10mm Cobalt Drill Bit Drills Tow Plate Steel & Hardox 450 | With CUT-IT Paste

Tow Plate & HARDOX 450 Drill Bit Demo

Tow plate steel and HARDOX 450 are both designed for extreme durability — which makes them some of the toughest metals to drill. Standard HSS bits usually overheat, dull, or snap quickly in these materials. This short demo proves the strength of a 10mm TTP HARD cobalt drill bit. Coated in CUT-IT metal cutting paste, the bit drills cleanly through both tow plate steel and HARDOX 450 without overheating or tip damage. The result is smooth, continuous cutting even in steels engineered to resist wear and abrasion.

Key Highlights from the Video

• 10mm TTP HARD cobalt drill bit drilling tow plate steel and HARDOX 450

• CUT-IT paste applied to keep the bit cool and lubricated

• Clean drilling with no overheating, stalling, or tip wear

• Smooth performance in two of the toughest steel grades

• Demonstrates reliability of cobalt bits for heavy-duty applications

Tow plate steel and HARDOX 450 are two of the most challenging steels to drill. Both are engineered for maximum hardness and resistance to wear, making them popular in heavy-duty and industrial applications. That same toughness makes them punishing on standard drill bits — overheating, squealing, and premature failure are common when using HSS bits.

This video highlights the performance difference with TTP HARD cobalt drill bits. The 10mm bit featured here is made from M35 grade steel with 5% cobalt content, giving it the hot hardness required to cut through abrasion-resistant steels without losing its edge.

Lubrication plays a crucial role. CUT-IT metal cutting paste is applied before drilling, clinging to the drill bit and preventing excess heat build-up. Unlike thin oils, CUT-IT stays on the bit during vertical and overhead drilling, ensuring continuous lubrication throughout the cut.

By combining cobalt drill bits with CUT-IT paste, drilling even the hardest steels becomes manageable. This is why TTP HARD is trusted by professionals in workshops, fabrication, and repair environments when working with stainless steel, hardened bolts, HARDOX plates, and other difficult materials.

To achieve similar results, remember these proven drilling techniques:

• Use a slower drill speed to control heat.

• Apply steady, moderate pressure rather than forcing the bit.

• Always use cutting paste and reapply as needed.

• Drill in short bursts and clear swarf regularly.