Cutting Tools Reference Library

Published now

• Drill Bit Length Series ExplainedJobber, mechanics, screw machine, taper, aircraft extension and Silver & Deming as the top-level drill categories.Ref CT-0001
• Jobber Length DrillsThe general-purpose straight-shank series and when to choose it.Ref CT-0002
• Mechanics Length DrillsThe short, stiff series between screw machine and jobber, favored for portable drilling.Ref CT-0003
• Screw Machine (Stub) Length DrillsThe shortest standard series, for rigidity and positional accuracy.Ref CT-0004
• Taper Length Drills (Long Straight Shank)Long straight-shank series for deep holes — not the same as taper shank.Ref CT-0005
• Aircraft Extension DrillsExtra-long straight-shank drills sold by overall length for reaching into assemblies.Ref CT-0006
• Silver & Deming (Reduced Shank) DrillsLarge-diameter drills with a reduced shank that fit a standard chuck.Ref CT-0007
• Taper Shank (Morse Taper) DrillsDrills with a Morse taper shank that seat directly in a spindle or sleeve.Ref CT-0008
• Extra-Long & Extended-Length DrillsSeries beyond taper length and how they differ from aircraft extension.Ref CT-0009
• Drill Point Angles & Split Points118° vs 135°, split points, and when each is used.Ref CT-0010
• Parabolic Flute & Deep-Hole DrillsFlute forms that evacuate chips from deep holes.Ref CT-0011
• Step Drills for Sheet MetalMultiple-diameter drills for thin material and conduit knockouts.Ref CT-0012
• Center Drills & Spotting DrillsCombined drill-countersinks and NC spot drills — different jobs.Ref CT-0013
• Solid Carbide & Coolant-Through DrillsHigh-performance drills for CNC, including through-coolant designs.Ref CT-0014
• Indexable Insert Drills & Spade DrillsReplaceable-tip drilling for larger holes.Ref CT-0015
• Tap Chamfers — Taper, Plug & BottomingWhat chamfer length means and how to choose for blind or through holes.Ref CT-0016
• Spiral Point vs Spiral Flute vs Straight Flute TapsMatching tap flute style to hole type and material.Ref CT-0017
• Thread-Forming (Roll) TapsChipless tapping, where it works and the larger drill it needs.Ref CT-0018
• Tap H-Limits & D-Limits ExplainedWhat the pitch-diameter limit marking means for thread fit.Ref CT-0019
• Pipe Taps — NPT, NPTF & BSPTTapered pipe taps and how they differ from straight threads.Ref CT-0020
• Metric Taps & Pitch SeriesCoarse and fine metric taps and common DIN tap styles.Ref CT-0021
• Drill Size Chart — Fraction, Number, Letter & MetricDecimal equivalents of number, letter and fractional drills with nearest metric.Ref CT-0050
• Tap Drill Chart — Inch & MetricCut-tap drill sizes for common UNC, UNF and metric coarse threads.Ref CT-0051
• Pipe Tap Drill Chart — NPT & NPTFDrill sizes for tapered pipe taps, with and without taper reaming.Ref CT-0052
• Thread-Forming Tap Drill ChartLarger drill sizes required for forming taps.Ref CT-0053
• Clearance Hole Chart — Close, Normal & Loose FitDrill sizes for bolt and screw clearance holes.Ref CT-0054
• Decimal, Fraction & Millimeter EquivalentsConversion chart in 64ths with millimeter equivalents.Ref CT-0055
• SFM to RPM ChartSpindle speed at common surface speeds by tool diameter (inch).Ref CT-0056
• Metric Cutting Speed Chart — m/min to RPMSpindle speed at common cutting speeds by tool diameter (mm).Ref CT-0057
• Milling Chip Load Starting-Point ChartChip load per tooth by tool diameter and material group.Ref CT-0058
• Drill Feed Rate Chart (IPR by Diameter)Starting feed per revolution by drill diameter.Ref CT-0059
• Reamer Stock Allowance ChartPre-ream drill sizes by reamer diameter.Ref CT-0060
• Countersink Angle & Fastener Head ChartWhich countersink angle fits which screw head standard.Ref CT-0061
• Helical Coil Insert Tap Drill ChartDrill sizes for STI taps.Ref CT-0062
• Bandsaw TPI Selection ChartTeeth per inch by material thickness.Ref CT-0063
• Surface Finish Conversion Chart — Ra, Rz & N-GradeRoughness values and process capability.Ref CT-0064
• Hardness Conversion Chart — HRC, HRB, HB & HVApproximate hardness conversions for steel.Ref CT-0065
• Morse Taper Dimensions ChartMorse taper sizes 0–7 and their uses.Ref CT-0066
• ER Collet Range ChartER collet series, capacity and nut sizes.Ref CT-0067
• Thread Pitch Reference Chart — UN & MetricThreads per inch and metric pitch for common sizes.Ref CT-0068
• Drill Bit Materials & CoatingsHSS, cobalt and carbide substrates with black oxide, TiN and TiAlN finishes.Ref CT-0089
• Cutting Speed Basics — SFM, RPM & FeedThe formulas that connect surface speed, spindle speed and feed.Ref CT-0107

