What Are Jobber Bits Used For? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you interested in home renovation or woodworking? A common tool that you might find useful is a jobber bit. But what exactly are jobber bits used for? Well, they are a type of drill bit that can be used to create clean and precise holes in a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.

Jobber bits come in a range of sizes and cutting angles, which makes them versatile for various projects. They have a shorter length than other drills, so they can be used for shallower holes. In addition, they are often made from high-speed steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, jobber bits are a must-have in your tool collection. Whether you’re working on a home renovation project, creating wood crafts, or performing delicate repairs, you’ll find that jobber bits are a reliable and efficient tool for drilling holes accurately and efficiently. So, pick up a few jobber bits and get ready to take your projects to the next level!

Understanding different types of jobber bits

If you’re in the market for drill bits, you’ve likely come across the term “jobber bits.” Jobber bits are the most common type of drill bits, used for general drilling purposes in metal, wood, and plastic. These versatile bits come in various sizes and materials, making them an essential tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

  • Twist drill bits: These are the most commonly used jobber bits. They have a straight shank and a spiral groove that runs the length of the bit. Twist drill bits are suitable for drilling holes in a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic.
  • Black oxide drill bits: These bits are made of high-speed steel and coated with black oxide to increase their durability. Black oxide drill bits are suitable for drilling through metal, wood, and plastic.
  • Cobalt drill bits: These bits are also made of high-speed steel but contain a higher percentage of cobalt, making them ideal for drilling into harder materials such as stainless steel and cast iron.

When selecting jobber bits, it’s essential to consider the intended use and the material you’ll be drilling into. It’s also important to note that different types of jobber bits have various features, such as coating or material composition, which can affect their performance. As with any tool, it’s crucial to choose the right jobber bit for the job at hand.

Benefits of Using Jobber Bits

Jobber bits are highly versatile tools used in various applications, making them an essential tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the benefits of using jobber bits:

  • Wider Range of Sizes: Jobber bits come in a vast range of sizes, making them useful for various applications. They typically range from 0.02 inches to 0.5 inches in diameter, with lengths of up to 6 inches. This means that whether you are drilling a small or large hole, you can find the right jobber drill bit for the job.
  • Highly Efficient: Jobber bits are designed to be efficient and effective. They can drill through a range of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, and composites. The efficient design of these bits enables you to achieve precise and clean cuts, making them ideal for applications where accuracy and precision are vital.
  • Cost-Effective: Compared to other types of drill bits, jobber bits are relatively inexpensive. They come in sets or packs that contain multiple sizes, making them a cost-effective solution for professionals and DIY enthusiasts who use a range of bits in their work.

Using jobber bits can significantly improve the quality of your projects and help you save time and money in the long run.

Are you looking for a versatile and reliable drill bit for your next project? Look no further than jobber bits. They are the perfect tool for a wide range of applications, from simple DIY projects to intricate professional jobs.

For more information on jobber bits and their applications, refer to the table below:

Diameter (inches) Length (inches) Applications
0.02 – 0.06 Up to 2 Small holes in electronics
0.06 – 0.25 Up to 4 General purpose drilling in wood, metal, plastics, and composites
0.25 – 0.5 Up to 6 Drilling large holes in wood and metal

As you can see, jobber bits come in various sizes and lengths to suit different applications. Whether you are working on a small electronics project or a large construction project, you can find the right jobber bit for the job.

Common materials used in jobber bits

Jobber bits are versatile drill bits that can be used for a variety of materials. The quality of the bit is largely dependent on the material used to make it. There are different types of materials that are commonly used in making jobber bits.

  • High-speed steel (HSS): HSS is a type of tool steel that is commonly used in the manufacturing of drill bits. These bits are more resistant to heat and wear, making them ideal for drilling through harder materials like metal, plastic, and wood.
  • Cobalt: Cobalt drill bits are made from HSS steel and contain a small amount of cobalt. Cobalt gives the drill bits extra hardness and heat resistance, making them ideal for drilling through tough materials like cast iron and stainless steel.
  • Carbide: Carbide jobber bits are made from a mixture of tungsten carbide and cobalt. These bits are significantly harder than HSS or cobalt bits, making them ideal for drilling through extremely hard materials like ceramics and glass.

