When it comes to reliable tooling, few products are as instantly recognizable – or as crucial – as the drill. At Butler Bros, we offer a broad range of drills tailored to meet our customers' unique applications, with a special emphasis on carbide drills, which have become the industry standard for precision, durability, and high-performance cutting.
Why Carbide?
Carbide drills make a sizable portion of our drill offerings, owing to their incredible durability and ability to perform under rigorous conditions. Made from a composite of tungsten carbide, these drills are far tougher than the typical high-speed steel (HSS) drills found in most general toolkits. For more specialized needs, we also carry high-speed steel drills and high-speed steel with cobalt, which provide excellent strength and flexibility for specific applications.
Key Drill Features: Material, Coating, and Geometry
Drills are distinguished by three main features: material, coating, and geometry. Each of these elements plays a vital role in determining how a drill will perform and what materials it can effectively cut through.
Material: Carbide drills are ideal for high-speed, high-precision applications. Their strength allows them to withstand high temperatures and abrasive conditions that other materials cannot. For lighter or more flexible applications, high-speed steel or cobalt drills may be the better choice.
Coating: The right coating can extend the life of a drill and optimize its cutting ability. Our experienced team helps customers choose the best coating for their specific material needs. Here are a few common options:
Black Oxide: Great for corrosion resistance and general-purpose applications.
Titanium Nitride (TiN): Enhances hardness and wear resistance.
Titanium Carbo-Nitride (TiCN): Provides even greater durability, ideal for tougher materials.
Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN): Built for extreme heat resistance, making it the perfect choice for high-speed, high-temperature operations.
Geometry: Drill geometry is key to performance and varies based on the application. Here are some common considerations:
Length: The two most common options are screw machine (stub) length and jobber length, though deep-hole and long-length drills are available for specific needs. Lengths are often labeled in relation to the drill’s diameter, such as 3xD, 5xD, or 7xD.
Point Angle: For general-purpose use, a 118° point is often chosen, while a 135° point angle suits harder materials and is frequently used in CNC applications.
Helix Angle: This impacts chip evacuation. For general-purpose use, a 30° helix angle is standard. Harder steels and aluminum work best with steeper angles (closer to 10°), while stainless steels typically require a helix angle around 40°.
Some of our carbide drills also feature coolant-through capabilities, which enable coolant to pass through small holes at the drill point. This design facilitates chip removal and keeps the drill cool during extended use.
Quality Partners for Quality Products
We’re proud to partner with the world's foremost manufacturers to bring a wide array of carbide tools to our customers. These suppliers share our commitment to quality and innovation, bringing our customers the best carbide drills available. To see our full list of carbide partners, check out our line card.
Committed to Serving Our Customers’ Needs
At Butler Bros, we know that our customers rely on us for precision tools that deliver outstanding results. We’re here to help them select the right drill for every job, whether they’re cutting through steel, aluminum, or composite materials. Our carbide drills not only support our customers' production goals but also empower them to innovate and excel in their respective fields.
If you need guidance on choosing the best tool for your application, reach out to us. We’re always here to help you find the ideal solution to meet your needs, one drill at a time.