01M545 - Walter SST+ 45/64-Inch Prentice Drill Bit with 1/2-Inch Shank

Heavy-Duty Drilling Performance with Walter SST+ Technology

The Walter 01M545 is a premium 45/64-inch Prentice drill bit from the renowned SST+ line, engineered specifically to tackle the toughest industrial drilling challenges. In maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) environments, professionals often encounter the need to drill large-diameter holes in hardened materials without the luxury of a stationary drill press. This drill bit bridges that gap by offering a large cutting diameter on a reduced 1/2-inch shank, making it compatible with a wide range of portable power drills and magnetic base drills found in heavy industry.

At the core of this bit's performance is its material composition. Manufactured from a special cobalt blend of High-Speed Steel (HSS), the 01M545 is designed to withstand the high temperatures generated when drilling through tensile materials like stainless steel and structural alloys. The addition of cobalt significantly increases the red hardness of the bit, preventing the cutting edges from softening under thermal stress. This results in a tool that maintains its sharpness far longer than standard black oxide or bright finish bits, reducing downtime for sharpening or replacement.

Walter Surface Technologies has further enhanced this tool with their exclusive Bronze SST surface treatment. This specialized coating serves multiple purposes: it reduces the coefficient of friction between the bit and the workpiece, facilitates smoother chip evacuation, and acts as a thermal barrier. The result is a cooler drilling operation, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of both the tool and the work material, especially in stainless steel where work-hardening is a common risk.

Operational efficiency is also maximized through the bit's geometry. It features an exclusive self-centering point design that bites into the metal immediately upon contact. This eliminates the common issue of "walking" or wandering across the surface, thereby removing the need for center punching or drilling smaller pilot holes. Furthermore, the shank is precision-machined with three flats. These flats lock securely into the drill chuck jaws, ensuring positive torque transmission and completely preventing the bit from spinning inside the chuck during heavy-torque applications.

Whether you are drilling through mild steel, non-ferrous metals, or tough stainless steel plate, the Walter 01M545 delivers consistent, precise holes with exceptional speed and durability. It is an essential component for any industrial tool crib or machinist's arsenal.