Hertel 16704496 Drill Bit Letter U 0.3680 in Solid Carbide

Product Description

The HERTEL 16704496 is a screw machine length drill bit designed for high-performance drilling in demanding materials. Built from solid carbide, it delivers the rigidity and wear resistance required when cutting cast iron, nickel alloy, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and tool steel. The 135-degree split-point geometry reduces thrust and helps the bit self-center without a pilot hole. With an overall length of 3.125 inches and a slow spiral flute design, this bit is suited for short-hole applications where chip control and rigidity matter most. It is used by machinists and tool-room professionals working on CNC equipment, drill presses, and manual lathes.

Screw machine length drill bits are shorter than jobber-length bits, providing greater rigidity and reduced deflection in tight setups or close-tolerance work. The 16704496 measures 0.3680 inches in diameter (Letter U) and covers the decimal range of 0.3500 to 0.4000 inches. The straight cylindrical shank fits standard drill chucks and collets without modification. The bright uncoated finish means no coating thickness to account for when holding tight diameter tolerances. This bit is appropriate for production drilling, maintenance shops, and tooling operations where solid carbide performance is required over high-speed steel alternatives.

Key Features

• Solid carbide construction for superior hardness and wear resistance in abrasive and hard workpiece materials
• 135-degree drill point angle for reduced entry thrust and self-centering starts
• Slow spiral flute geometry optimized for chip evacuation in short-chipping materials such as cast iron and stainless steel
• Bright uncoated finish maintains true diameter for close-tolerance hole requirements
• Screw machine length body provides maximum rigidity and minimal deflection in short-reach applications
• Right-hand cut, straight cylindrical shank compatible with standard drill chucks and collets

Compatibility

Designed for use in standard drill chucks and collets accepting a straight cylindrical shank. Suitable for drilling cast iron, nickel alloy, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and tool steel workpieces. Fits CNC machining centers, drill presses, and manual lathes configured for screw machine length tooling.

Installation Notes

Installation and use of this tooling should be performed by qualified machinists or toolroom professionals familiar with speeds, feeds, and chip-load calculations for solid carbide cutting tools. Ensure the machine spindle and chuck are fully de-energized and at a complete stop before inserting or removing the bit. Solid carbide is brittle compared to high-speed steel — avoid side-loading, interrupted cuts beyond the tool's rated application, or dropping the bit on hard surfaces. Verify chuck runout is within acceptable tolerance before beginning production drilling to prevent premature tool failure.