Mag drill bits, also known as annular cutters, are special drill bits normally used in magnetic drill presses.
If you already know what mag drill bits are and are looking to buy some then click the link below to check current prices.
Check current mag drill bit prices
If you are interested in more information on the different materials used in mag drill bits (annular cutters) then take a look at our information on annular cutter sets.
What They Are
When you think of drill bits you probably think of what is called a twist drill bit.
This is the most common type of drill bit and what you probably have in your toolbox.
They are great tools, and with the right one, can be used to drill pretty much any material.
While standard twist dill bits cut material from the entire area of the hole mag drill bits only cut material from the outside parameter of the hole.
This is much more efficient since less work has to be done to drill that same size hole.
Mag drill bits are generally used for larger holes, 1/2″ (12.7mm) or larger.
Advantages
These mag drill bits have several advantages over normal twist drill bits that work well with magnetic drill presses.
The primary advantage of mag drill bits vs twist drill bits is mag drill bits cut faster and generally last 5-10 times longer.
This make sense since they are having to do less work because they are cutting less material.
That is a big advantage, especially when cutting on a large scale.
Having to cut less material also allows a magnetic drill press to cut larger holes using a less powerful motor.
This means the drill press can be smaller and lighter and less expensive.
Any time a portable tool can be made smaller and lighter it is a good thing.
Due to mag drill bits only cutting the perimeter of the hole, the cut material waste is some metal shavings from the perimeter, but the majority of the removed material is a solid slug.
This solid slug is easier to clean up and filter out of any lubricant used during the drilling process compared to metal shavings.
Another advantage of the solid slug produced by mag dill bits is it is easier to recycle and also worth more when selling for scrap.
On a large scale this can really make a difference.
Disadvantages
Are there any disadvantages to mag drill bits?
We would say the primary disadvantage of mag drill bits vs normal twist drill bits is mag drill bits are quite a bit more expensive in most cases.
But this is offset by the fact that they last longer and their other advantages.
So unless you are just drilling a few holes mag drill bits will be well worth the price premium.
Check current mag drill bit prices
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