Drill bit Makita D-17522 HSS-Co for metal, 13 mm diameter

Makita D-17522 HSS-Co is a single 13 mm diameter drill bit engineered for drilling metal. Made from cobalt-alloyed high-speed steel, this bit offers improved heat resistance and maintained cutting performance when working with steel and other ferrous materials. The bit is supplied as one piece and is compatible with handheld drills and drill presses that accept straight-shank twist drill bits of the same diameter.

Advantages

The cobalt-alloyed HSS construction increases hardness at elevated temperatures, reducing wear and prolonging cutting life compared with standard high-speed steel bits. The 13 mm diameter provides a larger hole size in a single operation, and the twist-flute geometry facilitates chip evacuation when drilling through metal. The single-piece design ensures consistent alignment and stability during use in both portable and stationary drilling tools.

Suitable for (tasks / use cases)

• Drilling holes in mild and alloy steels and other ferrous materials
• Fabrication and light industrial metalworking tasks
• Preparation of mounting holes for bolts and fasteners
• Use with handheld electric drills or drill presses

When it may not be suitable

This HSS-Co drill bit is designed for metal and is not optimized for drilling into masonry, concrete, ceramic tile, or wood where specialized bits (masonry or wood bits) are more appropriate. For stainless steel or very hard alloys, multiple pecking cycles, reduced cutting speed, and appropriate coolant are recommended to avoid rapid wear; in extreme hard-material applications, carbide or coated carbide drills may offer longer life.

Key specifications

• Material: cobalt-alloyed high-speed steel (HSS-Co)
• Diameter: 13 mm
• Form: straight-shank twist drill
• Recommended use: drilling ferrous metals and steel
• Pack contents: single drill bit

How to use

Secure the drill bit in the chuck of a handheld drill or drill press, ensuring proper centring and tightness. Select a moderate cutting speed appropriate for HSS-Co bits—lower speeds for harder steels—and apply steady, even pressure. Use cutting fluid or coolant when drilling thicker sections or harder alloys to reduce heat and improve chip evacuation. Back the bit out periodically to clear chips and prevent clogging, and finish the hole with a deburring tool if required.

What to consider before purchase

• Confirm the 13 mm diameter matches the required hole size for your application.
• Ensure your drill or drill press chuck accepts the bit shank and can provide appropriate speed and torque.
• Consider material hardness: HSS-Co is suitable for many steels but may wear faster on very hard alloys without coolant or reduced speeds.
• Buy single pieces accordingly if you need multiples; pack contains one bit.

Usage recommendations

For best results when drilling steel, use a dedicated cutting fluid, start at a reduced speed, and apply consistent feed pressure. Allow the bit to cool between long drilling runs to preserve hardness and prolong life.