When drilling, you need to choose a drill bit capable of meeting the material at hand. There are several types of drill bits categorized by the shape they are made with and their size.
One popular type is known as a 118-degree drill bit, which can cut through a variety of materials with ease. It will allow for minimal friction to occur on the material being drilled.
Conversely, there are 135-degree drills which require more time to penetrate thicker materials. But once they break through, they can create a smoother finish. So, which one is better amongst 118 Vs 135 Degree Drill Bits? Let’s continue to know the details!
About 118 Degree Drill Bits
118-degree drill bits are the traditional drill bit and have been used for many years in many applications. They are designed with a 118-degree point angle. This type of drill bit is generally more affordable. Also, it is widely available in a variety of sizes and materials.
- Made from high-speed steel.
- Strong and durable material.
- Perfect size.
- Affordable..
- Versatile.
- Ease of Use.
- Sometimes lead to inaccuracies in your drilling and results in holes that are not straight or of the desired size.
- Prone to “walking” or off-center hole.
About 135 Degree Split Point Drill Bits
135-degree split point drill bits are a more recent development in drill bit technology. It is designed with a 135-degree point angle. Besides, it is more precise and accurate than other traditional drill bits. It is particularly well-suited for more complex materials like metal and plastic.
- More precise and accurate.
- Keep the hole straight and true.
- Well-suited for use in more rigid materials
- Able to cut more efficiently and effectively.
- Reduced walking.
- Durable.
- A bit more expensive than other drill bits.
- Not well-suited for use in softer materials.
Similarity Between 118 Vs 135 Degree Drill Bits
Both 118-degree and 135-degree drill bits are designed for drilling into materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. So let’s know about tier similarity.
- Size and Shape
Both types of drill bits come in various sizes and shapes to meet different drilling needs, such as twist drill bits, step drill bits, spade drill bits, and more. Additionally, both types of drill bits are made from high-speed steel or carbide, which provides strength and durability for repeated use.
- Type of Drilling
Another similarity is that they are both designed for use with a drill, whether it be a hand-held drill, drill press, or another drilling machine. Both 118-degree and 135-degree drill bits work by rotating at high speeds and cutting away material to create a hole.
- Durability
In terms of maintenance, both drill bits require proper care and storage to ensure their longevity. Both may include cleaning after use, sharpening when necessary and adequate storage to prevent damage.
- Purpose
Overall, 118-degree and 135-degree drill bits serve the same basic purpose of drilling holes into various materials. While they have differences in precision, cost, and suitability for different materials, they both play an important role in a wide range of drilling applications.
You may also read: 1/2 Inch Vs 3/8 Inch Drill: What’s The Difference
Differences Between 118 Vs 135 Degree Drill Bits
While 118-degree and 135-degree drill bits serve the same primary purpose, there are several key differences between the two types:
- Point Angle
The main difference between 118-degree and 135-degree drill bits is the angle of the point. 118-degree drill bits have a more traditional design with a shallower point angle, while 135-degree split point drill bits have a steeper angle for improved precision and accuracy.
- Accuracy
Because of the 135-degree split point design, these drill bits are better suited for precise drilling and are less likely to “walk” or drift away from the centre of the hole. The results in straight and true holes, making them ideal for more complex materials such as metal and plastic.
- Cost
135-degree split point drill bits are typically more expensive than traditional 118-degree drill bits due to their more advanced design and improved accuracy.
- Suitability for Materials
118-degree drill bits are generally more versatile and can be used in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. However, they are less precise than 135-degree split point drill bits. They can be more challenging to centre, resulting in inaccuracies and off-centre holes. 135-degree split point drill bits are designed for harder materials. It provides improved accuracy. But It may be less effective in softer materials.
- Maintenance
While both types of drill bits require proper care and maintenance, 135-degree split point drill bits may need to be sharpened more frequently due to their steeper point angle.
118 Vs 135 Degree Drill Bits | Which Is Better?
Ultimately, both types of drill bits have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Which one is the best will depend on your specific needs and the style of material you will be drilling.
If you will be drilling into harder materials such as metal or plastic, a 135-degree split-point drill bit is the better option. And when you are drilling into softer materials such as wood, a 118-degree drill bit may be a better choice.
Besides, a 135-degree split point drill bit is the better choice when precision is of the utmost importance to you. Because it reduces walking, resulting in straight and true holes.
118-degree drill bits are generally more affordable and widely available than 135-degree split point drill bits. If cost is a concern, a 118-degree drill bit may be better for you.
If you are drilling many holes, the added precision and accuracy of the 135-degree split-point drill bit may be worth the extra expense. On the other hand, if you are only drilling a few holes, a 118-degree drill bit may be sufficient.
FAQs
How do you tell if a drill bit is sharp?
A guide to using a Drill Doctor program is here on our site, and it follows a step-by-step process to ensure that your drill bits are sharp and safe. Begin by determining your bits. Inspect the end of each bit for chips and jagged edges. If so, sharpen the bit.
What is the best angle to sharpen drill bits?
A good point angle for drilling steel or other hard metals is 135 degrees. Due to the wider angle, a 135-degree borehole requires a second sharpening process called splitting. Drill Doctor has drill bit sharpening services that will point to either 118 degrees or both 118 and 135 degrees, as well as splitting.
What are the most vital drill bits?
Carbide is the most difficult and stiffest of drill bit materials. It is used primarily for conventional drilling set-ups, in which high-quality tool holders and other equipment are used.
How do you know if a drill is powerful?
You will need to know voltage and torque to calculate the typical power of a given drill. Observing the voltage-to-torque rule, the more force the drill will generate, the more it will be decisive. You will find drills that operate with voltages between 7 and 20 volts.
Wrap up
Both 118-degree and 135-degree drill bits serve a valuable purpose in the drilling world and have unique advantages and disadvantages. When choosing between 118 Vs 135-degree drill bits, you must consider your specific needs and the quality.
If precision and accuracy are of the utmost importance, the 135-degree split-point drill bit is the better choice. On the other hand, if versatility and affordability are more important, a 118-degree drill bit may be a better fit.
