Drill America #11 Cobalt Drill Bit Pack of 12 - Tough Metal Drilling

Our review of the Drill America #11 Cobalt Drill Bit (Pack of 12) looks at who will get the most value from these reduced shank cobalt bits and why they are worth considering for heavy-duty metal work. The bottom line: these drill bits are aimed at hobbyists, fabricators, and machine shops that need reliable performance in high tensile strength materials like stainless and high carbon steel. The standout reason to buy is the heat-resistant cobalt steel and 135 degree split point that lets the bit cut aggressively and stay sharp under demanding conditions.

Key Features

• Cobalt steel construction: Provides improved durability and heat resistance compared with standard high-speed steel for cutting harder metals.
• 135 degree split point: Starts quickly and reduces walking so holes track accurately without excessive pilot drilling.
• Reduced shank design: Allows use in chucks that cannot accept full shank jobber bits while keeping common flute and overall length.
• Spiral flutes, right-hand cut: Evacuate chips up and out of the hole to reduce clogging when drilling thicker stock.
• Gold oxide surface treatment: A thinner oxide finish used primarily as an identifier that performs similarly to uncoated bits while resisting light surface corrosion.

Who It's For

These bits are best for metalworkers who routinely drill tough, high tensile materials such as stainless steel, high carbon steel, and nickel alloys and need a durable, heat-resistant option that holds an edge. The pack of 12 makes them practical for small shops, fabricators, and serious DIYers who value long-lasting cutting performance and consistent flute geometry.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need coated bits specifically for reduced friction in high-speed production drilling or people working only with soft materials where a standard HSS bit would be more economical. Also, if exact metric or specialized sizes are required, confirm size availability before purchase.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable cobalt steel holds up well when drilling stainless and high carbon steel, extending cutting life.
• 135 degree split point reduces walking and improves hole accuracy from the first cut.
• Reduced shank and common flute length let users swap tools without major setup changes.
• Customers report good value for money and bits that remain sharp through multiple tough jobs.

Cons

• Gold oxide is primarily an identifier and does not provide the same low-friction benefits as dedicated coatings like TiN.
• Opinions about size accuracy are mixed, so users needing absolute tolerance control should verify fit before critical work.

Specifications

Series	DWDCO
Material	Heat-resistant cobalt steel
Point angle	135 degree split point
Shank style	Reduced round shank
Surface finish	Gold oxide (thin oxide)
Pack quantity	12 pieces

Our Verdict

The Drill America #11 cobalt pack is a sensible choice for anyone who needs reliable drilling in tough metals without paying for premium coatings. It combines heat-resistant material, a split point for accurate starts, and a practical reduced shank for broad chuck compatibility, making it a good value for small shops and serious hobbyists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these bits suitable for stainless steel?
Yes, the cobalt steel construction and 135 degree split point make them well suited to drilling stainless and other high tensile materials.

Do the bits come with a special coating?
They have a thin gold oxide surface treatment mainly for identification; performance is similar to uncoated bits rather than specialized low-friction coatings.

Will the reduced shank fit standard chucks?
The round reduced shank is designed to work with a wide variety of toolholding systems, including standard drill chucks, when full shank size is not possible.