Choosing the Right Drill Bit: Comparing 118 vs 135 drill bits
Jose White May 7, 2023 10:02 AM
This article is all about doing a detailed comparison between two famous type of drill bits present in the market i.e. 118 Vs 135 Drill Bits.
Drill bits with 118 and 135 degrees have been a source of great confusion among people everywhere. We know it’s hard to pick the right angle, so here’s a thought: let’s look through the benefits of both angles and see if we can figure it out together!
Whether you’re doing your first DIY project or building something for a professional-client, choosing the best drill bit matters – that’s because every angle has its own pros and cons. But don’t worry, you’re in good hands; we’ll break down all the details so you can go digging for gold knowing that your choice was educated (and not by those pesky 118-135 degree demons!).
Drill Bit Point Angle Explained
Twist drill bits have a conical tip to make it easy to drill the hole and because it allows the drill bit to get a grip on the item being drilled. The angle of the chisel edges is relative to the rotational axis of the hole cutter. A twist drill made for cutting has two distinct chisel edge angles, but not at an equal distance from the center. The first chisel machining point is ground to 25 degrees per side with 15 degrees countersunk off-center by 5 degrees.
In comparison, the second chisel machining point is ground to 10 degrees per side with five degrees countersunk off-center by one degree. Also called rotary circle or profile grind, this type of drilling can be used with solid carbide, cobalt steel, and high-speed steel flat drills that have sharp cutting edges placed at a 90-degree angle relative to each other with one advantage chamfered or beveled in order to allow easier and more efficient drilling.
The angles at which these conical drills are constructed have been standardized over time into two types that were initially defined by degrees but are now commonly referred to as 118° and 135°. The 135° drill bit is more pointed with a steeper angle and smaller chisel than its 118° counterpart. When you purchase drills online, you can find ones at other angles. However, this is rare because it’s not considered an industry-standard practice outside of hobbyists or those who choose to use specialty prills in more specific applications.
Standard Drill Point Angle:
The 118-degree point angle is the most popular among drill bits because it’s designed to suit most materials. Standard jobber length drill bits typically have a 118-degree point angle. This is the most common size found in normal everyday hardware or department stores, but the terms are often used interchangeably.
A 135-degree point angle, on the other hand, is usually associated with a stub length drill bit and is used for hard steels and other hard materials that require harder piercing points than those of 118 degrees. Stub length drill bits are shorter than their jobber counterparts due to their requirement for more focus when drilling deep holes into steel so that they can withstand higher stress.
Flute and Helix Angle:
The spiral grooves carved into the drill bit’s shaft are known as the flute. These are an important component of the drill bit because they allow drilling chips to be removed from the hole. The flute design impacts the drill bit’s ability to remove chips from the hole, which affects heat build-up and the risk of damaging the workpiece.
The helix angle, or the angle at which the flute is cut around the drill bit, is an important consideration. How the chips are created is determined by the helix angle, which varies depending on the material being drilled. Large helix angles are required for soft materials, whereas small helix angles are required for hard materials.
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The two most common drill bit angles, 118 and 135 degrees are used for drilling applications. Both of these progressions along the axis of the drill are widely used in various projects and tasks. The following differences provide a rundown of when to use each drill bit angle:
Material:
118-degree drill bits can ‘pierce’ through softer materials like aluminum, & brass with ease. Although they can be used to cut steel and stone (due to their strength) but they will dull your tool quicker which in turn will reduce tool lifespan. As a result, 118-degree drill bits are ideal for piercing soft materials because not only are the materials easier on your bit but the way the angle is makes them perfect for the job!
On the other hand, people who’re truly experts in their field tend to use 135-degree bits because they’re actually more useful when you have to work consistently with harder materials which will often include things like metal, stainless steel, and so on. These continuous bit angle are often used in long rush projects and can even create repeated holes obstinately through hours of usage while using this bit’s angle.
Shape:
Another thing that must be taken into consideration is the angle cut. 118-degree tip offers a steeper slope, which means it’s more edgy with an upright cutting angle. Therefore it is less flat than the 135 bit. At 135 degree the tip is less pointed, creating a blunter edge, which can get into a material more easily to make a slightly deeper penetration, suited for tougher materials but not so much delicate work as other bits.
When choosing drill bits, the angle must be matched to the material being worked on to achieve the right shape and angle of cut but without compromising speed or energy whilst in operation.
Cutting Edges:
To understand the difference between these drill bits, you need only consider where their cutting edges strike when you look at them from above. The cutting edges of 118-degree drill bits are longer than those of 135. Since 118-degree offers more than 135-degree and given that there is a direct correlation between this edge length and drilling power, it follows as an inescapable conclusion that 118 better enables drilling performance because it has a longer edge.
