T9F 8 PC Set Silver & Deming Reduced Shank Drill Set

DRILLCO T9F 8-Piece Silver & Deming Reduced Shank Drill Set — Premium HSS for Large-Diameter Portable Drilling

The DRILLCO T9F Style Silver & Deming (S&D) 8-piece drill set is engineered for contractors and trades professionals who need to drill large-diameter holes in medium-strength alloy materials using handheld equipment. Manufactured in the United States from premium grade high-speed steel (HSS), these reduced shank drills cover sizes from 9/16" to 1" in 1/16" increments, making them a comprehensive solution for a wide range of large-bore applications. The 1/2" reduced shank with three flats fits standard 1/2" chucks and prevents bit rotation in handheld drills. The set ships in a durable molded case for organized storage and job-site portability.

Technical Specifications

Available Items

Unlike standard jobber-length drills, Silver & Deming reduced shank drills allow large-diameter cutting with a standard 1/2" chuck, eliminating the need for specialized equipment on the job site. The three-flat shank design prevents slippage under torque, and the black oxide finish provides a meaningful advantage over bright-finish alternatives in terms of chip flow and abrasion resistance during metal drilling operations.

Key Features & Benefits

Black Oxide Finish

The black oxide surface treatment reduces friction between the flutes and the workpiece, improving chip flow and increasing abrasion resistance. This translates to longer tool life and more consistent hole quality when drilling low- to medium-tensile-strength materials.

Premium Grade High-Speed Steel (HSS)

Constructed from premium grade HSS, these drills deliver improved tool life compared to standard carbon steel alternatives. HSS is the industry-standard substrate for general-purpose metal drilling, suitable for low- to medium-strength steels and alloy materials.

1/2" Reduced Shank with 3 Flats

The 1/2" reduced shank allows large-diameter drill sizes (up to 1") to be used in any standard 1/2" chuck without requiring a larger drill press or specialized toolholder. The three flats on the shank prevent bit rotation under load, which is especially important in handheld portable drilling applications.

Comprehensive Size Range

With eight bits covering 9/16" through 1" in 1/16" increments, this set eliminates the need to source individual large-diameter bits for most common large-bore tasks. Having the full range on hand reduces downtime between operations.

Durable Molded Storage Case

The included molded case keeps all eight bits organized and protected during transport and storage. Individual bit slots prevent contact damage and allow quick identification of the required size on the job site.

Made in the United States

Manufactured domestically by DRILLCO Cutting Tools, these drills meet the quality expectations of professional metalworking tradespeople. U.S. origin also supports procurement requirements on projects with domestic content specifications.

Common Applications

Drilling in Medium-Strength Alloy Materials

The premium HSS construction and black oxide finish make this set well-suited for drilling through medium-strength alloy steels and similar ferrous materials encountered in structural and fabrication work.

Portable Handheld Metal Drilling

The 1/2" reduced shank with three flats is specifically designed for use in handheld portable drills, allowing large-diameter holes to be drilled on-site without a drill press or stationary equipment.

Large-Diameter Hole Making

Covering 9/16" through 1", this set handles large-bore requirements that exceed the capacity of standard jobber drill sets, making it a go-to solution when oversized clearance or bolt holes are needed.

General Metal Fabrication

Suitable for shop and field fabrication tasks where a range of large hole sizes must be drilled in metal plate, structural steel, or similar workpieces.

Compatible Materials

• Medium-strength alloy steels
• Low- to medium-tensile-strength metals
• General ferrous metals (with appropriate speed, feed, and lubrication)

Product Documents

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — DRILLCO High Speed Steel Cutting Tools
• DRILLCO / WALTER Product Linecard

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• During normal use, HSS drill bits do not present inhalation, ingestion, or chemical hazards.
• Grinding, cutting, machining, burning, or welding these tools may release dusts, fumes, or vapors that can be hazardous 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, chills, and fever persisting 12–48 hours.
• Chromium (present 0–5% by weight) is listed as a carcinogen by NTP and OSHA; various forms of dermatitis and upper respiratory tract inflammation are associated with chromium exposure.
• Tungsten (5–10% by weight): some evidence of pulmonary involvement such as cough.
• Vanadium (0–5% by weight): eye and respiratory tract irritant.
• Cobalt dust (if generated) is associated with respiratory diseases including occupational asthma and interstitial fibrosis.
• Fine metal particles produced during grinding can burn; high concentrations in air may present an explosion hazard.
• NFPA Hazard Rating: Health 1 / Flammability 0 / Reactivity 0.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles with side shields required; contact lenses should not be worn. An eyewash station should be available in the immediate work area.
• Gloves: Cloth or leather gloves recommended when contact with dust or mist is likely.
• Respiratory protection: Use a NIOSH-approved respirator if airborne dust concentration exceeds applicable PEL or TLV (per 29 CFR 1910.134).
• Hearing protection may be required depending on operating conditions.
• Always use machine guards and wear protective clothing to prevent injury in the event of tool breakage.

Safe Handling

• Perform grinding, welding, or machining operations in well-ventilated areas; use local exhaust ventilation adequate to keep airborne dust below PEL/TLV.
• Clean up using methods that avoid dust generation: vacuum with appropriate filters, wet dust mop, or wet clean-up. Use a NIOSH-approved respirator if airborne dust is generated during clean-up.
• Store in a dry place in a manner that prevents accidental environmental contamination from industrial lubricants or wetting oils.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking; wash exposed skin at end of work shift.
• Do not shake clothing or rags to remove dust; remove dust by washing or vacuuming with appropriate filters.
• Soiled clothing should be laundered separately.
• Incompatible materials: strong acids and strong oxidizers.
• For powder fires: smother with dry sand, dry dolomite, or ABC-type fire extinguisher, or flood with water. Use self-contained breathing apparatus for large fires.
• Dispose of waste material in compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local environmental regulations; send to an appropriate reclamation facility if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does this set use a 1/2" reduced shank instead of a full-size shank?
A: Silver & Deming drills are designed with a 1/2" reduced shank so that large-diameter bits (9/16" through 1") can be used in any standard 1/2" drill chuck, including handheld portable drills, without requiring a larger chuck or drill press.

Q: What is the purpose of the three flats on the shank?
A: The three flats on the 1/2" shank prevent the bit from rotating or slipping within the chuck under the high torque loads generated when drilling large-diameter holes, which is especially important in handheld portable drilling applications.

Q: What does the black oxide finish do?
A: The black oxide surface treatment reduces friction and heat damage during drilling, improves chip flow through the flutes, and increases abrasion resistance — all of which contribute to longer tool life on low- to medium-tensile-strength materials.

Q: What are the critical factors for getting the best performance and life from these drills?
A: According to DRILLCO, speed, feed, and lubrication are all critical to cutting tool performance. Using the correct RPM, appropriate feed pressure, and adequate cutting lubricant will maximize hole quality and tool life.

Q: Are these drills suitable for use in a drill press as well as handheld drills?
A: Yes. While the 1/2" reduced shank with three flats is specifically noted as ideal for handheld portable drilling applications, the shank is compatible with any 1/2" chuck, including those on drill presses.