This section provides an overview for starting drill bits as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 5 starting drill bit manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked starting drill bit companies as of November, 2024: 1.IRWIN TOOLS.
Table of Contents
A starting drill is a tool used in machining operations before a regular drill is used.
It is also known as a "leading drill." As the name "starting" implies, it is used for initial positioning and chamfering of holes. Starting drills are characterized by a shorter twist section and a 90-degree tip compared to regular drills.
This structural feature allows positioning and chamfering to be performed with a high degree of accuracy. In addition, the drill has a good bite when in use, making accurate positioning and chamfering quick and easy. Starting drills are one of the essential tools for machining accuracy.
Depending on the material, drilling holes with a regular drill may cause distortion, but starting drills enable accurate drilling with minimal distortion. Starting drills are also useful for positioning holes before drilling. Accurate positioning improves the accuracy of the drilling operation.
Starting drills are primarily used for positioning operations in drilling. By drilling a hole just large enough to accommodate the chisel edge of a normal drill, it is possible to suppress the shake of the material and drill during drilling. This improves machining accuracy.
Starting drills can also be used for a machining operation called V-grooving, in which a V-shaped groove is drilled using a starting drill to determine the approximate location of the area to be machined. Starting drills play a very important role in making V-shaped grooves.
In addition to drilling, starting drills are also useful in other machining operations, such as deforming and centering. In deformations, the starting drill is used to determine the location of the workpiece before drilling, and in centering operations, the starting drill can be used to find the center location of the workpiece to be machined.
Starting drills are specialized for drilling positioning holes and can drill holes with high accuracy. The chisel edge is short and rigid, making it easy to drill holes even in smooth materials, and it can also be used for chamfering after drilling.
The angle of the drill tip depends on the relationship between the normal drill size and the size of the hole. If the hole is larger, the center of the drill is more likely to shake, but this can avoid drill wear when drilling. Conversely, if the hole is smaller, the blurring will be smaller, but the drill body will be more prone to wear.
Another product that has a similar structure to starting drills is called a center drill. The center drill can be used for other purposes besides positioning, but the risk of damage during machining is relatively high due to its relatively thin tip.
Starting drills have a 90-degree tip and a short chisel edge for accurate positioning and chamfering. It is an indispensable tool when high precision is required in drilling operations. By adjusting the angle according to the smoothness of the work material and the size of the drill, higher machining accuracy can be achieved.
There are three main types of starting drills: HSS starting drills, cobalt starting drills, and tipped starting drills.
HSS starting drills are starting drills for general steel materials and are durable and suitable for a wide range of applications. They are used for general metalworking, including steel, and provide high accuracy in drilling.
Cobalt starting drills are more durable and heat resistant than HSS starting drills, making them suitable for machining hard materials and in high-temperature environments. They are also used for machining materials other than steel.
Starting drills with tips can be fitted with replaceable tips at the end of the drill, which can be easily replaced when the sharpness becomes dull. They can be used for a wide variety of materials and provide high accuracy in drilling.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Hi-Line, Inc. was launched in 1959 in Dallas, Texas, and is a distributor of mechanical and electrical maintenance products for brands like Parker, Eaton, 3M Thomas and Betts. The company distributes bulbs and switches, cable tiles and accessories, heat shrink tubings, electrical supplies, and fasteners. It targets power generation, facility maintenance, heavy equipment, manufacturing, aerospace, and many more industries. The company has served several clients, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Taxes Department of Transportation, the Navy facility Engineering Community, Oshkosh Defense, and the Veterans Affairs Hospital.
NACHI-FUJIKOSHI CORP. is a Japanese manufacturer of industrial machinery and tools, such as bearings, hydraulic equipment, robots, and cutting tools. They also provide services such as machine maintenance and repair. The company's products are used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics. One of NACHI-FUJIKOSHI's renowned products is their robotic arm, the "MZR series," which is designed for precision assembly and inspection tasks in industries. They received several awards for their technological advancements and contributions to the industry, including the 2021 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Medal for new hydraulic equipment technology and the 2020 Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Grand Technology Award.
OSG Corporation., founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toyokawa, Japan, is a manufacturer of various cutting tools, including end mills, drills, taps, rolling dies, and gauges. The cutting tools are engineered for an array of industries, including energy, automotive, aerospace, die/mold, and heavy. The company also has an academy that it uses as an innovation hub for researching, designing, and developing new products. It established its first overseas subsidiary in the U.S. in 1968, and since then, it has continued to build a network of manufacturing, sales, and technical support locations spanning 33 countries.
Irwin Industrial Tools, originally established in 1885 in the USA, is a manufacturer and distributor of hand tools and power tool accessories. The company produces a range of construction and industrial tools for trade workers, including Vise-Grip locking pliers, power tools, safety gear, and other construction tools. Irwin Industrial Tools, now publicly known as Irwin, has undergone several acquisitions, including one by Newell Rubbermaid in 2002 and another by Stanley Black & Decker Inc. in 2017.
Turner Supply, founded in 1905 and headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, is a supplier and distributor providing various maintenance, repair, and operation products. The company specializes in offering tools, equipment, and supplies for various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and maintenance. Its product range encompasses cutting tools, abrasives, safety equipment, and maintenance supplies. These products find applications in day-to-day operations, maintenance tasks, and construction projects across different sectors. The company is a member of the Affiliated Distributors, supplyFORCE, and ISA, catering to customers worldwide.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | IRWIN TOOLS |
100.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the starting drill bit page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 2 | 66.7% |
United States of America | 1 | 33.3% |