Heavy Duty M35 HSS Step Drill Bit 1/4 to 1-1/8 in - Durable Cutting

In this review the Heavy Duty M35 HSS 1/4 to 1-1/8 in Step Drill Bit proves itself as a focused tool for tradespeople and serious DIYers who need a single bit that covers multiple hole sizes and holds up to tough materials. The main reason to buy is the use of M35 HSS steel with cobalt, which delivers noticeably better durability and heat resistance than ordinary HSS for cutting stainless steel, metal, and wood without excessive wear.

Key Features

• M35 HSS: Higher-grade HSS with added cobalt improves edge life and heat resistance for demanding drilling tasks.
• Double Spiral Flute: The double spiral flutes speed cutting and evacuate chips more effectively for smoother holes.
• Incremental Head Design: Small front-end steps create a gentle transition for faster penetration and reduced walking on thin materials.
• Polished Steps: Polished step faces and visible size highlights let you track hole size without stopping to measure.
• Multi Hole Sizes: One bit covers a range from 1/4 in to 1-1/8 in so you can avoid buying a kit of individual bits.

Who It's For

This step bit is aimed at professionals and home mechanics who frequently drill through sheet metal, stainless steel panels, or mixed materials and want one durable bit that handles multiple sizes cleanly. It is particularly useful for installers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and metal fabricators who appreciate the balance of toughness and chip control.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need extremely large hole ranges beyond 1-1/8 in or who expect a consumable bargain option; a few buyers reported mixed durability of the shaft in heavy misuse, so high-volume industrial shops that demand dozens of holes per day might prefer replacement plans or a full kit tailored to production.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-grade M35 HSS material improves longevity and heat tolerance compared with standard HSS.
• Double spiral flutes and polished steps produce clean chips and faster, smoother drilling.
• Visible step size markings let you drill to size without stopping to check.

Cons

• Some users report mixed durability of the shaft under extreme use, so it is not invulnerable to abuse.
• It covers a useful range but may not replace a full kit for specialist large-diameter work.

Specifications

Brand	Jerax tools
Material	M35 high speed steel with cobalt
Size Range	1/4 in to 1-1/8 in
Flute Type	Double spiral flutes
Intended Materials	Stainless steel, metal, wood
Design Notes	Incremental head steps and polished steps with size highlights

Our Verdict

The M35 HSS step drill bit is a solid pick for pros and serious DIYers who want one reliable bit that cuts through metal and stainless with cleaner chips and longer life than standard HSS bits. It offers strong value when you need multiple hole sizes and cleaner drilling, though high-volume industrial users should consider spare shafts or full kits for heavy daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this bit cut stainless steel?
Yes, the M35 HSS construction with cobalt and the double flutes are designed to cut stainless steel and other metals effectively.

Do the step sizes show while drilling?
Yes, the polished steps include visible size highlights so you can see the target diameter without stopping to measure.

Is this a replacement for a full drill bit kit?
It replaces multiple sizes in the 1/4 in to 1-1/8 in range, but users needing larger diameters or extremely high daily production may still prefer a full kit or backups.