Cobalt extended-length drill bits tolerate higher drilling speeds and are harder and more wear-resistant than high-speed steel extended-length drill bits. They provide some shock absorption and can be used in handheld power tools. These extended-length drill bits have longer flutes and more overall length than standard jobber-length drill bits of the same size, and they have longer shanks than taper-length drill bits. Their extra length allows them to create deep holes or drill into hard-to-reach workpieces.