Split Point Drill Bits | Self-Centering Drill Point Geometry for Metal
Split point drill bits use point-thinning geometry that reduces the chisel-edge load and improves starting control compared with a conventional unthinned point. Use this guide to understand split-point geometry and specify point angle, split style, HSS grade, diameter, working length, overall length, shank, finish, workpiece and drilling conditions before quotation.
- Split point describes drill-point geometry; it does not automatically mean one fixed point angle.
- 135° split points are common, but industrial split-point drills also exist with other angles such as 130°.
- Split point can be combined with HSS, M35 or M42 HSS-Co, different coatings, lengths and shanks.
- Correct speed, feed, coolant, rigidity and chip control remain part of the drilling system.
Treat split point as a point-thinning / centering feature, not a material grade.
Widely used, but not the only split-point angle found in industrial drills.
Confirms that point angle and split-point geometry are separate specifications.
Split-point drills can use cobalt HSS or other drill substrates by series.
What Is a Split Point Drill Bit?
A split point drill bit is a twist drill whose point has been thinned or split to modify the central chisel-edge geometry. The purpose is to improve centering and reduce the axial force required to start the hole. “Split point” is therefore a geometry specification, not a cobalt grade, coating, drill length or application by itself.
- Point thinning reduces the broad chisel-edge area at the center of a conventional twist-drill point.
- Improved centering can reduce wandering on smooth or hard surfaces.
- Lower starting force can be useful in hand drills, drill presses and production machines.
- The exact benefit depends on point design, diameter, material, rigidity and drilling conditions.
- For product comparison, confirm the point angle and split style from the exact drill series.
Does Split Point Always Mean 135°?
No. 135° is a common split-point angle, but split-point geometry is not defined by the 135° angle alone. Industrial drill series also use other point angles with split-point thinning.
| Geometry Example | What It Shows | Buyer Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 135° split point | Common in HSS and HSS-Co metal drills, including DIN/jobber and NAS-style products. | Specify 135° only when the application or product series requires it. |
| 130° split point | Also used in industrial HSS-Co drill series. | Confirms that point angle and split-point thinning are separate attributes. |
| 135° point without confirmed split | Point angle alone does not prove the drill has split-point thinning. | Ask for both point angle and point-grind / split-point specification. |
RFQ wording
Write “135° split point” only when both attributes are required. If the buyer only needs reduced walking or lower thrust, send the application and ask for the appropriate split-point geometry.
Split Point Drill Bit Specification Matrix
Industrial split-point products are defined by much more than “135°.” Use these fields to compare products or prepare an RFQ.
| Product Attribute | What to Confirm | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Point angle | 135°, 130° or another specified angle. | Affects point shape and cutting engagement. |
| Split / point thinning | Split point, facet grind, web thinning or another defined point preparation. | Controls centering and chisel-edge load. |
| Drill material | M2, M35, M42 or another specifically agreed substrate. | Material grade affects heat resistance, toughness and wear. |
| Diameter | Exact metric, fractional, number or letter sizes. | Defines cutting diameter and set structure. |
| Working length & OAL | Flute / working length and total tool length. | Controls reach, chip space and replacement compatibility. |
| Flute / helix geometry | Required flute profile and chip-evacuation characteristics. | Point geometry does not determine chip flow by itself. |
| Shank | Straight cylindrical, three-flat or another specified shank. | Determines holder / chuck compatibility and slip resistance. |
| Standard / tolerance | DIN, NAS, jobber or other dimensional format and diameter tolerance. | Important for dimensional consistency and replacement supply. |
| Finish / coating | Bright, oxide, TiN, TiAlN or another reviewed surface treatment. | Separate the point geometry from surface treatment. |
| Drilling depth / coolant | Hole depth, coolant delivery and machine setup. | Determines chip control and process stability. |
| Workpiece | Steel, stainless, cast iron, non-ferrous alloy or other material. | Material determines whether the whole drill specification is suitable. |
Split Point vs Standard Drill Point
The useful distinction is not simply “135° versus 118°.” A conventional point can have one angle, while a split-point drill adds point thinning that changes the chisel edge and starting behavior.
| Point Feature | Typical Starting Behavior | Selection Note |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional / unthinned point | Broader central chisel edge and higher axial force can make accurate starting more dependent on spotting or setup. | Still suitable for many general-purpose drill products. |
| Split / thinned point | Reduced chisel-edge load and improved centering can lower feed force and reduce wandering. | Useful when starting control is a priority. |
Do not compare point angle alone
A 118° versus 135° comparison does not fully describe the geometry. Confirm whether the point is split, thinned, faceted or conventional.
Why Split Point Drill Bits Reduce Walking and Starting Force
Reduced chisel edge
Point thinning reduces the non-cutting or low-efficiency center region that normally pushes against the workpiece.
Improved centering
The modified point can engage the workpiece more positively and reduce wandering before the lips are fully cutting.
Lower feed force
Industrial split-point drill series are specifically designed to reduce the feed force needed to start and continue drilling.
