Enter your text here.Have you found yourself wondering what a hex shank drill bit is? Perhaps someone has suggested that you use one for your upcoming DIY project and you don’t know what it is?
Or are you curious and want to know more? No matter what your question might be, we have the answer for you!
Hex shank drill bits can leave even the most well-versed DIY-er in a cold sweat, especially when they are asked by someone to use them, or explain what they are!
Suddenly, you can forget everything you know about these drill bits, and even how you should use a drill! And no one wants that when you are about to complete a new project!
And that is where we come in to save the day! Whether you are a new or seasoned DIY-er, we will explain what a hex shank drill bit is and tell you everything you need to know about them!
Get ready to go from novice to expert today!
What Is A Hex Shank Drill Bit?
Let’s dive straight into today’s article. A hex shank drill bit is a drill bit typically used for cutting. They can be used with a drill bits, drill press, drill bits, or other rotating instruments.
A hex shank drill bits features a shank that has flat sides, rather than the round profile we usually see on other shanks!
If you aren’t sure what a shank is on a drill bit, it is the part of your drill bit that is held by the drill or tool you are using.
So why do a hex shank drill bits have a flat side? Well, it is because this design is far less likely to slip when you are using a drill or drill press.
You should be able to use your drill with ease and not worry about slipping when you have a hex shank drill bit in your drill!
Now that we have briefly established what a hex shank drill bits is, let’s move on and look at them in closer detail to help you learn everything there is to know about them!
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Hex Shank Drill Bit?
You might be wondering what the advantages are of using a drill bit like the hex shank drill bit, and you will be pleased to know that there are a few!
Let’s take a look at them now to show you some of the great reasons you should opt for a hex shank drill!
They Can Be Cheaper
First up, if you love a bargain, then a hex shank drill bit is a good option for you! A hex shank drill bit is typically made from bar stock, which already has flat sides.
This means there is less machine use and time taken to make the drill bit, making them cheaper to manufacture and sell. You can often find hex shank drill bits available at a lower price than other drill bits.
If an already flat metal isn’t used to create the drill bit, a round stock can also be used. The shank will be flattened on several sides in this case to create its hex shape to make it easy to drill into a hole!
No matter how the drill bit is made, we bet you can find one out there for a price that suits your budget, and that will easily allow you to drill holes!
The Shape Is Convenient
As you might have guessed by the name, the drill bit features six sides! You can spot a hex shank drill bit easily by the six sides it has. Not only does this mean you won’t need to spend ages looking for it in your toolbox, but it is incredibly convenient too, especially if you need to drill holes.
Not only can you use your drill bit in most drills and drill presses, but you can use them with certain types of screwdrivers too to create holes!
If your drill needs charging or you just need to screw something in place quickly, you can pop your hex shank drill bit onto a screwdriver and complete the task by hand!
It has never been easier to get your DIY tasks completed!
It Has A Higher Torque Application
Hex shank drill bits tend to have higher torque applications than other drill bits too and they are a common type!
They can be turned in a drill or drill press with more force than other drill bits thanks to the lower risk of slipping that we mentioned earlier!
With a hex shank drill bit, you can use more force, and at a different angle and still easily drill into a hole or holes, meaning that your hex bits can turn faster, remove materials easily, and cut faster too!
Why would you use a round shank now when you know that a hex shank is faster and easier to use?
Can I Use A Hex Shank Drill Bit With My Drill?
Hex shank drill bits do have one downside, and that is they cannot be used with every drill. If your drill features a collet, then you won’t be able to use a hex shank drill bit with your drill or press!
A collet makes a point of holding the bit in place, and thanks to its design, only works with round shanks, which are a most common type.
You can check easily to see if your drill has a collet or not, either by reading the manual, contacting the manufacturer, or looking at the drill.
Where the drill bit is placed in the drill, if you can see a small round slot where you would usually place the drill bit, then that is your collet.
You might find it easier to take a hex shank drill bit and see if it can be fitted into your drill. If it can’t, then sadly, the hex shank drill bit is not for you!
When you purchase a new drill or press, be sure to check the product information or to contact the manufacturer directly to find out if it can work with a hex shank drill bit or not so you can get started with creating your pilot hole with the screw tip, so that you can create clean holes with shank drill bits.
When Should I Use A Hex Shanks Drill Bit?
Providing you have a drill or press that supports them, you should use a hex shanks drill bit when you need to cut through any materials.
As hex shank drill bits provide the most contact with the surface, you won’t need to worry about it slipping when you are cutting. This is the most common time people use a hex shank drill bit!
Not only will it help you to cut through your materials easily, but you can have some peace of mind that your drill bit or material won’t slip, saving you from injury while you work.
Of course, you will still need to follow all other safety procedures and wear protective equipment where necessary, especially when working with high speed steel or hole saws.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! A hex shank drill bit is a hexagonal-shaped drill bit that is designed for cutting materials without slipping.
It works in drills if they are compatible and even some screwdrivers! Not only are they often a cheaper drill bit to purchase, but can save you time thanks to their higher torque and convenient use!
If you don’t have a hex shank drill bit in your collection already, take this as your sign to purchase one now!