29 Piece Jobber Drill Set: HSS Sizes and When to Use

Quick answer

Choose the 29 piece jobber drill set when you want one indexed range of 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch by 64ths in high speed steel, with normal-length drills that suit bench mill, drill press, and lathe work. Reach for screw machine drills only when clearance behind the hole is the limiting factor.

Why a 29 piece set covers most bench work

The 64ths progression from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch gives you a continuous ladder of sizes rather than gaps that force you to compromise on clearance or fit. For bench top machining, that matters when you are stepping up a hole, tapping, or reaming to a specific clearance.

A full set also removes the habit of grabbing the nearest bit. If your drawing calls for a 5/16 inch hole, you have 5/16 inch, not a metric approximation.

When jobber length is the wrong choice

Jobber length drills are the normal-length option, so they flex more than short screw machine drills when you push them hard or start on a curved or angled surface. In tight setups where the chuck or spindle nose would contact the work before the drill reaches depth, a shorter drill is the safer answer.

The trade-off is straightforward: jobber length gives you reach and versatility, while screw machine length gives you rigidity and clearance. Most bench machinists need jobber length first and add short drills only for specific jobs.

What US made HSS means for your setup

High speed steel is a general-purpose drill material for aluminum, mild steel, brass, and plastics. It is not the right choice for hardened or abrasive materials, where cobalt or carbide may be needed.

US made is a sourcing fact, not a performance guarantee. Judge the set by its size coverage, the index that keeps the drills organized, and whether the grind suits your work.

29 piece jobber drill set FAQ

What sizes are in a 29 piece jobber drill set?

The set runs from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 64ths increments, so each bit is a standard fractional size. That makes it easy to match a drawing or tap chart without converting. Check your tap drill sizes against the 64ths range before buying.

Jobber vs screw machine drill: which should I use?

Use jobber length for general drilling where reach and standard chucking matter. Switch to screw machine length when the drill must be short and stiff, such as in tight clearance or on interrupted surfaces.

Are US made HSS drill bits good for steel?

HSS is suitable for mild steel and many common shop materials, but it is not intended for hardened steel. For hardened work, choose a bit grade made for that material rather than forcing an HSS drill.

How should I store and identify the bits?

Keep the drills in the supplied Huot metal index and return each bit after use. Label or mark the index if you add loose bits, so you do not mix sizes.

Can I use this set on a bench top mill and lathe?

Yes, the straight shanks fit standard drill chucks and tailstock chucks. For lathe work, drill a pilot or spot the hole first so the normal-length bit starts true.

Product facts

• Drill Set, 29 Piece Jobber Length HSS, US Made: 29 piece high speed steel drill set covering 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch by 64ths. One index replaces loose bits and gives you every 64th step for drilling, tapping, and clearance work.

  

  Drill Set, 29 Piece Jobber Length HSS, US Made

• Drill Set, 29 Piece Jobber Length HSS, US Made: Jobbers length drills with straight shanks, supplied in a Huot metal index. The normal-length straight shank fits standard chucks, and the metal index keeps sizes readable and protected between jobs.