Chicago-latrobe 55449 Reduced Shank Drill Bit 49/64 in Hss

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 55449 is a reduced shank twist drill bit engineered for general-purpose drilling in metal, wood, and cast iron. It carries a 49/64 inch (0.7656 inch decimal) cutting diameter with a 1/2 inch straight-cylindrical shank, allowing it to run in standard half-inch chucks even though the cutting diameter is larger. The bit is manufactured from high speed steel with a coated finish to extend edge life. The 118-degree standard point angle suits a wide range of workpiece materials and is compatible with conventional drill press and portable drilling setups. This is a Series 190 tool intended for professional trade and shop use.

The 55449 fits portable drilling applications and drill press work where a large-diameter hole is required but chuck capacity is limited to 1/2 inch. Primary workpiece material is wood, with secondary suitability for alloy steel, carbon steel, and cast iron. The 6 inch overall length and 3-1/8 inch flute length provide adequate chip clearance for through-hole and deep drilling operations in typical structural and fabrication scenarios. Machinists, pipefitters, ironworkers, and general maintenance technicians will find this bit useful for reaming and step-drilling tasks on the job site or in the shop.

Key Features

• Reduced shank design: 49/64 inch cutting diameter on a 1/2 inch shank for use in standard half-inch chucks
• High speed steel construction for durability across ferrous and non-ferrous workpiece materials
• 118-degree standard point angle for general-purpose entry and centering
• Coated finish to resist wear and reduce friction during extended drilling cycles
• Right-hand cut with 2-flute regular spiral geometry for efficient chip evacuation
• Diameter tolerance held to +0.0000 to -0.0012 inches for consistent hole sizing

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose reduced shank drill bit suitable for use in any drill press or portable drill with a 1/2 inch chuck capacity. Compatible with wood, alloy steel, carbon steel, and cast iron workpieces.

Installation Notes

Install the bit securely in a 1/2 inch keyed or keyless chuck, verifying full shank engagement before operation. Power down or unplug the drilling tool before bit changes. Use appropriate workpiece clamping to prevent rotation during drilling, particularly in metal applications. No coolant is required for standard use, but reduced feed rates are recommended when drilling hardened alloy steels to preserve edge life.