20 Best Drill Bits For Drilling Steel (2023 Updated)

Like much if Dewalt, in recent years it’s quality has gone down, while it’s profits go up. At one time, I owned 30+ Dewalt tools and many more accessories. But as age (and the desire for a new tool) would have me purchasing new items, it became apparent that Dewalt had built up it’s name so high, that it could now focus on profits and cutting costs.

And sadly, their drill bits now, are no different. The pilot points were one of my favorite wood bits. It was quicker that a brad point, but also made a clean edge. Every now and then, by my error, I’d snap one.

(It happens. ) But with their recent batches, I noticed they’re a much softer metal. They no longer snap off when they bite. They bend. I’ve now tested several of them, as well as their black/gold. bits.

And in both, they bend super easily. Along with the softer metal, comes the issue of dulling much quicker All in all, Dewalt will be missed. Bit this was inevitable. Just sad to see it happen.

This set also comeswithout pilot points , so make sure that you get the right one for you. The pilot point is convenient because you don’t have to pre-drill. However, be aware that due to the pilot point, you can’t use these bits enlarge existing holes with them, or use them to countersink holes.

These bits are effectively flat at the front and won’t center in an existing hole. There are better tools for both of these tasks (step drills and countersinks, respectively), however in practice it’s convenient to be able to enlarge holes anyway, so you decide.

By the way, only 3/16″ and larger have pilot points. The bits from 1/16″ to 11/64″ are the same in both sets. A bit more on pilot holes and pilot points, in case you don’t know what I’m talking about: When you drill a hole in metal with a normal twist drill (one that doesn’t have a pilot point), you want to first drill a small hole – the “pilot hole” (usually about 1/8″) – and then enlarge it with a bigger bit.

For very large bits, you may even do 3 steps. The reason is that this gives you better centering, and it makes your bits last longer. It gives you better centering because smaller bits tend to “walk” less from your initial mark.

It makes them last longer because larger bits have a pretty wide “chisel” in the middle that doesn’t cut material but only displaces it, and the chisel is the first part to get hot and go dull. If you make a pilot hole, the chisel has much less work to do, and your bits will last longer.

It’s also much easier to drill this way especially if you’re not using a drill press, because it requires a lot less tool pressure. These bits have a “pilot point”, almost like a smaller drill bit sticking out of a larger bit.

So they do the pilot hole followed by the large hole, all in one. This makes drilling faster because you don’t have to change bits. However due to this you can’t use these bits to enlarge existing holes.

Normal bits have a cone shape in front, and will center in any hole that’s smaller. These only have a pilot point sticking out, and are otherwise flat. So they won’t center in the existing hole (unless the existing hole happens to be exactly the size of the pilot), but instead will move around and make a mess if you try to enlarge something.

Also, you won’t realistically be able to sharpen these – the geometry is too complicated.

These drill bits cut wonderfully! That is. if you chuck them into a drill press or old-school keyed drill. The shanks are not beveled, which is virtually essential for a modern cordless drill when going into a tough substance like metal.

Eventually, the drill will out-torque itself and the bit will spin in the chuck instead of the material. I now use them in my cheap drill press, where they do great work.

You practically need a pair of needle-nose pliers to deal with the case. Each tier of bits will tilt forward, but for a few tiers, the spacing is so tight you’ll need a tool to do it. Press in on the bottom of the tier to tilt it.

Some of the bits are hard to remove with your fingers. The outer packaging has a list of the bits with their descriptions (e. g. , TORX T25), and a drawing of the tip style. Unfortunately, that info isn’t in the case.

The bit style and size are marked on the shank, but you will have to remove the bit from the case to read it. Those markings are not etched or stamped into the metal, so the markings might wear away.

I plan to make a copy of the bit list and cut it up and attach the info behind the bits. Tedious, but I think it will pay off over time. The bits come in two identical cases. Pull out the Sharpie. The cases are compact and durable.

There is a 3/8″ socket adapter. I sometimes work on small appliances, so I need a 1/4″ adapter, too. Nonetheless, I would buy it again, and I would recommend it.

