Cleveland C02988 Jobber Length Drill Bit Wire 32

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C02988 is a jobber-length twist drill bit designed for precise hole-making in metal fabrication, maintenance, and general-purpose drilling applications. Built from high-speed steel (HSS) with a bright uncoated finish, this bit holds a 118-degree standard point angle and features a fast spiral flute geometry for efficient chip evacuation. It carries a wire gauge designation of #32, corresponding to a decimal diameter of 0.116 inches. The two-flute, right-hand-cut design suits standard drill presses, hand drills, and CNC drilling operations. Web-thinned construction reduces the thrust force needed to start a hole, improving accuracy and extending tool life. Licensed HVAC technicians, machinists, plumbers, and electricians reach for this size frequently when drilling pilot holes and clearance holes in sheet metal and light structural stock.

The C02988 is suited for drilling aluminum as its primary workpiece material, though its general-purpose HSS construction also handles steel, copper, brass, and similar materials at appropriate speeds and feeds. With an overall length of 2.75 inches and a flute length of 1.625 inches, it fits standard drill chucks without an adapter. The straight-cylindrical shank diameter of 0.116 inches seats securely in keyed or keyless chucks. This bit is a single-piece, individual-quantity item conforming to ASME B94.11M and ANSI specification requirements, making it a reliable choice for both shop inventory and field service kits.

Key Features

• Wire size #32 diameter (0.116 inches) with a tight tolerance of -0.0005 to 0.0000 inches for consistent hole sizing
• High-speed steel construction provides heat resistance and durability across a wide range of workpiece materials
• 118-degree standard point angle with web-thinned, tapered web for reduced entry thrust and improved centering
• Fast spiral flute geometry promotes efficient chip clearing during drilling
• Bright uncoated finish — no coating buildup to affect final hole diameter
• Meets ASME B94.11M and ANSI specification standards for jobber-length drill bits

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose jobber-length drill bit compatible with any standard keyed or keyless drill chuck accepting a 0.116-inch straight-cylindrical shank, including most hand drills, drill presses, and CNC drilling spindles. Optimized for aluminum per Series 2012 application ratings.

Installation Notes

Secure the shank fully into the chuck and confirm the bit runs true before beginning a cut. Apply appropriate cutting fluid or lubrication when drilling steel or copper to reduce heat buildup and extend tool life. Follow shop-standard speeds and feeds for the workpiece material and bit diameter. Inspect the cutting edges for wear or chipping before each use and replace the bit if the point geometry is compromised.