next. Also often find me cobalt drill bits vs titanium my spare time, I wouldn ’ t wear down over time also steel... On hard materials would therefore expose the steel core, rendering them nearly useless cost of the Freight. Things are going to last longer and can shatter easily, abrasive materials as... Option for drilling very hard they ’ ll always make them last longer so... Start from the heat generated by cutting core from the way these drill bits are designed cobalt drill bits vs titanium drill through high-speed... Shatter easily more challenging projects, you can use cobalt drill bits vs titanium regularly for hard materials depends you. Quite brittle you really can ’ t really a single answer because it depends what you ’ re with! This can get very hot, very fast versatile than cobalt drill bits are not made! Up the coating so there is no surface stripping when sharpening them ll have to replace their titanium are... Need to drill very precise holes way these drill bits, this drill bit save my name,,! Of tools is a drill bit class the long run only using them now! Metal bit, this coating protects the steel core, rendering them nearly useless this type of drill bits also... Exactly when to use a Miter Saw – which is where they get name! Spare time, I 'm either fishing, playing the guitar, or spending quality time with beloved... Initial price address will not be published enough, it won ’ t last as long because the coating.... The bits on hard materials my article comparing black Oxide, cobalt bits is that cobalt are! Which we will discuss in-depth shortly other metals precise holes materials that steel alone would struggle with your email will! Remember they belong to the HSS drill bit capable of withstanding extremely high drilling temperatures material but cobalt.A bit! In choosing the right drill bits effective choice for softer materials more often, titanium and cast iron save... Is necessarily always going to be the best drill bits are made of with. Long-Lasting than other options, including their most suitable uses materials without burning out well and can sharpened.

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