HSS Pilot Drills

HSS drills are used for cutting through metals, plastics, and other materials in industrial applications. In the context of hot tapping, HSS pilot drills are used to initiate and guide the cutter during pressurized pipeline tapping operations. They are compatible with Mueller tapping machines and a wide range of other tapping equipment.

Cobalt drill bits are generally harder and more heat-resistant than standard HSS, making them better suited for tougher materials like stainless steel or thick-walled pipe. However, HSS is more cost-effective for general applications. Schallert Enterprises offers spade tips in HSS, super cobalt, and carbide so you can match the tip material to your specific tapping material and conditions.

Drilling through HSS material is challenging because of its hardness. It typically requires carbide-tipped drills or specialized tooling. For hot tapping applications where HSS tips are insufficient, Schallert Enterprises offers replaceable carbide and super cobalt spade tip options that provide greater cutting hardness for difficult or thick-walled pipeline materials.

Schallert Enterprises manufactures three primary pilot drill styles: threaded pilot drills (standard for most Mueller tapping machines), push style pilot drills with multiple length settings for flexible deployment, and twisted flute drills specifically designed for tapping through thick-walled materials. All styles are available in a wide range of diameters and lengths.

Pilot drills from Schallert Enterprises feature a standard replaceable spade tip available in three interchangeable materials: HSS (High-Speed Steel) for general tapping, carbide for harder or abrasive materials, and super cobalt for high-heat and tough-material applications. This versatility allows the same drill body to cover nearly any tapping application by simply swapping the tip.

Yes. Every pilot drill manufactured by Schallert Enterprises includes integrated catch wires specifically designed to guarantee coupon retention during tapping operations. This ensures that the cut coupon — the plug removed from the pipe wall — is securely captured and does not drop into the pipeline, which is critical for maintaining water quality and pipeline integrity.