5 stars for the bits themselves. 3. 5 stars for the case. Milwaukee quality bits. As good as expected. IF you know the pros and cons of titanium. Titanium is a COATING on the bits. When the coating wears off, the bit is just a regular steel (or high speed steel, HSS) bit.

They CAN be resharpened, but the bit tip will not be titanium coated any more. That’s why I definitely do NOT recommend these for metal. Use only on softer materials, and the titanium coating will last longer, AND resharpening a dulled bit will not cause the bit to stop functioning well with soft materials (though it will not function AS well once the titanium coated has worn away).

For metal drilling, use cobalt bits (and: do plenty of research before buying. TTP Hard drill bits, 5% cobalt, are my choice for a hand drill vs. metal. ) Con: while examining the product for this review, pinched the crap out of my finger when closing the case.

Pinched at the hinge, where my pinky naturally “sits” while holding the open case. It’s forming a blood blister now. Note: remove the little clear plastic “supports” underneath the drill bit holders (one on each side of the case) before levering out the drill bit holders.

Warning: bits are quite sharp. I didn’t cut myself, but I recommend using gloves when removing drill bits from this case. The case seems hefty, not likely to break with rough treatment. The latch, however, is not as heavy-duty as I would like.

I can imagine it growing brittle and breaking with age, or perhaps even breaking with rough treatment. The drill bits are a LITTLE difficult to remove from the new case, I expect that will be less of a problem with use.

MY WISH LIST (for purchasers, these are “cons”, for you, Milwaukee, if you’re reading this, these are suggested improvements) – I wish the case latch were heavier duty – I wish the bit removal and push-in pull-out of the bit holders was less stiff – I wish each row of bit holders pivoted separately.

As it is, it’s difficult to read the size markings on the bits in the back row and a little difficult to pull out the shorter bits. (Only one pivoting “hinge” on each side, each side has two rows of bits) – I wish the case hinge was a solid full-length rod, no gap, no pinch – I wish that you offered a 1/16″ to 1/2″ impact-rated titanium drill bit package that increased bit sizes by 16ths.

You only get up to 1/2″ bit with the 29-bit set. It would be really nice – for price and size – if I could have bought an 8-bit set (by 16ths), or even a 15-bit set (by 32nds), that included bits up to 1/2″ size.

(The Milwaukee 10-piece and 23-piece impact-rated titanium sets only go up to 3/8″, you have to get this 29-piece set to get up to 1/2″ in a boxed set. ).

Considering the entire reason I ordered this online was for the T30 security bit, and now it is completely useless as a bit is not great. Security bits must have the hole or they don’t work. How could Milwaukee release a product that doesn’t do what it is explicitly intended for? Ends up being a complete waste of money for me.

The kit looks great besides that, but considering that is the only reason I ordered this kit. It is important enough considering now all the security bits you should considered unusable and so it definitely no longer becomes worth the price.

I’ve been buying #25 drill bits for years, i use them in drilling aluminum in preparation for tapping the holes for 10-24 bolts. I’ve purchased from all over, the usual suppliers and even ebay. What I’ve received has been a hodgepodge of poor quality bits, some made from inferior materials, some manufactured with obvious lacks of quality control.

I’ve received bits that were bent, bits with the wrong angles that wanted to walk on the material. I stumbled across these in a random internet search and decided to give them a try. I thought the price was a bit low for expecting a quality product, but I was pleasantly surprised when I received them in only a few days.

I did a quick check for straightness on the 12 bits I had ordered, all were perfect. Then I took a look at the ends to check for obvious deficiencies there. Everything as it should be. Chucked one up in the mill and ran it down onto a chunk of 6061, watching to see how it entered into the material.

The bit cut smoothly and material spiraled up equally from each edge. Since then I’ve drilled and tapped over 150 holes in 1/2″ to 5/8″ thick 6061 with that same bit. I use Wd40 as a lubricating aid, a quick swipe of a paintbrush across the bit prior to starting.

