DIN 338 Drill Bits | Parallel-Shank Jobber Twist Drills
DIN 338 is the standard for parallel-shank twist drills in the jobber series. Use this guide to understand what DIN 338 means and specify the complete drill: diameter, working length, overall length, shank, HSS grade, point geometry, flute geometry, finish or coating, production route, workpiece and packaging.
- DIN 338 identifies the parallel-shank jobber-series drill format; it does not by itself identify one HSS grade or point angle.
- Industrial DIN 338 products exist with conventional and split-point geometries, including 118° and 135° product series.
- For Slugger HSS drill projects, specify the required M2, M35 or M42 grade together with the dimensional and geometry requirements.
- Use exact dimensions and size lists rather than assuming one universal drill-set range.
Parallel-shank twist drills, jobber series.
Confirm shank diameter and holder compatibility by size.
DIN 338 alone does not tell you 118° versus split-point geometry.
Specify the material grade separately from the DIN format.
What Does DIN 338 Mean?
DIN 338 is the standard titled “Parallel shank twist drills, jobber series.” In sourcing terms, it tells the buyer which general drill format is being referenced. It should not be used as a shortcut for material grade, point angle, coating, flute geometry or application.
| DIN 338 Tells You | DIN 338 Does Not Tell You by Itself | RFQ Action |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel / cylindrical shank twist-drill family | M2, M35, M42 or another substrate | State the required HSS grade separately. |
| Jobber-series dimensional format | 118°, 130°, 135° or split-point preparation | State the point angle and split / thinning requirement. |
| A standard reference for dimensions | Bright, oxide, TiN, TiAlN or another finish | Specify surface finish or coating separately. |
| One product-family standard | Rolled versus fully ground production | Specify the production route when it matters. |
Current standard reference
The current DIN Media listing is DIN 338:2006-11. For drawings, inspection or contractual compliance, specify the exact standard edition required by the buyer.
DIN 338 Drill Bit Specification Matrix
Industrial DIN 338 specifications should confirm dimensions, geometry and substrate as separate fields. Use this matrix to compare suppliers or prepare a technically complete RFQ.
| Product Attribute | What to Confirm | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | Exact metric diameter or complete required size list. | Defines the cutting diameter and the product / set structure. |
| Working / flute length | Required flute or working length for each diameter. | Controls reach, chip space and drilling depth capability. |
| Overall length | Total tool length by diameter. | Important for machine clearance and replacement compatibility. |
| Shank | Parallel / cylindrical shank dimensions and holder requirement. | Determines chuck compatibility. |
| Diameter tolerance | Required tolerance or inspection requirement. | Industrial product lines may state an explicit diameter tolerance. |
| HSS grade | M2, M35, M42 or another specifically agreed HSS requirement. | Material grade controls hot-hardness, toughness, wear and cost. |
| Point geometry | Point angle plus split-point / thinning requirement. | Changes starting behavior, thrust and material fit. |
| Flute / helix geometry | Required flute profile or material-specific geometry. | Affects chip formation and evacuation. |
| Production route | Rolled, fully ground or another agreed manufacturing requirement. | Changes geometry, product tier and commercial comparison. |
| Finish / coating | Bright, oxide, TiN, TiAlN or another reviewed requirement. | Should follow the workpiece, heat, friction and product tier. |
| Workpiece / process | Material, hardness if known, hole depth, machine, coolant and volume. | Determines whether the complete drill specification is appropriate. |
DIN 338 vs Jobber Drill Bits
These terms overlap but should not be treated as perfect synonyms. DIN 338 is a standards reference for parallel-shank twist drills in the jobber series. Jobber drill bit is broader market terminology for a common-length twist-drill family.
DIN 338
Use when the buyer explicitly requires the DIN dimensional standard or DIN-form product family.
Jobber Drill Bit
Use when jobber length is required but DIN compliance is not necessarily specified.
RFQ Rule
If a buyer writes “jobber,” ask whether DIN 338 compliance is required before treating the terms as interchangeable.
DIN 338 Point Angles: 118°, 135° and Split-Point Requirements
DIN 338 does not force one point angle across all industrial products. For example, commercial DIN 338 HSS products exist with 118° conventional points, while other DIN 338 HSS or HSS-Co series use 135° split points. Therefore, the point must be specified separately from the DIN reference.
| Point Request | What It Means | Buyer Check |
|---|---|---|
| 118° conventional point | A common general-purpose configuration in some DIN 338 HSS series. | Confirm whether spotting or pilot preparation is required by the process. |
| 135° split point | A common industrial configuration for improved centering and lower starting thrust. | Confirm both the 135° angle and the split-point requirement. |
| Other point geometry | Application-specific or manufacturer-specific point preparation may differ. | Use the drawing, product series or application requirement as the controlling specification. |
M2, M35 and M42 DIN 338 Drill Requirements
DIN 338 is the drill format, while M2, M35 and M42 identify HSS material grades. Keep the standard and substrate as separate specification fields.
