What cutter types are available and which are best for different materials?

Choose between Annular Cutters, Twist Drill Bits, Step Drill Bits, Countersink Cutters and Reamers, depending on your application.

Annular Cutters are hollow, ring-shaped cutters that remove only the material around the edge of the hole rather than the entire core. They are best for drilling clean, accurate holes in metal (especially steel and stainless steel). They provide faster cutting, less effort, and a smoother finish compared to twist drills, and are ideal for structural steelwork, fabrication and engineering applications.

Twist Drill Bits are the most common type, and feature a solid core with helical flutes to remove chips. They are ideal for making smaller holes or when you need to drill all the way through the material rather than core it out. They are super versatile and compatible with a wide range of materials, including metal, wood and plastic.

Step Drill Bits are cone-shaped bits with multiple cutting diameters that increase in size along the bit's length. These are best when creating or enlarging holes in thin materials like sheet metal, plastics or soft metals. A big advantage is that they allow for multiple hole sizes with one bit, reducing the need for tool changes. Step drill bits are ideal for work on electrical panels, ductwork or fabrication involving thin sheet material.

Countersink Cutters are used to create a conical recess around a drilled hole and are best for preparing holes for flush-fitting screws or bolts. They provide a clean and professional finish for fasteners and are great for use after drilling to remove burrs and tidy up the hole edge.

Reamers are precision tools that slightly enlarge and smooth existing holes, achieving tight tolerances or smooth finishes in pre-drilled holes. They are ideal for ensuring an accurate fit for bolts, pins or dowels and should be used at low speed with lubricant for best results.

A lot of Rotabroach Cutters feature Tungsten Carbide Tips (TCT), making them ideal for drilling through the toughest materials as well as providing a longer-lasting product, lasting up to 10x longer than bi-metal accessories.