7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE

Features

  • 5X life compared to black oxide drill bits
  • 1/4 inch hex shank for use in drills or impact drivers
  • 135° split point tip for precision starting
  • Titanium coating for extended durability
  • Available in 29 fractional sizes

Specifications

Diameter 7/16 inch
Length 4.92 inch
Variable Helix Yes
Chip Breaker Yes
Quad Edge Tip Yes
Shank 1/4 inch Hex

These titanium drill bits feature a QUAD EDGE tip that helps maintain sharpness and a VARIABLE HELIX design for improved chip removal. They are suitable for use on wood, plastics, and metals.

Model Number: 48-89-4625

Milwaukee 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE Review

3.9 out of 5

If you're like me and often find yourself drilling through a variety of materials—from wood to metal—you know the importance of having a reliable set of drill bits. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE from Milwaukee, and after several projects, I'm here to share my thoughts.

Build Quality and Design

Milwaukee has a reputation for producing high-quality tools, and the 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE drill bit is no exception. The bit features a QUAD EDGE tip designed to maintain sharpness and a VARIABLE HELIX design to improve chip removal. The titanium coating promises extended durability, and the 1/4 inch hex shank makes it compatible with both drills and impact drivers. The bit is 4.92 inches in length, which offers a decent reach but could be a bit limiting for deeper drilling tasks.

Performance and Usability

I tested the bit on a range of materials, including wood, aluminum, and mild steel. In wood, the bit performed exceptionally well. It cut through smoothly and maintained its sharpness throughout. The 135° split point tip made starting the hole easy and precise, eliminating the need for a center punch.

When it came to metal, the performance was a mixed bag. On softer metals like aluminum, the bit performed adequately. It drilled clean holes with minimal effort. However, when I attempted to drill through harder metals, such as 1/4 inch steel, the bit struggled. Despite using cutting oil and a low-speed cordless drill, the bit dulled faster than expected. I had to apply significant pressure to make any progress, which is not ideal and can be quite frustrating.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is a crucial factor for any drill bit, and this is where the 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE falls short. While the titanium coating is supposed to extend the bit's life, I found that it didn't hold up as well as I had hoped during extended use. In softer materials, the bit's sharpness remained intact, but in harder metals, it dulled quickly. This lack of edge retention means frequent resharpening or even replacing the bit sooner than anticipated.

Ease of Use and Versatility

One aspect I appreciated was the bit's versatility. The 1/4 inch hex shank allowed me to use it with both my drill driver and impact driver. This compatibility is a significant advantage for anyone who frequently switches between different tools. The quick-change feature of the hex shank also made bit swaps fast and easy, which is always a plus in any project.

Storage and Organization

The bit comes with a storage case that keeps everything organized. However, the case design isn't perfect. Extracting the bits can be challenging, as the only leverage you have is the bits themselves. This can be particularly frustrating when you're in the middle of a project and need to change bits quickly.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE drill bit has its strengths and weaknesses. It excels in wood and softer metals but falls short in durability and performance when it comes to harder materials. The variable helix design and quad edge tip are excellent features that make drilling easier and more precise. However, the bit's inability to maintain its sharpness in tougher conditions is a significant drawback.

Would I recommend this drill bit? It depends on your needs. If you're primarily working with wood and softer metals, the 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE will serve you well. Its ease of use, versatility, and quick-change hex shank make it a convenient addition to any toolkit. However, if you frequently drill through harder metals, you may want to consider other options that offer better durability and edge retention.

In summary, the 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE is a solid choice for light to moderate tasks but may not be the best option for heavy-duty applications. With that in mind, it's a tool worth having, but it's always good to keep a backup plan for those more demanding projects.


Project Ideas

Business

Custom Signage Business

Start a business creating custom wood and metal signs for homes and businesses. The 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE drill bit will ensure precision and durability, allowing you to produce high-quality products.


Furniture Repair and Customization Service

Offer a service for repairing and customizing furniture. The drill bit's ability to handle wood and metal will allow you to offer a wide range of enhancements and repairs, from adding new hardware to creating custom designs.


Art and Craft Workshops

Host workshops teaching people how to create their own decorative items like wall art, planter boxes, and jewelry. The versatility of the drill bit will make it an essential tool for various projects, attracting a diverse group of attendees.


Online DIY Craft Kits

Sell DIY craft kits that include all necessary materials and instructions for creating specific projects. The drill bit can be marketed as part of the kit or as an essential add-on, providing customers with a convenient, all-in-one solution.


Industrial Prototyping Service

Offer a prototyping service for small-scale manufacturing projects. The drill bit's durability and precision make it ideal for creating prototypes in wood, metal, and plastic, catering to entrepreneurs and inventors looking to bring their ideas to life.

Creative

Custom Wood Signage

Use the 7/16 inch Titanium SHOCKWAVE drill bit to create custom wood signs for home decor. The precision tip ensures clean and accurate holes for hanging hardware, and the variable helix design will help you efficiently drill through wood.


Metal Wall Art

Create intricate metal wall art by drilling precise holes in metal sheets. The titanium coating and quad edge tip will make it easier to drill through tough materials without losing sharpness.


DIY Furniture Enhancements

Enhance DIY furniture projects by adding decorative holes or functional features like dowel joints. The drill bit's design ensures clean holes in both wood and metal, making it versatile for various furniture styles.


Plastic Planter Boxes

Design and build custom plastic planter boxes. The drill bit's chip breaker feature aids in smooth drilling through plastic, allowing for drainage holes and other design elements.


Jewelry Making

Use the drill bit to create holes in various materials like wood, metal, and plastic to make custom jewelry pieces. The precision and durability of the bit will help you achieve professional-quality results.