Chicago-latrobe 50833 Cobalt Drill Bit 0.246 in Letter D

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 50833 is a screw machine length cobalt drill bit designed for heavy-duty metal drilling in industrial and trade applications. Built from M42 cobalt high-speed steel, it measures 0.246 inches in diameter (Letter D) with a 135-degree split point that reduces thrust and self-centers on contact. The overall length is 2.5 inches with a 1.375-inch flute length, making it compact enough for close-quarters drilling. The web-thinned, spiral-flute geometry sheds chips efficiently while maintaining rigidity. Licensed machinists, pipefitters, ironworkers, and maintenance trades rely on this bit for production drilling in cast iron, steel, and similarly hard ferrous materials.

The 50833 is suited for screw machine operations, drill press work, and portable drilling in structural steel and cast iron. Its shorter body compared to a jobber-length bit provides added stiffness, which reduces deflection and chatter in production environments. The coated finish improves surface hardness and heat resistance during sustained cutting cycles. It is commonly used in HVAC fabrication shops, plumbing rough-in work involving steel plate, electrical panel fabrication, and general mechanical maintenance where ferrous metals are drilled repeatedly at consistent hole sizes.

Key Features

• M42 cobalt construction for extended tool life in hard and abrasive ferrous materials
• 135-degree split point reduces walking and lowers feed force at the start of the cut
• Web-thinned, parallel web design improves chip evacuation and reduces heat buildup
• Screw machine length body provides greater rigidity and less deflection than jobber-length bits
• Right-hand cut with regular spiral flute compatible with standard drill presses and hand drills
• Diameter tolerance held to +0.0000 to -0.0007 inches for precise, consistent hole sizing

Compatibility

Designed for drilling cast iron and steel in screw machine and general production drilling applications. Fits any standard straight-shank chuck sized for 0.246-inch diameter shanks. Conforms to ISO standards for screw machine length drill bits in Series 559.

Installation Notes

A licensed machinist or qualified maintenance technician should select appropriate spindle speed based on workpiece material and bit diameter before drilling. Secure the workpiece firmly and use cutting fluid rated for cobalt tooling when drilling hard or abrasive steel to extend tool life. Inspect the drill point for chipping or wear before each use, particularly after exposure to interrupted cuts or scale. Never force the bit through the material at excessive feed rates, as cobalt tooling is more brittle than standard high-speed steel and can fracture under shock loading.