KEENTECH Carbide-Tipped Annular Cutter 11/16 in x 1-3/8 in - Fast

In this review we test the KEENTECH Carbide-Tipped Annular Cutter to see who benefits most from its design and performance. The bottom line: this annular cutter is best for fabricators and tradespeople who need a faster, cleaner way to cut holes in harder metals; its premium carbide tip and three-edge design translate into noticeably quicker cuts and long life compared with HSS bits. The included pilot pin and a 3/4 in Weldon shank that fits common mag drills make it ready for shop or field use right away.

Key Features

• Carbide cutting edge: the carbide-tipped head gives superior hardness and durability for drilling stainless steel and other hard metals.
• 11/16 in diameter, 1-3/8 in depth: delivers a consistent hole size and enough depth for many structural and fabrication tasks.
• 3/4 in Weldon shank: two-flat shank fits popular magnetic drills including Alfra, Evolution, Dewalt, and Hougen for stable installation.
• Three-edge cutting design: each edge shares workload which improves cutting efficiency, precision, and finish when compared to single-edge bits.
• Higher speed cutting: carbide tips allow cutting speeds reported at roughly 3-5x faster than HSS in tougher materials, saving time on repetitive holes.
• Free pilot pin included: the pilot pin aids chip ejection and accurate centering for straight, clean holes.

Who It's For

The KEENTECH annular cutter is aimed at metalworkers who regularly drill holes in harder materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and alloy steels and who value speed and tool life. Shop technicians using magnetic drills for structural work or repetitive holemaking will get the most benefit from the faster cutting rates and reduced overheating.

Those doing occasional light-duty drilling in soft metals or nonmetal materials may find the tool overbuilt and could choose a simpler HSS option. Also buyers who require depths beyond 1-3/8 in should look for a longer cutter; this model is optimized for the stated depth.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long-lasting carbide tip delivers strong wear resistance and consistent hole quality.
• Faster cutting speeds and cleaner finish reduce cycle time and rework in demanding jobs.
• Compatibility with common mag drills and included pilot pin make setup straightforward.
• Better heat resistance helps maintain edge sharpness during high-speed feeds.

Cons

• Cutting depth is limited to 1-3/8 in, so it is not suitable when deeper holes are required.
• Optimal life depends on using proper cutting fluids and technique; performance will drop if cooled with water only.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The KEENTECH 11/16 in x 1-3/8 in carbide-tipped annular cutter is a practical, high-value choice for professionals who drill holes in tougher metals and need speed plus durability. It delivers noticeably faster cutting and cleaner finishes than HSS equivalents, and the Weldon shank plus pilot pin make it easy to integrate into existing mag drill setups. Buy it if you need a reliable cutter for repetitive, hard-metal work; consider longer depths if your projects demand it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my mag drill?
Yes, the 3/4 in Weldon shank with two flats is compatible with many magnetic drills including widely used brands; ensure your machine accepts a 3/4 in Weldon shank.

What cooling should I use?
Use a recommended cutting fluid for best life and performance; water is only advised for very limited cuts and will reduce tool life.

Can it cut stainless steel?
Yes, the carbide tip and three-edge design are intended for cutting harder materials such as stainless steel with improved speed and finish.