Side-by-Side Comparison
Tool Drives & Bit Shanks
Drill Bit Shank Types & Sizing vs. Welding Wire & Electrode Sizes
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Drill Bit Shank Types & Sizing
Welding Wire & Electrode Sizes
Drill bit shanks are standardized under ISO 296, DIN 338, and proprietary power tool systems into Straight Round Shanks, 1/4" Quick-Change Hex Shanks (ISO 1173), SDS-Plus (10 mm / 2-groove), SDS-Max (18 mm / 3-groove), and Morse Taper (MT1–MT5) industrial spindle shanks.
Welding filler metals are standardized under American Welding Society (AWS) and ISO specifications into MIG solid wires (.023", .030", .035", .045" / 0.6–1.2 mm), Stick SMAW electrodes (AWS E6010, E6013, E7018 from 3/32" to 5/32"), and TIG tungsten color-coded alloy classifications.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ISO 1173 / ISO 296 / DIN 338 / Bosch SDS Standard | AWS (American Welding Society) / ISO 14341 (GMAW) / ISO 2560 (SMAW) / ISO 6848 (TIG) |
|
Straight Round Shank
|
Universal smooth cylindrical shank held in 3-jaw keyed or keyless chucks (0.5 mm to 13.0 mm / 1/2") | — |
|
1/4-Inch Hex Shank (Form E 6.3)
|
6.35 mm (1/4") with power ball detent groove (ISO 1173 Form E 6.3) | Prevents bit spin-out in impact drivers | — |
|
SDS-Plus Shank (10 mm)
|
10 mm diameter shank with 2 open drive splines + 2 closed ball-locking grooves | Rotary hammers up to 4 kg | — |
|
SDS-Max Shank (18 mm)
|
18 mm diameter heavy-duty shank with 3 open splines | Heavy demolition hammers and core drilling (5+ kg) | — |
|
Morse Taper 2 (MT2)
|
Taper 1:20.020 | Large diameter: 17.780 mm (0.700") | Drill presses, metal lathes, magnetic base drills | — |
|
Morse Taper 3 (MT3)
|
Taper 1:19.922 | Large diameter: 23.825 mm (0.938") | Industrial radial arm drills | — |
|
MIG Wire .023" (0.6 mm)
|
— | Current: 30–90 Amps | Sheet metal (24 to 18 gauge), auto body restoration, thin exhaust tubing |
|
MIG Wire .030" (0.8 mm)
|
— | Current: 40–145 Amps | Universal hobbyist & light fabrication standard (18 gauge to 3/16" plate) |
|
MIG Wire .035" (0.9 mm)
|
— | Current: 50–180 Amps | Industrial structural fabrication, general repair (16 gauge to 3/8" plate) |
|
MIG Wire .045" (1.2 mm)
|
— | Current: 120–280 Amps | Heavy structural steel, trailer frames, shipbuilding (1/4"+ plate) |
|
Stick E6010 / E6011 (Fast Freeze)
|
— | 60,000 psi tensile | Cellulose coating | Deep penetration through rust, mill scale, and dirt |
|
Stick E7018 (Low Hydrogen)
|
— | 70,000 psi tensile | Iron powder low-hydrogen coating | Code-quality structural building bridges/skyscrapers |
|
TIG Tungsten Red (EWTh-2)
|
— | 2% Thoriated | DC electrode negative (Steel, Stainless) | Radioactivity concerns in EU |
|
TIG Tungsten Gold (EWG)
|
— | 1.5% Lanthanated | Universal DC/AC (Steel, Stainless, Aluminum) | Modern non-radioactive replacement |