Chicago-latrobe 54048 Jobber Drill Bit No 38 Cobalt Tin

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 54048 is a jobber-length drill bit in No. 38 wire size (0.1015 inches decimal equivalent), built from M42 cobalt high-speed steel and coated with titanium nitride (TiN) for extended tool life. It features a 135-degree split point that starts on contact and reduces walking on hard materials. The two-flute spiral design evacuates chips efficiently during drilling. At 2.5 inches overall length with a 1.4375-inch flute length, it fits standard drill chucks and drill presses. This is a heavy-duty tool intended for professional machinists, maintenance technicians, and fabricators working in metalworking and industrial settings.

This bit is engineered for drilling stainless steel and steel — materials that demand a high-cobalt alloy and a hard coating to resist heat and edge wear. The straight-cylindrical shank at 0.1015 inches diameter seats securely in keyless or keyed chucks. Series 2550 bits follow DIN 338 and NAS 907 Type J standards, making them a recognized choice in aerospace, manufacturing, and general industrial maintenance applications where dimensional accuracy and consistent performance are required.

Key Features

• M42 cobalt HSS construction withstands high-heat drilling in stainless steel and alloy steels
• TiN coating increases surface hardness and reduces friction for longer tool life
• 135-degree split point reduces thrust force and eliminates center-punch requirements on most metals
• Web-thinned, tapered web design improves chip clearance and cutting efficiency
• Right-hand cut, regular spiral flutes for standard drill presses, hand drills, and CNC operations
• Meets DIN 338 and NAS 907 Type J specifications for dimensional and performance consistency

Compatibility

Designed as a heavy-duty jobber-length replacement drill bit for applications requiring a No. 38 wire size (0.1015 inches) in stainless steel and steel workpieces, conforming to NAS 907 Type J and DIN 338 standards under Series 2550.

Installation Notes

This bit is installed and operated by machinists, toolroom technicians, and maintenance professionals using standard drill presses, hand drills, or CNC drilling equipment. Secure the straight-cylindrical shank firmly in the chuck before operation and verify chuck runout is within acceptable tolerance to protect the bit. Use appropriate cutting fluid or coolant when drilling stainless steel to manage heat buildup, even though coolant-through is not available on this bit. Inspect the cutting edge for wear before each use and replace when the TiN coating is fully worn from the cutting lips.