{"product_id":"1-8-in-x-18-in-high-speed-steel-extra-long-drill-bit-extra-reach","title":"1\/8 in x 18 in High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit - Extra Reach","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the 1\/8 in x 18 in high speed steel extra long drill bit is judged as a practical choice for jobs requiring extra reach and general purpose drilling in iron and steel materials. The bottom line: it is best for maintenance shops, fabricators, and hobbyists who need a dependable long-reach twist drill that balances hardness with toughness. The single biggest reason to buy is its extra length combined with a high-speed steel construction and black oxide surface treatment, which together improve chip evacuation and coolant retention during extended cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtra long 18 in length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides the extended reach needed to drill through deep assemblies or reach awkward spots without dismantling parts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh speed steel construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers a mix of hardness and toughness for wear resistance across a broad range of iron and steel family materials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack oxide finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adds lubricity and helps hold coolant near the cutting edge to reduce heat buildup during long cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpiral fluted, right-hand cut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evacuates chips up and out of the hole to reduce clogging and keep holes cleaner while drilling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRound shank:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fits a wide variety of toolholding systems so it can be used in drills and holders commonly found in maintenance shops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe drill bit is aimed at users who routinely work with iron and steel and need extra reach for through-holes or deep fixtures, including maintenance technicians, metal fabricators, and serious hobbyists. Its general purpose HSS design makes it a sensible single-bit option for production or repair work where a long length is a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsers who primarily drill softer materials like wood or plastics and who rarely need extended reach may find a shorter, more rigid bit preferable, and those needing extreme wear resistance or higher cutting speeds should consider coated or carbide options instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood balance of hardness and toughness from the \u003cstrong\u003ehigh speed steel\u003c\/strong\u003e substrate for general metal drilling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack oxide treatment\u003c\/strong\u003e adds lubricity and helps retain coolant at the cutting edge during longer cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtra 18 in length solves access issues in deep or awkward assemblies without disassembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRound shank fits common toolholding systems for versatile use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtra length can reduce rigidity compared with shorter bits, making it more prone to deflection or breakage under heavy side loads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers report mixed durability and accuracy when pushing through very thick material, so care is required on demanding jobs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/8 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOverall length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh speed steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack oxide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShank type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRound shank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlute style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpiral fluted, right-hand cut\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor anyone who needs an extra long twist drill for iron and steel, this 1\/8 in x 18 in HSS bit is a practical, cost-conscious choice that delivers good chip evacuation and coolant retention thanks to its black oxide finish. It offers solid value for maintenance and fabrication tasks where reach matters, but users should expect less rigidity than shorter bits and take care when drilling thick or very hard stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this bit be used in regular corded drills?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the round shank allows use in many standard drill chucks and holders, but ensure the chuck grips the round shank securely to avoid slippage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this suitable for stainless steel?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is designed for a broad range of iron and steel family materials; stainless steel may work but requires slower speeds and more coolant to avoid premature wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill the extra length cause breakage?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExtra length reduces rigidity and increases risk of deflection or breakage if side load or excessive feed is applied, so use steady feed and proper support.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Drill America","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48609792688347,"sku":"B01BM3OOO6","price":32.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/518RMNFvwGL._SL1500_e2695aa5-e68a-43db-830a-a741efaa666c.jpg?v=1778587341","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/1-8-in-x-18-in-high-speed-steel-extra-long-drill-bit-extra-reach","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}