HSS long shank twist drill bits for alloyed carbon and plain steel, covering 3mm to 8mm diameter with an extended shank for deeper drilling capability in handheld operations.
- Long shank design: enables deeper hole drilling in a single pass without extensions or step drilling
- Hardwearing HSS construction: maintains cutting edge through heat cycles generated by steel drilling
- Toughness and precision: excellent cutting efficiency in alloyed carbon and plain steel
- Twist drill geometry: efficient swarf evacuation keeps the cutting zone clear on deep holes
- Diameter range: 3mm to 8mm across 8 size variants
- Operation: suited to handheld corded and cordless drills
HSS Long Shank Twist Drill Bit - Deeper Drilling Capability - 3mm to 8mm Range
HSS long shank twist drill bits for alloyed carbon and plain steel, covering 3mm to 8mm diameter with an extended shank for deeper drilling capability in handheld operations.
- Long shank design: enables deeper hole drilling in a single pass without extensions or step drilling
- Hardwearing HSS construction: maintains cutting edge through heat cycles generated by steel drilling
- Toughness and precision: excellent cutting efficiency in alloyed carbon and plain steel
- Twist drill geometry: efficient swarf evacuation keeps the cutting zone clear on deep holes
- Diameter range: 3mm to 8mm across 8 size variants
- Operation: suited to handheld corded and cordless drills
HSS long shank twist drill bit
Standard HSS twist drill bits have a fixed jobber length that limits how deep a hole can be drilled in a single pass. When the application requires a deeper hole through thick steel plate, steel sections, or layered materials, a long shank bit removes that limitation. These HSS long shank twist drill bits cover 3mm to 8mm in diameter, providing the extended reach needed to drill through thicker steel in a single operation without step drilling, extensions, or repositioning. The hardwearing HSS construction handles the heat generated during steel drilling, and the twist geometry clears swarf efficiently on the deeper holes this range is designed for.
Why choose the HSS long shank twist drill bit
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Extended shank for deeper drilling: The long shank allows the bit to reach deeper into the material before the drill chuck contacts the surface. For through-hole drilling in thick steel plate or structural sections, this eliminates the need for a drill extension and maintains drilling accuracy throughout the full depth of the hole.
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Hardwearing HSS construction: High speed steel retains hardness at the elevated temperatures generated during metal drilling. The long shank increases the length of material in contact with the drill chuck, which improves stability and reduces vibration on deeper holes compared to standard length bits used with extensions.
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Toughness and precision combined: The bit is manufactured to deliver accurate, clean holes in alloyed carbon and plain steel across all diameters in the range. Precision ground geometry ensures the hole diameter and roundness are maintained throughout the full depth of cut.
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Twist flute geometry: The helical flutes efficiently clear metal swarf from deeper holes. On deep hole drilling, swarf that is not cleared quickly packs around the cutting edges, generates heat, and causes premature tip wear. The twist geometry keeps the cutting zone clear throughout the extended drilling depth.
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Suited to handheld operations: Despite the extended length, the shank dimensions are compatible with standard keyed and keyless chucks on corded and cordless drills used in handheld site operations.
What's included
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1 x HSS long shank twist drill bit in your selected diameter
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Available in 8 sizes from 3mm to 8mm
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | HSS Long Shank Twist Drill Bit - Deeper Drilling Capability - 3mm to 8mm Range |
| Product Code | HSSLS |
| Bit Type | HSS Long Shank Twist Drill Bit |
| Material | High Speed Steel (HSS) |
| Shank Type | Long Shank - Straight Round |
| Diameter Range | 3mm to 8mm |
| Application | Alloyed Carbon Steel, Plain Steel, General Metal Drilling |
| Key Feature | Extended Shank for Deeper Drilling Capability |
| Operation | Handheld Corded and Cordless Drills |
Compatibility
| Compatible with | Status |
|---|---|
| Corded drills with standard keyed or keyless chuck | ✓ Compatible |
| Cordless drills with standard chuck | ✓ Compatible |
| Pillar drills and bench drills | ✓ Compatible |
| Alloyed carbon steel and plain steel | ✓ Compatible |
| Mild steel and structural steel sections | ✓ Compatible |
| Aluminium, copper, and non-ferrous metals | ✓ Compatible |
| Hardened or stainless steel | ✗ Not recommended |
| Masonry, concrete, or tile | ✗ Not recommended |
| SDS Plus or SDS Max machines (direct fit) | ✗ Not recommended |
Available sizes
| Product Code | Diameter (mm) | Overall Length (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| HSSLS030 | 3.0 | 100 |
| HSSLS032 | 3.2 | 100 |
| HSSLS035 | 3.5 | 112 |
| HSSLS040 | 4.0 | 119 |
| HSSLS048 | 4.8 | 132 |
| HSSLS050 | 5.0 | 132 |
| HSSLS060 | 6.0 | 139 |
| HSSLS080 | 8.0 | 165 |
Who is this for?
