5/8 in x 24 in High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit - Extra Reach

In this review the Drill America 5/8 in x 24 in DWDDL Series extra long drill bit is assessed for tradespeople and maintenance techs who need reach without switching to specialty tooling. The bottom line: it is a dependable extra long twist drill for drilling in iron and steel where a long flute is required for reach and chip evacuation. Its high-speed steel construction and black oxide surface give a practical balance of toughness and lubricity that suits general purpose shop or jobsite work.

Key Features

• High-speed steel construction: offers a balance of hardness and toughness for wear resistance across a range of ferrous materials.
• 24 in length: extra reach lets users drill deep or through stacked material without awkward extensions.
• Black oxide treatment: adds lubricity and creates micro-pockets that help retain coolant and reduce heat at the cutting edge.
• Round shank: works with a wide variety of chucks and toolholding systems for easy setup.
• Spiral fluted design: evacuates chips up and out of the cut when run right-hand, reducing clogging on long holes.

Who It's For

The DWDDL Series 5/8 in x 24 in is best for machinists, maintenance crews, and fabricators who regularly need extra reach to drill into iron and steel families without switching to modular extension systems. It suits production tasks where a long flute length speeds through stacked or deep workpieces.

Those who need carbide performance for very hard alloys, or a coated bit engineered specifically for stainless or non-ferrous specialty metals, should look elsewhere; this is a general-purpose HSS bit with a black oxide finish rather than a specialty coated or tipped product.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long 24 in flute length provides genuine reach for deep holes or stacked boards.
• HSS material balances hardness and toughness for general drilling in iron and steel.
• Black oxide surface improves lubricity and helps retain coolant near the cutting edge.

Cons

• Some users report variable durability and sharpness, so longevity may depend on application and feed rates.

Specifications

Product series	DWDDL Series
Diameter	5/8 in
Overall length	24 in
Material	High-speed steel (HSS)
Finish	Black oxide
Shank type	Round shank
Primary use	General purpose drilling in iron and steel families

Our Verdict

The Drill America 5/8 in x 24 in HSS extra long drill bit is a practical choice for anyone who needs reach and reliable chip evacuation in ferrous materials. It delivers solid value for general purpose shop and maintenance work thanks to its HSS construction and black oxide finish, though users expecting premium longevity in extreme conditions should match feed, speed, and coolant carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this bit be used in a standard drill press?
Yes; the round shank is compatible with most drill chucks and press setups if the chuck can accept the shank size and the machine has sufficient throat depth.

Is this suitable for stainless steel?
It will drill many stainless grades but is intended as a general-purpose HSS bit; for very hard stainless alloys a specialized coated or carbide option may perform better.

Does the black oxide make the bit rustproof?
The black oxide adds lubricity and some corrosion resistance but is not a full rustproof coating; proper storage and occasional oiling are recommended.