400E 29 PC Set

DRILLCO 400E 29 PC Heavy-Duty HSS Drill Bit Set — Precision Drilling in Tough Materials

The DRILLCO 400E 29-piece heavy-duty drill bit set is a premium grade high speed steel (HSS) jobber-length set designed for contractors and trades professionals who regularly drill into medium and high strength materials, including stainless steel and tougher ferrous metals. The set covers 1/16" through 1/2" by 64ths, providing a complete range of sizes for demanding jobsite applications. A 135° split point reduces thrust requirements and minimizes walking, making it well suited for both hand-held and stationary drilling operations. Speed, feed, and lubrication are all critical to cutting tool performance with this set.

Technical Specifications

Available Sizes

Unlike general-purpose HSS sets with a conventional 118° point, the 400E features a 135° split point specifically engineered for reduced thrust and self-centering performance on harder ferrous materials and stainless steel. The black oxide surface treatment reduces friction and heat damage compared to a bright finish, extending tool life in low to medium tensile strength materials and beyond.

Key Features & Benefits

Premium Grade HSS Construction

Each drill bit in this set is manufactured from premium grade high speed steel, providing the hardness and wear resistance needed for heavy-duty drilling applications. This material selection makes the set suitable for stainless steel and tougher ferrous materials where standard HSS may fall short.

135° Self-Centering Split Point

The 135° split point is self-centering, which reduces the need for a center punch and minimizes walking on curved or hard surfaces. It also reduces the thrust required to start and maintain a cut, decreasing operator fatigue and improving hole accuracy.

Black Oxide Surface Treatment

The black oxide finish reduces friction between the bit and workpiece, which helps manage heat buildup during drilling. This surface treatment contributes to improved tool life compared to uncoated bright finish bits.

Jobber Length for Versatile Reach

Jobber length is the most common drill bit length because it provides extra reach while remaining usable across the widest range of applications. This makes the set practical for general contractor use without requiring multiple length-specific sets.

Complete 29-Piece Size Range

The set spans 1/16" through 1/2" by 64ths, covering virtually every common hole size a contractor encounters in metalworking tasks. Having the full range in a single set reduces downtime spent sourcing individual bits on the job.

Common Applications

Drilling in Stainless Steel

The 135° split point and premium HSS construction are specifically noted as designed for efficient drilling in stainless steel, where heat and work hardening are common challenges.

Heavy-Duty Drilling in Ferrous Materials

The heavy-duty construction makes these drills suitable for more demanding applications in tougher ferrous materials where standard drill bits wear prematurely.

Drilling in Medium and High Strength Materials

The set is rated for drilling holes in medium and high strength materials, making it appropriate for structural steel, heavy plate, and similar construction materials.

Compatible Materials

• Stainless steel
• Tougher ferrous materials
• Medium strength materials
• High strength materials

Product Documents

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Drillco Product Linecard

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• During normal operation and usage, high speed steel products do not present inhalation, ingestion, or other chemical hazards.
• Operations such as grinding, cutting, machining, burning, and welding may release dusts, fumes, or vapors which may present health hazards if exposure limits are exceeded.
• Excessive inhalation of metallic fumes and dusts may result in irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; symptoms may include metallic taste, dryness and irritation of the throat, chills and fever, persisting 12 to 48 hours.
• Chromium (present 0–5% by weight): various forms of dermatitis, inflammation and/or ulceration of the upper respiratory tract; listed as carcinogen by NTP and OSHA.
• Tungsten (present 5–10% by weight): some evidence of pulmonary involvement such as cough.
• Vanadium (present 0–5% by weight): eye and respiratory tract irritant.
• Cobalt dust is reported as the most probable cause of respiratory diseases including occupational asthma and interstitial fibrosis.
• Fine metal particles produced when ground or sawed can burn; high concentrations in air may present an explosion hazard.
• NFPA Hazard Rating: Health 1; Flammability 0; Reactivity 0.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear safety glasses or goggles with side shields; do not wear contact lenses when handling.
• Cloth or leather gloves are recommended when contact with dust or mist is likely.
• Use an appropriate NIOSH-approved respirator if airborne dust concentration exceeds the applicable PEL or TLV.
• Hearing protection might be required.
• Always use machine guards and wear protective clothing to prevent injury in the event of tool breakage.
• Employer should provide an eye wash station within the immediate work area for emergency use.

Safe Handling

• Use only with local exhaust ventilation adequate to limit personal exposure to airborne dust below PEL or TLV levels.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking; wash exposed skin at end of work shift.
• Do not shake clothing, rags, or other items to remove dust — remove dust by washing or vacuuming with appropriate filters.
• Store in a dry place in a manner that prevents accidental environmental contamination from traces of industrial lubricants or wetting oils.
• Clean up using methods to avoid dust generation such as vacuum (with appropriate filters), wet dust mop, or wet clean up.
• Soiled clothing should be laundered separately.
• Incompatible with strong acids and strong oxidizers.
• For powder fires, smother with dry sand, dry dolomite, ABC type fire extinguisher, or flood with water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What materials is the DRILLCO 400E set designed to drill?
A: The set is designed for drilling holes in medium and high strength materials, with specific suitability for stainless steel and tougher ferrous materials.

Q: What point angle do these drill bits use, and why does it matter?
A: These bits use a 135° split point. This self-centering geometry reduces thrust requirements, minimizes walking on the workpiece surface, and is better suited for harder materials and curved surfaces compared to a conventional 118° point.

Q: What size range does the 29-piece set cover?
A: The set covers 1/16" through 1/2" by 64ths, providing a complete incremental range of sizes in a single set.

Q: What is the surface treatment on these bits, and what does it do?
A: The bits have a black oxide surface treatment, which reduces friction and heat damage during drilling and increases tool life.

Q: What drill bit length type is used in this set?
A: These are jobber length drill bits, which is the most common length because it provides extra reach and can be used in most applications.

Q: Are there any critical operating tips for getting the best performance from these bits?
A: Yes — speed, feed, and lubrication are all critical to cutting tool performance with this set. Proper attention to all three factors will maximize tool life and hole quality.