Precision Twist Drill 5999166 No. 68 Hss Jobber Drill Bit

Product Description

The PRECISION TWIST DRILL 5999166 is a jobber-length twist drill bit sized to No. 68 wire gauge, equivalent to 0.0310 inches (1/32 inch) in diameter. Manufactured from high speed steel with a steam oxide coating, it is designed for general-purpose drilling applications in a wide range of materials. The bit features a 118-degree standard point angle, a right-hand spiral flute, and a web-thinned tip to reduce thrust and improve chip evacuation. With an overall length of 1.375 inches and a 0.500-inch flute length, it suits compact drilling tasks requiring a small-diameter, precision-ground bit. Licensed machinists, tool-and-die technicians, and metalworking tradespeople are the primary installers and users of this series.

This bit is suited for drilling into steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, superalloys, titanium, and other hard materials. It is a general-purpose tool appropriate for production drilling, maintenance repair, and fabrication environments where small-diameter wire-gauge holes are required. The straight cylindrical shank fits standard drill chucks found on benchtop drill presses, hand drills, and CNC drilling setups. The Series R18 designation places it within the ANSI-standard R10-R15-R18 product family from PRECISION TWIST DRILL.

Key Features

• No. 68 wire size, 0.0310 inch diameter for precision small-hole drilling
• High speed steel construction for durability across a broad range of workpiece materials
• Steam oxide coating provides mild lubricity and corrosion resistance during use
• 118-degree standard point angle with web-thinned, tapered web for reduced entry thrust
• Right-hand, regular spiral flute with 16xD flute-to-diameter ratio for consistent chip removal
• ANSI-compliant straight cylindrical shank fits standard drill chucks without adapters

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style jobber-length drill bit for general-purpose metalworking applications. Compatible workpiece materials include steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous metal, superalloys, and titanium as specified by the manufacturer. Fits any standard drill chuck accepting a 1/32-inch straight cylindrical shank.

Installation Notes

Installation and use should be performed by qualified machinists or metalworking tradespeople familiar with small-diameter tooling. Secure the shank fully in the drill chuck before operation and verify the chuck is properly tightened to prevent slippage or bit breakage, which is a significant risk at this diameter. Coolant-through capability is not supported on this bit; use an appropriate cutting fluid applied externally when drilling hard materials to extend tool life and manage heat. Inspect the bit for chipping or tip damage before each use, as small-diameter HSS bits are susceptible to breakage under side-load or misalignment.