If you’re serious about your drilling but you can’t help wondering if there’s some way to improve your performance, then using these drill bits is a great idea for many different reasons (not limited to the obvious ones.)
Pitch:
The 135-degree bits are higher than those on 118-degree drill bits. In other words, a 118 needs more pitch to help it sink into different types of materials than a 135-degree bit. Since these angles are generally used to make holes in materials like wood or steel, we definitely need adequate striking force in order to sink through hard surfaces and yet not damage the flanks.
This can be dependent on the type of material that you are drilling as well as how deep you are trying to go into the material. The bottom line is that a greater angle requires more force for sinking into materials and possibly also greater endurance when working with metal than a lesser angle would require.
Chisel:
The 118-degree angle drill bit is utilized in situations where a smaller chisel would be appropriate, such as when minimum disruption of existing material is desired. In contrast, the 135-degree angle drill bit offers more length to the chisel itself, able to scrape along a larger surface area for more aggressive drilling and continued chipping away at the item being worked on.
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118° Drill Bit:
The 118° drill bit performs better on soft surfaces than its 135° counterpart, but it also dulls quicker because of its steeper point. A steeper point angle is better suited to cutting through softer surfaces. The more aggressive cutting action associated with a smaller point angle has less axial thrust requirements compared to larger point angles like 135 degrees because there is less resistance involved when drilling through softer materials, so in short: The smaller the angle, the lower the required axial thrust which makes the 118-degree drill bit perfect for hand-held drills.
Drilling on curved or slippery surfaces is difficult with 118° point drill bits. They slip immediately off, causing damage to the surface and sometimes injuring the operator. Because a 118° twist drill bit is longer than a 135° stub drill bit, it is less stable than a 135°. Another reason the 118° drill tip angle isn’t suitable for drilling into hard materials is because of this. (Of course, you may use a drill sharpener to grind it to the desired angle.)
The longer drill bit may deflect somewhat when delivering the amount of thrust necessary to drill into hard materials, compromising the hole’s precision and neatness. Drill bits that deflect tend to shatter and chip hole edges, resulting in a coarser, sloppy finish.
135° Drill Bit:
Using a 135° drill bit means that it will help the drill remain sharp for longer, even when drilling through tough materials such as tool steel. The 135-degree drill point angle is better for drilling on curved or sticky surfaces than on flat surfaces because of high axial thrust and consequently higher stress concentration. This is the most commonly used drill point angle by many professionals.
The 135-degree drill bit is effective when making holes in softer or harder materials alike, even those that have a toughness index level of 5 which makes them pretty tough to break! These drill bits grasp the surface effectively and produce tidy, clean holes. The 135-degree drilling bit is both shorter and sharper than the 118-degree drill bit. Its short and sharp nature helps it penetrate hard materials that require accurate spacing and a clean finish. This is to say that the 135-degree bit will usually get the job done more efficiently than its 118 counterparts.
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| No | Image | Product | Score | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Chicago-Latrobe 550 115 Piece Heavy-Duty Cobalt Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set | 9.8 | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Chicago Latrobe 57716 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set | 9.6 | Check Price |
| 3 |  | Norseman Drill Bits 44170 Ultra Dex Type 240-UB 135 Degree Split Point Magnum Super Premium Jobber Drill Set | 9.4 | Check Price |
| 4 |  | Chicago Latrobe 57714 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set | 8.9 | Check Price |
| 5 |  | GMTOOLS 115Pcs Cobalt Drill Bits Set | 9.6 | Check Price |
Chicago-Latrobe 550 115 Piece Heavy-Duty Cobalt Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set
Dimensions: 2.5591 x 13.622 x 4.9213 Inches
This 115 piece drill bit set from Chicago-Latrobe is the perfect tool for any professional or DIYer looking to tackle tough drilling jobs. The heavy-duty cobalt steel construction and gold oxide finish ensure that these bits are able to withstand even the most rigorous drilling applications. The round shank and spiral flute design provides more efficient chip removal, while the 135 degree point angle allows for optimal precision when drilling. Whether you’re drilling through metal, wood, plastic, or any other material, this set is sure to get the job done right.
Chicago Latrobe 57716 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set
Dimensions: 3.49999999643 x 1.299999998674 x 5.299999994594 Inches
This 29-piece Norseman drill bit set is ideal for any DIYer or professional. Constructed from ultra dex type 240-UB, these 135-degree split point magnum super premium jobber drill bits are made to last. Designed to cut through even the toughest materials, the Norseman drill bits are perfect for drilling or boring into metal, wood, plastic, and more. The set includes sizes ranging from 1/16” to 1/2” (1/64” increments). Plus, the bits come in a sturdy plastic case for easy storage and organization. Get the job done right with Norseman Drill Bits 44170.
