If you're sourcing HSS twist drill bits for industrial applications, you've likely encountered DIN338, DIN340, and DIN1897. These are not just numbers — they represent standardized geometries set by DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) that dictate the length, design, and use-case of different drill bits.
Choosing the wrong type can lead to inefficiencies, poor hole quality, or even tool breakage. In this article, we break down the differences between DIN338, DIN340, and DIN1897 HSS drill bits, explain where each is used, and help you select the right one for your application — whether you're a buyer for OEMs, workshops, or global distribution.
Each of these DIN standards defines a specific length class and geometry for twist drills. All three types are available in HSS (High-Speed Steel), making them suitable for a wide range of metalworking applications.
| DIN Standard | Length Type | Common Name | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIN338 | Jobber Length | Standard twist drill | General-purpose metal drilling |
| DIN340 | Long Series | Long drill | Deep hole drilling, special access |
| DIN1897 | Stub Length | Short drill | Thin materials, CNC setups |
Length: Medium (jobber-length)
Point Angle: Usually 118°, sometimes 135° split point
Use Case: Most common in workshops and production
Material Compatibility: Mild steel, aluminum, brass, plastics
DIN338 HSS drill bits are ideal for:
Maintenance and repair operations
Manual or machine drilling
Mixed-material environments
If you're only stocking one type of drill for standard use, DIN338 is your safest bet.
Browse DIN338 HSS Drill Bits – General Purpose
Length: Long series (approximately 50% longer flute and overall length than DIN338)
Rigidity: Lower than DIN338 due to length
Use Case: Deep holes, hard-to-reach areas, tube work
DIN340 HSS drill bits are used in:
Automotive repairs (engine blocks, manifolds)
Aerospace assemblies
Pipe and profile drilling
Electric cabinet or conduit installations
Due to their length, these bits are prone to deflection — use at reduced feed rates and speeds.
Explore DIN340 HSS Long Series Drill Bits
Length: Short (stub or screw-machine length)
Stability: Very high rigidity — less walking or wobble
Use Case: Shallow holes, thin sheets, CNC drilling
Ideal for:
Sheet metal fabrication
Electronics housings
Automated production lines
High-speed CNC drilling with tight tolerances
⚙️ Shorter length = less flex = better accuracy. That’s why DIN1897 is popular in mass production environments.
Discover DIN1897 Stub Drill Bits for Precision Work
| Specification | DIN338 (Jobber) | DIN340 (Long) | DIN1897 (Stub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flute Length | Medium | Long | Short |
| Overall Length | Medium | Long | Short |
| Rigidity | Balanced | Lower | High |
| Best For | Versatile drilling | Deep holes | Sheet metal, CNC |
| Machine Compatibility | Manual/CNC | Manual/CNC | CNC/Production lines |
| Common Diameter Range | 0.5–20mm | 1–16mm | 0.5–16mm |
Here’s a quick recommendation based on common industrial needs:
Need all-around performance? Choose DIN338
Drilling deeper holes or recessed areas? Go with DIN340
Working with thin sheets or automated CNC lines? Opt for DIN1897
Tip for buyers: If you're a distributor or OEM supplier, offering all three standards helps cover more applications and boosts client retention.
A European HVAC manufacturer faced tool breakage when drilling deep copper tubing. Their solution? Switching from DIN338 to DIN340 long drills with reduced RPM and peck drilling cycles — resulting in 32% fewer tool replacements and better hole consistency.
Meanwhile, a Southeast Asian electronics OEM shifted to DIN1897 stub drills in their CNC lines, reducing cycle time by 12% due to improved rigidity and positioning accuracy.
Understanding the difference between DIN338, DIN340, and DIN1897 isn't just technical trivia — it’s critical for ensuring efficient production, reducing tool waste, and achieving precise results. By aligning drill geometry with your application, you improve both performance and ROI.
Whether you're a sourcing manager or technical buyer, we can help you match the right DIN-standard HSS drill bits to your production or distribution needs.
Contact our experts today for a free quote or technical consultation.