

WHAT TUFFBOX PRO FOR WHAT JOB?
Timber Drilling
When working with timber, selecting the right drill bit ensures clean, accurate holes and longer tool life. For general timber drilling, the Alpha Tuffbox Pro Silver, Gold, and Black Series Drill Sets are all excellent choices.
- Silver Series: Designed for general-purpose use on timber, plastics, and non-ferrous materials. Fully ground M2 HSS delivers precision and durability.
- Gold Series: Our best-seller and most versatile option, popular with tradies for its ability to handle a wide range of materials. Built from fully ground M2 HSS and coated with titanium nitride (TiN) to reduce heat, improve lubricity, and extend cutting life. The 135° split point reduces wandering, and the bits undergo rigorous testing for reliability.
- Black Series: Engineered with a tempered black oxide finish that significantly reduces friction between the bit and the workpiece. Particularly effective for drilling through hardwoods and treated timber, though less suited for softer materials.
Mild Steel & Aluminium Drilling
Mild and structural steel demand resilient bits that can withstand heat and torque. The Silver, Gold, and Black Series all perform well, but for optimal results, we recommend the Gold or Black for any jobber drilling and the Onsite+ Tuffbox Pro range for step and pedestal drilling.
- Gold & Black Series: Specifically designed to resist the heat and stress of drilling steels, offering long life and consistent performance.
Lubrication is essential regardless of bit choice. Cutting fluids and oils extend tool life, improve surface finish, reduce welding and pitting, and keep temperatures under control. The Alpha Liquid Gold Cutting Fluid is a premium option, formulated for extreme performance in tapping, drilling, and reaming all metals, including hardened steel and titanium. Additives reduce friction, enhance surface finish, and maximise tool durability.
For superior cutting performance during stepped cutting and drilling or pedestal drilling, the Alpha team recommends the Onsite+ Step Tip Step Cutter, Step Drill, and Reduced Shank Drill.
- Onsite+ Step Tip Step Cutter: Features Alpha’s patented step tip design, eliminating the need for pre-drilling. Its 10 mm deep steps allow cutting in thicker materials, while the AICrN coating improves tool life and durability.
- Onsite+ Step Tip Step Drill: Combines the patented step tip with a unique composite Z-cut flute, featuring two cutting edges per step. This aggressive design removes material quickly, clears chips efficiently, and spreads cutting force evenly to keep heat low. The extended cutting edge reaches a depth of 3.5 mm for smoother high-speed drilling.
- Onsite+ Step Tip Reduced Shank Drill: An Australian first, designed to drill hundreds of holes in half the time. The patented step tip reduces heat build-up and jamming, while the black oxide finish improves lubricant retention and chip flow. Delivers perfectly centred, burr-free holes, with a 12.7 mm 3-flat shank for maximum grip and control.
Stainless Steel Drilling
Stainless steel requires drill bits that are tougher than the material itself. For these jobs, use the Alpha Tuffbox Pro Inox Series (formerly Stainless Plus), explicitly developed for stainless applications.
- Inox Drill Bits: Offer up to 5× the life of cobalt when used in stainless steel, making them a cost-effective and reliable option for the toughest jobs. Features include a 130° point angle for fast penetration and reduced work hardening, a fast spiral flute design for smooth chip evacuation and exceptional durability under demanding conditions.
As with all stainless drilling, cutting fluid is critical. Apply generously and reapply frequently to prevent overheating, minimise work hardening, and extend bit life.
Hard Steel Drilling
For extremely hard materials such as Hardox, Bisaloy, and high-tensile steels, standard drill bits won’t last. The Alpha Tuffbox Pro Cobalt Series is specifically engineered for these applications.
- Cobalt Drill Bits: Featuring 5% cobalt content for superior heat resistance and strength. Best used with a drill press or magnet drill for stability and efficiency.
Patience and continuous lubrication are essential for success when drilling into these tough materials.
Masonry Drilling
Concrete, masonry, and reinforced concrete (REO) require specialised drill bits to avoid costly mistakes. The Alpha Tuffbox Pro REO Head SDS Drill Set is purpose-built for these demanding applications.
- REO Head SDS Drill Bits: These drill bits feature a solid carbide head that is welded to the flute, ensuring precise centring and jam-free drilling. They cut through rebar cleanly and efficiently penetrate concrete with the same effectiveness. The reinforced shoulders provide enhanced breaking power, impact resistance, and faster drilling performance. Additionally, these bits last up to six times longer than competing four-cutter SDS bits, outperforming them by 15%.