Cleveland C08688 Taper Length Drill Bit 21 Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C08688 is a taper length, high-speed steel drill bit engineered for general-purpose metal drilling. It carries a wire gauge size of 21, equivalent to 0.1590 inches in diameter, and features a standard 118-degree point angle for reliable center-starting on flat and curved stock. The spiral flute design and web-thinned, tapered web geometry reduce thrust and improve chip evacuation during through-hole drilling. The straight shank seats directly into standard drill chucks without adapters. This bit is manufactured to ASME B94.11M and DIN 340 standards, making it a compliant choice for production and maintenance work across fabrication, machine shops, and industrial service environments.

The C08688 is suited for drilling alloy steel, carbon steel, and cast iron in both residential and commercial maintenance contexts. The taper length body, with a 3-3/8-inch flute length and 5-3/4-inch overall length, provides additional reach compared to jobber-length bits, making it useful for through-drilling thicker stock or accessing recessed workpiece locations. It is installed and operated by machinists, millwrights, HVAC technicians, and pipefitters working with drill presses, lathes, or hand drills.

Key Features

• Wire gauge size 21, 0.1590-inch diameter with tolerance of +0.0000 to -0.0007 inches
• 118-degree standard point angle with web-thinned, tapered web for reduced thrust
• High-speed steel construction with coated finish for wear resistance
• Right-hand cut, regular spiral flute for positive chip removal
• Taper length body: 3-3/8-inch flute, 5-3/4-inch overall length for extended reach
• Manufactured to ASME B94.11M and DIN 340 standards

Compatibility

Compatible with alloy steel, carbon steel, and cast iron workpiece materials. Straight shank fits standard keyed or keyless drill chucks accepting a 0.1590-inch shank diameter. Suitable for use in drill presses, engine lathes, and portable hand drills.

Installation Notes

Secure the straight shank fully in a properly sized chuck before operation and confirm the workpiece is clamped to prevent rotation. Use appropriate cutting fluid for steel and cast iron applications to extend tool life and improve hole finish. Inspect the cutting edges before each use and replace or resharpen if chipping or wear is visible. Always wear appropriate eye protection when operating any drill bit.