If you’re looking for only the strongest materials for your custom steel project, cobalt drill bits are for you. 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. Some cobalt drill bits can even withstand temperatures up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.

At Wasatch Steel, we carry a wide variety of cobalt drill bit products to service all your steel needs. Here are some basic suggestions to keep in mind for proper operation of tools using cobalt drill bits.

Proper Equipment

You’ve already got the right drill bits from Wasatch Steel, but proper protective gear and other equipment is also vital. Cobalt drill bits are even more powerful than most, and you need to be protected in case anything happens to go wrong. 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.

Sharpen the Bit

Yet another area where cobalt drill bits hold advantages over many others is during the sharpening process. 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.

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.

Use the Right Drill

Because 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. 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. Using the wrong materials greatly increases your chances of accidents and injury.

Don’t Overheat

It’s tougher to overheat cobalt drill bits than virtually any other form, but it’s still possible. 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. In either case, be wary of the potential for overheating, and take proper precautions.

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.