If you ever feel confused regarding the 118 and the 135 drill bit, worry not because you are not the only one. Most people are torn between the choice of which angle would provide the best accuracy and precision for their job.
This is the perfect place you have landed as through the article, we will go through the different points of discussion and which one is ideal for you. Choosing the correct drill bit will make all the difference whether you are going for one hole or a hundred. So, it is only right to compare the most popular drill point angles and decide which is the suitable one for you.
What is the 118 Drill Bit?
The 118 drill bit is more assertive than the 135 drill bit. The vertical point makes it weaker, especially when used on hard materials. So, it will become blunter when used on steel or other similar hard materials. Therefore, it is better to use the 118 drill bit on the softer work pieces.
On top of that, the aggressive cutting action of the 118 drill bit restricts the axial thrust when put in perspective with the 135 drill bit. This is suitable when you are working with a handheld drill.
The 118-point drill bits are not ideal for slippery or curved surfaces. They can disbalance and slip which can damage the workpiece and also injure the user.
The long build of the 118 drill bit makes it less stable than the 135 drill bit. This is another consideration you need to keep in mind when working on hard materials. So, when the thrust is applied, it can deflect, impacting the neatness and accuracy of the hole. It can also cause splintering and chip edges of the hole which makes a sloppy and rougher finish.
What is the 135 Drill Bit?
The lower pitch of the 135 drill bit makes it a lot less aggressive and ideal for tool steel and other hard materials. It remains sharper for a longer time and needs a more effective axial thrust than the 118 drill bit variant.
The 135 split-point drill bit is better suited for making holes into slippery or curved surfaces. They have a better grip which makes cleaner and more distinct holes with a better-quality drill bit.
These have a shorter length than the 118 drill bit and are blunter than the 118 drill bit. This makes it better for crisp finishes and accurate hole spacing. They are less likely to deflect the thrust under them which makes them ideal for harder materials. So, they get the task completed easily and more efficiently.
Differences Between 118 Drill Bit and 135 Drill Bit
There are several points of difference between the 118 drill bit and the 135 drill bit. They are both very popular and widely used but they have their own set of differences which make them suitable for particular drilling actions. We have discussed the primary differences between the 118 drill bit and the 135 drill bit.
1. Material
The 118 drill bit is suitable for working with softer materials like aluminium and wood. You can use them with steel or other hard materials but it will affect the longevity of the drill bit and also make it blunt. So, the 118 drill bit should be used on permissive materials.
On the other hand, the 135 drill bits are known to work better with harder work materials. They work amazingly with stainless steel and can be used for long hours and for making repeated holes.
2. Shape
The shape is another major difference between the 118 drill bit and the 135 drill bit. The shape of the 118 drill bit is edgier and resultantly steeper. Owing to the upright cutting angle, they are less dull than the 135 drill bit.
On the contrary, the 135 drill bit has a less pointed tip and is therefore less sharp. However, it is more suited for harder materials for more accuracy and precision.
3. Pitch
This is one of the most distinct dissimilarities between the two. The 135 drill bit has a relatively higher pitch when compared to the 118 drill bit. So, it is more suitable for the builder who needs to work with more tenacious and tough materials. The 135 drill bit is also ideal for making repeated holes and even working on unyielding materials.
As the 118 drill bit features less pitch, it is more suitable for working in the yielding elements.
4. Cutting Edges
From this perspective, the smaller point angle provides a longer cutting edge vis-a-vis. So, as the 118 has a smaller angle, it offers longer cutting edges than the 135 drill bit.
People with experience in drilling would know that a longer drilling edge provides better performance while cutting. So, the 118 drill has an upper hand when we are talking about the cutting-edge advantage.
5. Chisel
118 drill bit features a small chisel and is fiercer while working to drill a hole.
On the contrary, the 135 drill bit has a longer chisel which is better for drilling holes aggressively for repeated use.
Which One Should I Choose, 118 Drill Bit or 135 Drill Bit?
After going through the dissimilarities, the next big question is what is the perfect drill bit for you? There is no definite answer to this but we have listed their advantages and drawbacks.
You have to look at the material you are working with. For softer and smooth materials, you should go for the 118 drill bit while for the harder and sturdy materials like steel, you should opt for the 135 drill bit.
Now, the purpose for which you are using the drill bit. The smaller angle is easier to use, especially when it comes to centering it. It also has a lesser risk of slipping off the surface. But, if you are looking for short tapping, the 135 drill bit is more suitable.
Also, for better cutting performance, the small angle is preferred but the 118 and 135 drill bit does not call for much difference when the angles are concerned.
Final Word
We have tried to discuss everything that you need to know when comparing the 118 and the 135 drill bit. Choosing the right one might seem a little daunting and intimidating but with all the pros and cons listed, the task will be much easier. Both of them are useful in their way as they are designed to minimise the workload while drilling.
If you have further queries or doubts, do mention them in the comments section below. We hope that this guide will help you achieve more success in the drilling projects.
