Split Point Drills, Wire
Wire Gauge 135-Degree Split Point Black Oxide Drill Bits
Shop wire gauge 135-degree split point black oxide HSS jobber drill bits for accurate drilling in steel, aluminum, brass, and other machinable materials. Numbered wire gauge drills provide precise inch diameters for smaller holes, machining, tapping, and maintenance applications.
Choose from Qualtech DWDSP wire gauge drills and premium Drill America wire gauge split-point drills to match your tooling requirements and budget.
These high-speed steel drills combine black oxide surface treatment, standard jobber-length construction, and split-point geometry to help reduce drill walking and improve starting accuracy. Check individual product specifications for point geometry, particularly in very small diameters.
Featured Selection: Qualtech DWDSP Wire Gauge Split Point Drills
Qualtech DWDSP Numbered Wire Gauge HSS Drills
Qualtech DWDSP wire gauge drills provide dependable performance for precise numbered drill sizes used in machining, fabrication, maintenance, and general-purpose drilling.
The black oxide surface treatment and jobber-length design make these drills a practical option for professional workshops and industrial users.
Qualtech vs. Premium Drill America Wire Gauge Split Point Drills
Qualtech DWDSP Wire Gauge Split Point Drills
Qualtech offers economical black oxide HSS wire gauge drills for everyday drilling, machining, and maintenance applications. These drills provide a practical balance of performance and value.
Drill America Wire Gauge Split Point Drills – Premium Selection
Drill America offers premium black oxide HSS numbered wire gauge drills for professional metalworking, manufacturing, and maintenance. Choose these drills when quality tooling and precise size selection are priorities.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Qualtech is an economical choice for general-purpose applications, while Drill America offers a premium alternative for professional industrial users.
Why Choose Wire Gauge Split Point Drill Bits?
Precise Numbered Drill Sizes
Wire gauge drills use numbered sizes rather than fractional or letter designations. They provide a wide range of specific diameters, particularly useful for smaller holes.
Accurate Hole Starting
Where supplied with a 135-degree split point, these drills help reduce walking and improve starting accuracy on metal surfaces.
High-Speed Steel Construction
HSS offers dependable general-purpose cutting performance for machinable metals and other suitable materials.
Black Oxide Surface Treatment
The black oxide treatment provides a protective finish and helps retain cutting lubricant. It is not a titanium coating or a cobalt alloy.
Jobber-Length Design
Standard jobber-length construction provides a useful balance of reach and rigidity, although small-diameter drills still require careful handling to avoid breakage.
Common Uses for Wire Gauge Split Point Drills
Tap Drill Holes
Many thread sizes require numbered wire gauge drill diameters for proper tap drill preparation. Always consult the appropriate tap drill chart for the thread specification and material.
Precision Machining
Numbered drill sizes are useful when a specified hole diameter falls between common fractional sizes.
Small-Diameter Metal Drilling
Wire gauge drills are commonly used for smaller holes in steel, aluminum, brass, and other machinable materials. Use appropriate speeds, feeds, and secure workholding.
Maintenance and Fabrication
Useful for equipment repairs, component manufacturing, and applications requiring specific numbered drill diameters.
Wire Gauge vs. Fractional vs. Letter Size Split Point Drills
Wire Gauge Split Point Drills
Choose numbered wire gauge sizes for precise small-diameter holes and applications specified by drill number.
Fractional Split Point Drills
Fractional drills are ideal for common inch-based drilling requirements.
Letter Size Split Point Drills
Letter drills provide additional intermediate diameters for machining, tapping, and fabrication.
Need a Drill Bit Larger Than 1/2"?
For larger cutting diameters, explore our Qualtech 1/2" Reduced Shank HSS Drill Bits. These drills provide cutting diameters over 1/2" with reduced shanks for compatible 1/2" drill chucks.
Check individual product specifications if split-point geometry is required, and confirm that your equipment has sufficient torque for larger drilling applications.
Drilling Tips for Small Wire Gauge Bits
Use Appropriate Speeds and Feeds
Smaller drill diameters generally require different RPM and feed settings than larger drills. Follow the recommended cutting conditions for the material and tool size.
Minimize Runout
Use a suitable chuck or toolholder with minimal runout. Excessive runout can reduce hole accuracy and increase the risk of breaking small drills.
Secure the Workpiece
Clamp the workpiece securely and maintain proper alignment. Avoid excessive lateral pressure on small-diameter drills.
Use Cutting Fluid When Appropriate
Suitable cutting fluids can help reduce heat and friction when drilling steel and other metals.
Use Cobalt for More Demanding Materials
For frequent drilling in stainless steel and difficult alloys, cobalt drills may provide improved performance because of their increased hot hardness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wire Gauge Split Point Drills
What are wire gauge drill bits?
Wire gauge drill bits are identified by numbered sizes rather than fractions or letters. They provide specific inch diameters, especially useful for smaller holes.
Are wire gauge drills used for tapping?
Yes. Many tap drill charts specify numbered drill sizes. Select the correct diameter according to the thread specification and desired thread engagement.
Do all small wire gauge drills have a 135-degree split point?
Not necessarily. Some very small drill sizes may use conventional point geometry. Always check the individual product specifications when a 135-degree split point is required.
What is the advantage of a split point?
Split-point geometry helps reduce walking and starting thrust, improving hole-starting accuracy in suitable materials.
What is the difference between Qualtech and Drill America wire gauge drills?
Qualtech provides economical general-purpose HSS drills, while Drill America offers premium options for professional metalworking applications.
Shop Qualtech Wire Gauge Drills | Shop Drill America Wire Gauge Drills
Can wire gauge drills cut stainless steel?
Some stainless steel applications can be drilled with HSS, but cobalt drills are often preferable for demanding stainless steel drilling.
Where can I find larger HSS drill bits?
Qualtech 1/2" reduced-shank HSS drills provide larger cutting diameters for compatible 1/2" drill chucks.
Watch: Black Oxide HSS Jobber Drill Bits
Explore Wire Gauge Split Point Drills
Learn about black oxide HSS jobber drills and explore numbered wire gauge drill sizes for machining, tapping, fabrication, and maintenance.
Compare Qualtech DWDSP and premium Drill America wire gauge drills to find the appropriate size and tooling for your application.