10 Best Drill Bits For Drilling Stainless Steel (2024 Update)

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If you are planning to drill holes in stainless steel, you need to have the right drill bits for the job. Stainless steel is a hard and tough material, and not all drill bits can handle the challenge. Therefore, you need to consider a few key points before selecting the right drill bits for your project.

Firstly, you need to check the type of stainless steel you are drilling. Different types of stainless steel have different hardness and toughness levels, and you may need different drill bits for each type. Secondly, you need to choose the right drill bit size for your project. A too small or too large drill bit can lead to poor results or even damage to the material.

Thirdly, the drill bits you choose should have a high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt coating for durability and longevity. Fourthly, you should select a drill bit that has a sharp point and a fluted design to ensure clean and precise cuts. Finally, you need to consider the cost of the drill bits, as some high-quality bits can be expensive, but they are worth the investment.

In summary, when looking for drill bits for drilling stainless steel, you need to consider the type of stainless steel, the right size, the coating material, the design, and the cost. By considering these key points, you can select the right drill bits for your project and achieve the desired results.

10 Best Drill Bits For Drilling Stainless Steel

1. Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set For Stainless Steel And Hard Metal (1mm-10mm/19pcs)

The Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set is a high-quality tool designed for cutting through stainless steel, hard metals, aluminum, and plastic with ease. Made from premium M42 8% cobalt steel, these drill bits have a rockwell hardness scale rating of 68-70 HRC, which gives them excellent heat, wear, and chip resistance, as well as a long tool life.

The set features a 3-step design that makes cutting through tough materials a breeze. This cobalt drill bit is typically capable of running three to five times faster than other drill bits, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run. Despite their higher price, the cost per hole when using these cobalt drill bits will be the lowest, since they can produce so many more holes than other types of drill bits.

One of the standout features of these drill bits is their sharp edge, which can cut through metal material into long strips of iron chips rather than slowly grinding through the material with a blunt drill bit. This makes them an excellent choice for those who need to make clean, precise cuts through tough materials.

The set includes 19 pieces of 135-degree split point drill bits, ranging in size from 1mm to 10mm in 0.5mm increments. The set features a variety of lengths, ranging from 3.4cm to 13cm, which makes it versatile enough to handle a wide range of drilling applications.

Overall, the Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set is an excellent choice for those who need a high-quality tool that can handle tough drilling tasks. With its premium materials, excellent design, and versatile range of sizes, this set is sure to meet the needs of even the most demanding users.

2. 13pcs Tungsten Steel Twist Drill Bits For Metal With Yg Alloy Blade, Sizes 3-15mm. Suitable For Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminum, And Zinc Alloy.

The JIUWU 13pcs Tungsten Steel Cemented Carbide Twist Drill Bits are a professional-grade cutting tool set designed for use in tough metal drilling applications. Made from YG Cemented Carbide and Chrome Vanadium Steel, these drill bits are ideal for drilling through hard metals such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum and zinc alloy.

One of the common mistakes made by people is using high-speed steel twist drills at high speeds. This can lead to the drill bit losing its hardness and becoming less effective as a cutting tool. Therefore, it is important to use the correct cutting tool for the job and to follow the recommended machining speeds and feeds for different types of metal.

The JIUWU twist drills are designed to provide high toughness, abrasion resistance and high-speed cutting for high hardness metals. They come in a range of sizes including 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13.5mm, 14mm and 15mm.

Carbide chunks on the end of these drill bits allow for easy work on even the hardest steel and enable the use of high rpms. However, it is important to use cooling fluid or lubricant during the drilling process to prevent the drill bit from losing its hardness due to heat buildup.

Overall, the JIUWU 13pcs Tungsten Steel Cemented Carbide Twist Drill Bits are a reliable and durable set of cutting tools that are perfect for drilling through tough metals. They are suitable for use in a range of applications, including heavy-duty abrasive alloy metal drilling on hardened steel.

3. 21-Piece Hss Cobalt Drill Bit Set For Hard Metals And Stainless Steel.

The Lichamp 21PCS HSS Cobalt Drill Bits Set is a high-quality drilling accessory that is specifically designed to cater to the needs of professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The set features a unique 3X flute patent design that clears chips and particles faster, providing a more efficient drilling experience.

