STRUCTURAL STEEL
For best results use 209015 TurboTip Drill Bits.
HMT Drill Bits – Technical Guide
The HMT Versadrive Drill Bit range includes TurboTip and Cobalt drill bits for portable metal drilling applications. This guide covers materials, drilling machines, material thickness, lubrication, adapters, best practice, impact torque and rotary RPM.
Which Materials Can HMT Versadrive Drill Bits Be Used On?
HARDENED STEEL
Feasible for drilling some grades of hardened steel in controlled situations.
For best results, the HMT Ultra tooling range is recommended.
Hardened or heat-affected materials may require higher torque, reduced RPM and feed rates, and extra coolant.
STAINLESS STEEL
For best results use 202050 or 209010 Cobalt Drill Bits on a rotary setting.
NON-FERROUS
All HMT tooling in this category is suitable for non-ferrous materials.
Which Drilling Machine Should I Use?
| Machine | Suitability | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| IMPACT WRENCH / IMPACT DRIVER | Suitable when using 209015 TurboTip Drill Bits. |
Ensure correct torque settings are used. Select the correct torque from the relevant torque table. If an exact torque match is not available, select the closest torque setting above the recommendation. TurboTip tooling generally performs best on higher torque settings. Low torque can cause the cutting tool to stall during the cut, which can lead to breakage. |
| ROTARY PISTOL DRILL | All HMT drill bits are suitable for pistol drill use. | Rotary pistol drills are recommended for stainless steel. |
| COMPACT MAGNET DRILL | All Versadrive Drill Bits can be adapted for use in a compact magnetic drill with a Weldon adapter. | Alternatively, 201070 Drill Bits have a Weldon shank. |
| LARGE MAGNET / PILLAR DRILL | All HMT tooling in this category can be adapted for use in a large magnetic drill. | Use either a Weldon adapter or a Morse Taper adapter. |
Additional notes
When using a magnetic drill:
- regularly check slides, handles, arbors and movable parts have not vibrated loose
- ensure a debris-free surface
- ensure sufficient steel thickness for strong magnetic hold
- minimum steel thickness stated in the source is 10 mm
When using cordless power tools, regularly check sufficient battery charge remains.
Low battery charge causes torque drop, which can damage cutting tools.
If the drilling machine has a variable-speed trigger, once the appropriate gear setting has been selected, use the full speed available by fully depressing the trigger.
Feathering the trigger can give inconsistent spindle speed and torque.
What Material Thickness Can HMT Versadrive Drill Bits Be Used On?
SHEET METAL – UP TO 4 MM
All HMT drill bits are suitable for this application.
Also consider Step Drills and Step Cutters for this material thickness.
STANDARD PLATE – 5–12 MM
All HMT drill bits are suitable for this application.
MEDIUM PLATE – 12–25 MM
All HMT drill bits are suitable for this application.
HEAVY PLATE – ABOVE 25 MM
All HMT drill bits are suitable for this application.
Consider using a magnetic-drill adapter to reduce fatigue.
Which Lubricant Should I Use?
SPEEDLUBE
Recommended for all general-purpose drilling applications.
BIOCUT PASTE
Recommended for overhead drilling and other applications where liquid lubricant is not suitable.
BIOCUT BLUE
Recommended for general-purpose drilling along with harder steels and stainless steels where heat reduction is critical.
Best choice if the material is to be welded or galvanised.
Additional notes
Ensure regular application of quality cooling lubricant, especially when drilling thick or harder materials.
Use flood coolant to keep the tool and workpiece cool to help prevent work hardening.
Which Adapters Can I Use With Versadrive Drill Bits?
IMPACT ADAPTERS
Suitable for using 209015 TurboTip Drill Bits in impact wrenches and impact drivers.
PISTOL DRILL / CHUCK
The Versadrive hex shank fits into any standard drill chuck.
130 mm and 300 mm Versadrive Extension Arbors will fit into standard drill chucks.
WELDON ADAPTERS
All Versadrive Drill Bits can be adapted for use in magnetic drills with the 111130 Adapter.
Alternatively, 201070 Drill Bits have a Weldon shank.
MORSE TAPER ADAPTERS
All Versadrive Drill Bits can be adapted for use in Morse Taper type drills with the 111045 Adapters.
HMT Versadrive Drill Bit Best Practice
Do I need a pilot hole or centre punch?
TurboTip drilling products up to 13 mm generally do not need a pilot hole.
Cobalt split-point drills require pilot holes when above 10 mm.
Centre punching improves hole-position accuracy but is not required for TurboTips.
Pilot drilling is recommended for all drill types when the diameter is above 13 mm.
When pilot drilling, approximately 70% of the required hole diameter is generally recommended.
What is the correct feed pressure?
Apply firm, steady feed pressure throughout the cut.
Excessive feed pressure will increase heat build-up and reduce tool life.
How many holes can I expect the cutting tool to last?
There is no fixed number.
There are customer reports of HMT tooling lasting for hundreds of holes, but tool life can vary widely depending on the application.
How can I prevent chipping or breakage?
Avoid lateral movement or tilting, which can damage the tooling.
Do not use excessive feed pressure.
Steady feed pressure helps keep the tool controlled and held at approximately 90 degrees to the cut.
This helps prevent snagging, chipping or kickback.
Try to maintain a consistent flow of swarf.
Should I use TurboTip or Cobalt Drill Bits for through and blind holes?
TurboTip Drills are recommended for through-hole applications.
209010 Cobalt Split-Point Drills are recommended for blind-hole drilling.
Additional notes
Hardened or heat-affected materials may require:
- higher torque
- reduced RPM
- reduced feed rates
- extra coolant
Recommended Impact Torque for HMT Versadrive TurboTip Drill Bits
Recommended impact torque varies according to drill diameter and material thickness.
| Diameter Range | Sheet up to 4 mm | Plate 5–12 mm | Plate 12–25 mm | Plate over 25 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4–6 mm | 140–160 | 160–180 | 240–280 | 265–310 |
| 7–9 mm | 160–295 | 195–360 | 300–520 | 330–570 |
| 10–12 mm | 320–350 | 395–430 | 580–635 | 640–700 |
| 13–15 mm | 370–375 | 445–455 | 675–690 | 745–760 |
| 16–18 mm | 455–580 | 580–720 | 880–1120 | 970–1230 |
| 19–21 mm | 685–685 | 845–845 | 1245–1245 | 1370–1370 |
| 22–24 mm | 720–720 | 900–900 | 1360–1360 | 1500–1500 |
Recommended Rotary RPM for HMT Versadrive Drill Bits
Recommended spindle speed varies according to drill diameter and material type.
| Diameter Range | Structural Steel – 30 m/min | Hardened Steel – 8 m/min | Stainless Steel – 12 m/min | Non-Ferrous – 50 m/min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4–6 mm | 2385–1590 | 635–425 | 955–635 | 3980–2655 |
| 7–9 mm | 1365–1060 | 365–285 | 545–425 | 2275–1770 |
| 10–12 mm | 955–795 | 255–210 | 380–320 | 1590–1325 |
| 13–15 mm | 735–635 | 195–170 | 295–255 | 1225–1060 |
| 16–18 mm | 595–530 | 160–140 | 240–210 | 995–885 |
| 19–21 mm | 505–455 | 135–120 | 200–180 | 840–760 |
| 22–24 mm | 435–400 | 115–105 | 175–160 | 725–665 |