12 bits will probably last me 6 years or so at this rate. Top notch products and fast service combined with quick shipping, no need to go anywhere else!.

I needed a supply of # 11drill bits in constructing an outdoor enclosure that would be sided with Aluminum and secured with large-backed pop rivets, rather than sharp-pointed construction wood screws.

The #11 drill bits were for the recommended pilot hole. I, normally, purchase titanium-dipped HSS drill bits, but for the price I thought I would gamble on the black oxide version. The bits arrived in reasonable time.

The bits appeared to have a highly polished black oxude finish! The first bit was put into immediate service and appeared to cut into 1/2″ dry plywood quite well until I began to notice an indication of binding.

The fix would be simply withdrawing the bit, while continuing to spin, clearing the binding material. I did as I have done near a thousand time, over 70 some odd years, I applied withdrawal pressure while continuing the drilling rotation.

Suddenly and with much surprise, the drill bit snapped and separated, leaving more than half the bit dangling in the plywood!, as though it was made of glass! I have never snapped or simply broken any kind or size of HSS drill bit working with any kind of material.

wood, plastic, copper, tin, steel, stainless and aluminum. I guess the old adage continues to hold true. “You only get what you pay for!” I will seriously avoid any future purchases of black oxide-finished HSS drill bits! Luckily, I purchased a few extra of these bits and will be very careful should the previous binding re-occur.

These are nice and sharp with good durability. I have no patience left in me to use a dull cutting tool. These are real nice drill bits we drill alot of wood and steel and these work very well for both.

For drilling steel it’s critical to keep the cutting edge from overheating or it’s going dull right now. And that goes for any drill bit. Even under poor conditions where I’ve let it heat up more than I should’ve these still last longer than most.

For drilling in metal cutting fluid makes an incredible difference we buy Rapid Tap it makes drilling easier and bits stay sharp alot longer.

Had a tough situation, both DrillsandCutters. com and the drill bit delivered. Shipping was fast and the price was reasonable as compared to an extensive search-and-compare of other vendors. The wide choice of #23 bits styles was unmatched.

Identifying the perfect #23 bit for my application was easy using DrillsandCutters. com excellent product descriptions. The bit performed flawlessly – no, better than expected on a lamination of stainless steel and fiberglass.

I could not be happier on all counts. Dan.

Selection, Purchasing and shipping were all a great experience. Unfortunately the product was not. I purchased 2 KFD drill bits in two different sizes. I was drilling and tapping a 1/2 inch thick mild steel block to mount a quick change tool post on my lathe.

I drilled a 1/4 inch pilot hole using my drill press at low RPM. Then switched to this bit. It cut radically then not at all. It only made it a little over 1/8 deep before stopping. I removed the bit and found the cutting edges rounded off.

This bit was softer than mild steel. After a resharpen it may be OK for wood but not much else. I ended up giving up on the drilling and tapping and over sized the hole and welding the stud in place in stead.

Excellent choice!!

The picture on the website is for a different set of 29 bits which is more expensive. I got these on the weekly Super Coupon, and asked the employees which set the coupon was for, they told me it was for “Titanium High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set”, while the more expensive set pictured is “Titanium Index Drill Bit Set”, which they told me I couldn’t get with the coupon.

3 stars for the product(for the price on sale), minus 2 stars for false advertising. This seems like an okay set of bits, but the case is actually really nice, as long as it never breaks. The conversion chart is helpful(not really, but it’s fun to look at), although the actual markings for the bit sizes are almost impossible to see, as unlike the printed conversion chart, they are only molded, and very small.

The case keeps the bits well organized and will probably survive my toolbox with light use and not being thrown around in the back of a truck. The bits don’t fall out when I shake the case around, but it does have some flashing and randomly melted spots.

I’m very happy with the case, but I couldn’t tell you much about the quality of the bits themselves, as I’m not smart enough to know the difference, and I have no experience working with quality bits whatsoever, in fact this is my first upgrade from the garbage black nitride bits I’ve been using for the last few years.

