Step drill bit Smart365 4–12 mm HSS for metal and sheet, Smart365

Step drill bit Smart365 4–12 mm HSS for metal and sheet is a single-piece stepped twist drill designed for creating and enlarging round holes in thin metals, sheet materials and plastics. The HSS construction and stepped cutting profile allow continuous drilling from 4 mm up to 12 mm in one operation without changing bits. The geometry is optimized for clean hole edges and efficient chip evacuation when used with hand drills and drill presses in metalworking, automotive and electrical panel tasks.

Advantages

The stepped design permits progressive hole enlargement with a single tool, reducing tool changes and setup time. High-speed steel (HSS) material offers a balance of hardness and toughness for drilling thin metal sheets and plastics. The single-piece construction ensures concentricity across steps, improving hole accuracy and minimizing walking. The fluting and point geometry provide steady chip removal and reduced heat build-up under typical working speeds.

Suitable for

• Drilling and enlarging holes in thin steel sheets and non-ferrous metal panels
• Electrical enclosures and control panels
• Automotive bodywork and light fabrication tasks
• Plastic panels and composite sheet materials

Key specifications

• Material: high-speed steel (HSS)
• Diameter range: 4 mm to 12 mm (stepped profile)
• Cutting style: single-piece stepped flute
• Intended materials: thin metal sheets, non-ferrous metals, plastics
• Compatible tools: hand drills and drill presses

How to use

Secure the workpiece and mark the drilling position. Fit the step drill into the drill chuck and tighten securely. Start at low to moderate speed and align the drill perpendicular to the surface to prevent walking. Apply steady, moderate feed pressure and allow the bit to progressively cut through each step until reaching the desired diameter. Use lubrication when drilling steel to extend tool life and improve surface finish. After drilling, retract the bit while running briefly to clear chips and avoid clogging.

Usage recommendations

For best results on steel sheets, use cutting fluid and moderate RPMs; for plastics and non-ferrous metals, higher speeds with light feed deliver cleaner edges. Avoid side loads and excessive force to preserve the cutting edges and concentricity of the steps.