Drill America 13/16ft x 12ft HSS Extra Long Drill Bit - Deep Reach

In this review of the Drill America 13/16' x 12' HSS Extra Long Drill Bit the bottom line is straightforward: this tool is for metalworkers and hobbyists who need reliable extra reach for drilling in iron and steel and value a sharp, general-purpose bit. The standout reason to buy is its combination of a long, rigid 12' flute and high-speed steel construction treated with black oxide, which together offer wear resistance and improved coolant retention at the cutting edge. This review looks at performance, durability, and when the length makes a real difference in workshop tasks.

Key Features

• Extra length: The 12' flute provides extended reach for drilling through assemblies or into recessed areas where standard bits cannot access.
• High-speed steel construction: HSS balances hardness and toughness for wear resistance in a broad range of iron and steel materials.
• Black oxide finish: The black oxide adds lubricity and creates micro pockets that help hold coolant near the cutting edge to reduce heat build-up.
• 118 degree conventional point: The standard tip geometry is versatile for general purpose drilling and helps with centering on common steel parts.
• Round 1/2' shank: The round shank works with a wide variety of chucks and toolholding systems for flexibility on different drill presses and machines.
• Spiral flutes: Right-hand spiral flutes evacuate chips up and out of the hole to reduce clogging during long-reach drilling.

Who It's For

This extra long HSS bit is aimed at fabricators, maintenance techs, and metalworking hobbyists who frequently drill into thick or recessed steel parts where standard-length bits fall short. It is also useful for setups that require a longer reach from the chuck to the workpiece, such as drilling through jigs, fixtures, or stacked materials.

Those who need extreme durability for high-production CNC work or who mainly cut non-ferrous materials should consider other specialty bits or coatings; carbide or coated bits may be a better long-term choice for abrasive or very hard alloys.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well suited for deep-reach drilling thanks to the 12' length and spiral flutes that help evacuate chips.
• HSS material plus black oxide finish provides a good balance of wear resistance and heat control for general-purpose use.
• Round 1/2' shank and conventional 118 degree point make the bit easy to use in many drill chucks and setups.
• Customers commonly note the sharpness and functionality right out of the package.

Cons

• Durability feedback is mixed; some users report breakage under heavy side loads or misuse, so care and correct feed speeds are required.
• Not specialized for very hard or abrasive alloys where carbide or advanced coatings would last longer.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Drill America 13/16' x 12' HSS Extra Long Drill Bit is a practical choice for anyone who needs reliable extra reach in iron and steel work. It offers a sensible balance of sharpness, coolant-retaining black oxide finish, and a flexible round shank. Buy it if you require occasional deep-reach drilling and moderate production work; users needing extreme durability for heavy industrial runs should weigh higher-performance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this bit be used in a hand drill?
Yes, the 1/2' round shank fits many chucks, but be cautious of runout and torque limits; a drill press or rigid holder is preferred for best results.

What materials is it best for?
It is designed for a broad range of materials in the iron and steel families and performs well on mild and medium steels.

Does the black oxide coating improve life?
Black oxide adds lubricity and helps retain coolant near the cutting edge, which can reduce heat and improve wear resistance in general-purpose use.