Would definitely buy again (on sale) or recommend to a friend (on sale). A similar Hercules set costs more and skips steps. This set of bits is heavier than you might expect, weighing 0. 1lbs less than my 12v drill.

I wish they made a set in Metric just like this, with the same style of case.

Where else are you going to find a COBALT drill index of this size for $115. 00? You also have to factor in the fact that, you can take this index home, try drilling a few holes, and if it doesn’t rise to your expectations, you can pack it off back to the store and get your money back! Now, where else are you going to find such a deal? However, I’m here to tell you that, after you’ve tried these cobalt drills, you won’t be taking them back, you will be saying, “how did I EVER get along using just high-speed steel?!” Cobalt is amazing, just don’t “pressure” it.

Let it cut at its own speed or you’ll snap it and be cursing yourself because: 1. ) You broke a nice drill needlessly, and 2. ) now you’re going to have to dig that SUPER HARD devil bit out of that little, tiny hole on a rifle that don’t belong to you!! REMEMBER: START WITH A CENTER DRILL USE LOTS OF CUTTING FLUID DRILL USING AS SLOW A DRILL SPEED AS YOUR PRESS WILL ALLOW, (they’re ALL too fast!), and VERY LITTLE PRESSURE! Remember, patience is a virtue 😉 Go ahead, spend the extra money over the HSS! When you buy good stuff and take care of it, you: BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE!.

I am a knifemaker, so I drill through various metals (high carbon steel, stainless, brass, aluminum) and other hard materials on a daily basis. I picked these up on a whim. This set is great to have around! They are laid out nicely in the case for quick access.

If I’m having trouble seeing the bit sizes, I just take a pencil and run over them to make them more visible. One thing that I noticed is that the edge retention and grind seem to differ from bit to bit.

You will get one that really cuts in, and then you’ll have others that will squeak and stick right out of the package. I use cutting oil whenever I’m working on metal, and sometimes it takes quite a bit of it to work on even a small piece of mild steel.

Again, this varies from bit to bit. Sharpening them is fairly quick work though, so I can’t really complain. That’s the only reason I gave them 4 stars. Maybe I expect too much sometimes. I highly recommend them as a backup set to your higher-quality bits or for someone that doesn’t do a lot of drilling.

The bits are what I ordered. However, the case is not what is pictured. The photo shows a vinyl case which each grouping [3] of bits hinged to the left. What I received is a case made of metal and there is no hinging on the groupings.

The bits do not hinge making it difficult in both knowing their size but also in the removal of the bits. It would be nice to deliver what you have pictured.

DeWalt pilot point drill bits are incredible for drilling thin metal. My 3/8″ cordless drill will easily power a 1/2″ bit through 1/8″ steel in one shot – no pre-drilling smaller holes. A real time saver.

Because of the grind they are difficult to sharpen, but they last a long time. This is my third set. My complaint is that DeWalt cheapened the index. It is very difficult to see the drill size on the back rows.

The larger drills are difficult to get in and out. This index is stamped, thin gauge sheet metal, of a different design than drill indexes have been since they began making them. Very difficult to use.

Just received this product (April 2019 – US purchase) and want to update the posts regarding origin and case as there are several comments posted with different descriptions. The case is a heavy duty metal – no plastic parts at all.

This is a ‘skeleton’ case so you can see the bits and touch them without opening the case. I put the case upside down, sideways and every which way and shook it looking for the bits to fall out – not a single bit fell out of its slot.

Could not be more happier. This set is. Made in Germany.

Nice package, good supply of the smaller drills that break more often (because of the size). Recent purchase so quality rather unknown at this stage.

Box clip is ever so slightly flimsy but it’s minor other than that. Great quality and would definitely buy again looks great and is really good value for money!!

As they were cheap at £19. 99 I didn’t expect much, but tried them as soon as delivered, and was pleasantly surprised, cut very well through steel, like butter through aluminium, would recommend these for the price, the good part is not many larger bits but more of the small sizes which I often use, and a nice easy box to keep them in.

