HSS Stub Drill Bits

HSS stub drill bits are the short series in the HSS range, made deliberately shorter than standard jobber bits for greater rigidity. This guide explains when to reach for a stub bit over a longer drill.

Why choose a stub bit — A shorter bit flexes and wanders far less than a longer one, so it starts more accurately and holds a truer line. That makes stub drills the choice for precise holes, for drilling harder materials where a longer bit would deflect, and for working in tight spaces where a full-length drill will not fit. The ground flute finish clears swarf cleanly for smoother cutting.

Materials — These bits suit steel, general metal and plastics. Use a cutting lubricant on metal and let the bit do the work at a steady speed rather than forcing it, which extends bit life and gives a cleaner hole.

Choosing a size — Match the bit to the hole you need; for a threaded hole, drill to the correct tapping size for the thread. Order the individual sizes you use most, or a set to cover a range.

For the full range of high speed steel drills, see our HSS Drill Bits collection. For longer reach see HSS Long Series, and for the toughest materials see HSS Cobalt.

Order before our daily cut-off for fast UK dispatch.