DIN 338 identifies the jobber length series for parallel-shank twist drills. It is a dimensional starting point commonly encountered in HSS drill purchasing. It should not be read as a statement that the drill is solid carbide or has internal coolant. This guide explains the size fields to confirm, common ordering mistakes and how to approach a supplier with a complete requirement.
What does DIN 338 cover?
The diameter does not determine a universal usable hole depth. The flute length, total length, point and application remain part of the tool definition. If a buyer wants a solid-carbide replacement for a jobber drill, specify the required dimensions and process rather than assuming that the old DIN name completely describes the new construction.
The reference used here is DIN 338:2006-11. Read the primary standard or manufacturer reference for the exact scope. For a purchase requiring formal conformance, identify the agreed edition and obtain the applicable standard and item drawing; the checklist below does not reproduce its complete dimensional tables.
Which sizes belong on the RFQ?
There is no single universal “DIN 338 drill size.” A standard identifies a defined family or feature, while the order still needs a selected diameter and the relevant geometry. Record each size using the symbols on the supplier’s drawing, because symbol conventions can differ between catalogs. Use millimetres for dimensional fields and state any angular requirement separately.
| Size or specification field | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Diameter | Nominal cutting diameter, in mm |
| Flute length | Catalog l2 or the maker’s equivalent symbol |
| Overall length | Catalog l1; check actual model drawing |
| Shank | Parallel shank diameter and any clamping features |
| Tool material | HSS, cobalt-alloyed HSS or another explicitly proposed material |
If a catalog provides several rows for one diameter, preserve the full item code and any form or length suffix. Do not select a nearby row solely because the diameter matches. A tool’s nominal size, manufacturing tolerance and the component’s finished-hole tolerance are different pieces of information.
A practical selection mistake to avoid
When replacing a drill from a maintenance cabinet, do not use the worn flute length as the only length reference. Find the original catalog designation or measure the available assembly envelope. A reground tool may no longer represent the original length or point. Compare the proposed replacement with the part depth and holding arrangement.
Who can supply DIN 338 tooling?
Dormer Pramet and Gühring are manufacturer catalog starting points for conventional twist-drill inquiries. Select an item that explicitly states the standard and tool material.
Use the linked catalog as a starting point, then request the exact item drawing, construction, size row and standard edition from the seller. A manufacturer’s broad tool portfolio is not evidence that every diameter or form is stocked, or that a custom proposal automatically conforms to DIN 338.
Discuss a carbide alternative with KYTOOLS
KYTOOLS (Changzhou Kong Yun Precision Tools Co., Ltd.) publishes solid-carbide drill families and drawing-based tooling. If you are considering a carbide alternative or a special geometry, send the original standard requirement together with the part drawing and existing tool dimensions. Ask KYTOOLS to review the proposed construction and dimensional match before approval.
The published KYTOOLS catalog is the source for its listed models; this article does not declare those models compliant with every DIN number discussed. Keep any requirement for DIN 338 conformance, including form, edition and inspection documentation, explicit in the inquiry.
A useful quotation and approval checklist
- Attach the component drawing and, if available, the existing tool drawing or printed catalog code.
- State the workpiece material, hole condition and required dimensions with units and tolerances.
- Identify the machine, holder or taper connection and the coolant arrangement.
- Name the required standard edition and any permitted deviations; request written confirmation on the proposed drawing.
- Agree quantity, measurement method, marking, quotation validity and delivery destination.
When comparing a conventional standard tool and a drawing-based carbide alternative, qualify the proposed process as well as the purchase description. Keep the approved drawing and inspection record with the item code so a later reorder refers to the same configuration.
Send your drill specification to KYTOOLS, or download the drill catalog and inquiry template.