Drill America #80 Cobalt Heavy Duty Drill Bit (Pack of 12) - Durable

In this review the Drill America #80 Cobalt Heavy Duty Drill Bit (Pack of 12) is evaluated for metalworkers and fabricators seeking reliable small-diameter jobber drills. The bottom line: these bits are built from heat-resistant cobalt steel that holds hardness at higher speeds, making them a sensible choice when drilling tough alloys like stainless, inconel and other high tensile materials. Customers who need a durable, sharp tool for frequent use will appreciate the balance of performance and value in this 12-piece set.

Key Features

• Cobalt construction: Higher red hardness lets the bit run up to 30 percent faster than standard high-speed steel for tougher jobs.
• Gold oxide finish: A thin oxide surface helps identify the material while leaving cutting performance similar to uncoated tools.
• 118 degree point: A standard point angle provides dependable centering and general-purpose drilling across many metals.
• Round shank: Compatible with a wide variety of chucks and toolholding systems for easy use on drill presses and hand drills.
• Spiral flute design: Right-hand cut spirals evacuate chips up and out of the hole to reduce clogging on deeper feeds.

Who It's For

The Drill America #80 cobalt jobber set is best for machinists, metal fabricators and serious DIYers who regularly drill small holes in hard materials such as stainless steel, PH stainless, titanium and nickel alloys. It suits workshop environments where higher cutting speeds and wear resistance matter.

Those who primarily drill softer materials or need specialty coated bits for extended lubrication may look elsewhere; for micro precision work requiring carbide or highly coated micro-drills, a different toolset is a better choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent durability and edge retention from the cobalt steel, noted by users for strong drill performance.
• Good value for money in a 12-piece pack for repeated use or replacement in busy shops.
• Sharp as supplied, with customers reporting performance comparable to more expensive solid carbide bits on many tasks.

Cons

• Gold oxide is mainly an identification finish and does not provide the same lubrication or wear benefits as heavier coatings.
• Some users report mixed feelings about the drill point angle for certain specialty tasks, so those with niche needs should verify geometry first.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Drill America #80 cobalt jobber drill bit pack is a practical, cost-effective choice for anyone drilling small holes in high tensile metals; it offers strong durability and speed advantages over HSS. For workshop use where reliable sharpness and longer life are important, this 12-pack represents solid value, though those needing specialty coatings or carbide-level micro precision should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these bits suitable for stainless steel?
Yes - the cobalt construction and higher red hardness make them effective on stainless and other hard alloys.

Can they be used in hand drills?
Yes - the round shank and jobber length work with common chucks on hand drills and drill presses.

Does the gold oxide improve cutting life?
The gold oxide is a thin identification finish; cutting performance is similar to uncoated bits and it does not provide the same wear reduction as heavier functional coatings.