Drill bit for metal Irwin tungsten carbide cylindrical 12 mm

Irwin tungsten carbide cylindrical drill bit, 12 mm diameter, designed for drilling metal with hand drills and drill presses. The bit combines a solid tungsten carbide tip with a robust steel body to deliver wear resistance and maintain cutting precision during repetitive metalworking tasks. It is intended for cutting clean holes in steels and other common metal materials used in fabrication, maintenance and repair.

Advantages

The solid tungsten carbide tip increases durability and retains a sharp cutting edge longer than high-speed steel tips, reducing the frequency of regrinding or replacement. The cylindrical shank ensures stable clamping in standard chucks and drill presses, while the geometry of the cutting face is optimized for penetrating metal and producing consistent hole diameters. The combination of materials and construction offers a balance of hardness for cutting and toughness to resist chipping.

Suitable for

• Drilling through mild steel, stainless steel and other common metal sheets and plates
• Metal fabrication and assembly tasks in workshops
• Maintenance, repair and retrofit work requiring precise holes
• Use with handheld electric drills and bench drill presses

When it may not be suitable

This 12 mm cylindrical tungsten carbide bit is intended for ordinary metalworking applications and may not be optimal for extremely hard exotic alloys, hardened tool steels, or applications requiring specialized coatings or coolant channels. For very high-volume industrial drilling or automated CNC operations with specific cycle requirements, purpose-designed production tooling might be more appropriate.

Key specifications

• Diameter: 12 mm
• Tip material: solid tungsten carbide
• Shank type: cylindrical
• Intended material: steels and common metals
• Suitable machines: handheld drills and drill presses

How to use

Secure the drill bit firmly in the chuck, ensuring alignment and minimal runout. Select an appropriate spindle speed and feed rate for the metal being drilled; use lower speeds and steady feed for harder materials. Apply cutting fluid or coolant to reduce heat and extend tool life when drilling steel or stainless steel. Begin with a pilot hole if necessary to improve accuracy, and clear chips frequently to prevent clogging and overheating. Allow the bit to cool between extended cuts to preserve the carbide tip.

What to consider before purchase

• Verify that a 12 mm diameter meets your hole-size requirements
• Ensure your drill or press chuck accepts a cylindrical shank securely
• Confirm the target metal type and hardness are suitable for tungsten carbide tooling
• Plan for appropriate coolant and chip evacuation during use

Usage recommendations

Use cutting fluid for steel and stainless applications, maintain correct speed and feed, and avoid excessive side loads to maximize life of the tungsten carbide tip.