Drill America HSS Reduced-Shank Drill Bit 59/64" KFD Series — 1/2" Shank, 135° Split Point, Black & Gold

Drill America KFDRSD59/64 is a 59/64" reduced-shank high-speed steel drill bit with a 1/2" shank, 135° split point, and black-and-gold surface treatment designed for hard-metal and stainless steel drilling.

Built to expand the capacity of portable drill chucks, the KFDRSD Series (Killer Force) reduced-shank bits combine premium high-speed steel construction with a heavy-duty split point and corrosion-resistant surface finish. These bits let you use a larger body diameter through chucks that accept a smaller shank, so you can tackle bigger holes without switching to special tooling. Precision grinding and common flute lengths promote concentricity and quick tool changes, making them a practical choice for metalworkers, maintenance pros, and fabricators.

How does the reduced-shank design help when using a standard chuck?

Reduced-shank drill bits let you fit a larger-diameter cutting body into a drill chuck limited by jaw size. That means you can drill larger holes without needing an oversized chuck or specialized arbor.

• Provides larger cutting diameter with smaller shank for wider hole capability.
• Works with common 1/2" chucks, increasing versatility of portable drills.
• Precision ground shank and body for concentric performance and reduced wobble.

What materials is this KFDRSD59/64 bit best suited to cut?

The KFDRSD bit is made from premium high-speed steel and given a black-and-gold surface treatment to improve performance in harder materials. It’s optimized for low-to-medium tensile metals and can handle stainless steel and other tougher workpieces with appropriate speeds and lubrication.

• High-speed steel core for toughness and wear resistance during general metal drilling.
• Black-and-gold surface treatment aids cutting in stainless and hard metals.
• Ideal for steel, mild alloys, and many machine shop or maintenance applications.

Why does the 135° split point matter for drilling performance?

The heavy-duty 135° split point reduces walking and improves self-centering at the start of the cut. That decreases the need for pilot holes and reduces thrust, making hole starting faster and more accurate on flat surfaces.

• Split point geometry helps the bit bite instantly without excessive force.
• Reduces lateral slipping for cleaner, more accurate hole placement.
• Lower thrust extends drill life and reduces operator fatigue in handheld use.

How do flute length and overall dimensions affect tool changes and chip removal?

This KFDRSD bit uses a common flute and overall length standard across the series, streamlining tool changes and reducing setup time. The right-hand spiral flutes evacuate chips upward, which keeps the cutting zone clear and reduces clogging in deeper holes.

• Common flute length across sizes simplifies bit swaps during a job.
• Right-hand spiral flutes remove chips efficiently, improving cutting consistency.
• Balanced geometry supports concentric rotation for smoother drilling and less chatter.

Who this is for: The Drill America KFDRSD59/64 reduced-shank bit is aimed at professionals and serious hobbyists who need to enlarge their drill’s usable hole size without changing chucks. It suits machinists, maintenance technicians, metal fabricators, and shop owners who demand durable HSS performance, reliable centering, and improved hard-metal cutting capability. Choose this bit when you need larger diameters from a portable drill while maintaining concentric accuracy, efficient chip evacuation, and reduced starting wander.