{"product_id":"large-step-drill-bit-for-steel-1-5-8in-pro-heavy-duty-m35-cobalt","title":"Large Step Drill Bit for Steel 1-5\/8in Pro - Heavy Duty M35 Cobalt","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Large Step Drill Bit for Steel 1-5\/8in Pro is judged as a specialist option for tradespeople and serious DIYers who need a single, heavy duty step bit that tackles thick metal. The bottom line: this is a purpose-built, extra-heavy duty \u003cstrong\u003eM35 cobalt\u003c\/strong\u003e step bit that excels when drilling a range of hole sizes in stainless steel and other hard metals, offering long wear and fast cutting for sheet and plate work where a standard HSS bit struggles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge 13-step range:\u003c\/strong\u003e the bit covers incremental sizes from 3\/16in up to 1-5\/8in so a single tool handles many hole diameters without swapping bits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eM35 cobalt steel:\u003c\/strong\u003e the 7% cobalt alloy is designed for extra hardness and heat resistance, giving longer life when cutting stainless and other hard metals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtra-heavy duty design:\u003c\/strong\u003e the thick stepped profile and spiral flutes are built to clear chips fast and resist grabbing when cutting through plate and tubing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3\/8in tri-flat shank:\u003c\/strong\u003e the tri-shank reduces slippage in the chuck for high-torque drilling and better control on larger holes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo-spiral flute:\u003c\/strong\u003e flutes are shaped to evacuate chips quickly, improving feed and reducing heat buildup on continuous cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBroad material compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e suitable for stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, wood, PVC and copper for versatile shop and field use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bit is aimed at metalworkers, fabricators, landscapers, agricultural maintenance crews and anyone who frequently drills through stainless plate, cold-rolled steel or heavy sheet metal. It is a good fit when you need many hole sizes quickly without changing bits, such as when fitting grommets, mounting hardware or enlarging holes in metal panels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include casual users who only drill small holes occasionally with a cordless driver, or people who need extremely long-term edge retention for high-production CNC work; in those cases dedicated solid carbide tooling or job-specific twist bits may be a better match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable M35 cobalt construction for improved life and cutting speed on hard metals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide 13-step diameter range eliminates multiple bit changes for many common hole sizes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTri-flat shank and spiral flutes provide positive grip and efficient chip clearing during heavy work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVersatile across metals, plastics and wood for mixed-job sites.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report mixed results on very aggressive structural purlins; technique and feed control matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecause it is large and heavy duty, it requires a powerful drill and steady setup for best results.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM35 cobalt steel (about 7% cobalt)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSize range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13 steps: 3\/16in to 1-5\/8in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8in tri-flat shank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlute type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-spiral-flute for faster chip clearing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStainless steel, hard metal, aluminum, wood, PVC, copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndustrial extra-heavy duty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Large Step Drill Bit 1-5\/8in Pro is a sensible buy for professionals and serious DIYers who need a single, durable step bit to handle multiple hole sizes in stainless and other hard metals. Its \u003cstrong\u003eM35 cobalt\u003c\/strong\u003e build and chip-clearing flutes deliver good value where fewer bit changes and robust cutting are priorities, though it benefits from a strong drill and correct feed technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this bit cut stainless steel?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The M35 cobalt composition and heavy-duty geometry make it suitable for stainless sheet and plate when used with steady feed and proper speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat drill is needed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA high-torque drill or drill press is recommended to maintain control and avoid breakage when cutting larger diameters with this heavy step bit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does it cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe bit covers 13 steps from 3\/16in up to 1-5\/8in, allowing many hole sizes without changing bits.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OXMUL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48179497042139,"sku":"B0D12YHCJ2","price":42.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61XH8B2y4DL._SL1500.jpg?v=1769527719","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/large-step-drill-bit-for-steel-1-5-8in-pro-heavy-duty-m35-cobalt","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}