Drilling is one of the most commonly used machining processes in manufacturing, and with good reason: it’s essential for creating precise holes in a wide variety of materials. Among the many tools available for this task, two popular choices stand out—helical drills and straight drills. Each has its unique advantages and limitations, making it crucial to understand which is better suited for your specific needs.

Let’s break down the key differences and explore when to use each type of drill.

Straight drills are the most basic type of drilling cutting tool and are characterized by their straight, unfluted design. These drills are commonly used for drilling through soft materials like plastic, wood, and aluminum. However, when it comes to drilling through harder materials like steel or cast iron, straight drills can quickly wear out due to the high heat generated during the process. This can cause the drill to become dull and less effective over time.

This is where helical drills come in. Helical drills have flutes that spiral around the body of the cutting tool, creating a longer cutting edge. The spiral flutes help to evacuate chips and cool the drill, making them more effective in drilling through harder materials. The helical flute design also reduces the amount of heat generated during the drilling process, which can help to prolong the life of the drill.

Another advantage of helical drills is their ability to drill at higher speeds without losing accuracy. Due to their longer cutting edge, they can maintain a higher RPM than straight drills while still maintaining a stable and accurate drilling process.

However, despite their advantages, helical drills can be more expensive than straight drills. Additionally, the spiral flutes can sometimes cause the drill to wander off center, which can result in a poorly drilled hole.

So which one should you choose for your specific drilling needs? Well, if you’re drilling through soft materials, a straight drill might be sufficient. But if you’re drilling through harder materials or require faster drilling speeds, a helical drill might be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the specific requirements of your application and the type of material you are drilling through.

For more information or to discuss your specific application requirements, call us at 800-497-8665 or email Sales@GWSToolGroup.com. Let’s collaborate to design the perfect tool for your needs!