Irwin IRW15104 Step Drill Bit Titanium nitride coated coating 12 1/8"

The Irwin IRW15104 is a UNIBIT step drill bit, 3/16 inch minimum to 7/8 inch maximum diameter, in 1/16 inch increments, cutting 12 hole sizes, with a 3/8 inch shank and titanium nitride coating, for material thickness up to 1/8 inch.

The titanium nitride coating is the specification worth understanding. TiN is a hard ceramic coating — the distinctive gold colour — applied to the cutting surfaces. It does two things: it is harder than the tool steel underneath, so the cutting edges resist wear, and it reduces friction, so the bit runs cooler and material is less inclined to weld to the edge. On a step drill working sheet metal, both matter, because heat is what kills these bits.

Worth being clear on what TiN is not. It is a surface coating a few microns thick, not a solid material. Once a step's edge is worn or reground, the coating on that edge is gone. It extends life; it does not make a bit permanent.

The 3/16 to 7/8 inch range across 12 sizes covers the bulk of electrical and sheet metal work in one bit — no changes, no pilot holes.

The 1/8 inch maximum material thickness is the limit to respect: step drills cut on the edge of a step, and material thicker than the step height cannot be cut cleanly.

Applications include electrical panels and enclosures, sheet metal, HVAC ductwork, and autobody.

Brand

Irwin

SKU

IRW15104

Category

Power Tools & Accessories

Weight

0.22 lbs

Dimensions

18.00 x 2.50 x 0.50

Price

$108.00

Availability

In stock

Rating

4.53 / 5.0