About this product
Key Features
Overview
Diablo DMD316JP1 3/16 in. Metal Demon Drill Bit is a high speed steel twist drill bit made for drilling clean, accurate holes in metal. This is a twist drill bit designed for metal drilling in mild steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and sheet metal. Model Number: DMD316JP1. If you need one 3/16 inch drill bit that can stay in rotation across different metal jobs instead of switching between cobalt, titanium, and black oxide bits, this is the whole point of this bit.
What makes this one matter is that Diablo built it as an all-in-one metal drilling solution, not just a basic general-purpose bit. The 130 degree split point tip is there for a reason: it helps the bit start on target faster and cuts down on walking, which is a big deal when you're drilling steel plate, duct, angle, or stainless and do not want the bit skating across the surface. Diablo also says that tip design makes pre-drilling obsolete in many applications, which can save a step when you are doing repetitive fastening or fabrication work.
Heat is what usually ends a drill bit's day early, especially in stainless steel and other tougher materials. Diablo addresses that with its Thermal Shield Protective Coating and an optimized flute design that clears chips and metal shavings faster. In plain terms, better chip removal helps keep the cutting edge cooler, and a cooler bit generally lasts longer, drills more consistently, and is less likely to burn up halfway through the work. Diablo rates this Metal Demon drill bit for up to 30 times longer life than standard drill bits, with faster drilling from its CNC-ground geometry.
The build details are practical, not gimmicky. This bit uses high speed steel construction with a 3-flat shank, so it grips better in the chuck under load than a plain round shank. That matters when you're leaning into a hole in metal and want the drill to transfer torque into the cut instead of letting the bit spin in the chuck. The precision grinding process also helps the bit keep a consistent cutting angle, which is one of those details you notice in real use through smoother starts and more predictable drilling.
At 3/16 inch diameter with a 3.4 inch overall bit length and 2 inch drilling depth, this size is a common everyday pick for metal fastening, pilot holes, equipment mounting, and general shop work. It is sold as an individual bit, which makes sense if you need to replace a heavily used size instead of buying a whole index. The bit is primarily built for metal applications, but it can also be used in wood and plastic when the job calls for it.
For trades and users, this fits the guy who spends time drilling steel more than the guy who only occasionally hangs a picture. Fabricators, HVAC installers, electricians, general contractors, maintenance crews, and serious DIY users will get the most out of it. If your work moves between sheet metal, structural steel, cast iron, and stainless, the Diablo DMD316JP1 3/16 in. Metal Demon Drill Bit is the kind of small accessory that can make the whole drilling setup feel more reliable.
Built for Metal Drilling That Stays Consistent
This bit is made for the kind of drilling that usually chews up ordinary bits fast. When you're working in steel, stainless, or cast iron, staying sharp and clearing chips matters just as much as raw cutting speed.
- Rated for mild steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and sheet metal
- Optimized flute design helps remove debris faster and keep the tip cooler
- Diablo rates it for up to 30 times longer life than standard drill bits
More Control at the Start of the Hole
A good metal bit should start where you put it. The split point geometry on this one is meant to reduce walking and get cutting quicker, which helps when accuracy matters and you do not want to waste time center-punching every hole.
- 130 degree split point tip for faster, more accurate starts
- Designed to make pre-drilling unnecessary in many applications
- Precision CNC grinding helps maintain consistent cutting angles
Holds Better Under Load
Small bits can still slip in the chuck when the material gets tough. Diablo uses a 3-flat shank here to improve bit stability and help the drill transfer torque into the cut instead of polishing the shank.
- 3-flat shank helps prevent slippage during drilling
- 3/16 in. shank diameter matches the bit diameter
- Useful for handheld drills and drill press work where steady grip matters
What's in the Box
- (1) Diablo DMD316JP1 3/16 in. Metal Demon Drill Bit
Key Specifications
Built For
Pro Tip
When you're drilling stainless with this 3/16 inch bit, keep steady pressure and let the cutting edge work instead of pushing harder as the hole deepens. Too much heat is what shortens bit life, so chip clearing and a controlled feed matter more than brute force.
Tool Nut's Take
Why the Diablo DMD316JP1 3/16 in. Metal Demon Drill Bit earns drawer space
This is the kind of single-size metal drill bit that makes sense for pros because it is built to stay useful across more materials, not just look good in the package.
- Who it's for: Anyone drilling steel on a regular basis, especially HVAC installers, electricians, fabricators, maintenance techs, and contractors who burn through common bit sizes.
- Why it stands out: The split point tip, heat-focused coating, chip-clearing flute design, and 3-flat shank all work toward the same goal: faster starts, less slipping, and longer life in metal.
- Worth knowing: This is an individual 3/16 inch bit, not a set. If that is one of your most-used sizes, buying a better single replacement like this usually makes more sense than settling for the throw-in bits that come with cheap kits.
Common Questions
- What materials is this bit designed to drill? It is designed for mild steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and sheet metal. It can also be used on wood and plastic.
- What type of drill bit is it? This is a high speed steel twist drill bit with a 130 degree split point tip.
- Does it use a standard round shank? No. It uses a 3-flat shank design to help reduce slippage and improve torque transfer in the chuck.
- What size hole does it drill? This bit drills a 3/16 inch diameter hole.
Description supplied by Tool Nut through its current Shopify listing. Product, performance, and health claims are the seller’s and have not been independently verified by StorkScout.