The following table provides a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials used in making jobber bits.

Material Advantages Disadvantages
High-speed steel (HSS) Durable, versatile, and less expensive Less heat-resistant than other materials
Cobalt More heat-resistant and harder than HSS More expensive than HSS
Carbide Hardest and most heat-resistant material Most expensive material and less versatile

When selecting jobber bits, it is essential to choose the right material for the job at hand. If you are working with tough materials like metal or stainless steel, cobalt or carbide bits are your best option. HSS bits are ideal for drilling through materials like plastic and wood that have lower densities and won’t put as much stress on the bit.

How to Choose the Right Size of Jobber Bits

Choosing the right size of jobber bits is crucial to ensure the success and efficiency of your drilling tasks. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the size of jobber bits:

  • The job requirements: Before selecting the size of the jobber bit, you need to understand the requirements of the job. Some jobs may need a specific diameter of a hole that needs to be drilled, and your bit should be able to meet that requirement.
  • The material to be drilled: Different materials require different sizes of bits. For example, drilling through wood would require a different bit size from drilling through metal.
  • The thickness of the material: The thickness of the material will determine the length of the jobber bit needed to reach the desired depth. A standard jobber bit of 6 to 8 inches should suffice for most tasks.

It’s important to note that when using a jobber bit, the size of the bit does not refer to the length of the bit, but rather the diameter of the bit. The length of the bit is determined by the job requirement and the thickness of the material.

It’s also essential to invest in quality jobber bits, so you don’t have to worry about the bit breaking or wearing down quickly. A high-quality jobber bit will have a precise diameter and sharp edges that can drill through materials with ease.

Jobber Bit Size Drill Bit Diameter Typical Material Usage
1/16″ 0.0625″ Softwood, Plastics, Aluminum
1/8″ 0.125″ Softwood, Hardwood, Plastics, Aluminum, Brass
3/16″ 0.1875″ Hardwood, Soft Metals, Plastic
1/4″ 0.25″ Hardwood, Mild Steel, Soft Metals, Plastic
5/16″ 0.3125″ Mild Steel, Hard Metals, Hardwood
3/8″ 0.375″ Hard Metals, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hardwood
7/16″ 0.4375″ Hard Metals, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hardwood
1/2″ 0.5″ Hard Metals, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hardwood

It’s crucial to have different sizes of jobber bits to handle different jobs. The table above provides a rough guideline on the diameter of the bit and the typical materials used with the said bit size. However, consider the job requirements and material thickness before selecting a jobber bit size.

Best practices for drilling with jobber bits

Jobber bits are a versatile type of drill bit commonly used for drilling into a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. Here are some best practices for drilling with jobber bits:

  • Select the appropriate jobber bit for the material being drilled. Different materials require different types of jobber bits, so it’s important to choose the right one for the job.
  • Use the right speed. Jobber bits come with a recommended speed range that should be followed for optimal performance. Too high a speed can cause the bit to overheat and damage the material, while too low a speed can result in a slow and inefficient drilling process.
  • Apply consistent pressure. Steady and firm pressure should be applied to the drill when drilling with jobber bits. Too much pressure can cause the bit to break, while too little pressure can result in a slower drilling process.

Here is a table of recommended speed ranges for drilling with jobber bits:

Material Recommended Speed Range (RPM)
Wood 1500-3000
Metal 500-4000
Plastic 1500-4000

Always wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves when drilling with jobber bits to ensure safety. With these best practices in mind, drilling with jobber bits can be a productive and efficient process.

