01M616 - Walter SST+ Prentice Drill Bit 1-1/4 Inch Cobalt Blend

High-Performance Drilling for Large Diameters

The Walter 01M616 1-1/4" SST+ Prentice Drill Bit represents the pinnacle of heavy-duty drilling technology, specifically engineered for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) professionals who demand precision and durability. This drill bit is part of Walter's renowned SST+ line, known for its exceptional performance in hard metals. The core advantage of the Prentice design is its reduced shank; while the cutting diameter is a substantial 1-1/4 inches, the shank is machined down to 1/2 inch. This allows operators to utilize standard portable power drills, drill presses, and magnetic base drills that are typically limited to 1/2-inch chuck capacities, significantly expanding the versatility of your existing tool arsenal.

Manufactured from a premium cobalt blend high-speed steel, this bit is designed to withstand the high temperatures generated when drilling tough materials like stainless steel and other ferrous alloys. The addition of cobalt significantly increases the red hardness of the bit, preventing the cutting edges from softening under thermal stress. Furthermore, the bit features Walter's exclusive Bronze SST surface treatment. This specialized coating reduces friction between the bit and the workpiece, facilitating smoother chip evacuation and further mitigating heat buildup, which is the primary cause of premature drill failure.

Operational efficiency is enhanced by the bit's intelligent geometric design. It features a self-centering point that bites into the metal immediately upon contact, effectively eliminating the "walking" often associated with large diameter bits and removing the need for time-consuming center punching or pilot drilling. The shank is engineered with three precision-ground flats, which lock securely into the drill chuck to ensure maximum torque transmission and prevent the bit from spinning inside the chuck under heavy load. Whether you are drilling mild steel, non-ferrous metals, or hardened stainless steel, the Walter 01M616 delivers clean, accurate holes with extended tool life.