Chicago-latrobe 53966 Jobber Drill Bit Wire 37 Hss Tin

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 53966 is a wire gauge size 37 jobber-length drill bit designed for general-purpose drilling in steel and similar materials. Built from high-speed steel (HSS) with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating, it delivers improved surface hardness and extended tool life compared to uncoated HSS. The 135-degree split point reduces walking on contact and requires no center punch on most work surfaces. The parabolic flute geometry improves chip evacuation, which is especially useful in deeper holes. With an overall length of 2.5 inches and a flute length of 1.4375 inches, this bit fits standard drill chucks and is sold individually.

The 53966 is suited for metalworking, mechanical, and maintenance applications where a small-diameter precision drill is required. Wire size 37 corresponds to a decimal diameter of 0.1040 inches, making it appropriate for tapping operations, pilot holes, and close-tolerance work in ferrous metals. It is commonly used by machinists, millwrights, pipefitters, and general maintenance technicians working on light-gauge steel components, fixtures, and fabricated assemblies. The straight cylindrical shank fits standard three-jaw drill chucks on bench drills, hand drills, and drill presses.

Key Features

• Wire size 37 with a decimal diameter of 0.1040 inches for precise small-diameter drilling
• 135-degree split point reduces thrust and eliminates center-punch requirement on most surfaces
• TiN coating increases surface hardness and extends service life in steel applications
• Parabolic flute design improves chip evacuation and reduces heat buildup in deeper holes
• Web-thinned tapered web construction reduces cutting resistance
• Right-hand cutting direction for use with standard drill equipment

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style general-purpose jobber drill bit for use in any standard drill chuck accepting a 0.1875-inch straight cylindrical shank. Part of the CHICAGO-LATROBE Series 150DHT line.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by machinists or maintenance technicians using a bench drill, drill press, or hand drill. Secure the straight shank fully in the chuck and verify chuck key is removed before starting the spindle. Use appropriate cutting fluid or coolant when drilling ferrous metals to reduce heat and extend bit life. Dispose of worn bits properly as TiN-coated HSS tooling cannot be resharpened to original factory geometry without specialized equipment.