3/8 in x 24 in High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit - Extra Reach

In this review of the 3/8 in x 24 in High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit the bottom line is straightforward: it is a dependable choice when reach matters. The reviewer found it most useful for jobs requiring drilling into iron and steel where a standard-length bit would not reach, and the long flute length helps evacuate chips more effectively. Built from high-speed steel with a black oxide finish and a round shank, this extra long bit balances hardness and toughness for general purpose work while offering added lubricity at the cutting edge.

Key Features

• Extra length: The 24 in flute and overall length provide the reach needed for deep or awkward holes where standard bits fall short.
• High-speed steel construction: HSS combines hardness and toughness so the bit resists wear and performs across a broad range of iron and steel family materials.
• Black oxide treatment: The surface treatment adds lubricity and creates tiny pockets that help hold coolant near the cutting edge for longer runs.
• Round shank: The round shank works with a wide variety of chucks and toolholding systems for straightforward setup.
• Spiral flute design: Right-hand spiral flutes evacuate chips up and out of the cut to reduce clogging during drilling.

Who It's For

The bit is best for maintenance crews, fabricators, and hobbyists who need extra reach drilling into steel or iron components and who value a simple, general-purpose HSS tool. It performs well for through-holes and deep clearance work where chip evacuation and bit length are the priority.

It is less suitable for applications demanding specialized coatings for extremely high-speed production runs or for users who routinely push bits beyond recommended feeds and speeds, since some customers reported mixed durability under heavy abuse.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long flute length makes accessing deep holes and hidden fasteners much easier than standard bits.
• Good general-purpose performance in the iron and steel families thanks to HSS construction.
• Black oxide finish improves lubricity and helps retain coolant at the cutting edge during drilling.
• Round shank offers compatibility with many chucks and toolholders for ease of use.

Cons

• Durability reports are mixed; some users have experienced breakage when using aggressive feeds or improper setup.
• Uncoated HSS may wear faster than coated specialty bits in high-volume production environments.

Specifications

Size	3/8 in x 24 in
Material	High-speed steel (HSS)
Finish	Black oxide
Shank type	Round shank
Flute style	Right-hand spiral flute
Primary use	General purpose drilling in iron and steel family materials

Our Verdict

For anyone who needs extra reach and a solid general-purpose bit for steel and iron, this 3/8 in x 24 in HSS extra long drill is a sensible, value-oriented option. It combines useful features like black oxide and spiral flutes for chip removal, though heavier production users may prefer coated or specialized bits for maximum life under extreme conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this bit be used in a hand drill?
Yes; the round shank fits many handheld drill chucks, though attention to clutch settings and steady feed will reduce risk of bending or breakage.

Is it suitable for stainless steel?
It will cut some steels, but drilling stainless frequently benefits from slower speeds, cutting fluid, and sometimes a coated or specialty bit for longer life.

Does the black oxide mean it is coated?
Black oxide is a surface treatment that adds lubricity and coolant retention pockets, but this is not the same as a hard wear-resistant coating used for high-speed production.