33/64ft x 12ft HSS Extra Long Drill Bit with 1/2ft Shank - Extra Reach

In this review the Drill America 33/64' x 12' HSS Extra Long Drill Bit is evaluated for users who need added reach when drilling into steel and iron-family materials. The bottom line: it is a straightforward, general purpose extra long drill that delivers good sharpness and versatility for deep or awkward holes, with the main reason to buy being its combination of length and robust high-speed steel construction that suits many workshop tasks.

Key Features

• Extra length: The 12' overall length gives access to deep or hard-to-reach holes where standard bits fall short, reducing the need for extensions.
• High-speed steel construction: HSS balances hardness and toughness to resist wear and remain useful across a broad range of ferrous materials.
• Black oxide finish: The black oxide treatment adds lubricity and helps retain coolant near the cutting edge for smoother cutting and longer tool life.
• 118 degree point: The conventional point tip is suited for general purpose drilling in iron and steel family metals without specialized pre-centering features.
• Round shank with 1/2' diameter: The round 1/2' shank fits many chucks and toolholders commonly used in drill presses and hand drills for stable holding.
• Spiral flutes (right-hand cut): Flutes evacuate chips up and out of the hole to reduce clogging when run in the proper direction.

Who It's For

The bit is aimed at hobbyists, machinists and metalworkers who often drill deep holes in steel or similar ferrous materials and need a single, reliable extra long option. It works well in drill presses and heavy hand drills where reach is required without switching to extension systems.

It is less appropriate for high-production carbide tasks, very hard alloys, or precision countersinking where a specialized tipped or coated bit would be preferable. Users needing guaranteed bend resistance under heavy side loads should consider shorter, stubby designs or different grades of tooling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good general purpose performance thanks to durable HSS construction that balances hardness and toughness.
• Extra length provides reach for deep holes without using extensions, useful in awkward setups.
• Black oxide finish improves lubricity and helps hold coolant near the cutting edge for extended use.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed durability under heavy use, including isolated breakage, so it may not match hardened or specialized bits for extreme demands.
• Accuracy varies by setup; the conventional 118 degree point may wander in very thick or hard materials without proper pilot techniques.

Specifications

Diameter	33/64' (approximately)
Overall length	12'
Shank	1/2' round
Material	High-speed steel (HSS)
Tip angle	118 degree conventional point
Finish	Black oxide

Our Verdict

The 33/64' x 12' HSS extra long drill bit is a practical choice for workshops that need reach and dependable general purpose drilling in iron and steel family materials. It offers good value when used within its intended applications, delivering sharpness and adequate life for most moderate drilling tasks, though high-stress production use may expose its limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this bit be used in a handheld drill?
Yes, the 1/2' round shank fits many handheld chucks, but secure clamping and reduced feed pressure are recommended due to the extra length.

Is this suitable for stainless steel?
It will drill common stainless grades, but expect slower speeds and careful coolant use; for very hard stainless a specialized bit may perform better.

Does the black oxide make a big difference?
The black oxide adds lubricity and helps retain coolant near the cutting edge, which improves cutting and tool life in many general applications.