
The most common and the most notable benefits of using black oxide drill bits for metal include:
- They’re completely corrosion resistant
- Compared to titanium drill bits, they’re cheaper and more affordable
- You can sharpen and rehabilitate black drill bits
- Black drill bits have tremendous speed and durability
- While they’re used for extremely soft and hard materials, they’re versatile and flexible
What are black oxide drill bits used for?
Black oxide bits work best for drilling ferrous materials. But from my experience, black oxide drills bits work smoothly on most kinds of metal and alloy (including steel, copper, and aluminum) as well as softwood and hardwood.
What are titanium drill bits used for?
Titanium drill bits are usually found in toolboxes of professional contractors who find themselves dealing with harder materials more often than not. Since they’re the hardest between the two, titanium bits can handle every material that their black oxide counterparts can drill and more.
What are the different types of drill bits?
We can talk about the best drill bits, but let’s talk about the differences between black oxide, titanium, and cobalt drill bits. All of the different types of drill bits in these categories are based on High-Speed Steel (HSS), a designation you’ll see often when reading about bits.
What can I use to drill metal surfaces?
HSS, black oxide, cobalt steel and titanium can use to drill metal surfaces. If you want to drill small holes in the metal surface black oxide is enough as it is cheap but if you work engage much energy on metal it’s better to go with a titanium drill or a cobalt drill.

What do different color drill bits mean?
5 days agoFrom experience, white is generally a fully ground HSS drill and should be of the best quality. The gold ones are titanium nitride plated and are generally either the best or poorer at fooling around.
What are black and silver drill bits?
Masonry drill bits normally silver have a wide head on. Gold bits are normally pointed and are for drilling wood etc. Black bits are also pointed headed but for drilling metals.
Are black oxide drill bits any good?
For starters, black oxide bits are corrosion-resistant. They also generate way less friction when they drill, meaning an improved chip flow and hence can drill faster than standard bight finish drill bits. Black oxide bits work best for drilling ferrous materials.
What is the difference between black and gold drill bits?
Black oxide bits have 50% longer life than standard high speed steel bits. Click here to see available sizes. Gold Oxide – Offers added speed and durability for general purpose drilling applications in wood, metal and plastic and drills 3x faster with speed helix. Click here to see available sizes.
What are the 5 types of drill bits?
Drill bits are designed to drill holes in a variety of different common materials. These include different types of wood, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, porcelain and concrete.
What color drill bits are for metal?
Usually, drill bits that are for metal can be distinguished by their black color. They are also usually made from tungsten carbide, cobalt or titanium, which should be noted on the packaging if you're buying new.
What is the strongest drill bit?
Diamond Drill Bit Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) is one of the hardest drill bit material, which can be used on the toughest materials, such as glass and ceramic.
What is the best drill bit to go through metal?
Cobalt drill bitsCobalt drill bits are the best drill bits for hard metals including stainless steel. If you are using a hand drill then a 5% (M35) drill bit will be most suitable and it will be less brittle than other drill bits. TTP HARD drill bits are 5% cobalt and are a high quality drill bit.
What is the best drill bit for drilling hardened steel?
cobalt drill bitsClearly, the best drill bits for hardened metal or steel come with a cobalt blend. These cobalt drill bits use an alloy including 5%–8% cobalt. This cobalt makes up part of the steel blend, so the hardness of the bit doesn't wear off with a coating (like titanium bits).
Which is harder carbide or cobalt?
Is Carbide Harder than Cobalt? Yes, carbide is harder than cobalt. Cobalt bits have a hardness of approximately 65HRC whereas tungsten carbide has a hardness of up to 75HRC on Rockwell scale.
Which drill bits are for metal gold or black?
Conventional HSS step bits are black, but the ones best for drilling metal are gold, because they are coated with titanium nitride for reduced friction and longer wear.
What drill bit is for concrete?
masonry bitsDrill bits that can drill through concrete are called masonry bits. They are also good for drilling through brick and stone. Drill bits with a tungsten carbide tip are the strongest; when it comes to solid concrete, the sharper the better. Masonry bits cut holes through concrete in two steps.
What are silver drill bits used for?
