Tool steel, HSS and TiN – what the abbreviations on your drills mean

HSS – the standard for many applications

HSS (High Speed Steel) is a high-speed steel that can withstand high temperatures.
They allow for reliable drilling of metals, wood, or plastics . HSS drill bits are robust and can be resharpened if necessary.

HSS-G – precision ground

The "G" stands for "ground." These drill bits are made of solid material and ground instead of rolled.
Result: better concentricity, clean drill holes and a longer service life – especially when machining metal.

TiN – titanium nitride coating

TiN drills can be identified by their golden surface .
The coating ensures:

  • less friction

  • less heat generation

  • longer service life

This is especially worthwhile for steel or stainless steel if you drill regularly.

Further abbreviations at a glance

  • HSS-Co: With cobalt content – for the hardest materials and high temperatures.

  • CV: Chrome-vanadium steel – suitable for wood and soft materials.

  • DIN 338 / 335: Standards that define drill geometries and dimensions.


If you know what the abbreviations mean, you can choose more specifically.
A TiN-coated HSS-G drill bit can significantly extend the service life compared to uncoated drill bits – especially with intensive use.

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