Made from industrial-grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt, the drill bits offer unmatched hardness and wear resistance, making them ideal for drilling in heavy-duty tough metals, including hard abrasive alloy metal, hardened stainless steel, and cast iron. The set includes drill bit sizes ranging from 1/16-inch to 3/8-inch in 1/64-inch increments, ensuring that users have the right bit for any drilling application.

The 135-degree split point tip and twist design of the Lichamp drill bits increase cutting speed, making drilling a smoother and more efficient process. Additionally, the self-centering feature of the drill bits prevents skating starts or walking, ensuring that the drill stays on course.

The Lichamp 21PCS HSS Cobalt Drill Bits Set comes in a metal index case with a size chart for easy bit access and identification. This feature makes it easy for users to quickly find the right bit for the job, saving time and increasing productivity.

In terms of durability, the Lichamp drill bits have a 4X lifespan material, making them long-lasting and reliable. They can withstand temperatures of up to 1100 degreeF, making them suitable for use in high-temperature environments.

Overall, the Lichamp 21PCS HSS Cobalt Drill Bits Set is an excellent choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable and efficient drilling accessory. Its unique 3X flute design, 4X lifespan material, and multiple applications make it a valuable addition to any toolbox.

4. Nordwolf 5-Pc M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set For Stainless Steel & Hard Metals With Multi-Point Drill Tip And 1/4" Hex Shank. Includes Sae Sizes 3/32"-5/16" For Use With Quick Chucks And Impact Drivers.

The NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set is a top-quality product that boasts a range of features designed to make drilling stainless steel and other hard metals easier and more efficient. Made from M35 cobalt steel, these precision ground drill bits offer extra durability and a long lifetime, making them a reliable choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

The set includes five stubby drill bits that measure from 1.84 to 2.32 inches only, making them ideal for accessing hard-to-reach and tight spaces that standard drill bits cannot reach. The 135° split point two-blades special design drill tip (1/8-inch and larger) ensures perfect self-centering and fast drilling, further enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness.

The NordWolf drill bits are suitable for drilling stainless steel and various hardened metals such as cast iron, titanium, bronze, and aluminum, making them a versatile addition to any tool kit. With their integrated hex shank, all drill bits come with one piece 1/4-inch hex shank compatible with standard and quick change chucks and drivers, allowing for quick and easy changes.

The set includes five popular imperial sizes: 3/32", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 5/16". Each drill bit is packed in a storage rail that is lasered with sizes for easy identification, ensuring that you can quickly and easily select the right bit for the job.

In summary, the NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set is a high-quality, efficient, and versatile product that is perfect for anyone who needs to drill stainless steel or other hard metals. With their stubby design, multi-point drill tip, and integrated hex shank, these drill bits are sure to make your drilling tasks easier and more efficient, while their durable construction ensures a long lifetime of use.

5. Ttp Hard Drills' Cobalt Drill Set For Metal: 29 Piece Set With Added Cobalt For Drilling Harder Metals. Easy To Use, Long Life, And Ideal For Drilling Chrome, Stainless Steel.

The Cobalt Drill Set for Metal by TTP HARD drills is a 29 piece drill bit set that is designed to make drilling through harder metals a breeze. With drill bit sizes ranging from 1/16” to 1/2” x 1/64”, this set is perfect for a variety of applications.

One of the key features of this drill set is the added cobalt, which provides high temperature resistance and makes it possible to drill through even the toughest metals. This makes it an ideal tool for locksmiths and other professionals who need to work with hard metals on a regular basis.

In addition to its high temperature resistance, the Cobalt Drill Set for Metal by TTP HARD drills is also effective at lower speeds. This means that it is easy to use, even for those who are not experienced with drilling through harder metals.

Another benefit of this drill set is its long life. Thanks to the added cobalt, the drill bits are more durable and can withstand more wear and tear than traditional drill bits. This means that you can use them for longer before needing to replace them.

The Cobalt Drill Set for Metal by TTP HARD drills is also great for drilling through chrome and stainless steel. These metals can be notoriously difficult to work with, but with this drill set, you can easily get the job done.

