Sutton Tools
Stainless steel is widely used in manufacturing, but it presents challenges when it comes to drilling. The hardness, slick surface and abrasive properties means it resists cutting, and often work-hardens during the process - accelerating wear on drill bits.
Relying on ordinary drill bits for this task can be a false economy. They can dull quickly, compromising the quality of the hole. They are prone to overheating and snapping. Frequent replacements can drive up costs and reduce productivity.
From fabricating stainless steel fixtures for commercial kitchens to maintaining equipment in food processing and chemical plants, the wrong choice of drill bit can have consequences.
These include wasted materials, additional time spent on reworking, and unnecessary frustration!
Drilling smarter, not harder with INOX drill bits.
Manufactured in Australia by Sutton Tools, INOX drill bits are purpose-designed for working with stainless steel. Engineered to resist wear and breakage, the drill bits are ground from a solid blank of M2 High-Speed Steel. After cutting, the tips are coated with titanium aluminium nitrite (TiALN) for extra strength, then hardened in a furnace reaching around 900°C for optimum durability.
The result is a drill bit that delivers smoother, more efficient drilling. It allows for fewer interruptions and cleaner, more precise holes, helping reduce the need for rework. The stepped core design of the drill bit shortens the flute, minimising drill flexing.
When the drill bit engages the material, it bites immediately, with no slipping or wandering that can waste time and damage the material. Compared to standard jobber drills, INOX drill bits deliver smoother drilling in stainless steel, with 25% less torque and 30% less thrust required—enhancing control, efficiency, and potential tool longevity.
Sutton Tools senior marketing specialist Beatrice Ng emphasises the value of using the right tool for the material, rather than a drill bit not designed for working on stainless steel.
“These are premium drill bits. But in the long run, they will save you money and time. That’s a very smart investment.”
Why choose INOX drill bits?
The drill bits can be bought individually or in 19 and 24-piece sets. The key advantages of the INOX drill bits for professionals include:
- Suitable for handheld or machine drilling, including CNC machines.
- TiAlN-coated tip for wear resistance and durability.
- Short flute with fast spiral for rigidity and swarf control.
- Unique point and stepped core for fast penetration and minimal work hardening.
- M2 High-Speed Steel for strength, heat and wear resistance.
Buying from Sutton Tools also supports Australian manufacturing. Founded in 1917, Sutton Tools is a family business with a reputation for designing and producing innovative, high-quality cutting tools. Products are manufactured at two main sites in Victoria.
“We are very proud to still be manufacturing this drill bit here in Thomastown,” Beatrice says. “INOX drill bits are one of the company’s signature products.”
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Available at Blackwoods - Your manufacturing solutions partner.
As Australia’s leading supplier of industrial solutions, Blackwoods has everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Talk to your Blackwoods account manager about the benefits of Sutton Tools’ INOX drill bits. Ready to drill smarter, not harder when working with stainless steel?
