About this product
Key Features
Overview
The Diablo DMD38JP1 3/8 in. Metal Demon Drill Bit is a high speed steel twist drill bit built for drilling clean, accurate holes in metal. This is a twist drill bit designed for metal drilling. Model Number: DMD38JP1. If you work across mild steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and sheet metal, this bit is made to cut down on bit changes and keep production moving.
What makes this bit matter is that it is positioned as an all-in-one metal drilling solution instead of a niche bit for one material only. Diablo states it is ideal for metal, cast iron, stainless steel, and sheet metal, and it can also be used in wood and plastic. For contractors, fabricators, maintenance crews, and serious DIY users, that means one 3/8 in. drill bit can cover a lot of common shop and jobsite work without loading up a case with separate titanium, cobalt, and black oxide options.
The 130 degree split point tip is the feature a lot of buyers will care about first. A split point helps the bit start where you put it instead of skating across the surface, which matters even more on steel and stainless. Diablo also says this design makes pre-drilling unnecessary in many applications and helps maintain tip sharpness for faster starts and more accurate hole placement.
Durability is a big part of the story here. Diablo calls out up to 30X longer life than standard drill bits, backed by a Thermal Shield Protective Coating that protects the tip against heat buildup. Heat is what kills metal bits fast, especially when you are leaning into harder materials, so a coating that helps the tip run cooler is not just a marketing line. It directly affects edge life, consistency, and how many holes you can get before the bit falls off.
The flute design also does real work. Diablo says the optimized flutes clear chips and metal shavings faster, which helps keep the tip cooler and reduces wear. In practical use, better chip evacuation means less rubbing, less heat, and a cleaner drilling cycle, especially in plate, structural pieces, and sheet stock where chip packing can slow everything down.
At the shank, the 3-flat design is there for a reason. Round shanks can slip when the bit starts to bite, especially in tougher metal drilling. The 3-flat shank gives the chuck more surface to hold onto, which improves stability and helps transfer torque better. That matters if you are drilling with a hand drill, cordless drill, or drill press and want the bit to stay planted instead of spinning in the chuck.
In terms of size, this is a 3/8 in. diameter bit with a 5.2 in. overall length and 3.4 in. drilling depth. That makes it a practical size for common hardware holes, fabrication work, bracket installs, and general metal fastening prep. It is sold as an individual bit, so it makes sense for replacing a commonly used size in your kit or adding a premium metal-cutting option where you use it most.
Who should buy it? This bit is a strong fit for metalworking, mechanical trades, maintenance departments, contractors drilling through steel components, and anyone who regularly works in stainless or cast iron and is tired of burning through cheaper bits. If you want a single premium 3/8 in. metal drill bit that prioritizes accurate starts, cooler cutting, and better chuck grip, this one is aimed right at that job.
Starts Clean on Steel
When you are drilling metal, the first few seconds decide whether the hole goes where you need it. The split point tip is built to bite quickly and stay on target, which helps reduce walking on hard surfaces.
- 130 degree split point tip for faster, more accurate starts
- Designed for mild steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and sheet metal
Built to Run Cooler
Heat is the enemy in metal drilling. Diablo's coating and flute design work together to protect the cutting edge, clear chips faster, and help the bit stay productive through repeated holes.
- Thermal Shield Protective Coating helps protect the tip from heat buildup
- Optimized flute design clears metal debris faster for better durability
Holds Better in the Chuck
A premium tip is only useful if the bit stays locked in place. The 3-flat shank gives the chuck more to grab, which helps cut down on slippage when the bit starts digging into tougher material.
- 3-flat shank improves stability and torque transfer
- 3/8 in. shank diameter matches the bit diameter
What's in the Box
- (1) Diablo DMD38JP1 3/8 in. Metal Demon Drill Bit
Key Specifications
Compatibility
Built For
Pro Tip
When drilling stainless, let the Diablo Metal Demon bit cut instead of forcing it. Steady pressure and chip clearing will help the Thermal Shield coating and flute design do their job, which usually means better edge life and cleaner holes.
Warranty & Support
Tool Nut's Take
Diablo DMD38JP1 3/8 in. Metal Demon Drill Bit is a smart upgrade for metal drilling
If you burn up standard bits on steel and stainless, this is the kind of single-size replacement that actually earns a spot in the drawer.
- Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users drilling steel, stainless, cast iron, and sheet metal on a regular basis.
- Why it stands out: The split point starts clean, the coating is there to fight heat, and the 3-flat shank addresses one of the most annoying problems in metal drilling, chuck slip.
- Worth knowing: This is an individual 3/8 in. bit, not a set. If this is one of your go-to hole sizes, buying a better bit here makes a lot more sense than replacing cheap ones over and over.
Common Questions
- What materials is this drill bit designed for? It is designed for mild steel, hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and sheet metal, and it can also be used on wood and plastic.
- What type of tip does it use? It uses a 130 degree split point tip for faster starts and improved hole accuracy.
- What is the shank style? This bit uses a 3-flat shank with a 3/8 in. shank diameter to improve grip in the chuck.
- How long is the bit? The overall length is 5.2 in., with a listed drilling depth of 3.4 in.
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.
