{"product_id":"51-64ft-reduced-shank-cobalt-drill-bit-with-1-2ft-shank-tough-metal","title":"51\/64ft Reduced Shank Cobalt Drill Bit with 1\/2ft Shank - Tough Metal","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the 51\/64' Reduced Shank Cobalt Drill Bit with 1\/2' Shank is examined for tradespeople and metalworkers who need a compact, heat resistant bit for tough alloys. The bottom line: this bit is best for users who need a reduced shank solution to expand portable drill chuck capacity and want a bit that holds up to heat when cutting stainless or nickel alloys. The review focuses on real-world drilling performance, build quality, and where its cobalt construction and 135 split point help most.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCobalt steel construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e provides improved heat resistance and durability when drilling harder metals like stainless steel compared with standard high-speed steel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduced shank with 1\/2' round shank:\u003c\/strong\u003e lets the bit fit into smaller portable drill chucks while maintaining a larger cutting diameter for added versatility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e135 degree split point:\u003c\/strong\u003e reduces walking and centers quickly for cleaner starts and less need for pilot holes on metal surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpiral flutes right-hand cut:\u003c\/strong\u003e evacuate chips up and out of the hole during cutting to reduce clogging and improve hole quality in deep or hard cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGold oxide finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e a thin oxide layer that visually distinguishes the bit without changing cutting performance significantly compared with uncoated tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision ground:\u003c\/strong\u003e concentric shank-to-body alignment reduces runout and makes the bit more reliable in chucks and drill presses.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis bit is aimed at mechanics, machinists, and DIY metalworkers who need to drill high tensile or stainless materials with a portable drill that only accepts a smaller shank. It is particularly useful when a drill press is unavailable and a reduced shank is required to match a 1\/2' chuck capacity while still achieving a larger hole size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThose who routinely require ultra-fine hole tolerances, or who demand guaranteed long life under constant industrial use, may prefer specialized solid-shank tools or coatings designed for extended wear life. Hobbyists who only drill soft wood or occasional light metalwork may find standard HSS bits more cost effective.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell suited to cutting harder metals thanks to the \u003cstrong\u003ecobalt steel\u003c\/strong\u003e alloy and heat resistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduced shank expands usable sizes for portable drill chucks without needing adapter sleeves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e135 split point and precision grinding deliver cleaner starts and reduced runout in most setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpiral flute geometry helps chip evacuation during deep metal drilling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report mixed performance on sharpness and durability, with occasional bits dulling sooner than expected under heavy use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold oxide is largely cosmetic and does not provide the wear protection that some coated bits offer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrill America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e51\/64'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\/2' round reduced shank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCobalt steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePoint\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e135' heavy duty split point\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGold oxide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManufactured to National Aerospace standard 907\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 51\/64' reduced shank cobalt bit is a practical, value-oriented choice for tradespeople who need to drill tough metals with a portable drill that accepts a 1\/2' shank. Its \u003cstrong\u003ecobalt construction\u003c\/strong\u003e and split point make it a reliable option for stainless and high tensile materials, though users who demand extreme longevity under continuous heavy use may prefer higher-end coatings or full-diameter shanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this bit be used in a hand drill?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the 1\/2' round reduced shank is made to fit common portable drill chucks and expand their size range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the gold oxide coating hard-wearing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe gold oxide is a thin surface finish for identification and does not provide substantial wear resistance compared with specialty hard coatings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it drill stainless steel?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the cobalt steel and 135' split point are intended to perform better on stainless and nickel alloys than standard HSS bits.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Drill America","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48687024046299,"sku":"B00FXHD9AS","price":35.12,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51yVTVAB0zL._SL1500_6cb53326-d0cc-43fc-9713-2f51a2ed2bd3.jpg?v=1778705121","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/51-64ft-reduced-shank-cobalt-drill-bit-with-1-2ft-shank-tough-metal","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}