Silver and Deming drill bit can be used for limited drilling in light gauge steel. This use requires slow speeds, high quality cutting oil, and a smaller diameter of pilot hole. Drilling through aluminium, magnesium and other soft metals do not require less torque as steel.
What does Silver and Deming mean?
Silver and Deming drills are all purpose drills and are used wherever the maximum chuck capacity is 1/2". They are also called S&D Drills, Blacksmith Drills or Prentice Drills (Canada). All Silver and Deming Drills are 6" overall length with 3" flute length.
Which is better carbide or cobalt?
Carbide drill bits are generally more expensive than cobalt but can withstand higher temperatures and have greater wear resistance. This leads to longer tool life, often offsetting the cost difference.
Can you use black oxide drill bits on concrete?
Black oxide coatings are more durable than high-speed steel, as they resist rust and corrosion. Tungsten carbide coatings enhance the drill bit's strength, enabling it to bore through stone and concrete.
What is titanium drill bit used for?
You can use a titanium drill bit to drill holes the following materials.
What is the closest drill bit to a bight drill?
Out of the two types that I’m focusing on today, black oxide drill bits are technically the “closest” to your everyday bight HSS bits. They are inexpensive, widely available, and they tend to last about 50% longer than untreated HSS bits.
What is titanium bit?
Titanium bits are HSS (High-Speed Steel) bits coated with titanium nitride. This incredibly hard ceramic coating is what helps these bits drill faster, be more corrosion resistant, and generally last longer. The titanium nitride coating is usually done by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and the most common coating is the TiN coating which is yellowish golden color.
What bits do you use for ferrous metal?
Black oxide bits work best for drilling ferrous materials. But from my experience, black oxide drills bits work smoothly on most kinds of metal and alloy (including steel, copper, and aluminum) as well as softwood and hardwood.
How much does a titanium drill bit cost?
You can save money by buying a set instead of individual drill bits. For example, a titanium bit can cost you around five bucks, but it can only be around a couple of dollars when bought as part of a set.
What is black oxide?
Black Oxide drill bits are high-speed steel (HSS) bits with black-colored conversion coating. The drill bits are dipped in an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide, nitrates, and nitrites at 285°F. This process covert the outer layer of the drill bit to magnetite ( Fe 3 O 4) which gives it the black oxide finish. Oil is often imparted during the hot oxidation process to create a surface with reduced friction.
Is titanium drill bit more expensive than titanium?
Generally, titanium drill bits are more expensive. But a brief look at the market right now will get you to understand that it all depends on the brands, really. You can find a set of black oxide drill bits from a popular high-quality brand that might cost more than a titanium one and vice versa.
How long do black oxide drill bits last?
Black oxide bits last up to 50% longer than standard HSS bits. They offer superior durability and speed. Many pros find they get years of use from them and consider black oxide bits the best general-purpose drill bits you can buy.
What are the different types of drill bits?
Types of Drill Bits: Titanium (or TiN) All of the different types of drill bits in these categories are based on High-Speed Steel (HSS), a designation you’ll see often when reading about bits. But the treatments those HSS bits receive to make them black oxide, titanium, or cobalt make marked changes in the performance, intended use, and longevity.
What is titanium drill bit?
Titanium drill bits are HSS bits that have been coated with titanium nitride (TiN) using a process similar to electroplating. TiN is a ceramic material that increases the surface hardness of the bit and provides a thermal barrier by reducing friction.
Why don't pros use cobalt drill bits?
Because of their durability and cost, most Pros don’t use cobalt drill bits for general purpose use. The extra hardness lets manufacturers make the flutes smaller as a percentage of the total thickness, increasing the strength of the bits. You can also sharpen them without losing cutting effectiveness.
Why use titanium bits?
Titanium bits are great for general purpose drilling in a production environment because they drill quickly. The TiN coating also helps chips flow thru the flutes which is helpful because some materials – like aluminum – adhere to bits more than others.
What is black oxide drill bit?
Black oxide drill bits are also known as HSS bits. These drills are heated until they reach a temperature of 950 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temp, the bits create a black oxide finish. Not only do the bits look much better yet also the black oxide drill bits become corrosion-resistant. After the process, the bit generates less friction during drilling, and eventually, the bit works at a higher rate.
