Abstract: A twist drill is made of a carbide alloy and has a pair of helical flutes. The flutes are defined by heel surfaces. Each heel surface bulges, or is formed arcuate, and contacts a margin. The center of the arc is located in the drill. The radius of curvature of each heel surface is from one sixth to one third of the diameter of a drill portion. Stress that acts on heels due to forming holes is dispersed by the arcuate shape. This improves the rigidity of the twist drill. Also, swarf is reliably cleared and is not stuck in the flutes. This improves the smoothness of the surface of the formed hole.