Chicago-Latrobe 52442 118° Silver & Deming Drill 21/32 in 1/2 Reduced Shank

Drill Bit for Large Holes

The Chicago-Latrobe 52442 is a Silver & Deming drill bit designed for boring 21/32 inch diameter holes in metal. Its 1/2 inch reduced shank allows it to be used in standard drill chucks that cannot accept larger straight shanks. This makes it suitable for maintenance technicians and fabricators who need a single bit for occasional large-hole work without changing tools.

High-Speed Steel with Black Oxide

The bit is manufactured from machining-grade high-speed steel and finished with a black oxide coating that resists corrosion and reduces friction during cutting. The 118 degree point angle is a general-purpose geometry that centres easily on flat surfaces and starts holes without a pilot drill. The reduced shank design means the bit fits directly into common 1/2 inch capacity drill chucks, simplifying setup on the job site.

Heat Resistance and Chip Clearance

High-speed steel retains hardness at the elevated temperatures generated when drilling 21/32 inch holes in steel, allowing the cutting edges to stay sharp longer than carbon steel alternatives. The black oxide finish helps dissipate heat and prevents workpiece material from welding to the flutes, which keeps chip evacuation consistent. Steady feed pressure and appropriate cutting fluid will minimise noise and power draw while extending the service life of the bit.