What Are Extra-Short Drill Bits For and When Are They Used? Difference from Long Ones?
Working every day with the drilling of metals, wood, or other materials puts you in front of important choices regarding the tools to use. Such as, for example, extra-short drill bits, or those with limited length.
Those who know the subject know that there is a standard length for drill bits that are usually used for jobs that don't require particular shapes and structures. Then there are the very long drill bits that are used to drill large thicknesses, such as beams or walls. But what are extra-short drill bits for? What can be the benefits for those who use these tools? And what are the technical features? Let's explore all these topics together.
What are Extra-Short Drill Bits?
The name already suggests the nature of the tool: we're talking about drill bits that have a dedicated cutting edge section that is not very pronounced. While the shaft is always the same, to ensure maximum grip and safety in the chuck.
The spiral that serves to express cutting force and to drill the material is shorter than the standard. Basically, we find ourselves with half the length or even less than the bits we normally use to do a job without particular requirements. Remember that you could also recognize these models with specific labels like stub bits or short series.
Let's also add a detail: just as with normal bits, extra-short ones can have a particular composition. For example, starting from the now-established HSS bits to structures with cobalt percentage or with TiN coating. So with all the benefits of a super-resistant drill bit suitable for the most demanding, hard, complex jobs.
What are the Advantages of These Short Bits?
The question everyone asks themselves: why should I choose an extra-short bit for my drilling work? In fact, these solutions are not preferred unless there are specific benefits, there's no point in choosing these models if you don't know the advantages. Which are dictated by the laws of physics: the most important benefit is that a shorter bit is much more rigid. This means:
- Less vibration during drilling.
- Lower risk that the bit will bend.
- Precise and straight holes on inclined surfaces.
- Less probability that the bit will break.
If there are applications where intense effort is announced, and there is no need for a particular length, short drill bits can make the difference over time. Also because there is less mechanical stress and short-bladed bits last longer, even years.
But you should also consider another advantage of extra-short and short bits (image above): the ability to work in confined spaces, a typical feature of a short bit. With less leverage working against you, you have more control over the drilling tool. This is useful when you work in very uncomfortable positions.
What are the Disadvantages of These Solutions?
First of all the cost: they are considered bits for specific jobs, for specialists. They don't fall within standard production, so they have generally higher prices. But it shouldn't be a problem if the requirements demand it, actually the only flaw concerns the nature of the bit itself: you can't drill very deep holes. But if you chose this solution, it's because you need exactly this. That's why many professionals always keep a set of stub bits in the toolbox just for emergencies.
Other Types of Extra-Short Bits
The helical bits with a flat and extended blade are a type of drilling tool with this characteristic. But there are other tools that share this nature such as, for example, Forstner bits, which are very wide but little pronounced, serve mainly to create holes for furniture hinges. Which are not simple to realize.
