In short word, step point drill bit focuses on the tip design of the drill bit for increased accuracy, while step drill bits are cone-shaped drill bits with multiple cutting diameters or "steps" along their length.
For step drill bits,each step is a different size, allowing you to drill holes of various diameters with a single bit.They are capable of producing holes of various sizes using a single tool, rendering them highly suitable for drilling or enlarging holes in thin materials like thin sheet metal, plastic, aluminum, and so on. They do not necessitate frequent changes of drill bits and can be utilized in confined spaces as they are generally shorter than hole saws.
By incrementally increasing the hole size, the instability and errors associated with drilling a large hole in one attempt are avoided. Since multiple tasks can be accomplished, the requirement for multiple drill bits of different sizes is reduced, thereby cutting costs. They are ideal for precise adjustment of hole size and chamfering in thin materials. By increasing the hole size in steps, material waste and unnecessary errors in hole size can be minimized.
Step Drill Bits are primarily used for thin materials and feature multiple diameter drilling capabilities, while Step Point Drill Bits (if referring to drill bits with a split-point tip) focus on increased penetration speed and stability.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences in usage:
How to choose the right drill bit?
- Choose a standard step drill bit if you are already drilling a pilot hole, enlarging existing holes, or working on softer materials where initial wandering isn't a major concern.
- Choose a step point drill bit when you need to start new holes in thin materials accurately without the extra step of creating a pilot hole or using a center punch, especially on harder materials where a standard point might slip.
Both types of step drill bits offer the significant advantage of drilling multiple hole sizes with a single bit, saving time and the need to change tools frequently.Need step drill bits for sheet metal, electrical work, or general fabrication? Ceres Tool has the right step drill bit for the job. Discover our specialized options!