Chicago-Latrobe
Chicago-Latrobe 55448 118 Degree Silver & Deming Drill 1/2 Reduced Shank
A 118-degree point high-speed steel drill bit with a 1/2 reduced shank for larger holes
- TypeDrill Bits
- 118° point angle centres quickly in steel
- High-speed steel construction resists heat during drilling
- Black oxide finish adds corrosion resistance
- 1/2" reduced shank fits standard drill chucks
- 3/4" diameter handles large-hole applications
Drill Bit for Large Holes
The Chicago-Latrobe 55448 is a silver and deming drill bit designed for creating 3/4 inch holes. Its reduced 1/2 inch shank allows use in standard drill chucks that cannot accept larger straight shanks. The 118 degree point angle provides general-purpose cutting performance in metal. Machinists and maintenance technicians use this bit when a larger hole is needed without changing to a machine with a larger chuck capacity.
Upgrade from Standard Twist Bits
Standard twist drills typically max out at 1/2 inch diameter due to chuck limitations. This bit replaces the need for a taper-shank drill and a separate sleeve or a dedicated large-chuck machine. The jump is worth it when a workshop regularly drills holes above 1/2 inch but relies on portable or bench drills with 1/2 inch chucks. It bridges the gap between common twist bits and industrial taper-shank tooling.
Fits Common Drill Chucks
The 1/2 inch reduced shank fits directly into standard three-jaw chucks on handheld and bench-top drills. High-speed steel construction with black oxide finish resists wear and helps retain lubricant during metal cutting. The bit frees up the operator from sourcing specialised taper-shank holders or larger machines for occasional large-hole work. It requires a drill with sufficient torque to drive a 3/4 inch cutter through the workpiece material.
Highlights
- 118° point angle centres quickly in steel
- High-speed steel construction resists heat during drilling
- Black oxide finish adds corrosion resistance
- 1/2" reduced shank fits standard drill chucks
- 3/4" diameter handles large-hole applications
Specifications
| Brand | CHICAGO-LATROBE |
|---|---|
| Type | Drill Bits |
Questions about this item
What chuck size fits the 1/2 reduced shank on this 55448 drill bit?
The 1/2 reduced shank fits any standard drill chuck that accepts a 1/2 inch shank, so a 1/2 inch or larger chuck will hold it securely.
How do I install this 118 degree point bit without it walking on hard steel?
Start with a centre punch mark, use low RPM and steady pressure, and keep the cutting edges lubricated to prevent the 118 degree point from skipping.
When should I replace this high speed steel bit with black oxide finish?
Replace it when the cutting lips become rounded, the black oxide coating wears off the flutes, or the bit no longer produces clean chips in machining steel.
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