High-speed steel tools are good for most general purpose applications, offering a combination of hardness and toughness for wear resistance. Gold oxide is a thinner oxide surface treatment than black oxide typically used to identify cobalt steel tools; performance is similar to uncoated tools. Round shanks allow use with a wide variety of tool holding systems. When run in a counterclockwise direction (right-hand cut) spiral fluted tools evacuate chips up and out of the cut to reduce clogging. 29 Drill Pal mechanics length drill bits ranging in size from 1/16″ to 1/2″ in 1/64″ increments.