400N NITRO 115 PC Set

DRILLCO 400N NITRO 115-Piece Drill Bit Set — Heavy-Duty HSS Performance for Medium and High Strength Materials

The DRILLCO 400N NITRO 115-Piece Drill Bit Set is a comprehensive NAS Type B jobber-length drill collection engineered for contractors and trades professionals who demand reliable performance in demanding drilling applications. Built from premium grade M2 High Speed Steel with a Black & Gold surface treatment, these drills are designed for heavy-duty drilling in medium and high strength materials, including stainless steel. The set covers sizes 1/16"–1/2" by 64ths plus #1–#60 wire gauge sizes, making it a versatile solution for both handheld and CNC operations on the job site or in the shop.

Technical Specifications

Available Individual Sizes (400N Series — Fractional Jobber Length)

The NITRO 400N series offers superior performance over standard HSS drills by combining premium M2 steel with a Black & Gold surface treatment that delivers better corrosion resistance, reduced chipping and flaking, and increased lubricity compared to bright-finish or black oxide alternatives. The 135° split point geometry further differentiates these drills from conventional 118° point designs by enabling self-centering starts and reduced thrust requirements, which is especially advantageous when drilling curved surfaces or harder materials by hand.

Key Features & Benefits

Premium Grade M2 High Speed Steel Construction

All NITRO drills are manufactured from premium quality M2 High Speed Steel, providing the hardness and wear resistance needed for heavy-duty drilling in medium and high strength materials, including stainless steel. M2 HSS offers a significant step up in tool life compared to general-purpose HSS, reducing the frequency of bit changes on demanding jobs.

135° Self-Centering Split Point

The 135° split point geometry is self-centering, eliminating the need for a center punch on most surfaces and reducing bit walking when starting a hole. This design also reduces thrust requirements, meaning less force is needed to initiate and maintain the cut, which translates to less operator fatigue and more consistent hole placement.

Black & Gold Surface Treatment for Maximum Lubricity

The Black & Gold surface treatment applied to the body and flutes provides better resistance to corrosion and breakage while increasing lubricity and reducing chipping and flaking. This treatment allows the drills to be used across most materials and helps extend tool life compared to uncoated or black oxide finishes.

Jobber Length for Versatile Reach

Jobber length is the most common drill length because it provides extra reach while remaining suitable for the vast majority of drilling applications. This makes the 400N set a practical all-around solution for contractors who need one set to handle a wide range of tasks without switching between drill lengths.

Compatible with Handheld and CNC Operations

The 400N NITRO drills are designed for use in both portable handheld drills and fixed-spindle applications such as CNC machines and drill presses. This dual compatibility makes the set a flexible investment for shops and field crews alike.

Comprehensive 115-Piece Size Coverage

With 115 pieces covering 1/16"–1/2" by 64ths and #1–#60 wire gauge sizes, this set provides the breadth of sizing needed to handle virtually any hole diameter requirement encountered in metalworking and construction trades. Having the full range on hand minimizes downtime caused by missing a specific size.

Common Applications

Drilling in Medium and High Strength Steels

The M2 HSS construction and 135° split point make the 400N series well suited for drilling into medium and high strength steel materials where standard HSS drills may wear prematurely.

Stainless Steel Drilling

The NITRO drills are specifically recommended for heavy-duty drilling in stainless steel, where the Black & Gold surface treatment and premium M2 steel help manage the increased heat and work-hardening characteristics of the material.

CNC Machine Operations

The NAS Type B jobber-length specification and consistent geometry make these drills suitable for fixed-spindle CNC drilling operations where repeatability and tool life are critical.

Handheld Portable Drill Applications

The self-centering 135° split point reduces walking on curved or angled surfaces, making these drills practical for handheld drilling where a drill press or fixture is not available.

Heavy-Duty Fabrication and Metalworking

Designed for heavy-duty use, the 400N set is appropriate for fabrication shops and trades professionals who drill frequently and require a drill that maintains performance over extended use cycles.

Compatible Materials

• Medium strength steels
• High strength steels
• Stainless steel
• Most general metalworking materials compatible with Black & Gold surface treatment

Product Documents

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Product Sheet
• Linecard

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• During normal operation and usage, high speed steel products do not present inhalation, ingestion, or other chemical hazards.
• Grinding, cutting, machining, burning, or welding may release dusts, fumes, or vapors that present health hazards if exposure limits are exceeded.
• Excessive inhalation of metallic fumes and dusts may cause irritation of eyes, nose, and throat; symptoms may include metallic taste, dryness and irritation of the throat, chills, and fever persisting 12–48 hours.
• Chromium is listed as a carcinogen by NTP and OSHA; various forms of dermatitis and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract are associated with chromium exposure.
• Tungsten: some evidence of pulmonary involvement such as cough.
• Vanadium: eye and respiratory tract irritant.
• Cobalt dust inhalation may cause respiratory disease including occupational asthma and interstitial fibrosis; symptoms include productive cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and weight loss.
• Skin contact with dust may cause irritation or allergic skin rash due to cobalt sensitization.
• 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

• Cloth or leather gloves recommended when contact with dust or mist is likely.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles with side shields; do not wear contact lenses when handling these materials.
• Hearing protection may be required.
• Always use machine guards and wear safety glasses and protective clothing to prevent injury in the event of tool breakage.
• Use an appropriate NIOSH-approved respirator if airborne dust concentration exceeds the applicable PEL or TLV; all requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 must be met.
• Employer should provide an eye wash station within the immediate work area for emergency use.

Safe Handling

• Use local exhaust ventilation adequate to limit personal exposure to airborne dust below PEL or TLV levels.
• Perform grinding, cutting, machining, burning, and welding operations in well-ventilated areas.
• 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.
• Clean up using methods that avoid dust generation such as vacuum (with appropriate filters), wet dust mop, or wet clean-up.
• Store in a dry place in a manner that prevents accidental environmental contamination from traces of industrial lubricants or wetting oils.
• Soiled clothing should be laundered separately.
• Incompatible materials: strong acids, strong oxidizers.
• Emergency phone: CHEM-TEL INC 1-800-255-3924

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these drills suitable for use in a CNC machine as well as a handheld drill?
A: Yes. The 400N NITRO drills are designed for use in both portable handheld drills and fixed-spindle applications including CNC machines and drill presses.

Q: What is the advantage of the 135° split point over a standard 118° conventional point?
A: The 135° split point is self-centering, which reduces bit walking when starting a hole and lowers thrust requirements compared to a conventional 118° point. This is particularly beneficial when drilling curved surfaces or harder materials, especially in handheld applications.

Q: What does the Black & Gold surface treatment provide?
A: The Black & Gold surface treatment applied to the body and flutes provides maximum lubricity, better resistance to corrosion and breakage, and reduces chipping and flaking. It is suitable for use on most materials.

Q: Can these drills be used on stainless steel?
A: Yes. The NITRO 400N series is specifically recommended for heavy-duty drilling in a wide range of material groups, including stainless steel.

Q: What role do speed, feed, and lubrication play in drill performance?
A: According to DRILLCO, speed, feed, and lube are all critical to cutting tool performance. Using appropriate cutting lubricants can help manage heat during the machining operation and extend drill life.

Q: What sizes are included in the 115-piece set?
A: The set includes fractional sizes from 1/16" to 1/2" by 64ths and wire gauge sizes #1 through #60, providing comprehensive coverage for most drilling requirements.