Norseman Drill Bits 44170 Ultra Dex Type 240-UB 135 Degree Split Point Magnum Super Premium Jobber Drill Set
Dimensions: 3.25 x 6.5 x 3.25 Inches
This high-speed steel drill bit set is designed for general purpose drilling in a wide range of materials. The black oxide finish helps to reduce chip welding and improve surface finish. The 118 Degree conventional point is self-centering and can be used for a wide range of drilling applications. The set includes 60 pieces of wire sizes from #60 to #1. The set comes in a metal case for easy storage and organization. The Chicago Latrobe 57716 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set is a great addition to any toolbox.
Chicago Latrobe 57714 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set
Dimensions: 4.099999995818 x 1.899999998062 x 7.399999992452 Inches
GMTOOLS 115Pcs Cobalt Drill Bits Set provides the perfect solution for your drilling needs. With 135 degree split point tip, these jobber length drill bits are made from M35 High Speed Steel, providing superior wear resistance and hardness to get through the toughest materials. This set includes various sizes from 1/16" to 1/2" for drilling holes into hardened metal, cast iron, stainless steel, plastic and wood. The bits are also indexed in a metal storage case for easy organization. GMTOOLS 115Pcs Cobalt Drill Bits Set is the perfect tool for any DIYer, professional or hobbyist.
GMTOOLS 115Pcs Cobalt Drill Bits Set
Check PriceThis 29-piece high-speed steel drill bit set from Chicago Latrobe is all you need to tackle any task. The set comes in a metal case with black oxide finish and 118 degree conventional point, making it perfect for metalworking and other industrial applications. The bits range in size from 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/64" increments, ensuring you have the right size for every job. The bits are made from high-speed steel, making them extra durable and long-lasting, and the metal case helps keep them organized and protected. With this Chicago Latrobe 57714 set, you can tackle any task with ease.
Chicago Latrobe 57725 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set
Dimensions: 4.199999995716 x 1.899999998062 x 7.199999992656 Inches
![TICONN 99PCS Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set, 135 Degree Tip HSS Drill Bits Kit with Storage Case for Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic Size from 1/16" to 3/8"](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/512QKCTlOxL._SL500_.jpg "TICONN 99PCS Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set, 135 Degree Tip HSS Drill Bits Kit with Storage Case for Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic Size from 1/16" to 3/8"")
TICONN 99PCS Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set
Check Price
Viking Drill and Tool by Norseman 43550 Type 240-B Bright Finish 118 Degree HSS Drill Set
Dimensions: 2.5 x 13.625 x 5 Inches
230 Pieces Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set
Dimensions: 2.17 x 11.02 x 9.45 Inches
Viking Drill and Tool by Norseman 43540 Type 240-B Bright Finish 118 Degree HSS Drill Bit Set
Dimensions: 1.25 x 4.75 x 3.5 Inches
Viking Drill and Tool 43520 Type 240-B Bright Finish 118 Degree HSS Drill Set
Dimensions: 1.875 x 7.25 x 4.1875 Inches
Viking Drill and Tool 44150 SP-29 Type 240-UB 135 Degree Split Point Magnum Super Premium Jobber Drill Set
Dimensions: 1.875 x 7.125 x 4.25 Inches
Chicago Latrobe 57720 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set
Dimensions: 2.699999997246 x 0.199999999796 x 4.9999999949 Inches
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Does A Drill Angle Mean?
The angular distance between the two top cutting blades is referred to as the drill point angle. It is decided which material the drill bit will drill into based on the angle point.
Do Most Drill Bits Have A 118-Degree Angle?
It certainly is. A 118-degree bit drills more aggressively because it is more pointed and has a smaller chisel. It is also easy to put rapidly. Expert drillers use the 118 drill bit with a longer cutting edge for accurate cutting.
Is It Necessary To Sharpen Drill Bits?
A sharpening will guarantee that you don’t have to exert too much force on the bit. You will save money on purchasing drill bits if you have your own drill bit sharpener. Sharpening your bits improves their precision. It is safer to keep your pieces sharp.
Choosing the right drill bit for a certain project can keep you from being let down, especially if you know what you’re looking for. To help get your bearings straight in this regard, we’ve provided you with all of the information about 118 and 135-degree drill bits. While they may differ in some ways, both of these carry their ability to keep your work moving forward when it comes to drilling materials.
We assure you that once you figure out what your needs happen to be while deciding on the best angle to use whether it’s 118 or 135, whatever sort of job requires angling is bound to become easier in no time at all.
Jose White
Jose White is a reviewer for Building Supplies. He's been in the business for over 20 years and has seen it all. When he started out, there were only a few brands to choose from. But now, there are hundreds of brands, all fighting for a piece of the pie. Jose has his work cut out for him. But he's up for the challenge. He's going to review all of the products and brands and find the best of the best. He's going to recommend the products that he thinks are the best value for the money. And he's going to help people make the best choices for their needs.
