Chicago-latrobe 54108 Cobalt Drill Bit Letter I 0.272 in

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 54108 is a cobalt jobber-length drill bit sized at Letter I (0.2720 inches) with a 135-degree split point and a titanium nitride (TiN) coating. Built to Series 2550 standards and rated M42 material grade, this bit is engineered for heavy-duty drilling in demanding materials. The TiN coating extends surface hardness and wear resistance, while the web-thinned, tapered web geometry reduces thrust and improves chip evacuation. Right-hand spiral flutes with a regular helix move chips away from the cutting zone efficiently. Licensed techs, pipefitters, and maintenance machinists reach for this bit when drilling stainless steel and hard alloy steel where standard HSS bits stall or deflect.

This bit is sized and specified for applications in stainless steel and carbon steel, making it a staple for HVAC fabricators, industrial maintenance trades, and pipefitters who regularly drill through hard sheet stock, structural members, and pipe flanges. The 4.125-inch overall length and 2.875-inch flute length give adequate reach for most jobber-length applications without sacrificing rigidity. The straight-cylindrical shank at 0.2720 inches diameter fits standard 3-jaw drill chucks and is compatible with both handheld and drill-press setups. Compliance with DIN 338 and NAS 907 Type J standards makes this bit suitable for controlled or spec-driven work environments.

Key Features

• M42 cobalt construction for superior heat and wear resistance in stainless and alloy steel
• 135-degree split point reduces walking and lowers thrust requirements on hard materials
• Titanium nitride (TiN) coating increases surface hardness and extends service life
• Web-thinned, tapered web geometry improves chip clearance and reduces feed pressure
• Right-hand, regular-helix spiral flutes for consistent chip evacuation
• Meets DIN 338 and NAS 907 Type J specifications for use in controlled work environments

Compatibility

Designed for drilling stainless steel and steel in jobber-length drill press and handheld applications. Fits any standard 3-jaw chuck accepting a 0.2720-inch straight-cylindrical shank. Suitable for use across the Letter I size range (0.2500 to 0.3000 inches decimal equivalent).

Installation Notes

Installation and use should be performed by qualified machinists, pipefitters, or maintenance trades familiar with drill press and handheld drilling operations. Power down and secure the workpiece before changing or inspecting the bit. Use appropriate cutting fluid or coolant for stainless steel applications to manage heat buildup, as this bit does not support coolant-through delivery. Follow NAS and DIN operational guidelines where spec-controlled drilling is required.