Long Drill Bits
Extension drills from 6" to 72", bellhanger and flex bits, ship augers and SDS-Max extensions up to 82-1/2" for deep or hard-to-reach holes. Choose by length, shank and material.
Choosing a long drill bit
Long drill bits get a hole through something deep or hard to reach: a stud bay, a header, a beam, a wall cavity. This page gathers every long bit we carry. Extra long drill bits run from 18" to 72" in HSS, and aircraft extension drills come in 6" and 12" in HSS and cobalt. For wire and pipe runs there are bellhanger bits and flex bits, and for timber there is the ship auger bit.
Choosing and using them
Pick the shortest bit that clears the work. A 24 inch drill bit or 36 inch drill bit flexes more than a 12" one, so start the hole with a shorter bit, run at moderate speed, and back out often to clear chips. Let the bit feed itself; leaning on it makes it wander.
For concrete, an SDS-Max extension adds reach to the SDS-Max bits you already own. An extension drill bit in HSS or cobalt does the same job in steel, wood and plastic. Check the shank on each product page against your chuck before you order.
Trade accounts can reorder in a click from My Toolbox, or call (833) 438-6657.
Common questions
What length drill bit do I need?
Measure the depth of the hole and add a few inches for the chuck. Extension drills come in 6" to 72", flex bits 12" to 72", ship augers 8" to 48", SDS-Max extensions 12-1/2" to 82-1/2". Take the shortest that clears the work.
Hex or round shank?
It depends on the family. ITM ship augers have a 7/16" hex impact shank that fits a 1/2" drill or an impact driver. ITM bellhangers list their shank size in the title, 3/16" to 1/2". SDS-Max extensions have an SDS-Max end for rotary hammers.
Can I run a bellhanger in a hammer drill?
The bellhanger and flex bit listings are not rated for hammer drills, so use a standard drill or switch the hammer off. For hammer work, an SDS-Max extension takes any SDS-Max drill bit, core bit or chisel.
Buying for a crew?
Call 833-438-6657, 8 AM to 4 PM MST. We know the parts, not just the part numbers.