Geometry is not a cure-all
Split point cannot compensate for a dull drill, weak clamping, excessive speed, unsuitable feed, poor coolant or chip packing.
Split Point Drill Bits for Metal
Split-point geometry appears in general HSS, cobalt HSS and other drill families. Match the point with the substrate, flute geometry and target material instead of treating split point as proof of stainless or hard-metal capability.
| Application | How Split Point Helps | Recommended Guide |
|---|---|---|
| General steel / metal | Improves starting control where wandering or high thrust is a concern. | Drill Bits for Metal |
| Stainless steel | Can support accurate starting, but the drill material and cutting process remain critical. | Drill Bits for Stainless Steel |
| M35 cobalt requirement | Split point is one geometry option within an M35 product series. | M35 Cobalt Drill Bits |
| M42 cobalt requirement | Split point is one geometry option within an M42 product series. | M42 Cobalt Drill Bits |
Split Point, Cobalt and Fully Ground Drill Bits Are Different Attributes
| Term | What It Describes | Recommended Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Split point | Point geometry and thinning. | Split Point Drill Bits |
| M35 / M42 cobalt | HSS-Co material grade. | Cobalt Drill Bits |
| Fully ground | Manufacturing method used to produce the drill geometry. | Fully Ground HSS Drill Bits |
| DIN 338 / jobber | Dimensional standard or length format. | DIN 338 Drill Bits / Jobber Drill Bits |
Do Split Point Drill Bits Need a Pilot Hole?
Split-point geometry can reduce the need for spotting or a pilot hole in some applications because it improves centering. That does not mean a pilot hole is never required. Diameter, drill series, workpiece hardness, hole-location tolerance, machine rigidity and process plan determine the correct approach.
Small / moderate diameters
Some split-point product series are designed to start directly without a pilot under appropriate conditions.
Large or demanding holes
Spotting, pilot drilling or another hole-preparation strategy may still be required.
Precision hole location
Use the machining process required by the drawing rather than relying on the point geometry alone.
Split Point Drill Bit Sets and Size Planning
Do not assume a universal split-point drill set range. Send the exact metric, fractional, number or letter sizes and specify the material grade, point angle, length format, finish and packaging required.
Metric Sizes
Send every required diameter and increment.
Fractional Sizes
Provide the full fractional list and quantity per size or set.
Number / Letter Sizes
Specify exact sizes where required by the market or process.
Single Repeat Sizes
For production drilling, send diameter, hole depth, workpiece and quantity.
What to Send for a Split Point Drill Bit Quote
A complete RFQ should define the point geometry together with the drill substrate, dimensions and application.
| RFQ Field | What to Send | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Point geometry | Split point required; add point angle or point-grind standard if specified. | Prevents confusing “135° point” with “135° split point.” |
| Material grade | M2, M35, M42 or other specified drill substrate. | Point geometry does not identify heat resistance or tool material. |
| Diameter / size list | Every required size and quantity or exact set configuration. | Prevents assumptions about stock or universal set ranges. |
| Dimensions / standard | Working length, overall length, shank, DIN/NAS/jobber or other specified format. | Ensures machine and replacement compatibility. |
| Finish / coating | Bright, oxide, TiN, TiAlN or other reviewed surface requirement. | Keeps coating separate from point geometry and substrate. |
| Workpiece / process | Material, hardness if known, hole depth, machine, coolant and production volume. | Determines whether the complete drill design fits the application. |
| Commercial requirements | Quantity, marking, packaging, destination and required documentation. | Allows project-specific commercial terms to be confirmed. |
Split Point Drill Bits FAQ
What is a split point drill bit?
What is split point drill geometry?
Does split point always mean 135 degrees?
What is the difference between a split point and a standard drill point?
Do split point drill bits need a pilot hole?
Are split point drill bits good for stainless steel?
Can split point drill bits be M35 or M42 cobalt?
What sizes are available in split point drill bit sets?
How should I request a split point drill bit quotation?
Split Point Drill Bit Selection Path
HSS Drill Bits
Parent category for drill material, standards and product families.
Cobalt Drill Bits
Compare M35 and M42 HSS-Co grades and broader cobalt drill options.
Drill Bits for Stainless Steel
Use when stainless steel is the primary workpiece.
Fully Ground HSS Drill Bits
Use when fully ground construction and precision-ground geometry are required.
Jobber Drill Bits
Use when jobber length and drill dimensions are the main requirements.
Drill Speed Chart
Speed reference after the drill and workpiece are defined.
Need Split Point Drill Bits for Industrial, Distribution or OEM Projects?
Send the point-angle / split-point requirement, material grade, complete diameter list, dimensions or standard, finish or coating, workpiece, drilling conditions, quantity and packaging details. Exact stock status, MOQ, documentation and lead time can then be confirmed for the project.
Send Your Split Point Drill Requirements
Include point angle / split-point requirement, drill material, diameter / set list, dimensions, workpiece, finish or coating, quantity, marking and packaging.