
BIG DAISHOWA introduces Sphinx Drinox pilot step drill to extend tool life!
BIG DAISHOWA has introduced the Sphinx Drinox pilot step drill at 3 × D, a high-performance holemaking solution designed to enhance durability, increase coolant efficiency and accelerate drilling performance in demanding materials. The company states that the new tool delivers up to three times longer tool life, three times higher through-coolant output and three times faster drilling compared to conventional pilot drills.
The Sphinx Drinox is available in diameters ranging from 0.70 mm to 3.00 mm, with intermediate sizes offered in 0.05 mm increments. This fine diameter gradation allows manufacturers to achieve precise hole dimensions while maintaining flexibility across a wide range of small-diameter drilling applications.
One of the defining features of the tool is its integrated coolant-through design. The pilot drill incorporates a power chamber within the shank that maximizes coolant output and ensures a steady flow, even when operating with lower-performance coolant pumps. By delivering coolant directly to the cutting edge, the system enhances heat dissipation, improves chip evacuation and reduces thermal stress on the tool. These benefits contribute directly to extended tool life and more consistent drilling results.
The Sphinx Drinox is also coated with an ultra-thin TiSiN (titanium silicon nitride) coating. This advanced coating maintains high tool sharpness while promoting efficient chip removal. Its low-friction characteristics help prevent material adhesion to the cutting edge, which is particularly important when machining stainless steels, titanium and heat-resistant nickel or cobalt alloys. The improved wear resistance provided by the coating supports longer tool intervals and reduces downtime for tool changes.
From a geometric perspective, the drill features a 90-degree cutting step and a tool head design derived from high-performance drilling platforms. The geometry is optimized for stability and accuracy when working with tough, heat-resistant materials commonly found in aerospace, medical and high-performance industrial applications. This design ensures reliable centering, improved hole quality and reduced risk of tool breakage in small-diameter drilling tasks.
By combining enhanced coolant delivery, advanced coating technology and optimized cutting geometry, the Sphinx Drinox pilot step drill is engineered to deliver higher productivity and consistent performance. The claimed improvements in tool life, coolant efficiency and drilling speed position the tool as a solution for manufacturers seeking to improve cycle times while maintaining tight tolerances and surface finish requirements in challenging materials.
With the introduction of the Sphinx Drinox, BIG DAISHOWA continues to expand its portfolio of precision holemaking tools aimed at maximizing efficiency and reliability in modern machining environments.










