Stub Drills

Stub Drill Bits Explored

Stub drill bits, also known as stub length drill bit sets, are short, rigid drills designed for precision and control in tight spaces. As a result, these are very popular among both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, and they are ideal for very demanding tasks where accuracy is really needed as well. Consequently, their compact design really helps to reduce deflection, making them a great choice for jobs requiring minimal flex and maximum stability - especially when drilling holes in tough materials like cast iron and sheet metal for example.

Stub Drill Definition

Stub drill bits, also known as stub-length or stubby drill bits, are shorter-than-standard drill bits that are really designed to give you a lot of increased rigidity and precision during drilling operations. For example, their reduced length really helps to minimise both deflection and breakage, making them ideal for very accurate drilling tasks as a result, especially in harder materials or confined spaces.

Their shorter flute length, as well as their overall length, will help to prevent the bit from wandering when starting a hole - improving your control and reducing the likelihood of errors as a result. Consequently, these drill bits are commonly used in applications where precision really is needed, and space is also limited.

Design and Features of Stub Drill Bits

As you have seen, these drill bits feature a shorter overall length as well as flute length compared to standard drill bits, which in turn makes these stub drill bits ideal for tasks that require minimal deflection and greater accuracy.

The ground stub drill bit design, for instance, can also improve its rigidity, while the split point tip allows for precise starting without the need for centre punching. As a result, this makes them ideal for applications where space is limited, as they give you a lot of reliable performance and enhanced durability in challenging environments due to this feature.

What Materials Are Used in Stub Drill Bits?

Stub drill bits are crafted from high-quality materials like High-Speed Steel (HSS), cobalt, and carbide. As a result, HSS stub drill bits give you excellent performance in general-purpose drilling due to this. Meanwhile, cobalt stub drill bits provide you with much better heat resistance when drilling harder metals. Carbide stub drills are ideal for high-speed drilling in abrasive materials, for example.

Many of these bits can also feature coatings like titanium or black oxide for added strength and durability.

High-Speed Steel (HSS) Stub Drill Bits

These bits are made from high-speed steel and give you excellent toughness and wear resistance as a result. Their stubby length also gives you increased rigidity, and they are also really good at reducing deflection, so you get that precise drilling that you need.

HSS stub drill bits are also very cost-effective and suitable for drilling into various materials like wood, plastics, and even softer metals, making them ideal for general-purpose drilling where durability is needed, as a result.

Cobalt Stub Drill Bits

Cobalt stub drill bits then contain an alloy with 5–8% cobalt, which improves your heat resistance and hardness. This, in turn, makes them ideal for drilling hard or abrasive materials like stainless steel and cast iron top give you some examples.

Their stub length also adds rigidity, reducing bit breakage and wandering, and their unique composition allows for high-speed drilling without losing their sharpness as well - making them more than suitable for demanding industrial applications as a result.

Carbide Stub Drill Bits

Made from tungsten carbide, these bits then give you exceptional hardness and can retain a sharp cutting edge even at high temperatures.

As a result, Carbide stub drill bits are highly rigid and wear-resistant, which makes them ideal for drilling extremely hard materials like ceramics or even hardened steel.

Their stub length, for example, will even help you minimise deflection, and they can give you very precise hole placement as well.

Applications of Stub Drill Bits

These drill bits are also widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and metalworking as they are very adaptable and suitable for many tasks. For example, they really do excel really well in very precise drilling tasks, which makes them more than suitable for creating pilot holes, deburring, and countersinking.

Their compact design is also very beneficial in tight or confined spaces as well, and they are especially useful for drilling sheet metal where control and precision really are needed. Stub drills are also commonly used in welding drill collars and core drills.

Further to this these types of drill bits are ideal for:

Precision Drilling

Stub drill bits are perfect for tasks requiring precise hole placement, such as in jewellery-making or fine metalwork, as their rigidity really helps reduce wandering and ensures that you get a lot of accuracy as well.

