High Speed Steel Annular Cutters with Pilot Pin

High Speed Steel Annular Cutters with Pilot Pin AC716S — Clean, Accurate Hole Cutting in Metal and Plastic

The Pearl Abrasive AC716S is a 7/16" High Speed Steel (HSS) annular cutter designed for professional-grade hole cutting in ferrous metals, iron, steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and plastics. Built with a 3/4" Weldon shank for secure, positive mounting, this cutter is compatible with most magnetic drill systems used in structural steel, fabrication, and mechanical trades. The included pilot pin ensures accurate center hole guidance and assists with metal plug ejection after each cut, reducing downtime on the job site.

Technical Specifications

Unlike standard twist drill bits, annular cutters remove only a thin core of material rather than reducing the entire hole to chips, resulting in faster cutting speeds, reduced heat buildup, and cleaner hole edges. The HSS construction provides the hardness and wear resistance needed for repeated use in demanding metalworking environments, and the Weldon shank design eliminates slippage under load — a critical advantage over round-shank alternatives when running a magnetic drill at full torque.

Key Features & Benefits

High Speed Steel Construction

HSS provides the hardness and toughness required to cut through ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as plastics without premature edge failure. This material choice supports repeated use across production runs and field applications where tool longevity directly impacts job cost.

3/4" Weldon Shank

The Weldon shank design locks positively into compatible mag drill chucks, preventing rotational slippage under cutting load. This secure connection is essential when drilling into structural steel or thick plate where torque demands are highest.

Included Pilot Pin

The pilot pin centers the cutter precisely on the workpiece before cutting begins, eliminating the need for a separate center punch or starter hole in most applications. After the cut, the pilot pin also ejects the metal slug, keeping the workflow moving without manual plug removal.

Annular Cutting Action

By cutting only the annular ring of material rather than the full hole diameter, these cutters require significantly less force and generate less heat than conventional twist drills of equivalent diameter. The result is cleaner hole edges and longer tool life, particularly when cutting stainless steel or other work-hardening alloys.

Coolant/Lubricant Compatible

The cutter is designed for use with cutting coolant or lubricant, which reduces heat at the cutting edge and extends tool life during sustained or high-volume drilling operations. Using a lubricant is recommended by the manufacturer for best results.

Compatible with Most Mag Drill Systems

The standard 3/4" Weldon shank fits the arbors used by most magnetic drill press brands, making this cutter a versatile addition to an existing tool inventory without requiring proprietary adapters.

Common Applications

Structural Steel Fabrication

Cutting clean, accurately sized holes in steel beams, columns, and plates for bolted connections, conduit pass-throughs, and mechanical attachments.

Iron and Steel Pipe Work

Drilling precise holes in iron and steel pipe for branch connections, fittings, and instrumentation taps where hole quality and dimensional accuracy are critical.

Stainless Steel Applications

Producing clean holes in stainless steel sheet and plate for food service, pharmaceutical, or architectural metalwork where surface finish and edge quality matter.

Non-Ferrous Metal Fabrication

Cutting holes in aluminum, copper, brass, and other non-ferrous metals used in HVAC, electrical, and general fabrication work.

Plastic and Composite Materials

Drilling clean, burr-free holes in plastic panels, enclosures, and composite sheet goods where a standard twist drill may cause cracking or delamination.

Compatible Materials

• Ferrous Metals
• Iron
• Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Non-Ferrous Metals
• Plastic

Product Documents

• 2026 Pearl Abrasive Product Catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a pilot pin included with the AC716S?
A: Yes, a pilot pin is included. It provides accurate center hole guidance during cutting and assists with metal plug ejection after the cut is complete.

Q: What shank size does this annular cutter use?
A: The AC716S uses a 3/4" Weldon shank, which is compatible with most magnetic drill systems.

Q: Is coolant or lubricant required?
A: Coolant or lubricant is recommended by the manufacturer to manage heat at the cutting edge and extend tool life, particularly when cutting steel or stainless steel.

Q: What cutting depth does this model offer?
A: The AC716S has a 1" cutting depth. A 2" cutting depth version is also available in the product line.

Q: What materials can this cutter be used on?
A: The AC716S is rated for ferrous metals, iron, steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and plastic.