Drill Material | High Speed Steel |
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Shank Sizes | 1/8″, 3/16″ and 1/4″ |
3-piece Center Drill Set
Center drills are essential for accurately drilling starter holes in the ends of workpieces, particularly when mounting stock between centers on a lathe. Each drill creates a small pilot hole followed by a 60° countersink, which provides a seating surface for the 60° point of the lathe center.
In milling applications, center drills are commonly used to start holes precisely. The exact hole location can be dialed in using the mill’s calibrated handwheels, and the center drill ensures the hole begins accurately without drifting.
This set includes three double-ended, high-speed steel (HSS) center drills:
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#1 drill: 1/8″ shank
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#2 drill: 3/16″ shank
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#3 drill: 1/4″ shank
The larger shank diameter of a center drill ensures the tip remains centered, reducing the risk of the drill “walking” as the hole is started. After the center drill has established the starter hole, it is replaced with a standard drill bit to complete the hole to the desired diameter.
⚠️ CAUTION: Always use a suitable cutting lubricant and back the drill out frequently during use. This prevents the delicate tip from overheating or breaking off.
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Name | Specs | SKU | Price | |
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#000 Center Drill | .020 tip diameter, 1/8" shank diameter | 30280 | $10.92 | ![]() |
#00 Center Drill | .025 tip diameter, 1/8" shank diameter | 30290 | $9.77 | ![]() |
#0 Center Drill | .031 tip diameter, 1/8" shank diameter | 30300 | $9.77 | ![]() |
#1 Center Drill | .046 tip diameter, 1/8" shank diameter | 30240 | $8.62 | ![]() |
#2 Center Drill | .078 tip diameter, 3/16" shank diameter | 30260 | $8.62 | ![]() |
#3 Center Drill | .109 tip diameter, 1/4" shank diameter | 30270 | $8.62 | ![]() |
Related products


55° Carbide Insert
While not inexpensive, carbide inserts offer excellent value—each insert provides four cutting edges, significantly reducing the need for frequent sharpening and saving valuable time.
Carbide cutters perform well on hard-to-machine materials like cold-rolled steel and are also effective on aluminum, brass, and leaded steels, offering exceptional durability. However, for the finest finishes on softer metals, a well-sharpened high-speed steel tool still delivers superior results.
This is the 10-pack of replacement carbide inserts for the following tool holders: