What Is A Split Point Drill Bit? (Find Out Now!)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

Every well-equipped home should have a drill in its toolkit. They are one of the most versatile tools you can have in your home. Whether you are building furniture, shelving, hanging art, or need to drill a hole, a drill will come in handy.

Knowing which type of drill bit to use is essential. There are many types of drill bits, all with different benefits and uses. Most projects can use a standard drill bit, but there are times when a split point drill bit is the best option.

A split point drill bit is a type of high-speed bit known for its accuracy and efficiency. A split point drill bit has more cutting edges than a standard drill bit and is useful for cutting hard material like metal. It is one of the highly favored quick action bits DIY love to use. The name says it all as you look at the bit. It is split at the tip to provide the least stress on the user and the drill bit.

How Does a Split Point Bit Work?

The grooves on drill bits are called spurs or flutes. These are designed to give debris a place to go, lifting it away from the project. These grooves, or spurs, will prevent snagging caused by excess debris in the drilled hole.

A standard drill bit has two of these spurs. The tip of the drill bit is smooth, tapering away from the point at either 118 or 135 degrees. The 118-degree bits are ideal for drilling soft materials due to the more angled tip.

The 135-degree bits are suitable for drilling materials such as steel because the larger angle provides more pitch. A higher pitch provides more strength to the tip of the bit so it can drill through strong materials such as steel. The split point drill bit typically has a 135-degree angle tip. The shaft of a split point drill bit has three grooves or spurs. These spurs cover the entirety of the bit, including the tip.

Unlike standard drill bits, which have a smooth point at the tip, the split point drill bit grooves extend to break this point. Hence, the moniker “split point.”

What Makes the Split Point Drill Bit Different?

The split point drill bit is different from standard drill bits, which have two cutting edges around the center that chisels the material. The extra edges on the split point are cut into the chisel piece.

These additional grooves on the bit are designed to hold it in place, centering the force to cut more effectively. It also requires less pressure overall to cut. The angle of the split point drill bit and the four cutting edges making it superior to standard drill bits for precision and force required.

Other standard drill bits will drift across the material while drilling. This is called walking, and it can damage the wood or metal on which you are working. These gouges or scratches caused by walking can be challenging to fix, so avoiding them is the idea. The extra edges at the center of a split point bit anchor it to the material and prevent walking.

Standard drill bits create a guide for your drill bit. This is typically done by lightly hammering an object, such as a nail, into the material to create a dent. This dent is called a center punch and will prevent the drill bit from slipping and wandering.

Split point drill bits are designed with this problem in mind, so they save you time on making a center punch. It will make your project go faster as you do not have to correct the bit location continually. A split point bit is a quick and accurate choice for home drilling.

What Should You Use a Split Point Bit For?

Split point drill bits are more heat-resistant than other standard drill bits. Metal creates more heat and friction when drilled, so a split point drill is more durable for metal projects. Additionally, the resistance of the bit to heat means the grooves and tips do not blunt as easily.

A split point drill bit is typically used to cut metal, such as high alloy steels, stainless steel, and aluminum. However, it can also be used on other surfaces, such as hardwood. A split point bit also works well on curved shapes, which are more likely to cause wandering in other drill bits.

If you are working with valuable hardwood or metal, then craftsmanship is vital. The split point drill bit should be used. As mentioned before, the split point drill bit is designed to prevent walking.

It will not walk or gouge your material. It will create clean holes as the grooves allow debris to lift out of the material.

How to Find A Split Point Bit?

Sometimes split point drill bits are not sold under the name “split point.” Be sure to look at the pictures or the actual bit in the store. It will have an extra face chiseled into the smooth tip if it is a split-point drill bit. The grooves along the shaft will extend to the tip as well. If the tip of the bit is smooth all around, it is not a split point.

Look for a split point drill bit made with materials such as steel or cobalt. These materials come in high-speed varieties that are more resistant to the heat and friction that metal generates when drilled.

Choosing a drill bit made of the right material is vital to extend the longevity of the tool. Avoid materials such as titanium that are not as heat-resistant unless you plan to drill softer materials, such as soft metals or wood.

Drill bit sizes refer to the diameter of the shaft. Drill bits are typically sold in many sizes ranging from 1/16 up to ½ inch. Many manufacturers sell specific sizes such as 7/64″ or 3/32″.

Split point drill bits can be found at hardware stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, or Ace Hardware. They are also found online at Amazon or directly from the manufacturer.

Limitations of a Split Point Drill Bit

Split point drill bits are versatile in their size range. They cannot be used on drills larger than half an inch in diameter. Therefore, they are best used for projects that require smaller holes.

They are also hard to sharpen due to the extra edges and facets on the tip. A standard drill bit with a smooth point is ground uniformly during sharpening. A split point drill bit, on the other hand, requires precision to sharpen each cutting edge and maintain the 135-degree angle. This makes using a sharpening machine difficult for split point drill bits. Often, it is best to regrind these bits by hand.

Fortunately, the substantial material and heat tolerance of split point drill bits take longer to dull. So, this may not be a concern for some time.

This article focuses on the conventional split point drill bit, but there is also a modified split point drill bit. The modified version was invented to improve upon the conventional version and has fewer limitations. The modified split point bit can be used on larger drills, up to 3 inches in diameter. It also does not need to be sharpened as often.

Maintaining and Keeping Up with the Split Point Drill Bit

Protect your drill bits from damage by putting them in a box. Keep your tools in a dry place so that the metal drill bits do not require a ruse. Sharpen your split point drill bit occasionally rather than waiting for the bit to get very dull. Sharpening an incredibly dull bit will take a lot of time and energy compared to consistent care of your toolset.

If you take good care of your drill bits, the split point drill bit is a worthwhile investment. Its unique design keeps your drill from wandering by anchoring to the material.

A split point drill bit will save you time as it quickly and accurately drills holes. It is heat-resistant and sturdy, making it the perfect choice for tough materials like metal.


Related Questions

How much do split point drill bits cost?

Split point drill bits sell for around $2-$6 per bit on average.


Can a split-point drill bit be used on a drill press?

Yes, a split point drill bit can be used on a drill press in addition to your home hand drill. They are built to withstand pressure, and they work excellent. They also can be used in CNC drilling, which is common in mass production.


Can you make a split point drill bit at home?

Some people choose to grind their standard drill bit tips to create a split point drill bit. Though this is possible, it requires precision and proper angles. As split point drill bits are available for purchase in the $2-6 range, buying one at any choice hardware store is recommended.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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