Greenlee Step Bits - New and Improved

Step bits are a unique style of drill bit, so named because as the bit gets wider it does so with a “step” at each increase in width. Step bits are a pretty handy way to drill many different sized holes with only one bit which saves time in changing the bits frequently on a job. Furthermore, the incremental steps help you keep track of how wide your hole will be as you push it deeper into the drilling surface. Despite their innovative nature step bits are pretty static in that there’s not much to be done to make them better. However, Greenlee Tools seems to have found a way to add a few features that are pretty noteworthy.

Probably the most important aspect of Greenlee’s new step bits is that they’re going to drill accurately where you want them to. The new step bits feature a split point tip which helps prevent the bit from wandering and gets you drilled through more quickly and accurately. The split continues down the step bit giving you a gap on each side and speeds up the drilling as it gives you two cutting surfaces instead of just one as is found in many step bits. Having this split on each side also improves balance helping you keep the bit stable as you drill. As you work, Greenlee’s design also evacuates the debris with higher chip load than other designs and helps produce a cleaner hole with no burrs. The improved design also allows more holes to be drilled on a given charge and it drills them more quickly than other brands.

Greenlee has also created a split step design on certain step bits, like the GSB09-B or the GSB11 to name a couple examples, and what that means is as you start moving from one size to another there’s a flat space until you move up to the next size. When you complete the largest size hole for a given diameter, the bit stays at that size for a little way before continuing to the next size up. This gives you more control in preventing mistakes, evacuates debris and also smooths out the hole you just drilled. It’s a great new design feature that really adds to the technology of step bits.

In addition to great new features, the new Greenlee step bits are also well made. They’re made in the USA from global components, but the exact alloy and type of metal they’re made of is a closely guarded secret, although it is a high-quality steel with a special coating. That said, depending on the bit, they should be able cut through lite steel, aluminum, brass, copper, wood, fiberglass, plastics, laminates and more – if used properly. Despite being made well, it is important to take care when using them to extend the life of the step bits. You can do this by using the right kind of lubricant when appropriate and ensuring to drill at the right RPM for the material you’re putting a hole in to keep the bit from overheating.

With Greenlee’s new step bit designs you’ll be able to get more work done on a charge more quickly and with smoother holes than ever before. Greenlee’s split point tip improves accuracy and the split step design cuts fast and smooth with a high chip load. The newly designed step bits bring a lot of great new features that improve quality and work speed. If you need to make some holes in a variety of materials, Greenlee step bits might be right for you!