What are titanium drill bits used for?
Titanium drill bits are used to drill iron, steel, hardwood, softwood, PVC, and other materials. While working, these drills don’t lose grip and work at a higher rate than the standard drill machines.
HOW TO HONE YOUR DRILL BITS ON YOUR GRINDING WHEEL?
A grinding wheel with the base is perfect for honing a drill bit. But, of course, there are other jigs too, yet those objects make the working process way too complicated. Hence, the critical thing to ensure is that the forward part of the drill. And the point stays in the center and is symmetrical. So, when you horizontally put the drill, the grinding wheel will naturally work on the drill bit.
What is a cobalt drill?
Cobalt drill bits are primarily used to cut through solid materials. However, these drills can easily penetrate through steel, aluminum, iron, and other solid substances due to their high toughness levels. Moreover, you can also reshape the edges in case the tips get disoriented.
What is the best drill bit for titanium?
The cobalt drill bits formulation matches remarkably within the titanium bits. Cobalt is only utilized 5% to 8%. The other significant material used is the alloy of high-speed steel. For drilling through solid materials, cobalt drill bits are the best ones to go with. The bits don’t lose grip and firmly pass through the material. Also, you can easily resharpen the drill bits. The only drawback of the cobalt drill bits is that these are the most expensive ones available in the market.
How to sharpen a drill bit?
To sharpen a drill bit, firstly put on Google and ensure all safety prospects. After that, turn on the bench grinder and close the bit to the wheel. Keep the drill bits intact for 4-5 secs and then take a pause. Once you notice the exercise is perfectly shaped. Put the drill bits in cold water so the metal gets cooled thoroughly.
What are the most popular drill bits?
Drill bits are available in several materials. However, the most recognized and popular ones are the black oxide, cobalt, and titanium ones . Yet, picking the right drill bit is not an easy task. For a beginner, several complications arise which stops them from making an immediate purchase. For example, how to properly maintain the drill bits? Which drill bit to consider for working? The only thing that’s stopping you is the lack of knowledge.
How are black oxide drill bits made?
Black oxide drill bits are manufactured by heating HSS bits to 950 Fahrenheit to create a black oxide finish. The black oxide finish enhances the practical function of drill bits by producing a rust-resistant, non-corrosive material. It also reduces the friction generated by bits while drilling, due to which they drill faster than standard drill bits. Not only speed but black oxide drill bits also have 50% more longevity than standard HSS drill bits.
What are the best drill bits?
Among the three best variants of drill bits: black oxide, titanium, and cobalt drill bits, it can get pretty confusing to choose one. You must keep in mind your needs and requirements very specifically, then only you can decide which of the types mentioned above is best for you.
What are drill bits made of?
Black oxide, titanium as well as cobalt drill bits are made of non-corrosive, rust-resistant material.
What is the most expensive drill bit?
Cobalt drill bit s are the most expensive, which makes them impractical for daily casual use. Titanium bits are also relatively high priced owing to the costly titanium coating on its surface.
What is the difference between black oxide and cobalt drill bits?
Being affordable and pocket-friendly, black oxide bits serve all kinds of purposes and are the right choice for handy amateur persons, DIYers, or hobbyists. Cobalt drill bits, being hard and tough, are used to drill through hard metal and used for industrial purposes.
What is the best drill bit for a professional?
On the other hand, cobalt drill bits are best for professional work. Their high heat resistance and ability to cut through hard metals make them ideal for specialist work. Also, cobalt bits are quite expensive, so it is not advised to buy it for DIYs or hobbies.
Why are cobalt drill bits so durable?
Because of their hardness and strength, cobalt drill bits are the most durable of the three.
What are black oxide drill bits used for?
It is also a versatile drill bit because it can penetrate plastic, metal, and wood. In addition, this drill bit is also designed to minimize heat accumulation. This extends its longevity.
What is a drill bit?
Before we dive deeper, it is important to take a look at what a drill bit is. A drill bit is a cutting tool. It is connected to a power drill. Then, the drill spins the drill bit. This allows you to cut holes in different materials. Often, these drill bits are provided in different sizes. In addition, these drill bits can also cut holes in different shapes.
Can you sharpen drill bits on a grinding wheel?