| Grade | How It Fits | Recommended Guide |
|---|---|---|
| M2 HSS | General HSS grade within the DIN 338 product family. | Confirm workpiece, point geometry, finish and production route. |
| M35 HSS-Co | Use M35 / HSS-Co 5% when that grade is already specified. | M35 Cobalt Drill Bits |
| M42 HSS-Co | Use M42 / HSS-Co 8% when that grade is already specified. | M42 Cobalt Drill Bits |
| M35 vs M42 | Use the cobalt guide when comparing M35 and M42 grades. | Cobalt Drill Bits |
Rolled vs Fully Ground DIN 338 Drill Bits
Rolled and fully ground drill bits should not be treated as the same commercial product simply because both use a DIN 338 reference. If grinding route, flute accuracy or premium geometry matters to the buyer, state it explicitly.
- Specify rolled or fully ground as a separate manufacturing requirement.
- Do not infer M2, M35 or M42 from the production route.
- Do not infer point angle or split point from “fully ground.”
- If fully ground construction is required, see the Fully Ground HSS Drill Bits guide.
DIN 338 Drill Bits for Metal: Match the Complete Drill to the Workpiece
DIN 338 alone does not determine material suitability. Match the HSS grade, geometry, finish, dimensions and drilling process to the workpiece.
| Buyer Requirement | Recommended Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Broad DIN 338 drill bit / standard | DIN 338 Drill Bits | DIN format, dimensions, geometry fields and RFQ specification. |
| Broad metal drill selection | Drill Bits for Metal | Broad metal-drilling selection by workpiece and process. |
| Stainless-steel drilling | Drill Bits for Stainless Steel | Stainless grade, drilling process and application requirements. |
| Split-point requirement | Split Point Drill Bits | Split-point geometry and centering requirements. |
| Fully-ground requirement | Fully Ground HSS Drill Bits | Fully ground construction and precision-ground geometry. |
DIN 338 Drill Bit Sizes and Set Planning
Do not assume a universal DIN 338 drill-set range. Send the exact diameter list and specify whether the requirement is for individual sizes, repeat production sizes or a packaged set.
Metric Sizes
Send every required diameter and increment.
Single Repeat Sizes
Send diameter, quantity, workpiece and hole depth.
Packaged Sets
Send the exact size combination and required case / packaging format.
Private Label
State marking, label, barcode, packaging and destination requirements for review.
What to Send for a DIN 338 Drill Bit Quote
| RFQ Field | What to Send | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| DIN reference | DIN 338 and required edition / inspection requirement if contractually important. | Confirms the required DIN 338 dimensional standard. |
| Diameter / size list | Every required diameter and quantity or exact set combination. | Prevents assumptions about stock or standard assortments. |
| Dimensions | Working length, OAL, shank or drawing requirement where specified. | Ensures machine and replacement compatibility. |
| HSS grade | M2, M35, M42 or other agreed requirement. | Separates substrate from the DIN format. |
| Point / flute geometry | Point angle, split / thinning requirement and any flute requirement. | Determines starting behavior and chip control. |
| Production / finish | Rolled or fully ground; bright, oxide, TiN, TiAlN or reviewed finish. | Defines product tier and surface requirement. |
| Workpiece / process | Material, hardness if known, hole depth, machine and coolant. | Checks whether the requested product configuration fits the application. |
| Commercial requirements | Quantity, marking, packaging, destination and required documentation. | Allows project-specific commercial terms to be confirmed. |
DIN 338 Drill Bits FAQ
What does DIN 338 mean?
What are DIN 338 drill bits?
Is DIN 338 the same as a jobber drill bit?
Are DIN 338 drill bits always HSS?
Are DIN 338 drill bits always 118 degrees?
Can DIN 338 drill bits be cobalt?
What is the difference between rolled and fully ground DIN 338 drill bits?
What sizes are available for DIN 338 drill bit sets?
How should I request a DIN 338 drill bit quotation?
DIN 338 Drill Bit Selection Path
HSS Drill Bits
Parent category for HSS grades, formats and industrial drill selection.
Jobber Drill Bits
Use when jobber length is the main requirement and DIN compliance is not specified.
Cobalt Drill Bits
Compare M35 and M42 HSS-Co grades and broader cobalt drill options.
Split Point Drill Bits
Use when point thinning and centering geometry are the main requirements.
Fully Ground HSS Drill Bits
Use when fully ground construction and precision-ground geometry are required.
Drill Bits for Stainless Steel
Use when stainless steel is the primary workpiece rather than DIN format.
Need DIN 338 HSS Drill Bits for Industrial, Distribution or OEM Projects?
Send the DIN requirement, complete diameter list, dimensions, HSS grade, point geometry, production route, finish, workpiece, quantity and packaging details. Stock status, MOQ, documentation and lead time can then be confirmed for the actual project.
Send Your DIN 338 Drill Requirements
Include DIN reference, diameter / set list, dimensions if specified, HSS grade, point geometry, rolled / fully ground requirement, finish, workpiece, quantity, marking and packaging.