Chicago-latrobe 56332 Reduced Shank Drill Bit 1/2 in

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 56332 is a reduced shank twist drill bit designed for portable drilling applications in metal, wood, and sheet metal. The bit features a 1/2 inch cutting diameter with a 1/4 inch straight-cylindrical shank, allowing it to run in standard 1/4 inch chuck tooling without requiring a full-size chuck. Built from high speed steel with a coated finish, it delivers reliable performance on aluminum, mild steel, sheet metal, and wood. The 118-degree standard point angle suits general-purpose hole-making across a wide range of workpiece materials encountered in trade and light industrial settings.

This drill bit is suited for residential and light commercial work where a reduced shank is needed to fit compact or pistol-grip portable drills with smaller chucks. Typical applications include HVAC duct work, electrical rough-in drilling through wood framing and sheet metal, plumbing penetrations through light-gauge materials, and general maintenance drilling. The right-hand spiral flute geometry clears chips efficiently during through-hole drilling in the primary workpiece materials listed: aluminum, sheet metal, and wood.

Key Features

• Reduced shank design: 1/4 inch shank accommodates compact portable drill chucks while cutting a full 1/2 inch diameter hole
• High speed steel construction for general-purpose durability across metal, wood, and sheet metal
• 118-degree standard point angle for versatile, general-purpose drilling
• Right-hand, regular spiral flute geometry promotes efficient chip evacuation
• Coated finish applied over HSS substrate
• Diameter tolerance held to +0.0000 to -0.0010 inches for consistent hole sizing

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose reduced shank drill bit suitable for use with portable drills equipped with 1/4 inch or larger chucks; primary workpiece materials include aluminum, sheet metal, and wood, with secondary suitability for mild steel.

Installation Notes

This bit is installed and serviced by electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and general tradespeople using portable handheld drills. Ensure the drill chuck is fully tightened on the shank before operation and that the workpiece is secured to prevent movement during drilling. Wear appropriate eye protection per jobsite safety requirements. Do not exceed the rated speed range for the bit diameter or attempt to use this reduced shank bit as a press-fit replacement for a full-size shank in a larger chuck without proper seating.