Technical Reference

Tool types, series, geometries and holders — what each product is and where it is used.

• Drill Bit Length Series ExplainedJobber, mechanics, screw machine, taper, aircraft extension and Silver & Deming as the top-level drill categories.Ref CT-0001
• Jobber Length DrillsThe general-purpose straight-shank series and when to choose it.Ref CT-0002
• Mechanics Length DrillsThe short, stiff series between screw machine and jobber, favored for portable drilling.Ref CT-0003
• Screw Machine (Stub) Length DrillsThe shortest standard series, for rigidity and positional accuracy.Ref CT-0004
• Taper Length Drills (Long Straight Shank)Long straight-shank series for deep holes — not the same as taper shank.Ref CT-0005
• Aircraft Extension DrillsExtra-long straight-shank drills sold by overall length for reaching into assemblies.Ref CT-0006
• Silver & Deming (Reduced Shank) DrillsLarge-diameter drills with a reduced shank that fit a standard chuck.Ref CT-0007
• Taper Shank (Morse Taper) DrillsDrills with a Morse taper shank that seat directly in a spindle or sleeve.Ref CT-0008
• Extra-Long & Extended-Length DrillsSeries beyond taper length and how they differ from aircraft extension.Ref CT-0009
• Drill Point Angles & Split Points118° vs 135°, split points, and when each is used.Ref CT-0010
• Parabolic Flute & Deep-Hole DrillsFlute forms that evacuate chips from deep holes.Ref CT-0011
• Step Drills for Sheet MetalMultiple-diameter drills for thin material and conduit knockouts.Ref CT-0012
• Center Drills & Spotting DrillsCombined drill-countersinks and NC spot drills — different jobs.Ref CT-0013
• Solid Carbide & Coolant-Through DrillsHigh-performance drills for CNC, including through-coolant designs.Ref CT-0014
• Indexable Insert Drills & Spade DrillsReplaceable-tip drilling for larger holes.Ref CT-0015
• Tap Chamfers — Taper, Plug & BottomingWhat chamfer length means and how to choose for blind or through holes.Ref CT-0016
• Spiral Point vs Spiral Flute vs Straight Flute TapsMatching tap flute style to hole type and material.Ref CT-0017
• Thread-Forming (Roll) TapsChipless tapping, where it works and the larger drill it needs.Ref CT-0018
• Tap H-Limits & D-Limits ExplainedWhat the pitch-diameter limit marking means for thread fit.Ref CT-0019
• Pipe Taps — NPT, NPTF & BSPTTapered pipe taps and how they differ from straight threads.Ref CT-0020
• Metric Taps & Pitch SeriesCoarse and fine metric taps and common DIN tap styles.Ref CT-0021
• Dies — Round Adjustable, Hex Rethreading & Die NutsCutting vs chasing external threads.Coming soon
• Thread MillsSingle- and multi-form thread milling on CNC.Coming soon
• Helical Coil Insert (STI) TapsOversize taps for helical coil thread inserts.Coming soon
• End Mill Types — Square, Ball, Corner Radius & RoughingEnd mill end forms and where each is used.Coming soon
• End Mill Flute Count & Helix AngleTwo, three, four and more flutes; low vs high helix.Coming soon
• Variable-Helix & High-Performance End MillsChatter-resistant geometries and high-efficiency milling tools.Coming soon
• Chamfer Mills & CountersinksTools for edge breaks and countersunk holes.Coming soon
• Countersink Angles — 82°, 90°, 100°, 120°Matching countersink angle to fastener head standard.Coming soon
• Counterbores & Interchangeable PilotsCounterbore tools for socket head cap screws.Coming soon
• Reamers — Chucking, Hand, Jobber & Taper PinReamer types and what each is for.Coming soon
• Reamer Sizes — Decimal, Over & UnderOrdering reamers to a hole tolerance rather than a nominal size.Coming soon
• Annular Cutters & Magnetic DrillsHollow cutters for large holes in structural steel.Coming soon
• Hole Saws & ArborsBi-metal, carbide-tipped and grit hole saws.Coming soon
• Carbide Burrs — Shapes & CutsRotary burr shapes, single vs double cut.Coming soon
• Indexable Turning Inserts — ISO DesignationReading the ISO insert code for shape, clearance, tolerance and size.Coming soon
• Turning Toolholder DesignationReading external and boring-bar holder codes.Coming soon
• Grooving, Parting & Threading InsertsInsert systems for grooves, cutoff and single-point threads.Coming soon
• Indexable Milling Cutters — Face, Shoulder & High-FeedCutter bodies and insert styles for milling.Coming soon
• Boring Bars & Boring HeadsSteel, carbide and damped bars; adjustable boring heads.Coming soon
• Toolholder Tapers — CAT, BT, HSK & MorseSpindle interfaces and why they are not interchangeable.Coming soon
• Collets — ER, 5C, R8 & TGCollet systems, ranges and what each is for.Coming soon
• Drill Chucks — Keyed, Keyless & Jacobs TapersChuck styles and mounting tapers.Coming soon
• Bandsaw Blades — TPI, Set & Tooth FormSelecting bandsaw blades for material and section size.Coming soon
• Hacksaw, Jigsaw & Reciprocating Saw BladesHand and portable saw blade types for metal.Coming soon
• Metal-Cutting Circular Saw BladesCold saw, carbide and friction blades — speed ratings matter.Coming soon
• Keyseat Cutters, Woodruff Cutters & Slitting SawsSpecialty milling cutters for keys and slots.Coming soon
• Keyway Broaches & BushingsPush broaching keyways on an arbor press.Coming soon
• Files — Cuts & ShapesBastard, second and smooth cut; common shapes.Coming soon

