01M541 - 41/64 Inch SST+ Cobalt Prentice Drill Bit with 1/2 Inch Shank

Heavy-Duty Precision Drilling for Industrial Applications

The Walter 01M541 41/64" SST+ Prentice Drill is an industrial-grade cutting tool engineered for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) environments where precision and durability are paramount. Part of the renowned SST+ series, this drill bit is manufactured from a high-performance cobalt blend high-speed steel (HSS). This material composition provides exceptional hot hardness, allowing the bit to maintain its cutting edge even when subjected to the high temperatures generated during heavy-duty drilling in tensile materials like stainless steel and structural alloys.

Designed with a standard 1/2-inch reduced shank, this Prentice-style (Silver & Deming) bit enables the creation of large-diameter holes using standard portable power drills, drill presses, and magnetic base drills with a 1/2-inch chuck capacity. A critical feature for operational efficiency is the shank's "3-flat" design. These ground flats ensure a secure grip within the chuck jaws, effectively eliminating the risk of the bit spinning under load—a common failure point in large-diameter drilling. The bit also features a specialized bronze SST surface treatment which reduces friction and aids in smooth chip evacuation.

The geometry of the 01M541 is optimized for speed and accuracy. It utilizes a 135-degree split point which is self-centering, preventing the tool from "walking" or wandering upon initial contact. This feature significantly reduces the need for center punching or pilot drilling, streamlining the fabrication workflow. Whether used in stationary machinery or portable equipment, this drill bit delivers consistent performance across ferrous and non-ferrous metals.