Drill America 16.00mm Reduced-Shank HSS Drill Bit 1/2-inch Shank, Black Oxide & 118° Point

The Drill America DWDRSD16.0MM is a 16.00mm reduced-shank high-speed steel drill bit with a 1/2" shank and black oxide finish designed to let larger-diameter bits fit standard chucks while delivering accurate, general-purpose drilling performance.

This reduced-shank HSS drill bit expands the range of portable drills by providing a larger cutting diameter on a 1/2" shank that fits common chucks. Manufactured from high-speed steel and ground to a 118° point, it balances toughness and cutting edge life for use in low to medium tensile strength materials. The black oxide coating improves surface lubricity and helps retain coolant, while precision grinding ensures concentricity between the shank and body for smoother operation and reduced runout.

How does the reduced shank help in ordinary workshops?

Reduced shanks allow a larger cutting diameter to be held in standard chucks that otherwise accept only smaller shank sizes. That makes it possible to drill bigger holes without specialized tooling, saving time and tooling costs.

• Fits common 1/2" portable drill chucks while offering a 16.00mm cutting diameter
• Avoids the need for an adapter or specialized drill press chuck
• Maintains a uniform overall length to simplify tool changes

What materials does this HSS bit work best with?

This Drill America HSS bit is optimized for low and medium tensile strength materials where high cutting speed and wear resistance are useful. It’s not intended for hardened steels or abrasive composites without appropriate coolant and feeds.

• Good for soft to medium steels, mild alloys, and common ferrous materials
• Also suitable for many nonferrous metals and thicker plastics
• Use cutting fluid for extended life when drilling tougher alloys

Why does the 118° point and black oxide finish matter?

The 118° point offers a versatile cutting geometry that centers quickly and performs well across a range of materials. Black oxide improves lubricity, helps hold coolant at the cutting edge, and adds light corrosion resistance, extending usable life in routine shop conditions.

• 118° point balances centering and chip formation for general-purpose work
• Black oxide provides surface lubrication and small coolant-retaining pockets
• Spiral flutes evacuate chips efficiently when used with proper rotation

How precise and durable is this drill bit in daily use?

Drill America precision-grinds the bit to ensure concentricity between shank and body diameter, reducing runout and improving hole accuracy in handheld and stationary machines. The HSS material offers a good combination of hardness and toughness for general shop tasks, and the round shank works with many toolholding systems.

• Precision ground for improved concentricity and consistent cutting
• Round 1/2" shank for compatibility with a wide variety of chucks and holders
• Spiral flutes designed to evacuate chips when rotating right-hand (counterclockwise)

Who is this for: The Drill America DWDRSD16.0MM is ideal for tradespeople, maintenance technicians, and home shop users who need a reliable way to drill 16.00mm holes without changing to a larger chuck or specialized arbor. It’s a practical choice when working with mild steels, common alloys, and nonferrous materials where general-purpose HSS performance, easy tool changes, and good chip evacuation are priorities.