Wall Charts

Printable one-page shop charts.

• Drill Size Chart — Fraction, Number, Letter & MetricDecimal equivalents of number, letter and fractional drills with nearest metric.Ref CT-0050
• Tap Drill Chart — Inch & MetricCut-tap drill sizes for common UNC, UNF and metric coarse threads.Ref CT-0051
• Pipe Tap Drill Chart — NPT & NPTFDrill sizes for tapered pipe taps, with and without taper reaming.Ref CT-0052
• Thread-Forming Tap Drill ChartLarger drill sizes required for forming taps.Ref CT-0053
• Clearance Hole Chart — Close, Normal & Loose FitDrill sizes for bolt and screw clearance holes.Ref CT-0054
• Decimal, Fraction & Millimeter EquivalentsConversion chart in 64ths with millimeter equivalents.Ref CT-0055
• SFM to RPM ChartSpindle speed at common surface speeds by tool diameter (inch).Ref CT-0056
• Metric Cutting Speed Chart — m/min to RPMSpindle speed at common cutting speeds by tool diameter (mm).Ref CT-0057
• Milling Chip Load Starting-Point ChartChip load per tooth by tool diameter and material group.Ref CT-0058
• Drill Feed Rate Chart (IPR by Diameter)Starting feed per revolution by drill diameter.Ref CT-0059
• Reamer Stock Allowance ChartPre-ream drill sizes by reamer diameter.Ref CT-0060
• Countersink Angle & Fastener Head ChartWhich countersink angle fits which screw head standard.Ref CT-0061
• Helical Coil Insert Tap Drill ChartDrill sizes for STI taps.Ref CT-0062
• Bandsaw TPI Selection ChartTeeth per inch by material thickness.Ref CT-0063
• Surface Finish Conversion Chart — Ra, Rz & N-GradeRoughness values and process capability.Ref CT-0064
• Hardness Conversion Chart — HRC, HRB, HB & HVApproximate hardness conversions for steel.Ref CT-0065
• Morse Taper Dimensions ChartMorse taper sizes 0–7 and their uses.Ref CT-0066
• ER Collet Range ChartER collet series, capacity and nut sizes.Ref CT-0067
• Thread Pitch Reference Chart — UN & MetricThreads per inch and metric pitch for common sizes.Ref CT-0068
• Insert Shape & Nose Angle ChartISO insert shape letters with included angles.Coming soon
• Abrasive Wheel Marking & Speed Rating ReferenceHow to read wheel markings and where maximum operating speed is shown — no speed values.Coming soon

