Self-centering

adjectiveStandard termMachine Shop

The ability of a cutting tool to naturally align itself with the true center of a hole.

Describing a drill bit or cutting tool designed with geometry that forces it to follow the exact center of a hole rather than wandering off course. Tools with split points or specific web geometries push equal cutting forces outward, keeping the tool balanced and on target without needing a pilot hole or center punch.

Heard on the job

Those self-centering screw machine drills save a ton of time because you don't have to spot drill first.