Overall, the Cobalt Drill Set for Metal by TTP HARD drills is a high-quality tool that is designed to make drilling through hard metals easier and more efficient. Whether you are a professional locksmith or just someone who needs to work with hard metals on occasion, this drill set is sure to meet your needs.

6. 1/8-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits For Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Pack Of 12

The 1/8-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits are designed to provide high performance and durability when drilling into hard metals and stainless steel. With a cutting diameter of 1/8-inch, a flute length of 1-5/8-inch, and an overall length of 2-3/4-inch, these twist drill bits are ideal for a range of drilling applications.

Made from high-speed steel and 5% cobalt, these drill bits offer much higher heat resistance due to the high red hardness of cobalt steel. This provides a strong and durable performance compared to typical HSS drill bits. The cobalt drill bit's hardness is uniform throughout the entire material, allowing it to be repeatedly sharpened without damaging the cutting edge. This makes them more efficient and cost-effective than HSS drill bits, as they can drill more holes before needing to be replaced.

The 135 degree split point and straight shank design of these cobalt steel drill bits ensures accurate and precise drilling, making them an essential tool for any professional or DIY project. They can be used for a range of tasks, including drilling into hard metals such as stainless steel.

This pack of 12 cobalt steel drill bits comes with a convenient case to keep them organized and easy to access. The jobber length design of these drill bits makes them suitable for a range of drilling applications, from light to heavy-duty work.

In conclusion, the 1/8-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits are a must-have for anyone who requires high-quality drilling performance. Their superior durability and ability to repeatedly sharpen make them a cost-effective investment in the long run. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, these cobalt steel drill bits are sure to exceed your expectations.

7. Zelcan M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit For Stainless Steel & Metal Sheets – Multiple Hole Stepped Up Bit For Professionals.

ZELCAN Cobalt Added M35 Step Drill Bit is a professional-grade tool designed to make drilling holes on stainless steel, metal sheet, and steel an effortless task. The bit features a durable and sturdy construction made of solid M35 molybdenum high-speed steel with cobalt added for extra durability. This makes the bit close to impossible to snap compared to conventional drill bits.

The unique 3-sided shank design of the ZELCAN Cobalt Added M35 Step Drill Bit prevents slip in the drill chuck and reduces shocks, ensuring excellent control and precision during operation. To maximize the service life of the bit, it is recommended to oil it before every use.

The ZELCAN Cobalt Added M35 Step Drill Bit boasts jam-free performance, thanks to its dual-flute design and three-sided shank design optimized for cordless drills in high speed. This feature provides greater speed and control while minimizing steel scurf flying around. To lengthen the service life of the bit, it is advisable not to set drilling speed at its maximum to avoid damage to the cutting edge.

The bit comes in a versatile design that allows it to be used for drilling on steel sheets up to 0.08 in., acrylic, PVC, and wooden boards up to 0.2 in. The ZELCAN Cobalt Added M35 Step Drill Bit is marked with obvious marks for easy and precise hole drilling, making it an excellent choice for professionals who require accuracy in their work.

One of the standout features of the ZELCAN Cobalt Added M35 Step Drill Bit is its ability to drill up to 10 holes with different diameters using a single bit. The bit comes with 10 sizes, and every package comes with 5 bits, providing a total of 50 diameters in total. This feature saves time and efforts to change bits, making it ideal for professionals who require efficiency in their work.

The ZELCAN Cobalt Added M35 Step Drill Bit is compatible with drills 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”, making it a versatile tool that can be used with various drills. In conclusion, the ZELCAN Cobalt Added M35 Step Drill Bit is an excellent choice for professionals who require a durable, versatile, and efficient tool for cutting drilling holes on stainless steel, metal sheet, and steel.

8. Behappy 29pcs M35 Cobalt High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set For Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Wood, Cast Iron With Indexed Rose Case.

The BeHappy Cobalt Drill Bit Set is a comprehensive collection of 29 high-quality drill bits made from M35 high-speed steel. The set covers a wide range of sizes from 1/16" to 1/2", making it an ideal choice for a variety of drilling tasks.