Measure & Identify

Field identification of unknown tools and holders.

• How to Identify a Drill Bit's Length SeriesTelling jobber, mechanics, screw machine and taper length apart by proportion.Coming soon
• How to Measure a Drill Bit DiameterMeasuring across the margins, not the flutes or shank.Coming soon
• Reading Drill Shank MarkingsSize, material and brand marks on drill shanks.Coming soon
• HSS vs Cobalt vs Carbide — How to TellVisual, weight and marking clues to tool material.Coming soon
• How to Identify Tap Size & PitchUsing a thread gauge and calipers on an unmarked tap.Coming soon
• Reading Tap MarkingsSize, pitch, class, H-limit, chamfer and material marks.Coming soon
• Inch vs Metric Threads — How to TellDistinguishing near-identical inch and metric threads.Coming soon
• NPT vs BSP — How to TellThread angle, pitch and taper checks.Coming soon
• Measuring End Mills — Diameter, LOC, Reach & ShankDimensions a buyer needs to replace an end mill.Coming soon
• Reading an ISO Insert CodeDecoding each position of a turning insert designation.Coming soon
• CAT vs BT vs HSK — How to TellFlange, retention knob and taper identification.Coming soon
• Identifying Morse Taper SizeMeasuring a taper shank or socket.Coming soon
• Identifying Collet TypeER, 5C, R8 and TG by shape and angle.Coming soon
• Measuring Bandsaw Blade Length, Width & TPIMeasuring a used or broken blade for replacement.Coming soon
• Identifying Countersink AngleChecking an unknown countersink or countersunk hole.Coming soon
• Reading Grinding Wheel MarkingsAbrasive, grit, grade, bond and maximum speed on the blotter.Coming soon
• Identifying Coatings by Color — and Why It Is UnreliableWhat coating colors suggest and why packaging is the real proof.Coming soon
• Checking a Drill Point for WearSigns a drill needs resharpening or replacement.Coming soon

Coatings & Tool Materials

Substrates and coatings — filters on top of the tool series.

• Drill Bit Materials & CoatingsHSS, cobalt and carbide substrates with black oxide, TiN and TiAlN finishes.Ref CT-0089
• High-Speed Steel Grades — M1, M2 & M7General-purpose HSS grades and their trade-offs.Coming soon
• Cobalt HSS — M35 vs M42Cobalt-alloyed HSS for hard and stainless materials.Coming soon
• Powder Metallurgy HSSPM-HSS and where it sits between HSS and carbide.Coming soon
• Solid Carbide Grades & BinderTungsten carbide grain size and cobalt binder for round tools.Coming soon
• ISO Carbide Application Groups — P, M, K, N, S, HThe color-coded material groups used to pick insert grades.Coming soon
• Cermet, Ceramic & CBNInserts for finishing, cast iron, superalloys and hardened steel.Coming soon
• PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond) ToolsDiamond tools for non-ferrous and abrasive materials.Coming soon
• Black Oxide FinishWhat black oxide does and does not do.Coming soon
• Bright (Uncoated) FinishWhere uncoated tools are the right choice.Coming soon
• TiN CoatingThe gold general-purpose coating.Coming soon
• TiCN CoatingHarder, more wear-resistant variant of TiN.Coming soon
• TiAlN & AlTiN CoatingsHeat-resistant coatings for high speed and dry cutting.Coming soon
• AlCrN & Other High-Heat CoatingsNewer PVD coatings and when to consider them.Coming soon
• Diamond & DLC CoatingsCoatings for aluminum, graphite and composites.Coming soon
• Steam Oxide & Nitride Treatments for TapsSurface treatments that reduce galling in tapping.Coming soon
• Coating vs Substrate — Which Matters MoreWhy a coating cannot rescue the wrong substrate.Coming soon
• Bi-Metal, Carbide-Tipped & Solid Carbide Saws & Hole SawsTooth material choices for saws and hole saws.Coming soon

