Value Collection 06010201 W-1 Tool Steel Drill Rod 5/16 in

Product Description

The VALUE COLLECTION 06010201 is a W-1 water hardening tool steel drill rod measuring 5/16 inch (0.313 inches) in diameter and 36 inches in length. Drill rod stock in W-1 grade is used by machinists, toolmakers, and fabricators to produce punches, dies, pins, dowels, and custom cutting tools. W-1 tool steel offers good machinability in its annealed state and responds well to water quenching to achieve high surface hardness. At 0.8 pounds, this rod is straightforward to handle and cut to length on a lathe or horizontal bandsaw before heat treatment.

This drill rod is suited for job-shop and production environments where machinists need reliable, consistent-diameter stock to grind or turn into finished tooling. Typical applications include making drill bushings, arbors, hand reamers, and small punches for light stamping work. W-1 grade is best used in applications where complex shapes or thin cross-sections are not required, since water quenching can cause more distortion than oil or air hardening grades. It is a standard choice for trade schools, tool rooms, and general metalworking shops.

Key Features

• W-1 water hardening tool steel for good machinability and high post-quench surface hardness
• Nominal diameter of 5/16 inch (0.3130 inches decimal) for precise stock selection
• 36-inch length provides ample stock for multiple tooling blanks per bar
• Weighs 0.8 pounds for easy handling and setup
• Sold individually as single-bar stock with no minimum order beyond one unit

Compatibility

Designed as standard drill rod stock for use in any machine shop or tool room application requiring W-1 water hardening tool steel in a 5/16 inch diameter round bar form.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers familiar with proper quenching procedures. Always wear appropriate PPE when cutting, grinding, or heat treating tool steel stock. Secure the rod firmly in a chuck or vise before machining to prevent deflection. Water quenching should be performed in a controlled manner to minimize cracking and distortion risks inherent to W-1 grade steel.