Chicago-latrobe 54038 Cobalt Jobber Drill Bit No. 28

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 54038 is a cobalt jobber-length drill bit designed for high-performance drilling in tough materials. Built to M42 cobalt steel with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating, it delivers extended tool life and heat resistance compared to standard HSS bits. The 135-degree split point reduces walking and lowers the thrust required to start a hole without a center punch. At 2-7/8 inches overall length with a 1-3/4-inch flute length, this is a standard jobber format suited for drill presses, hand drills, and CNC setups. Machinists, maintenance techs, and fabricators working with stainless steel and alloy steels will find this bit a reliable production-duty choice.

The 54038 is engineered for drilling stainless steel and steel in demanding applications where standard HSS bits wear prematurely. Its right-hand spiral flute and web-thinned, tapered-web geometry promote efficient chip evacuation and reduce heat buildup at the cutting edge. The straight-cylindrical shank measures 0.1405 inches in diameter, fitting standard drill chucks without an adapter. This bit meets DIN 338 and NAS 907 Type J standards, making it appropriate for aerospace, industrial maintenance, and heavy fabrication environments where specification compliance matters.

Key Features

• M42 cobalt steel construction for superior heat resistance and edge retention in hard materials
• Titanium nitride (TiN) coating reduces friction and extends cutting life
• 135-degree split point starts on contact, minimizing drill walk without center punching
• Web-thinned, tapered-web design lowers thrust requirements and improves chip clearance
• Right-hand, regular spiral flute promotes efficient chip evacuation
• Meets DIN 338 and NAS 907 Type J specifications for controlled-tolerance applications

Compatibility

Designed for use in stainless steel and steel workpieces. Fits any standard drill chuck accepting a 0.1405-inch straight-cylindrical shank. Conforms to Series 2550 and NAS 907 Type J requirements.

Installation Notes

Installation and use should be performed by machinists or qualified maintenance technicians familiar with metal-cutting operations. Always secure the workpiece firmly before drilling and use appropriate cutting fluid when drilling stainless steel to reduce heat buildup and extend bit life. Inspect the cutting edge before each use and replace the bit if chipping or excessive wear is observed. Match spindle speed to the material and bit diameter per standard machining tables to avoid premature tool failure.