Drill America 13/16ft x 18ft HSS Extra Long Drill Bit with 1/2ft Shank

In this review the Drill America 13/16' x 18' HSS Extra Long Drill Bit is examined for tradespeople and hobbyists who need reach when drilling through steel and iron-family materials. The bottom line: it is a straightforward, general-purpose extra long twist bit that delivers sharp cutting and useful reach thanks to its 18' length and 1/2' shank, making it best for occasional deep-reach holes where rigidity is less critical. For those requiring specialist coatings or guaranteed break resistance, the bit may be less suitable.

Key Features

• High-speed steel construction: provides a balance of hardness and toughness for wear resistance in common iron and steel drilling tasks.
• Black oxide treatment: adds lubricity and helps retain coolant near the cutting edge to reduce heat and improve chip flow.
• Extra long 18' length: gives significant reach for applications where standard bits cannot access the workpiece.
• 118 degree point: a conventional tip geometry that centers well and performs across a broad range of steels and irons.
• Round 1/2' shank: allows use with many chucks and toolholding systems for compatibility with drills and drill presses.
• Right-hand spiral flutes: evacuate chips up and out of deep holes to reduce clogging during extended cuts.

Who It's For

This bit is aimed at mechanics, fabricators, and DIYers who occasionally need to drill deep or hard-to-reach holes in steel, cast iron, or similar materials and prefer a simple, general-purpose HSS tool. Its extra length is especially useful for accessing recessed fasteners, through-table drilling, or reaching past fixtures.

Those who should look elsewhere include operators needing high-speed carbide tips for abrasive alloys, users who require guaranteed resistance to snapping under heavy side loads, or anyone whose work demands specialized coatings like TiN or TiAlN for higher cutting speeds and longevity.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sharp, ready-to-use cutting edge that performs well in typical steel drilling tasks.
• Useful extra length lets users reach locations standard bits cannot access.
• Black oxide finish and flute design improve chip evacuation and cooling at the cut.
• Simple round 1/2' shank fits a wide range of chucks for easy mounting.

Cons

• Durability reports are mixed; some users have experienced breakage under heavy or side-loaded use, so care is required when drilling thick or stubborn material.
• Not intended for high-speed or abrasive alloy work where carbide or coated bits would last longer.

Specifications

Brand	Drill America
Series	DWDDL Extra Long
Diameter	13/16' (0.8125')
Length	18'
Shank	1/2' round
Material	High-speed steel (HSS) with black oxide
Point angle	118 degree conventional tip

Our Verdict

The Drill America 13/16' x 18' HSS Extra Long Drill Bit is a good-value, general-purpose choice for users who need added reach when drilling steel and iron-family materials. It pairs a sharp HSS edge and black oxide finish with an 18' length for access, but operators should avoid heavy side loads and consider harder coated options for abrasive or high-speed work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this bit suitable for drilling stainless steel?
The bit will cut many ferrous materials including some stainless grades, but run slower and use coolant; for demanding stainless work consider purpose-made stainless or coated bits.

Will the 1/2' round shank fit my drill?
The 1/2' round shank fits most chucks and toolholders that accept round shanks, but confirm your chuck capacity and consider a collet or adapter for best concentricity.

Does the black oxide prevent rust?
Black oxide adds lubricity and helps retain coolant at the cutting edge, but it is not a heavy rustproof coating; store bits dry and apply oil if long-term corrosion protection is needed.