The point angle of High-Speed Steel (HSS) drill bits is a crucial factor that significantly influences their performance in various drilling applications. As a dedicated supplier of HSS drill bits, I have witnessed firsthand how the right point angle can make a world of difference in achieving precise and efficient drilling results. In this blog, we will delve into the concept of the point angle of HSS drill bits, explore its importance, and understand how it varies based on different materials and drilling requirements.
Understanding the Point Angle
The point angle of a drill bit refers to the angle formed by the two cutting edges at the tip of the bit. It is measured in degrees and plays a vital role in determining how the drill bit penetrates the material. A smaller point angle creates a sharper tip, while a larger point angle results in a more blunt tip. The most common point angles for HSS drill bits are 118 degrees and 135 degrees, each with its own set of advantages and ideal applications.
The 118-Degree Point Angle
The 118-degree point angle is the standard angle for general-purpose HSS drill bits. It is widely used for drilling into a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and soft metals such as aluminum and brass. The relatively sharp tip of a 118-degree drill bit allows it to easily penetrate the material, making it suitable for quick and efficient drilling. This angle also provides good centering ability, which helps prevent the drill bit from wandering during the initial stages of drilling.


One of the key benefits of using a 118-degree drill bit is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of applications, from simple DIY projects to more complex industrial tasks. Whether you are drilling holes for screws in a wooden board or creating holes in a plastic sheet for a custom project, a 118-degree HSS drill bit is likely to get the job done.
The 135-Degree Point Angle
The 135-degree point angle is commonly used for drilling into harder materials, such as stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened steel. The more blunt tip of a 135-degree drill bit distributes the cutting force over a larger area, reducing the risk of the bit breaking or chipping when drilling into tough materials. This angle also helps to prevent the drill bit from grabbing or binding, which can cause the bit to overheat and wear out quickly.
In addition to its durability, the 135-degree point angle provides better self-centering capabilities than the 118-degree angle. This makes it easier to start a hole accurately, especially in hard materials where it can be challenging to get the drill bit to stay in place. As a result, 135-degree drill bits are often preferred for precision drilling applications, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
Other Point Angles
While 118 degrees and 135 degrees are the most common point angles for HSS drill bits, there are other angles available for specific applications. For example, a 120-degree point angle is sometimes used for drilling into fiberglass and composite materials, as it provides a good balance between sharpness and durability. A 90-degree point angle is typically used for countersinking, which involves creating a conical recess in a material to allow the head of a screw to sit flush with the surface.
Factors Affecting the Choice of Point Angle
When selecting the appropriate point angle for a particular drilling application, several factors need to be considered. These include the type of material being drilled, the hardness of the material, the desired hole size and depth, and the drilling speed and feed rate.
- Material Type: As mentioned earlier, different materials require different point angles. Soft materials, such as wood and plastic, can be drilled with a 118-degree point angle, while harder materials, such as stainless steel and cast iron, require a 135-degree point angle.
- Material Hardness: The hardness of the material also plays a role in determining the point angle. Generally, the harder the material, the larger the point angle should be. This helps to prevent the drill bit from breaking or chipping and ensures a more efficient drilling process.
- Hole Size and Depth: The size and depth of the hole can also affect the choice of point angle. For larger holes, a larger point angle may be necessary to provide more stability and prevent the drill bit from wandering. For deeper holes, a point angle that allows for better chip evacuation may be preferred to prevent the chips from clogging the flutes of the drill bit.
- Drilling Speed and Feed Rate: The drilling speed and feed rate are important factors to consider when using HSS drill bits. Higher drilling speeds and feed rates can generate more heat, which can cause the drill bit to wear out quickly. Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate point angle and adjust the drilling speed and feed rate accordingly to ensure optimal performance.
Importance of the Point Angle in Drilling Performance
The point angle of a drill bit has a significant impact on its drilling performance. A well-chosen point angle can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and durability of the drilling process, while a wrong point angle can lead to poor results, such as uneven holes, broken drill bits, and excessive wear and tear.
- Accuracy: The point angle affects the centering ability of the drill bit, which is crucial for achieving accurate holes. A sharp point angle, such as 118 degrees, provides good centering ability, while a more blunt point angle, such as 135 degrees, may require additional guidance to ensure accurate hole placement.
- Efficiency: The right point angle can also improve the efficiency of the drilling process. A sharp point angle allows the drill bit to penetrate the material quickly, reducing the drilling time and increasing productivity. On the other hand, a more blunt point angle may require more force to penetrate the material, resulting in slower drilling speeds.
- Durability: The point angle can also affect the durability of the drill bit. A point angle that is too sharp may cause the drill bit to break or chip when drilling into hard materials, while a point angle that is too blunt may cause the drill bit to wear out quickly due to excessive friction. Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate point angle to ensure the longevity of the drill bit.
Our HSS Drill Bits
As a leading supplier of HSS drill bits, we offer a wide range of products with different point angles to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our drill bits are made from high-quality HSS materials and are precision-ground to ensure consistent performance and accuracy.
Whether you need a 118-degree drill bit for general-purpose drilling or a 135-degree drill bit for drilling into hard materials, we have the right product for you. Our drill bits are available in various sizes and lengths to suit different applications, and we also offer custom drilling solutions to meet your specific requirements.
In addition to our HSS drill bits, we also supply other cutting tools, such as Sds Plus Hammer Chisel, Circular Saw Blade Wood Cutting, and Diamond Saw Blade. Our comprehensive range of products and our commitment to quality and customer service make us the preferred choice for many customers in the industry.
Contact Us for Procurement
If you are interested in purchasing our HSS drill bits or any of our other cutting tools, please feel free to contact us. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you in choosing the right products for your needs and provide you with competitive pricing and excellent customer service.
We believe that building long-term relationships with our customers is essential for our success. That's why we are dedicated to providing high-quality products, reliable service, and competitive prices. Whether you are a small business or a large industrial company, we have the resources and expertise to meet your procurement needs.
References
- "Drill Bit Point Angles: What You Need to Know." The Family Handyman, 2021.
- "Choosing the Right Drill Bit for the Job." Popular Mechanics, 2020.
- "High-Speed Steel Drill Bits: A Comprehensive Guide." Engineering.com, 2019.

