480A Heavy-Duty Jobber Drill

DRILLCO 480A Heavy-Duty HSS Drill Bit for Stainless Steel and Tough Ferrous Materials

The DRILLCO 480A is a heavy-duty high speed steel drill bit engineered for demanding drilling applications in stainless steel and tougher ferrous materials. Its 135º split point geometry reduces thrust requirements and minimizes walking, making it well-suited for precision hole-making in hard-to-drill metals. Designed for contractors and trades professionals who require reliable performance in medium and high strength materials, the 480A is manufactured in the United States. Speed, feed, and lubrication are all critical to maximizing cutting tool performance with this bit.

Technical Specifications

The 480A's 135º split point sets it apart from conventional 118º point drills by self-centering on the workpiece and reducing the thrust force needed to initiate a cut, which is especially valuable when working with stainless steel and other tough ferrous alloys. Its heavy-duty construction is purpose-built for demanding applications where general-purpose drills fall short.

Key Features & Benefits

135º Split Point Geometry

The 135º split point is self-centering, which minimizes walking on curved or hard surfaces and reduces the thrust required to start and maintain a cut. This translates to more accurate hole placement and less operator fatigue on demanding materials.

Heavy-Duty Construction

The 480A is built to handle more demanding applications than general-purpose drills, making it a reliable choice when drilling medium and high strength materials. Its robust design supports consistent performance under the higher loads associated with tough ferrous metals.

High Speed Steel (HSS) Material

Constructed from high speed steel, the 480A delivers the hardness and wear resistance needed for metalworking in stainless steel and tougher ferrous materials. HSS provides a balance of toughness and cutting performance suitable for heavy-duty drilling tasks.

Made in the United States

The 480A is manufactured domestically, supporting consistent quality control and reliable availability for contractors sourcing tools through professional supply channels.

Common Applications

Drilling Stainless Steel

The 480A is specifically designed for efficient drilling in stainless steel, where its 135º split point and heavy-duty construction help manage the work-hardening characteristics of the material.

Drilling Tough Ferrous Materials

Suited for medium and high strength ferrous alloys where standard general-purpose drills may struggle, the 480A provides the durability and geometry needed for reliable hole-making.

Heavy-Duty Metalworking

The 480A is intended for demanding drilling applications in professional and industrial metalworking environments where tool performance and longevity are critical.

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, high speed steel drill bits do not present inhalation, ingestion, or other chemical hazards.
• Grinding, cutting, machining, burning, or welding may release dusts, fumes, or vapors that can 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 to 48 hours.
• Chromium is listed as a carcinogen by NTP and OSHA; various forms of dermatitis, inflammation and/or ulceration of the upper respiratory tract, and possibly cancer of nasal passages and lungs are associated with chromium exposure.
• Tungsten: some evidence of pulmonary involvement such as cough.
• Vanadium: eye and respiratory tract irritant.
• Cobalt dust from grinding is the most probable cause of respiratory diseases including occupational asthma and interstitial fibrosis.
• Skin contact with dust can cause irritation or allergic skin rash due to cobalt sensitization.
• Eye contact may cause irritation.
• NFPA Hazard Rating: Health 1; Flammability 0; Reactivity 0.
• Fine metal particles produced when ground or sawed can burn; high concentrations in air may present an explosion hazard.
• Incompatible with strong acids and strong oxidizers.

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 may be required.
• Always use machine guards and wear protective clothing to prevent injury in the event of tool breakage.
• Soiled clothing should be laundered separately.

Safe Handling

• Perform grinding, cutting, and machining operations in well-ventilated areas; use 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.
• Clean up spills 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.
• Employer should provide an eye wash station within the immediate work area for emergency use.
• In case of inhalation symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath), remove from exposure and seek medical attention.
• In case of skin irritation or rash, wash affected areas thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• In case of eye irritation, flush with copious amounts of water; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What materials is the DRILLCO 480A designed to drill?
A: The 480A is designed for efficient drilling in stainless steel and tougher ferrous materials, and is suited for medium and high strength materials in heavy-duty drilling applications.

Q: What point angle does the 480A use, and why does it matter?
A: The 480A features a 135º split point. This geometry reduces the thrust requirements needed to drill and minimizes walking, which helps maintain accurate hole placement especially on hard or curved surfaces.

Q: What is the drill bit made of?
A: The 480A is constructed from high speed steel (HSS), which provides the hardness and wear resistance required for drilling stainless steel and tough ferrous materials.

Q: Where is the DRILLCO 480A manufactured?
A: The 480A is manufactured in the United States.

Q: Are there any critical technique tips for getting the best performance from this drill bit?
A: Yes — speed, feed, and lubrication are all critical to cutting tool performance with the 480A. Proper attention to all three factors will help maximize tool life and drilling efficiency.

Q: Is the 480A suitable for general-purpose or light-duty drilling?
A: The 480A is specifically built for more demanding applications. Its heavy-duty construction makes it appropriate for medium and high strength materials such as stainless steel and tougher ferrous alloys, rather than light-duty or general-purpose use.