Choose the material you are drilling and this recommends 118 degrees (the traditional general-purpose angle) or 135 degrees (a self-centering split point for harder or work-hardening materials), with the reasoning behind it — then matches real, currently-published drill bits in our catalog at that angle.
Point angle by material
Material
Recommended point angle
Mild / low-carbon steel
118 degrees
Aluminum and other soft non-ferrous metals
118 degrees
Plastic
118 degrees
Wood
118 degrees
Stainless steel
135 degrees
Cast iron
135 degrees
Hardened or tool steel
135 degrees
Titanium and high-temperature alloys
135 degrees
These are general-purpose recommendations for standard twist drills. Job-specific factors -- coating, flute design, speed and feed, and whether the material is clamped or handheld -- also matter. Our catalog currently lists drill bits published at 118 and 135 degrees, so those are the two angles this tool recommends and matches against.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 118 degree and a 135 degree drill point?
The number is the included angle of the cutting tip. 118 degrees is the traditional general-purpose angle used on most standard HSS jobber bits. 135 degrees is a self-centering split-point angle, standard on cobalt and carbide bits, that starts cutting immediately instead of skating across the surface first. The 135 degree point needs less starting pressure and resists walking, which matters most in harder or work-hardening materials.
Can I use a 118 degree bit on stainless steel?
You can, but a 135 degree split point is the better choice. Stainless steel work-hardens where a bit skates before it bites, and a 118 degree standard point is more prone to walking on a hard or curved surface without a center punch. A 135 degree split point self-centers and starts the cut cleanly, reducing that risk.
Does a higher point angle always mean a better bit?
No -- it means a different bit for a different job, not a better one across the board. A 135 degree split point is the right choice for harder, more abrasive or work-hardening materials. A 118 degree standard point is the traditional, perfectly adequate choice for mild steel, aluminum, plastic and wood, and is often the more common (and less expensive) angle to find in a standard jobber-length set.
What point angle does KKM Solutions stock?
Our catalog currently lists drill bits published at 118 and 135 degrees. This tool only recommends and matches against those two, because recommending an angle we do not stock would not be useful. If you need a different point angle, email the part or spec to orderdesk@kkmsolutions.com and we will source it.
Why does the diameter search not show every size?
Diameter is read from the product name as published, in fraction or decimal inch form. A listing whose name does not carry a parseable diameter (for example a set or kit) will not match a diameter search, even if it is the right point angle -- clear the diameter field to see the full list at that angle.
