118° vs 135° Point Angles: Which Drill Bit Geometry Cuts Better?

Why Point Angle Matters

The point angle is the angle formed at the tip of a drill bit between the two cutting lips. It is one of the most important geometric features affecting drilling performance — yet it is often overlooked when specifying drill bits.

A steeper point (smaller angle) concentrates force on a smaller area, making it easier to start holes but requiring more thrust. A flatter point (larger angle) spreads the cutting load across a wider area, reducing thrust force but making the bit more prone to walking on flat surfaces without a split point.

118° Conventional Point

The 118° point angle is the traditional standard for general-purpose HSS drill bits. It has been the default geometry for decades and remains the most widely used worldwide.

Best Applications for 118°

Soft materials — Aluminum, brass, copper, wood, and plastics. The sharper point penetrates easily without excessive force.

General-purpose metalworking — Mild steel, cast iron, and low-carbon steels where self-centering is important.

Hand drilling — The 118° point self-centers better than 135° on flat surfaces, making it more forgiving when drilling freehand.

Cost-sensitive applications — 118° bits are simpler to manufacture and typically less expensive.

Limitations

The 118° point generates more thrust force in harder materials, which increases heat and accelerates wear. The chisel edge at the center of a conventional 118° point does not cut — it pushes material aside, which creates friction and heat.

135° Split Point

The 135° split point addresses the main weakness of the conventional point by grinding a secondary geometry into the chisel edge. This creates a self-centering tip that actually cuts across the full diameter from the moment it contacts the workpiece.

Best Applications for 135° Split Point

Hard materials — Stainless steel, alloy steels, heat-treated steels, and titanium. The reduced thrust force means less heat generation.

CNC and drill press work — Where precise hole location matters and you cannot use a center punch.

Production drilling — Higher penetration rates with less operator fatigue and longer tool life.

Curved and angled surfaces — The split point resists walking better than a conventional point on non-flat surfaces.

Why Split Points Cost More

Grinding a split point requires an additional manufacturing step on a dedicated machine. This adds cost, but the performance gain in hard materials and production environments more than justifies the premium.

Quick Selection Guide

Soft metals, wood, plastic, hand drilling — 118° conventional point

Stainless steel, alloy steel, CNC work — 135° split point

General shop use across mixed materials — 135° split point is the safer all-around choice

Budget-conscious, high-volume soft material drilling — 118° conventional point