Engineering & Failure Analysis

Speeds and feeds, wear, failure diagnosis and machining safety.

• Cutting Speed Basics — SFM, RPM & FeedThe formulas that connect surface speed, spindle speed and feed.Ref CT-0107
• Feeds & Speeds for DrillingApplying speed and feed to drilling by diameter and material.Coming soon
• Feeds & Speeds for Milling — Chip Load & Chip ThinningChip load, radial engagement and chip thinning.Coming soon
• Tapping Speeds — Rigid vs FloatingTapping speeds and holder choice.Coming soon
• Drill Failure ModesChipped corners, margin wear, chisel-edge wear and breakage.Coming soon
• Tap Breakage — Causes & PreventionWhy taps break and how to stop it.Coming soon
• End Mill Wear PatternsReading flank wear, chipping and corner breakdown.Coming soon
• Insert Wear Patterns — Flank, Crater, Notch & BUEDiagnosing insert wear and the fix for each.Coming soon
• Built-Up Edge on Aluminum & Gummy MaterialsCauses and remedies for material welding to the edge.Coming soon
• Work Hardening in Stainless SteelsWhy dwell and light cuts ruin stainless drilling.Coming soon
• Chip Control & EvacuationChip shape, chip breakers and packing in deep holes.Coming soon
• Metalworking Fluid TypesSoluble oil, semi-synthetic, synthetic and straight oil.Coming soon
• Coolant Concentration & Refractometer UseMeasuring and holding coolant concentration.Coming soon
• MQL & Dry MachiningWhen minimum-quantity lubrication or dry cutting works.Coming soon
• Runout & Tool LifeHow small runout shortens tool life and how to measure it.Coming soon
• Oversize & Bell-Mouthed HolesCommon causes of out-of-tolerance drilled holes.Coming soon
• Chatter & VibrationDiagnosing and reducing chatter.Coming soon
• Machinability of Common MaterialsRelative machinability of steels, stainless, cast iron, aluminum and alloys.Coming soon
• Drilling Hardened & Abrasion-Resistant SteelTool and setup choices for hard plate.Coming soon
• Drilling Stainless SteelSpeeds, feeds and tools for austenitic stainless.Coming soon
• Drilling & Tapping AluminumTools and coatings that avoid built-up edge.Coming soon
• Drilling Composites & PlasticsDelamination, heat and tool choice.Coming soon
• Resharpening & Regrinding — When It PaysEconomics and quality of regrinding drills and end mills.Coming soon
• Machine Guarding & Cutting Tool SafetyGeneral machine-guarding duties around rotating tools.Coming soon
• Abrasive Wheel Safety — Ring Test, Speed Rating & GuardsMounting and guarding rules for grinding wheels.Coming soon
• Cobalt & Carbide Grinding Dust ExposureExposure hazards when grinding carbide and cobalt tools.Coming soon

Specification & Engineering Control

Writing, interpreting and controlling tool and hole specifications.

