Jobber Drill Bits

Jobber drill bits are general-purpose twist drills with a standard flute length suitable for through-holes and common drilling tasks; they are typically used on wood, mild steel, plastics, and similar materials when made from high-speed steel (HSS) or coated HSS

Select the diameter to match the hole size required and choose a standard jobber length when you need a balance of reach and rigidity; for deeper holes or less deflection use longer or parabolic-flute designs, and for precise fits consider using drill bit sets with numbered sizes or metric/imperial labeling

Common durable options include black oxide and titanium nitride (TiN) coatings that reduce friction and resist wear; solid high-speed steel (HSS) is adequate for general use, while cobalt-alloy HSS is better for harder alloys and more heat resistance

Keep bits clean and dry, remove burrs with a fine stone if needed, store in a case or rack to prevent tip damage, and avoid overheating by using appropriate speeds and cutting fluid on metals

Yes; jobber bits with standard shanks fit common chuck sizes on cordless drills and drill presses, but for high-precision or heavy-duty work a drill press is preferable for better alignment and consistent feed

Individual jobber bits are often inexpensive, while multi-piece sets range from budget options under $50 to higher-quality or specialty sets that cost more; average prices across many listings tend to fall in the low-to-mid tens to low hundreds depending on set size and material

You can sharpen jobber bits with a bench grinder or dedicated drill sharpener to restore the cutting lips and correct flute geometry; replace bits when wear has removed too much material, the point geometry is irreparably damaged, or sharpening would significantly reduce diameter tolerance