They are also crafted with high precision and sharpened to within 0.0005 inches, making them more efficient and suitable for complex projects.Ĭobalt bits tend to cost more than those made from Black Oxide simply because they are more superior in quality. That said, cobalt drill bits are more resistant to wear and tear because they have a higher carbon content than Black Oxide bits. Of course, that makes them extremely hard but that doesn’t mean that they won’t break or chip when used incorrectly. Durabilityīoth Black Oxide and Cobalt bits are made of high-speed steel (HSS). However, they are more resistant to breaking and can usually handle more types of material without damage. On the other hand, black oxide drill bits will not cut through as many different types of material as cobalt ones and that is because they’re not as hard.

The irony is that they can break when used on softer materials like wood or plastic. You see, cobalt drill bits tend to be harder than black oxide drill bits, and that makes them perform better when cutting through tougher materials like steel. The thing is that ultimately, it depends on what you prefer. You are probably wondering what material between the two will cut better. Black Oxide vs Cobalt Drill Bits: Make your Decision Hardness

This makes them perfect for drilling in hard materials such as stainless steel and high carbon steel. These drill bits are harder than black oxidation bits, but not as hard as high-speed steel or titanium nitride coated bits. What Is Cobalt Drill Bit?Ĭobalt drill bits are cobalt-based alloys that have been heat-treated to increase hardness and strength. They can also be used for drilling in moderately hard materials like cast iron and mild steel. These properties make cobalt-tipped drill bits ideal for drilling in softer materials like wood and plastics. Black Oxide vs Cobalt Drill Bits: Make your DecisionĪ black oxide drill bit is a high carbon steel accessory that has undergone a heat treatment process to harden the surface.īlack oxide drill bits are moderately hard and easy to sharpen and they cost less than cobalt drill bits.Need more information on this or any other element of custom steel work? Wasatch Steel is a top steel supply outlet in Utah, and our staff is ready to answer any questions you may have. In either case, be wary of the potential for overheating, and take proper precautions. In fact, the larger concern in these cases can often be the drill itself rather than the drill bit – cobalt drill bits often stand up to temperature for much longer than a standard drill. It’s tougher to overheat cobalt drill bits than virtually any other form, but it’s still possible. Using the wrong materials greatly increases your chances of accidents and injury. You should also be wary of the surface you’re drilling into: Steel and cobalt drill bits might not be right for wood or other softer substances. Use the Right Drillīecause of the power and efficiency of cobalt drill bits, they aren’t necessary right for all types of drills – and certain types of drills definitely aren’t right for them. The only risk is the loss of the gold color that cobalt generally adds to the steel, but this is a small price to pay for a sharp, high quality product. Sharpening cobalt bits is a piece of cake with any standard cutting fluid, and they lose none of their strength or durability during the process.

Yet another area where cobalt drill bits hold advantages over many others is during the sharpening process. Goggles, gloves, proper shoes and proper covering garments are a necessity – if you’re on the fence about whether a certain piece of protective clothing is really necessary, just assume it is. Cobalt drill bits are even more powerful than most, and you need to be protected in case anything happens to go wrong. You’ve already got the right drill bits from Wasatch Steel, but proper protective gear and other equipment is also vital. Here are some basic suggestions to keep in mind for proper operation of tools using cobalt drill bits. Some cobalt drill bits can even withstand temperatures up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.Īt Wasatch Steel, we carry a wide variety of cobalt drill bit products to service all your steel needs.

Made with a small percentage of cobalt fused in with high-speed steel, these bits are naturally stronger and more heat-resistant than typical drill bits due to the infusion of the cobalt. If you’re looking for only the strongest materials for your custom steel project, cobalt drill bits are for you.