Ideal has introduced a line of double-fluted, step drill bits featuring a 1/4-in. hex shank compatible with virtually every drill on the jobsite, including 3-jaw chuck, impact drivers, and quick-change drill chucks. Using only a single bit, contractors can cut multiple-sized holes through brass, plastic, carbon steel, cast iron, stainless steel and hard/soft woods, says Ideal. Key to the bit’s success, says the company, is “an aggressive split point tip that is twice as fast at initial penetration as conventional step drills”. By reducing penetration time, the bit prevents skidding across the surface while eliminating the trouble of making a pilot hole or punch. Each 1/16-in. multi-diameter step is radius-blended to smoothly transition from one to the next. Hole-size diameters are laser-etched in the flute area for positive identification. To further enhance cutting performance, the bits incorporate the durable, double-tempered high-speed steel.