Drill America 12.80mm High Speed Steel Drill Bit Pack of 6 - General

In this review the Drill America 12.80mm high speed steel drill bit pack of 6 is judged as a straightforward, general purpose option for everyday drilling. It is best for users who need a durable, economical bit for steel and iron-family materials and for light production or maintenance work because the high speed steel composition balances hardness and toughness for wear resistance. The black oxide finish adds lubricity and helps retain coolant, making these bits a dependable choice when cost and versatility matter more than specialty performance.

Key Features

• High speed steel: Offers a balance of hardness and toughness that resists wear across common ferrous materials.
• Black oxide treatment: Adds lubricity and forms surface pockets that help hold coolant near the cutting edge for longer run times.
• Round shanks: Fit a wide variety of toolholding systems for bench, portable or production drilling setups.
• Spiral flutes: Right-hand cut evacuates chips up and out of the hole to reduce clogging during most drilling tasks.
• Pack of six: Provides quick replacement options on job sites or in maintenance kits to keep work moving with minimal downtime.

Who It's For

The Drill America 12.80mm HSS bit set is aimed at hobbyists, maintenance technicians, and small shops that need reliable, general purpose bits for drilling into steel and similar materials. Its construction and finish make it suitable for production or portable drilling where a balance of life and cost is desirable.

Those who require specialty coatings for extreme wear resistance, carbide performance for hardened steels, or precision reaming-grade tolerances should look elsewhere. This pack is not positioned as a premium or cobalt option for sustained heavy industrial use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable HSS material gives solid wear resistance for general purpose work in ferrous metals.
• Black oxide finish improves lubrication and coolant retention to reduce heat buildup.
• Round shank design makes these bits compatible with many chucks and toolholders.

Cons

• Customer feedback is mixed on quality and drillability, so performance may vary by batch or application.
• Not intended as a premium solution for hardened steels or high-volume industrial drilling.

Specifications

Brand	Drill America
Diameter	12.80mm
Material	High speed steel (HSS)
Finish	Black oxide treated
Shank type	Round shank
Quantity	Pack of 6
Flute style	Spiral fluted, right-hand cut

Our Verdict

The Drill America 12.80mm HSS bit pack is a practical, value-oriented choice for general drilling in steel-family materials. It suits maintenance work, light production, and portable jobs where a balanced HSS construction and black oxide finish deliver usable life at a modest price. Buyers seeking consistent premium performance or specialized cutting grades should consider higher-end or coated alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these bits suitable for stainless steel?
They work for many ferrous materials, but stainless steel may need slower speeds and careful technique; for hard stainless or frequent use, a cobalt or carbide option is preferable.

Will the round shank fit standard chucks?
Yes, the round shank is compatible with most drill chucks and common toolholding systems used in handheld and bench drills.

Does black oxide prevent rust?
Black oxide improves surface lubricity and coolant retention but offers limited corrosion resistance compared with plated or coated bits; store dry to minimize rust risk.