Confined Space Drilling

The shorter length of stub drill bits makes them ideal for drilling in tight or hard-to-reach spaces where standard drill bits cannot fit.

Metal Fabrication

Stub drill bits are also commonly used in metalworking industries to drill holes in materials like steel, aluminium, and brass, as they give you a lot of strength, durability and control during the whole process.

Spot Drilling

These bits are often used to create shallow, accurate pilot holes that guide larger drill bits, ensuring proper alignment and positioning.

Electrical and HVAC Work

Stub drill bits are also handy for electricians and HVAC technicians when drilling into metal enclosures or installing fixtures in confined areas as well.

Automotive Repairs

Stub drill bits are also widely used in automotive applications, such as drilling into engine blocks or frames, where precision and compact tools really are needed.

Machinery Maintenance

Maintenance professionals also use stub drill bits for repairing or modifying industrial machinery due to their strength and precision in hard materials here.

Woodworking

Although commonly associated with metals, stub drill bits can also be used in woodworking for creating precise, shallow holes in dense woods or composite materials.

Plastics and Composites

Stub drill bits are also very effective for drilling clean, accurate holes in hard plastics and composite materials as well.

DIY and Home Projects

For home improvement tasks like furniture assembly, stub drill bits also give you that control and accuracy, making them a great tool for DIY enthusiasts.

Common Sizes and Sets of Stub Drill Bits

Stub drill bits come in a variety of sizes to suit different applications. For example, they are available in both metric and imperial measurements, ranging from small diameters like 1mm up to larger sizes.

Then you can also buy these in stub drill sets or stub drill bit sets, providing you with a range of sizes to choose from all in one package. For example, here, metric stub drill sets are popular for international applications, while imperial sets cater more to projects working with U.S. standards.

How to Choose the Right Stub Drill Bit for Your Project?

Selecting the appropriate stub drill bit for you depends on the material you are working with and the precision required.

For drilling hard metals like stainless steel or cast iron, for instance, cobalt stub drill bits - or carbide stub drills as they are also known - are ideal due to their heat resistance and durability here.

However, for more general-purpose drilling in wood or plastic, standard helix HSS stub drill bits offer excellent performance. Lastly, you also need to consider the features you need, including, for instance, if you will need a point tip design - such as a split point, for improved accuracy and reduced walking, to name just one here.

Top Brands for Stub Drill Bits

Leading manufacturers here include the likes of Dormer Stub Drills, Presto, Stub Drills and Guhring Stub Drills, all of which produce very high-quality drill bits.

Maintenance and Care for Stub Drill Bits

Buying your drill bit is one thing, but to get the most use from it, proper maintenance is ideal as this extends the life of your stub drill bits.

For instance, here, you want to keep them clean and free of debris after each use.

To do this, you should, for instance, regularly inspect them for signs of wear or damage and also consider if it is suitable to do so, to sharpen dull bits using a drill bit sharpener or grinding tool that is most suited to your drill bit, and you also want to make sure that the correct tip angle is maintained in the process.

Another thing you should consider here as well is how you store your bits. For example, you can opt for a protective case or organiser to prevent the bits from getting damaged and to help you keep them organised in the process - especially if you have a comprehensive drill bit set as well.

Safety Tips When Using Stub Drill Bits

You always want to prioritise safety when drilling, and using stub drills is no different.

For instance, here, you want to make sure that you wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety goggles and safety work gloves.

You also want to make sure that the workpiece you are working on is firmly secured using clamps or a vice.

Further to this, it is also wise to make sure that the drill you are using is set to the correct speed for the material and bit size, and you also want to avoid applying excessive force to prevent bit breakage or injury as well.

FAQs About Stub Drill Bits

Some questions that we get asked a lot about these drill bits include for instance:

What is a Stub Drill Bit Used For?