Fortunately, you can use a grinding wheel to do exactly that. If you are trying to hone your drill bits using a grinding wheel , then you need to hold the drill bits of the cutting face is parallel to the surface area of the grinding wheel . This includes materials like cobalt bits
What are the advantages of titanium drill bits?
Another major advantage of titanium bits is that they start quickly without skating or walking . Coded and titanium nitride, titanium drill bits have an extremely high surface area firmness. Therefore, you can penetrate even the hardest materials.
What are HSS drill bits coated with?
In order to make titanium drill bits, the HSS bits are coated with titanium nitride
How to know if a drill bit is sharpened?
As the cutting edge becomes sharp, remember to spin the drill bit so that you sharpen it evenly. If you look at the drill head-on, the cutting edges should form a point. That is how you know you have sharpened your drill bit properly.
How to find the right drill bit set?
Therefore, if you are trying to find the right drill bit set, it is better to work backward. Think about the type of hole you wish to create. Then, think about the material in which you are drilling. This will allow you to select the right drill bit set to complete the task.

What Are Black Oxide Drill Bits Used For
- Versatile yet efficient drill bits include the Black oxide bits that can be opted to drill an immense variety of materials? These drill bits can opt for all-purpose drilling, and for that following are the most common materials opted for drilling with a black oxide drill bit opted in the drilling machin…
Black Oxide Drill Bit
- Formation When high-speed steel drill bits are coated with black-colored conversion coating, the black oxide drill bits exist. But wait! Do you know how the black finished coating proceeds? Let’s get to know about it; 1. The HSS drill bits are taken and dipped in an alkaline solution consisting of sodium hydroxide, nitrates, and nitrites. The temperature of the solution is maintained at 285°F. …
Types Based on Conversion Mechanism
- Hot Black Oxide Drill Bits
The Conversion of the HSS surface into magnetite (Fe3O4) using sodium hydroxide, nitrates, and nitrites at 141 °C (286 °F) is termed hot black oxide. - Mid-Temperature Black Oxide Drill Bits
The Conversion of the HSS surface into magnetite (Fe3O4) by using sodium hydroxide, nitrates, and nitrites at medium temperature, lower than hot, is termed a mid-temperature black oxide drill bit.
Features
- Fast
- Accurate drilling
- 135° split point tip
- Prevent walking
Black Oxide Drill Bits Intended Use Case
- While purchasing the black oxide drill bits, it’s of prime importance to know which works best on what requires drilling. After all, as a handyperson, you may probably have several types of bits in your toolbox, each of them reserved for a specific use case, but having black oxide drill bits helps you cover the majority of the materials with ease. Black oxide drill bits can also handle softer ma…
Pros
- Here is a table full of the pros of black oxide drill bits. The performance of black oxide drill bits may vary depending on the quality of the drill you are opting for and your usage patterns in terms of materials. No skating The advantage of this feature is it helps to reduce bit walking by eliminating the need for a center punch for a clean & accurate star. Eliminate chatter and vibrati…
Conclusion
- After discussing the black oxide drill bits now, it’s time to end the guide by going through a quick go-through guide. We hope it might help you select the drill bit for your desired material as per your need. Versatile yet efficient drill bits include the Black oxide bits that can be opted to drill an immense variety of materials. These drill bits can opt for all-purpose drilling, and for that followi…
Types of Drill Bits: Titanium
Cobalt Drill Bits – Not A Coating
- High-speed steel is alloyed with 5-8% cobalt to create cobalt drill bits. These are the best drill bits for metaldue to their 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. Unlike the TiN coating, cobalt is found throughout the entire material which makes it great for high product…
Black Oxide Drill Bits – Basic and Inexpensive
- Manufacturers heat HSS bits to 950 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a black oxide finish that resists rust and corrosion. This reduces friction between bit and workpiece, thereby speeding up the drilling process. Bits made with a black oxide coatingare suitable for work on steel, copper, aluminum, brass, oak, maple, MDF, pine, PVC, polycarbonate, acryl...
Wrapping It Up
- We hope we’ve been able to help you understand the differences in black oxide, titanium, and cobalt drill bits. Have some Pro tips of your own on how you choose drill bits? Add them in the comments below or sound off on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.