One of the standout features of this drill bit set is the use of M35 cobalt steel, which is known for its excellent resistance to wear and tear. This makes it a great choice for drilling hard materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, and super alloys. The set also includes bits that are suitable for softer materials like wood and plastic.

The 135-degree point nib and twist design of the drill bits make them highly effective in preventing walking and improving cutting speed. Additionally, the blades of the bits are hardened and polished to provide precise cutting and prevent shaking during use.

The BeHappy Cobalt Drill Bit Set comes with a portable rose case that is of German craftsmanship, providing both quality and appearance. The case is designed for easy storage and organization of the drill bits, making it a great addition to any workshop or toolbox.

The set is compatible with most brands on the market, and the manufacturer offers reliable quality and considerate customer service. If you have any questions or concerns about the product, the manufacturer is available to assist you.

Overall, the BeHappy Cobalt Drill Bit Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive set of high-quality drill bits that can handle a variety of drilling tasks. Its M35 cobalt steel construction, 135-degree point nib, and twist design make it a highly effective tool for drilling hard materials, while its portable rose case provides convenient storage and organization.

9. Stroton 4-32mm Metric 6% Cobalt Step Drill Bit For Stainless Steel And Hard Metal (15 Steps)

The STROTON 4-32mm Metric 6% Cobalt Step Drill Bit is an exceptional tool designed for cutting through stainless steel and hard metals. Made from premium M35 6% cobalt steel, this drill bit boasts a rockwell hardness scale (HRC) of 66-69, which gives it the best heat, wear, and chip resistance, as well as a long tool life.

One of the standout features of this drill bit is its cutting edge, which has been ground three times to ensure maximum efficiency. Additionally, the high HRC and heat resistance of the material make it perfect for cutting through a range of materials, including iron plate, aluminum, ducts, wood, PVC, and plastic.

Despite its higher price point, the STROTON cobalt step drill bit is capable of running two to three times faster than other drill bits. This means that the cost per hole is significantly lower, as it can produce many more holes than its competitors.

With 15 steps ranging from 4mm to 32mm, this drill bit is incredibly versatile and can be used on a range of projects. Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, the STROTON cobalt step drill bit is an excellent addition to any toolkit.

In summary, the STROTON 4-32mm Metric 6% Cobalt Step Drill Bit is a high-quality tool that offers exceptional performance and longevity. Its premium materials, efficient cutting edge, and versatile range of sizes make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient drill bit for cutting through stainless steel and hard metals.

10. Jerax Tools Step Drill Bit For Multiple Materials, 1/4-1-3/8 Inch, Double Fluted With M2 High Speed Steel.

Jerax Tools has introduced a high-quality step drill bit for hole drilling in various materials, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, wood, and plastic. The 1/4 to 1-3/8 inch step drill bit is made of M2 high-speed steel, which has 50% more tungsten and 150% more molybdenum than average step bits, making it more durable and efficient.

The drill bit undergoes additional vacuum heat treatment and nitride surface hardening treatment, which enhances its performance and longevity. The polished steps and size highlights enable the user to see the target hole size during drilling, saving them time and hassle.

Jerax Tools has incorporated several optimized design details and high-accuracy CNC processing to make the drill bit cut easily, quickly, and cleanly. It outperforms average step bits on the market, making it a superior choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need precise and clean holes.

The step drill bit is heavy-duty and can cut through various materials, including hardened metals, mild steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, plastic, wood, and anything with similar or lower hardness. It can cut through up to 12ga/2.7mm thickness for stainless steel.

The Jerax Tools step drill bit comes with six marked sizes, eliminating the need to buy a kit or change bits frequently. The marked sizes include 1/4", 7/8", 1-1/8", 1-7/32", 1-1/4", and 1-3/8". These sizes cover a range of hole sizes, making it a versatile and convenient tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

In summary, Jerax Tools' 1/4 to 1-3/8 inch step drill bit is a top-of-the-line tool that offers durability, efficiency, precision, and convenience. Its M2 high-speed steel construction, vacuum heat treatment, nitride surface hardening treatment, polished steps, and size highlights, optimized design details, and multi-hole sizes make it an ideal choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need to drill precise and clean holes in various materials.

Best Drill Bits For Drilling Stainless Steel FAQs

Can you use regular drill bits for drilling stainless steel, or do you need special ones?