• Writing a Cutting Tool SpecificationThe attributes a complete tool description needs.Coming soon
• Drill Diameter Tolerance vs Hole ToleranceWhy a drill's tolerance does not equal the hole's.Coming soon
• ISO Tolerance Classes — H7, h6 and OthersReading hole and shaft tolerance classes.Coming soon
• Thread Classes — 2B, 3B & 6HInternal thread classes and what the tap must achieve.Coming soon
• Thread Gauging — Go/No-Go Plug GaugesUsing and caring for thread plug gauges.Coming soon
• Surface Finish CalloutsReading roughness symbols on drawings.Coming soon
• Hole Callouts — Thru, Blind, Countersink & CounterboreDrawing symbols for holes.Coming soon
• Tool Standardization & Approved Tooling ListsControlling what tools are allowed on the floor.Coming soon
• Tool Substitution RulesWhen an equivalent tool is acceptable without engineering approval.Coming soon
• Aerospace Drill RequirementsRequirements commonly imposed on drills for aircraft work.Coming soon
• Reading Manufacturer Tool Data SheetsInterpreting catalog dimensions, grade charts and starting data.Coming soon
• Tool Presetting & Length OffsetsMeasuring tools off-machine.Coming soon
• ISO 13399 Tool Data & Digital Tool LibrariesStandard tool data for CAM and tool management.Coming soon
• DIN vs ANSI Tool Standards Cross-ReferenceMatching DIN and ANSI drill and tap standards.Coming soon

Procurement & Cost Reduction

Buying tools on cost per hole and cost per part.

• Cost per Hole — Total Cost of DrillingComparing drills on cost per hole, not price.Coming soon
• Cost per Part Analysis for Cutting ToolsIncluding machine time and changeovers in tool cost.Coming soon
• Tool Consolidation & SKU RationalizationReducing duplicate tools across machines and shifts.Coming soon
• Regrind & Recoat ProgramsRunning a regrind program that saves money.Coming soon
• Premium vs Economy ToolsWhen a premium tool pays and when it does not.Coming soon
• Brand Equivalents & Cross-ReferencingMatching tools across brands by geometry, not part number.Coming soon
• Drill Sets vs SinglesWhen indexes and sets make sense.Coming soon
• Bulk Packs vs Individual PackagingPack quantity choices for high-use sizes.Coming soon
• Running a Fair Tool TrialTrial design and data that support a decision.Coming soon
• Country of Origin & Tariffs for ToolingOrigin marking and duty impacts on tooling cost.Coming soon
• Counterfeit & Grey-Market Cutting ToolsWarning signs and authorized-channel buying.Coming soon
• Contract Pricing & Rebates for ToolingPricing structures for consumable tooling.Coming soon

Quality, Compliance & Traceability

Inspection, documentation and regulatory paperwork for tooling.

• Incoming Inspection of Cutting ToolsWhat to check on receipt.Coming soon
• Certificates of Conformance for ToolingWhat a tooling C of C should state.Coming soon
• Lot Traceability & Laser MarkingKeeping lot identity on tools.Coming soon
• ISO 9001 for Tool SuppliersQuality system expectations.Coming soon
• AS9100 Tooling RequirementsAerospace customer requirements that reach tooling.Coming soon
• Calibration of Thread Gauges & Measuring ToolsCalibration intervals and records.Coming soon
• Material Certifications for Tool SteelsWhat tool-steel certifications show.Coming soon
• Conflict Minerals — Tungsten, Tantalum & CobaltResponding to 3TG and cobalt sourcing requests.Coming soon
• SDS for Coolants & Coated ToolsHazard communication for tooling products.Coming soon
• Nonconforming Tools & ReturnsQuarantine and disposition of bad tools.Coming soon
• California Proposition 65 for ToolingWhen tools and coolants carry Prop 65 warnings.Coming soon

Inventory, VMI & Automation

Tool cribs, vending and usage data.

• Cutting Tool Vending MachinesWhere tool vending pays off and how to set it up.Coming soon
• Min/Max Settings for Consumable ToolingSetting mins and maxes from usage and lead time.Coming soon
• Tool Crib OrganizationLayout and labeling for a tool crib.Coming soon
• Kitting Tools by Job or MachineKits that cut setup time.Coming soon
• Tracking Tool Life & ConsumptionCapturing data that supports cost reduction.Coming soon
• Barcode, QR & RFID for ToolingIdentification methods for tools and holders.Coming soon
• Managing Regrind Inventory LoopsTracking tools out for regrind.Coming soon
• Obsolete & Slow-Moving Tool InventoryReducing dead tool stock.Coming soon
• Usage Reports for CustomersReports that drive tooling decisions.Coming soon
• Reorder Points for Drill & Tap SizesStocking rules for size-heavy families.Coming soon
• Tool Management Software IntegrationConnecting vending, presetters and CAM libraries.Coming soon