Chicago-latrobe 68981 Jobber Drill Bit Letter M 0.295 in Hss

Product Description

The CHICAGO-LATROBE 68981 is a heavy-duty jobber length drill bit sized to Letter M, equivalent to 0.2950 inches in decimal. Built from high speed steel with a bright, uncoated finish, this bit features a 135-degree split point for fast, self-centering entry with minimal walking. The parabolic flute geometry improves chip evacuation during deep-hole drilling, reducing heat buildup and extending tool life. With a straight-cylindrical shank measuring 0.2950 inches in diameter and an overall length of 4.375 inches, it seats securely in standard drill chucks. This is a production-grade bit suited for machinists, pipefitters, ironworkers, and maintenance technicians who regularly drill steel alloy and similar ferrous materials.

The 68981 is designed for drilling steel alloy workpieces in industrial, commercial, and heavy-duty shop environments. It fits into standard jobber-length drilling applications where a 0.2950-inch hole is required without the need for coolant-through tooling. The Series 150DH designation places this in a heavy-duty performance tier, making it appropriate for use in drill presses, CNC machines, and hand-held power drills where consistent, repeatable hole quality is the priority. It is sold individually, making it a practical option for single-bit replacement or stocking specific letter sizes.

Key Features

• Letter M sizing at 0.2950 inch decimal equivalent for precise hole specification
• 135-degree split point reduces thrust force and eliminates the need for a center punch on most applications
• Parabolic flute profile promotes aggressive chip evacuation and reduces clogging during deeper cuts
• High speed steel construction provides heat resistance and toughness in steel alloy drilling
• Web-thinned, tapered web configuration lowers cutting resistance at the chisel edge
• Straight-cylindrical shank fits standard drill chucks without adapters

Compatibility

Designed as a direct-fit replacement or stock addition for any application requiring a Letter M jobber length drill bit with a straight-cylindrical shank; compatible with standard 3-jaw drill chucks on drill presses, hand-held power drills, and CNC drilling operations targeting steel alloy and comparable ferrous workpiece materials.

Installation Notes

Installation and use should be performed by qualified machinists or tradespersons familiar with rotary cutting tool safety. Secure the shank fully in the drill chuck and verify zero runout before beginning the cut. Always power down and de-energize the drilling machine before changing bits. Cutting fluid or coolant is not required for this bit but may be applied externally to extend tool life when drilling harder steel alloys at high feed rates.