Yes, you can use regular drill bits for drilling stainless steel, but it is generally recommended to use special ones. Stainless steel is a hard material that can quickly dull regular drill bits, which may lead to overheating and damage to the material being drilled. Special drill bits designed explicitly for stainless steel have a higher hardness and heat resistance, making them more effective in drilling through the material.

Additionally, using the correct drill bit type and size is crucial for achieving accurate and efficient results when drilling stainless steel. Carbide-tipped or cobalt drill bits are the most commonly used for drilling stainless steel due to their durability and ability to handle high-heat generated during drilling.

In summary, while regular drill bits can work for drilling stainless steel, it is recommended to use special bits designed for the task to achieve better results, avoid damage to the material, and prolong the life of the drill bits.

How can you prevent drill bits from overheating or breaking when drilling stainless steel?

To prevent drill bits from overheating or breaking when drilling stainless steel, it is important to use the right type of drill bit. High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are commonly used for drilling stainless steel, but cobalt drill bits are more durable and heat-resistant. It is also important to use a lubricant such as oil or cutting fluid to reduce friction and heat buildup during the drilling process. Slow and steady drilling speeds are recommended to prevent overheating and breakage. Pre-drilling a small pilot hole can also help guide the larger drill bit and prevent it from wandering, which can cause overheating and breakage. Additionally, periodically stopping to allow the drill bit to cool down and cleaning any debris from the hole can help prevent overheating and prolong the life of the drill bit.

How do you choose the right size drill bit for drilling stainless steel?

When choosing the right size drill bit for drilling stainless steel, it is important to consider the thickness of the material and the type of hole you want to create. A general rule of thumb is to choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole you want to create. This will ensure that the hole is precise and reduces the risk of the drill bit breaking or bending.

However, when drilling stainless steel, it is important to use a high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit or a cobalt drill bit, as these are designed to handle the high heat generated during the drilling process. Additionally, it is recommended to use a lubricant such as cutting oil or WD-40 to reduce friction and prevent overheating.

It is also important to use a slow and steady drilling speed to prevent the drill bit from overheating and to ensure a clean and precise hole. By following these guidelines, you can choose the right size drill bit and drill stainless steel safely and effectively.

What is the difference between high-speed steel and cobalt drill bits for drilling stainless steel?

High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are made of a high-carbon steel alloy containing tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium, which makes them tough and durable. They are suitable for drilling through a variety of materials, including stainless steel, but are not as effective in high-heat applications.

Cobalt drill bits are made of a cobalt alloy, which is much harder and more heat-resistant than HSS. They are designed specifically for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel and are ideal for high-heat applications. Cobalt drill bits are more expensive than HSS bits but last longer and maintain their sharpness better.

When drilling through stainless steel, cobalt drill bits are generally the better choice because they can withstand the high temperatures generated during the drilling process. HSS bits are more suitable for drilling softer materials and may not work well in high-heat applications. In summary, cobalt drill bits are a more specialized tool designed specifically for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel, while HSS bits are a more general-purpose tool suitable for a wide range of materials.

What type of drill bit is best for drilling stainless steel?

When it comes to drilling through stainless steel, the type of drill bit you choose is critical. Stainless steel is a tough and hard material, so you need a strong and durable drill bit that can handle the hardness and heat generated when drilling. The best drill bits for drilling through stainless steel are cobalt drill bits, titanium-coated drill bits, and carbide-tipped drill bits.

Cobalt drill bits are made from a high-speed steel alloy that contains cobalt, which makes them extremely hard and heat-resistant. These bits are ideal for drilling through hard metals like stainless steel.

Titanium-coated drill bits are made from high-speed steel and coated with titanium nitride. This coating makes them more durable, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. These bits are suitable for drilling through stainless steel.

Carbide-tipped drill bits are made from high-speed steel with a carbide tip. The carbide tip provides extra strength and durability, making them ideal for drilling through hard metals like stainless steel.

In conclusion, when drilling through stainless steel, it's essential to use a strong and durable drill bit like cobalt, titanium-coated, or carbide-tipped drill bits to ensure a clean and efficient drilling process.

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