Sutton D221 Supabit Plus Hex Shank Drill Bit 5.0mm HSS TiAlN, Carded

The Sutton D221 Supabit Plus is a 5.0mm drill bit on a 1/4 inch hex shank, which means it goes straight into an impact driver or a quick change holder without a chuck. That one design decision is what makes it the bit people keep in their pouch rather than in the toolbox.

It is made from high speed steel with a TiAlN coating, ground to a 135 degree split point. TiAlN is a hard, heat resistant coating that keeps the cutting edge sharper for longer, and it is the reason this bit holds up better than an uncoated one on steel and stainless.

Why a hex shank matters

A round shank bit needs a drill chuck. A hex shank bit needs nothing. It drops into an impact driver, a quick change adaptor, or a bit holder, and it comes out again with one hand. On a job where you are drilling, driving, then drilling again, that is minutes saved per hole rather than per day.

The trade off is that a hex shank bit is not meant for heavy side loading in a drill press. Treat it as a site and install bit.

Specifications

• Diameter: 5.0mm
• Overall length: 87mm
• Flute length: 48mm
• Material: high speed steel (HSS)
• Coating: TiAlN
• Point: 135 degree split point for fast, accurate starts
• Shank: 1/4 inch hex, suits impact drivers and standard drills
• Supplied: single bit, carded
• Sutton item number: D221H0500

What the 135 degree point does

A 135 degree point is blunter than the traditional 118 degree grind, and that is deliberate. The wider angle puts more of the cutting edge in contact with the material at once, which stops the bit wandering on start and spreads the load across the tip. It is the grind you want on sheet metal, on curved surfaces and anywhere the bit is hand held rather than held in a press.

Frequently asked questions

Can I really use this in an impact driver?

Yes, that is what the hex shank is for. Keep the driver out of impact mode for drilling. Impact mode is for fasteners. In drill mode the bit cuts normally, and the hex shank simply means you did not have to change chucks.

What is TiAlN and do I need it?

TiAlN is a titanium aluminium nitride coating applied to the bit. It is harder than the steel underneath, resists heat well, and reduces friction so chips slide off more easily. On steel, stainless and anything where heat builds up, a coated bit keeps its edge longer than an uncoated one. On timber it makes little difference.

Is a hex shank bit as strong as a round shank bit?

For hand held drilling and impact driver use, yes. The shank is not the weak point. Where a hex bit is less suited is a drill press under heavy feed, because the hex cannot be gripped as rigidly as a round shank in a chuck. Use a round shank bit such as the D220 XP Bullet for press work.

Will it fit a standard drill?

Yes, most keyless chucks close down far enough to grip a 1/4 inch hex shank. It is a snug fit and it works, though if you are using a standard drill you may as well use a round shank bit.

What size fasteners does a 5.0mm hole suit?

It is a clearance hole for M4 and a tapping size for M6. It is also the standard pilot for many larger drill bits.

Need to finish the job

Hex shank bits pair naturally with quick change holders and extensions. See our wobble adaptor set for driving at an angle, or the 4 to 12mm step drill for enlarging holes in sheet metal.

We carry the Supabit Plus range at our Truganina trade counter and ship Australia wide, so you can order the sizes you need in one go.