17/32 in x 18 in High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit - Extra Reach

In this review the Drill America 17/32 in x 18 in High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit is assessed for tradespeople and hobbyists who need extra reach when drilling through iron and steel family materials. The bottom line: this extra long HSS twist drill is best for applications where reach and dependable chip evacuation matter more than extreme longevity. Customers will appreciate its high-speed steel construction and black oxide treatment for smoother cutting, but should be aware it is a general-purpose tool rather than a specialty heavy-duty bit.

Key Features

• High-speed steel construction: offers a balance of hardness and toughness that provides wear resistance for general purpose drilling in steels and irons.
• Extra long length: provides extended reach for drilling into assemblies or deep workpieces where standard length bits cannot reach.
• Black oxide treatment: adds lubricity and creates small surface pockets that help retain coolant near the cutting edge to reduce heat and wear.
• Spiral fluted design: when run right-hand, the flute geometry evacuates chips up and out of the hole to reduce clogging on long drills.
• Round shank: allows use with a wide variety of toolholding systems so it fits many standard chucks and holders.
• Bright finish option: supports superior chip evacuation in some applications and complements the bit's general-purpose capability.

Who It's For

This drill bit is aimed at maintenance technicians, metal fabricators, and DIYers who need an extra long twist drill for jobs in iron and steel family materials where reach is the primary requirement. It is useful in production or shop environments where a dependable, general-purpose long bit is needed for occasional deep holes.

Those who routinely drill very hard alloys, require premium longevity, or demand guaranteed fracture resistance should look elsewhere for coated carbide or specialty long-reach drills designed for heavy industrial cycles. This bit performs best in general-purpose steel work rather than extreme duty.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good all-around performance in iron and steel due to HSS material that balances hardness and toughness.
• Extra length gives access to hard-to-reach holes where standard bits fall short.
• Black oxide treatment improves lubrication and helps retain coolant at the cutting edge for longer runs.
• Round shank fits a range of chucks and toolholders for flexible use.

Cons

• Durability feedback is mixed; some users report breakage under heavy side load, so care is needed when forcing cuts.
• Not specially coated for extreme wear resistance, so it is less suited to high-volume production compared with premium coated bits.

Specifications

Diameter	17/32 in
Length	18 in
Material	High-speed steel
Finish / Treatment	Black oxide (bright finish mentioned)
Shank type	Round shank
Flute type	Spiral fluted, right-hand cut

Our Verdict

The 17/32 in x 18 in HSS extra long drill bit is a practical choice for anyone needing reach into deep assemblies while working in iron and steel family materials; it delivers solid chip evacuation and fits common chucks. It represents fair value for general purpose shop and maintenance work, but users who demand maximum durability or heavy production performance should consider higher-end coated or specialty long-reach bits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this bit work in mild steel?
Yes, the high-speed steel construction is intended for a broad range of materials in the iron and steel families, including mild steel.

Can I use this in a standard drill press chuck?
Yes, the round shank is compatible with many chucks and toolholding systems, though a proper chuck key and secure gripping are important for long bits.

Is the bit coated for extra life?
It has a black oxide treatment that improves lubricity and coolant retention, but it is not a heavy wear-resistant coating like TiN or similar.