Drill America 1-5/16in Reduced Shank HSS Contractor Bit - Reliable

In this review the Drill America 1-5/16in Reduced Shank High Speed Steel Contractor Drill Bit is judged primarily as a jobsite workhorse for metalworkers. It is aimed at contractors and fabricators who need a long, robust twist drill that bites into steel and iron without excessive wobble. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of M1 high speed steel construction and a 135 degree split point tip, which together deliver reliable starts and good cutting speed in ferrous materials.

Key Features

• M1 High Speed Steel: The contractor grade M1 material is made for durability and holds up to repeated metal drilling tasks.
• 135 degree split point tip: The self-centering tip reduces bit walking so starts are cleaner on curved or hardened surfaces.
• 3-flat 1/2in reduced shank: The reduced shank with flats gives a secure, non-slip grip in standard drill chucks and keyed chucks.
• Common flute and overall length: A 3in flute and 6in overall length match common sizes so tool changes require minimal adjustment.
• Wide metal compatibility: Engineered for a range of ferrous materials, it works well in aluminum, iron and various grades of steel.

Who It's For

The bit is best for contractors, maintenance techs and metal fabricators who need a dependable HSS twist drill for workshop and field work. It suits anyone who drills lots of holes in steel, iron or aluminum and wants a reduced shank option that fits into standard half-inch chucks without special arbors.

DIY users who rarely drill metal or anyone needing carbide performance for abrasive alloys should look elsewhere; this is a high speed steel tool built for general metalworking rather than specialty superalloy or masonry cutting.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust M1 HSS construction offers a good balance of toughness and cutting life for contractor use.
• 135 degree split point delivers accurate, self-centering starts and reduces tendency to walk.
• 3-flat 1/2in reduced shank provides an extra-secure chuck grip for heavy drilling tasks.
• Common 3in flute and 6in length simplify tool changes and setup across jobs.

Cons

• Some customers report variable edge life, with occasional dulling or chipping under heavy use on very hard materials.
• Not intended for masonry, cast iron with heavy abrasives, or high-speed carbide-level performance.

Specifications

Brand	Drill America
Material	M1 High Speed Steel
Tip	135 degree split point
Shank	3-flat 1/2in reduced shank
Flute Length	3in
Overall Length	6in

Our Verdict

The Drill America 1-5/16in reduced shank HSS bit is a clear choice for contractors and fabricators who need a dependable metal drill that starts accurately and holds well in a half-inch chuck. It represents strong value for everyday steel and aluminum work, though those demanding carbide-level wear resistance or masonry capability should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this bit fit a standard 1/2in drill chuck?
Yes, the 3-flat 1/2in reduced shank is designed to hold securely in standard 1/2in chucks and keyed chucks.

Is this suitable for drilling aluminum?
Yes, the M1 HSS construction and split point tip work well for aluminum as well as steel and iron.

Does the 135 degree tip prevent walking completely?
The split point greatly reduces walking and improves self-centering, though proper clamping and feed control are still important on curved or hardened surfaces.