Maintaining and Sharpening Jobber Bits

Jobber bits are an essential tool in any craftsman’s arsenal. They are commonly used for drilling holes in various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. To ensure that they can function at their optimal level, they require proper maintenance and sharpening techniques to prolong their lifespan while producing accurate results. Here are some tips on how to maintain and sharpen jobber bits:

  • Clean the bits: After use, it’s essential to clean jobber bits to remove any debris or residue that may have accumulated during drilling. A quick wipe with a clean cloth or a brush is enough to keep the bits clean.
  • Inspect the bits: Inspect jobber bits routinely to ensure that they are still in good condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as dull edges, bent or broken bits, and other defects. Replace any damaged or worn-out bits immediately.
  • Sharpen the bits: With prolonged use, jobber bits tend to become dull, and this can hinder their performance. Sharpen the bits using a bench grinder, sharpening stone, or file. When sharpening, ensure that you maintain the original angle of the bit’s cutting edge to retain its effectiveness and cutting precision.

Here is a table outlining the sharpening angles for different types of jobber bits:

Type of Jobber Bit Sharpening Angle
HSS Twist Drill Bit 118 degrees
Cobalt Drill Bit 135 degrees
Carbide Drill Bit 135 degrees

Lastly, it’s essential to store jobber bits correctly to avoid damage or loss. You can use a drill bit storage box or store them in a plastic bag to maintain their condition. By following these maintenance and sharpening tips, jobber bits can continue to deliver exceptional performance and ensure precise drilling results for an extended period.

Differences between jobber bits and other types of drill bits

When it comes to drilling, there are many different types of bits available on the market. Here, we will focus on the differences between jobber bits and other types of drill bits.

Jobber bits are commonly used for general-purpose drilling in metal, wood, and plastics. They are longer than stub length bits but shorter than long length bits. This makes them a versatile choice for a variety of applications.

  • Twist Drill Bits: Twist drill bits are one of the most common types of drill bits. They are suitable for both handheld and drill press use, and they come in a range of sizes and materials. However, they are not as precise as jobber bits and can often wander off course when drilling into harder materials.
  • Spade Bits: Spade bits are a type of flat wood bit that are designed for drilling larger holes in wood. They have a spur on the tip to help align the bit and prevent it from slipping, but they are not recommended for drilling harder materials or precise work.
  • Step Drill Bits: Step drill bits are designed for drilling holes of different sizes using a single bit. They have a stepped design that gradually increases in size and can be used for both handheld and drill press use. However, they are not suitable for drilling through thick materials.

One of the main differences between jobber bits and other types of drill bits is their length. Jobber bits are longer than twist bits but shorter than long length bits. This makes them a great choice for drilling into deeper holes without sacrificing precision or accuracy.

Bit Type Length Materials Precision
Jobber Bits Medium Metal, Wood, Plastics High
Twist Drill Bits Short Wood, Metal, Plastics Low to Medium
Spade Bits Short Wood Low
Step Drill Bits Medium to Long Wood, Metal, Plastics Medium

Another difference is their versatility. Jobber bits are designed for a wide range of materials, making them suitable for general-purpose drilling. Other types of drill bits, such as spade bits and step drill bits, may be more specialized and may not work as well for certain materials or applications.

What are jobber bits used for? FAQs

1. What materials can jobber bits be used on?

Jobber bits are versatile and can be used on various materials including wood, plastic, and metal.

2. What size range do jobber bits have?

Jobber bits typically range from 1/64 inch to 1 inch in diameter and can vary in length from 2 to 24 inches.

3. Can jobber bits be used for precision drilling?

Yes, jobber bits are suitable for precision drilling applications due to their precise point and flute geometry.

4. What types of jobber bits are available on the market?

Jobber bits are available in various types such as twist drill bits, cobalt drill bits, and high-speed steel drill bits.

5. What is the difference between jobber bits and other types of drill bits?

Jobber bits are longer than other types of drill bits, making them ideal for drilling deeper holes. They also have a standard length-to-diameter ratio.

6. Can jobber bits be used with a hand drill or only with a drilling machine?

Jobber bits can be used with both hand drills and drilling machines, but for higher accuracy and precision, it is recommended to use them with drilling machines.

7. What industries use jobber bits?

Jobber bits are used in various industries such as woodworking, metalworking, construction, and automotive repair.

Closing Thoughts

We hope that these FAQs have helped shed some light on what jobber bits are used for. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional, jobber bits are a reliable tool to have in your collection. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more informative articles!