A stub drill bit is used for precise drilling tasks where rigidity and accuracy really are essential, and they are ideal for drilling in tight spaces and hard materials as stated above.

What is the Difference Between a Stub Drill vs Jobber Drill?

The main difference here lies in their length. Stub drills are shorter than HSS jobber drill bits, giving you more rigidity and less deflection, making them better for precision work.

Can I Use a Stub Drill Bit With a Handheld Drill?

Stub drill bits can be used with handheld drills, especially as their shorter length makes them easier to control, reducing the risk of bit walking or slipping.

Are There Stub Drill Bits for Specific Materials?

There are stub drill bits made from different materials like HSS, cobalt stub drill sets, and carbide, each suited for specific materials ranging from wood to hard metals, for example.

Stub Drill Bits vs. HSS Long Series Drill Bits

Stub drill bits are much shorter, offering greater rigidity and precision compared to HSS long series drill bits, which are designed for deep hole drilling. Stub bits are ideal for confined spaces and accurate drilling, while long series bits are better for reaching deeper, harder-to-access areas but are more prone to deflection.

Stub Drill Bits vs. Centre Drills

Centre drills are designed for creating small, conical holes to guide other drill bits, while stub drill bits are great tools for drilling precise, full-depth holes. Centre drills are primarily used in lathe work to create accurate starting points, whereas stub drill bits excel in general-purpose drilling with minimal wandering.

Stub Drill Bits vs. Ground Flute HSS Drill Bits

Both are made from high-speed steel, but stub drill bits are shorter, offering better rigidity and precision than standard HSS drill bits. The shorter length of stub bits minimises deflection and makes them ideal for tight spaces, while standard HSS bits are more versatile for deeper or general-purpose drilling.

Stub Drill Bits vs. Hand Reamers

Stub drill bits create initial holes with precision, while hand reamers are used for enlarging or finishing holes to exact dimensions. Reamers require pre-drilled holes and are focused on achieving a smooth, precise finish, whereas stub bits are designed to initiate accurate holes with rigidity and control.

Stub Drill Bits Overall

As you can see, stub drill bits really are indispensable cutting tools, which are ideal for achieving precision and control in various drilling tasks as a result.

This is in part thanks to their durability, compact design, and adaptability, which makes them a favourite among professionals and DIYers alike. So, whether you are working on industrial applications or home projects, investing in quality stub drill bits really will improve both your work efficiency and results as well.

Related Categories

For more information on drill bits and accessories, please see some of our other related categories:

• Hex Die Nuts
• Morse Taper Shank Drills
• Cobalt Jobber Drill Bits
• Power Tool Accessories

So improve your drilling applications with our range of high-performance tools designed to deliver precision and efficiency. Whether you need a drill bit set for general use or specialised bits for specific tasks, MSC Industrial Supply Co. has you covered.

Contact Customer Support

If you are still not sure which carbide straight flute drill bits is right for you or you need help, then for further information please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

Standard Delivery Options

We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you free next-working-day delivery, making your shipping experience even easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you - including next-day dispatch - to ensure you get a timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.

Standard free next-day delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping and a good returns policy for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Industrial Supply Co.?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom. We offer trade accounts, a vast selection of new products, and free next-day delivery on eligible orders.

Our extensive range includes everything from hand tools and power tools to specialised hole-making equipment like blacksmith drill bits, core drills, and machine reamers to name just a few.

As a result, we can provide you with a comprehensive selection of products, including:

• Blacksmith Drill Bits
• Countersinks
• Masonry Drill Bits
• Hand Tools
• Indexable Insert Drills
• Cutting Tools
• Abrasives
• Power Tools
• Reamer Tools
• Safety Equipment

As a result, we serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond. Consequently, our commitment to providing quality products and exceptional customer service makes us a trusted partner for all your industrial needs.

With our knowledgeable customer support team and technical assistance available Mon-Fri, we ensure you have the support you need to succeed.