Abstract: A percussion or hammer tool bit (20) having a substantially rearward shank portion (24) of a first diameter (ds) and an elongated substantially uniformly cylindrical forward tool portion (26) having a second diameter (dt) in the range of 15-20% greater than the diameter of the rearward shank portion. The overall tool length (Lo) is 90-95% of the overall tool length of the prior art (Lopa). The combination of the increased diameter of the forward tool portion and the decreased length of the overall tool length (relative to the prior art) provides substantially the same or greater mass than the prior art tool bit when the tool bit is used percussively, but is less likely to flex, which reduces the likelihood of stress fracture failure. The forward portion (26) includes a striking face (30), such as a blunt (31), moil point (31′), or chisel (31″).