Chicago-latrobe 48922 Screw Machine Drill Bit 11/32 in Hss

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 48922 is a screw machine length drill bit designed for general-purpose drilling in a wide range of soft to medium materials. Built from high-speed steel (HSS) with a bright, uncoated finish, it features a left-hand cutting direction and a standard 118-degree drill point angle. The 11/32 inch (0.3438 inches) diameter straight shank matches the bit diameter, keeping chuck setup straightforward. With an overall length of 3 inches and a flute length of 1.6875 inches, this stub-length bit provides added rigidity compared to jobber-length alternatives, reducing deflection in production drilling applications. It carries Series 157L designation and conforms to ISO standards.

This drill bit is suited for drilling aluminum, copper, magnesium, thermoplastics, wood, and slate. The left-hand cut makes it particularly useful for removing broken fasteners and studs, as the cutting torque tends to back out a stuck piece as the bit contacts it. Electricians, HVAC techs, and general tradespeople working with soft metals or plastic conduit bodies will find this useful at the bench or in a drill press setup. The screw machine length format is common in production environments where a shorter bit reduces chatter and improves hole accuracy in repetitive operations.

Key Features

• Left-hand cutting direction aids broken fastener extraction
• 118-degree standard point angle with web-thinned geometry for easier starting
• High-speed steel construction for durability across general-purpose materials
• Screw machine (stub) length at 3 inches OAL increases rigidity and reduces deflection
• Straight shank at 0.3438 inches diameter fits standard drill chucks
• Bright uncoated finish — compatible with cutting fluids or dry drilling

Compatibility

Designed for use in standard drill presses and hand drills accepting a straight shank. Primary workpiece materials include aluminum, copper, magnesium, slate, thermoplastic, and wood. Part of the CHICAGO-LATROBE Series 157L left-hand screw machine length drill bit lineup.

Installation Notes

This bit is installed and operated by machinists, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians using a standard keyed or keyless drill chuck. Ensure the workpiece is securely clamped before drilling to prevent rotation or movement. For left-hand bits, the drill must be set to reverse rotation. Apply appropriate cutting fluid when drilling copper or aluminum to extend bit life and improve hole finish.