Steel fabricators, maintenance engineers, electricians, and site operatives who need to drill through thick steel sections, layered materials, or into confined areas where a standard length HSS bit cannot reach the required depth in a single pass.
Typical applications
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Through-hole drilling in thick steel plate and structural sections where standard bits fall short
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Drilling into steel in confined spaces where the drill must be positioned further from the surface
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Deep fixing and clearance holes in steel fabrications and assemblies
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Pilot holes through multiple layers of steel sheet or plate in a single pass
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Maintenance drilling in plant and equipment where access depth is restricted
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Drilling steel conduit and cable management components at depth
How to use
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Select the correct diameter for your fixing or clearance requirement.
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Insert the long shank into your drill chuck and tighten fully. Ensure the full shank engagement is correct: long shank bits should not be over-extended from the chuck.
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Mark the drilling position clearly. Use a centre punch on smooth steel to prevent the bit from walking on entry.
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Set a moderate drill speed. Lower speeds suit larger diameters and harder steels.
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Apply steady, controlled forward pressure. Keep the bit perpendicular throughout, particularly important on long shank bits where any lateral movement is amplified along the extended length.
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Use cutting fluid on harder steels to reduce heat and extend tip life.
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Clear swarf regularly: on deep holes the extended flute length helps, but withdrawal every 30 to 40mm prevents packing.
Safety
Wear safety glasses at all times. Secure the workpiece before drilling: long shank bits generate more torque leverage than standard bits and unsecured steel can spin dangerously. Keep the bit perpendicular to the surface: lateral force on an extended shank increases the risk of bit breakage. Do not use on hardened or stainless steel.
Maintenance
Inspect the tip and flutes after each session. On long shank bits, check the full shank for straightness: a bent shank causes vibration, produces oversize holes, and increases breakage risk. Store vertically or in a dedicated bit holder to prevent shank bending during transport and storage. Replace any bit showing tip wear, chipping, or shank deformation immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a long shank HSS bit and a standard jobber length HSS bit?
A: A standard jobber length bit has a fixed overall length that limits how deep a hole can be drilled before the drill chuck contacts the surface. A long shank bit has an extended overall length that allows the bit to reach deeper into the material in a single pass. Choose a long shank bit when the required hole depth exceeds what a standard length bit can achieve without an extension.
Q: Why does the range include 3.2mm and 4.8mm alongside standard metric sizes?
A: 3.2mm and 4.8mm are commonly used sizes in engineering and fabrication work that fall between standard metric increments. 3.2mm is frequently used for rivets and specific screw clearance holes, and 4.8mm is a standard pop rivet drill size. Including these sizes means the range covers both standard metric and common engineering-specific diameters.
Q: Can I use a long shank bit with a drill extension to reach even deeper?
A: A drill extension can be used, but it introduces additional flex and vibration into the drilling setup, which reduces hole accuracy and increases the risk of bit breakage. The long shank is designed to eliminate the need for extensions in most applications. If the required depth still exceeds the long shank capability, a dedicated extra-long series bit is the correct solution rather than an extension.
Q: Are long shank bits more likely to break than standard length bits?
A: They are more susceptible to breakage if used incorrectly. Lateral force applied during drilling is amplified along the extended shank, so keeping the bit perfectly perpendicular to the work surface is more critical than with a shorter bit. With correct technique, consistent forward pressure, and no lateral deviation, long shank bits perform reliably throughout the full depth of cut.
Q: Can these bits be used on aluminium and non-ferrous metals?
A: Yes. HSS long shank twist drill bits work on aluminium, copper, brass, and other non-ferrous metals. For aluminium specifically, use an uncoated HSS bit and a slightly higher speed than you would for steel. Cutting fluid is not essential on aluminium but improves surface finish on deeper holes.
Q: What drill speed should I use for deep hole drilling in steel?
A: Use a lower speed than you would for the same diameter in a shallow hole. The extended cutting depth generates more heat over the duration of the cut, and lower speeds reduce heat build-up at the tip. Apply cutting fluid on harder steels. If the swarf is discoloured blue or black, reduce the speed further and allow the bit to cool before continuing.
Q: Where can I order these bits and what are the delivery options?
A: The full HSS long shank twist drill bit range is available at cmt.co.uk across all 8 sizes from 3mm to 8mm. CMT Group operates a fleet of over 100 vehicles covering 90% of the UK mainland with next working day delivery on orders placed by 7pm online. Trade accounts and EDGE portal ordering are available for procurement teams.
