Pour toute demande : sales@madido.com et (514) 737-2400

Find the right drill steel and bit

Pick your drill, thread and rock type. We’ll tell you what to ask for.

Buying regularly?

Open an account with Madido to order drill steel, bits and tools for your operation.

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How to choose drill steel and rock bits

The right steel and bit come down to matching a few things. Confirm them before you order and you avoid returns and lost drilling time.

  1. Your drill and its chuck. The steel shank must fit your drill’s chuck, for example 7/8 x 4-1/4 in or 1 x 4-1/4 in hex with collar.
  2. How the bit attaches. Steel and bit must be the same type: tapered (11° or 12°), threaded (such as H, R25 or R32), or integral, with the bit built into the steel.
  3. The bit style for your rock. Cross bits suit softer rock and broken ground. Button bits suit solid, medium to hard rock.
  4. The hole size. Match the bit diameter to the hole you need. Longer steels in a change set normally take a slightly smaller bit.
  5. The steel length. Choose a steel a little longer than the hole is deep, because the drill chuck takes up part of the length.

Which bit for which rock

GroundTypical choice
Soft, solid rockCross bit
Medium, solid rockButton bit
Hard, solid rockButton bit. Ask about spherical buttons.
Hard and abrasive rockButton bit. Ask about spherical buttons.
Broken or fractured groundCross bit, which helps keep the hole straight

A starting point only. Ask us which button profile suits your rock.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing 11° and 12° tapers. The bit will not seat on the wrong angle. In Canada, 12° is more common.
  • Mixing thread families or sizes. An H-thread bit does not fit an R25 or R32 steel.
  • Using the wrong bit in broken ground. Bits can wander off line, so a cross bit is usually the safer choice.
  • Ordering steel that is too short. The chuck uses up some of the length, so the hole ends up shallower than the steel.

Who we help

  • Mines and quarries. Drill steel and bits for handheld rock drills.
  • Construction and civil contractors. Bits and steel for sinker and pusherleg drills.
  • Dealers and distributors. Open an account to order for resale.

About Madido

Madido was founded in 1975 and operates from Mont-Royal, Quebec. Our team can help you confirm the right steel and bit before you order, so you get the correct parts the first time.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell if my steel is 11° or 12° taper?

Check the markings on the bit and steel, or the part number of what you are using now. In Canada, 12° is more common. If you aren’t sure, send us a photo of the steel end and we’ll confirm it.

Can I use any bit on any steel?

No. The bit and steel must match: the same taper angle, or the same thread family and size.

Should I choose a cross bit or a button bit?

Cross bits suit softer rock and broken ground. Button bits suit solid, medium to hard rock and tend to last longer in hard rock.

What bit diameter should I order?

Use the hole size you need for your first, shortest steel. Longer steels in a set normally take a slightly smaller bit.

What if my attachment isn’t listed?

Send us the make and model of your drill, or a photo of the steel end, and we’ll tell you what fits.