Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
The new-to-us Walter Surface Technologies SST Drill Bits have been hanging out North of the border in Canada for some 25 years. Now, they’re making their way South to the United States. Even though they aren’t coming out with all kinds of fanfare bursting with never-before-seen innovation, there’s reason to take notice.
Two main features stand out on these bits, starting with the material. Walter Surface Technologies SST Drill Bits take advantage of an M35 cobalt blend to achieve its strength and edge retention. Cobalt is the current king when it comes to twist drill bits, even over titanium. Titanium is a coating that will wear off over time whereas cobalt is blended with the steel to produce equal characteristics throughout the entire bit.
Additionally, you’ll find a 118-degree tip. The SST – Super Speed Tip – resists walking which is a big deal on metal surfaces. What makes it work is the SST’s self-centering tip.
As a convenience that you’ll appreciate is the hex shank. No, it’s not a 1/4-inch hex for your impact driver. It matches the bit size and carries the shape so your drill’s chuck can get a better grip on it.
“When it comes to drill bits, customers are looking to simplify their inventory. Based on this principle, we developed a product that is engineered to last longer, perform exceptionally on a variety of materials, and drill more holes faster. Simply put, this is the only drill bit you will ever need.”
– Ryan Boyd, Product Manager, Tooling and Power Tools for Walter Surface Technologies
Generally speaking, I’d have to agree with Ryan Boyd’s assessment that these are the only bits you’ll ever need. Cobalt bits are the premium in today’s market, able to put a hole into most materials without degrading performance quickly.
The downside is that they’re more expensive than titanium or black oxide. Forget that $20 set you saw at the store. This 29-piece set has an MSRP of $120, though online prices are less expensive.
However, tests I’ve seen – but not performed myself – seem to indicate that this premium price will be worth it for many Pros. If nothing else, 25 years of consistent use in Canada says something for the quality. However, these bits are on their way to us now and we’ll be sure to let you know what we find!
DCS spends most of his time watching Mythbusters, trying to figure out what the labels that they blur out say, so that he can recreate the explosions. His hobbies include impersonating Chuck Norris doing an impersonation of Sean Connery and fly fishing. David does his own stunts.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros