Buy Carbide Drill Bits Online in Australia
Solid carbide (VHM) drill bits from Sutton Tools, in metric and imperial sizes from 1mm to 20mm. VHM is short for the German Vollhartmetall, meaning the whole drill is made from tungsten carbide rather than high-speed steel. Carbide holds its edge at higher temperatures than HSS, so these drills suit hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron and other hard or abrasive materials. They need a rigid setup such as a drill press, mag drill, lathe, mill or CNC machining centre. Not sure of the size you need? Try our Tap and Drill Size Chart.
What's in the range
| Series | Sizes | Flute length | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D300 | Metric 1.5 to 12mm, imperial 1/16 to 1/2 inch | 3xD | Bright | Straight flute, 140 degree point |
| D304 | Metric 1 to 12mm | 3xD | Not stated | R15 NH |
| D306 | Metric 1.5 to 12mm, imperial 1/16 to 1/2 inch | 3xD | TiCN | Straight flute, 140 degree point |
| D310 | Metric 1 to 12mm, imperial 1/16 to 1/2 inch | 3xD | TiCN | R15 NH |
| D323 | Metric 1 to 20mm | 3xD | AlCrN | R30 N |
| D329 | Metric 3 to 20mm | 3xD | AlCrN | Includes fractional-inch equivalents such as 3.18, 3.57 and 3.97mm |
| D326 | Metric 3 to 20mm | 5xD | AlCrN | R30 N |
| D332 | Metric 3 to 20mm | 5xD | AlCrN | Includes fractional-inch equivalents |
| D335 | Metric 3 to 12mm | 8xD | AlCrN | Internal coolant |
| D371 | Metric 3 to 12mm | 12xD | AlCrN tip | Internal coolant |
| D356 Black Magic | Metric 3 to 20mm | 3xD | Helica geometry | R30 VA IK |
| D358 Black Magic | Metric 3 to 20mm | 5xD | Helica geometry | R30 VA IK |
| D368 | Metric 1 to 12.7mm | Jobber length | Not stated | R25 carbide jobber drill |
Choosing a carbide drill
Start with the hole depth. The xD figure is the flute length as a multiple of the drill diameter, so 3xD suits standard holes, 5xD gives extra reach, and the 8xD (D335) and 12xD (D371) series are for deep holes and have internal coolant. Then choose the finish. Bright carbide is the baseline, TiCN is a hard low-friction coating for steady steel drilling, and AlCrN is a high-temperature coating for harder and more abrasive work. Match the size to your drawing in metric or imperial. The D329, D332, D356 and D358 series include odd metric sizes that line up with fractional-inch callouts.
Solid carbide is hard but brittle. It has very little tolerance for side load, run-out or vibration, so clamp the work properly and do not use these drills in a hand drill. For softer materials and general workshop drilling, standard HSS is often the more practical choice.
Always check the data sheet. Confirm the series, size and finish suit your material and machine, and use the speeds and feeds recommended by the manufacturer.
Related ranges
See jobber drill bits, cobalt drill bits, long drill bits, step drill bits, centre drill bit sets, self centering drill bits and reduced shank drill bits. To hold them, see drill chucks and drill accessories and adaptors. The full range is under drilling.
Order from AIMS Industrial
Not sure which series suits your job? Call us on (02) 9773 0122, contact our team or request a quote. We have supplied Australian industry since 1988 and can help match a carbide drill to your material and machine.
Carbide drill bit FAQs
What does VHM mean on a drill bit?
VHM is short for Vollhartmetall, German for solid carbide. It means the whole drill body is carbide, not a steel body with a carbide tip.
When should I use solid carbide instead of HSS?
Use carbide for hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron and other hard or abrasive materials where HSS would dull quickly, and where your machine and setup are rigid. For softer materials and general workshop drilling, HSS is usually the more practical choice.
What size range do these drills cover?
From 1mm up to 20mm in metric, and 1/16 to 1/2 inch in imperial. The 3xD and 5xD AlCrN and Black Magic series run to 20mm, while the deep-hole D335 and D371 series run from 3 to 12mm.
What do 3xD, 5xD, 8xD and 12xD mean?
The flute length as a multiple of the drill diameter. A 3xD drill is a standard length, and 5xD, 8xD and 12xD give progressively deeper reach. The D335 (8xD) and D371 (12xD) series have internal coolant.
What is the difference between TiCN and AlCrN coatings?
Both are hard coatings that improve wear resistance. TiCN is a low-friction coating for steady steel drilling, and AlCrN is a high-temperature coating for harder and more abrasive materials. Bright carbide has no coating. Check the data sheet for your material.
Can I use a carbide drill in a hand drill?
No. Solid carbide is brittle and does not tolerate flex or side load, so it can snap in a hand drill. Use a rigid machine with the work clamped.
Do you have metric and imperial sizes?
Yes. The D300, D306 and D310 series come in metric and imperial, and the D329, D332, D356 and D358 series include odd metric sizes such as 3.18, 3.57 and 3.97mm that match fractional-inch callouts.