Drill America 31/32" Reduced Shank HSS Drill Bit – 1/2" Shank, 135° Split Point, Black & Gold

This precision ground Killer Force (KFD) Series drill bit combines a reduced-body design with a heavy-duty 135° split point for faster, more accurate starts and lower thrust in portable drills and drill presses. Manufactured from premium high speed steel and finished in a black-and-gold treatment, this bit is intended to expand the usable diameter range of common 1/2" chucks while maintaining concentricity between the shank and body. The KFDRSD31/32 is built for reliable performance in a variety of low- to medium-tensile materials and offers features that help manage chip evacuation and reduce walking on contact.

How does the reduced shank help when using a 1/2" chuck?

The reduced shank lets larger diameter bits fit securely into smaller chucks, so you can use a 31/32" cutting diameter with a standard 1/2" holder. This increases the usable size range of your drill without swapping to a larger machine.

• Reduced body diameter for 1/2" chuck compatibility.
• Precision ground for concentric alignment and minimal runout.
• Works with common round-shank toolholding systems.

What benefits does the 135° split point provide?

The heavy-duty 135° split point is self-centering and reduces the axial force required to start a hole, which helps prevent walking and produces cleaner entry. It’s especially useful for handheld drilling and for harder materials where a shallow-point geometry improves control.

• Self-centering for accurate hole starts.
• Lower thrust reduces operator fatigue and chuck slippage.
• Improved bite in tougher alloys and coated surfaces.

Is this bit suitable for stainless steel and other hard metals?

Yes—the KFDRSD31/32 is surface-treated in a black-and-gold finish that improves wear resistance and makes the cutting edge more durable for harder metals. While optimized for low and medium tensile strength materials, the coating and HSS construction extend life when used correctly in harder stock like stainless steel.

• Gold/black surface treatment enhances heat and wear resistance.
• High-speed steel substrate balances toughness and hardness.
• Use appropriate speeds, feeds, and cutting fluid for best results in hard metals.

How do flute design and general length affect performance?

This bit uses a common flute geometry and overall length so it swaps easily into existing tool setups with minimal adjustment. Spiral flutes evacuate chips efficiently when used in the correct rotation direction, reducing clogging and improving hole quality.

• Spiral flutes lift chips up and out of the hole when run right-hand cut.
• Standard overall length simplifies tool changeovers and setup.
• Round shank fits a wide variety of toolholders and chucks.

Who is this for? The Drill America KFDRSD31/32 is aimed at metalworkers, fabricators, maintenance technicians, and serious DIYers who need a larger drill diameter to fit into a 1/2" chuck without sacrificing concentricity or start reliability. It’s a practical choice for shops that want to broaden the size capability of portable drills, for repair work on tougher metals, or for anyone needing a precise, durable HSS bit with a self-centering point and improved surface wear resistance.