Stays sharp longer because it cannot cut thru what it says, won’t dull down if it’s not cutting. In all seriousness, I had high hopes since it was Milwaukee. I was drilling some metal on my car. I used a low speed cordless drill and drill oil.

It just scratched the surface. I chose this bit because i also failed with the Milwaukee Cobalt (same issues). Then i tested an ancient black oxide bit that my Dad had, and it went right thru. I was shocked! So i decided to try this bit next thinking maybe the Cobalt had an issue, but nope.

My Dad ended up digging out some more ancient bits of his and they worked fine. I still didn’t get the hole I needed, but my Dad’s bits got me close enough. How is it that a modern $31 Titanium bit fails (as well as the $40 Cobalt) but ancient black oxide worked??!! I would have loved had this bit worked, but alas.

I have had the chance to test all of pieces in this 15 PC TIN SHOCKWAVE set and use quite a few in one of my recent home projects. These drill bits are quite durable and sturdy. There is a good variety of different size bits.

The storage case is nice and keeps everything organized. I was able to test them on both wood and aluminum— they went through both materials quite easily and smoothly. Installation and use was straightforward and easy on both of my drills that I tested them on.

Time will tell how well it holds up to multiple, longer use, but I am quite satisfied with the performance so far. I only have home projects periodically, so this is more than suitable for my needs. I would happily recommend this set!.

I worked on a big project about a year ago and went through several drill bits in the process. Needed to replace them for a new project and it was a better deal to get a whole new kit than replace individual bits.

Milwaukee has always stood out to me as a high quality tool manufacturer so I went with these over the other brand of bits I already had. I really liked that these were compatible with both a drill driver and a impact driver as I have both (my old bits were drill driver only).

My project only involved drilling through wood and some drywall but they worked fantastic. Primarily used my impact driver too (it’s lighter) which I was a little hesitant about at first but worked just as well as my drill driver.

No broken bits either. Overall, very happy with these!.

Irwin is my go-to for drill bits. I bought one of those cheap sets with wire, letter, and fraction drill bits. Big mistake. The cheap drills dull quickly, are not always the correct diameter, and are only good for a few uses.

One by one, I am replacing the cheap drills with Irwin drills that I should have bought in the first place.

What you get: 5 drill bits What you don’t get: privacy to get work done Bits are as advertised. Disclosure: I paid full asking price for this item. This disclosure DOES influence my rating from the perspective of value.

I always consider product reviews when purchasing items. I may not always leave a review but when I do I do so in an honest and unbiased fashion. Keep reviewing my friends.

Needed a precision hole drilled in my vintage Winchester model 12 shotgun barrel to install a front sight bead. This bit did the job and I was able to complete the task with ease. Great quality precision bit.

Recommend it without question.

Chicago Latrobe is the finest industrial grade drills available. They are not maintenance or light duty but actually the best a machinist can put in their drill index. As soon as my drills arrived I knew they were authentic and it brought a big smile to my face.

The Chicago Latrobe prior to these replacements lasted 13 years and were used daily with proper care and resharpening. I could not be more pleased. This is a case of you get what you pay for and then some.

High quality materials. Accurate grinding. Smooth cutting. It’s nice to be able to get a good tool right out of the box! It is not black and gold finish, but it is bright finish.

We went through 5 of these drills trying to get them to last longer than 10 or 15 holes but everyone of them either broke or wore out. We were using another manufactures drill of a similar size and grade on the same job and it lasted 30 times longer.

I don’t know if they had a bad batch of drills or what, but I will not buy these again.

Excellent drill bit set for the money. I’m very pleased and have already used them on several tough projects. I always clean after each use with a slightly oiled rag and also like to use a pre-drill technique by using smaller bits and slowly graduating to my final bit size; typically, when drilling into extremely hard surface materials and substrates.

I also use lubricating oil to minimize heat build-up/friction, and avoid unnecessary wear. Yeah, they’re “cobalt” but that that doesn’t mean they can’t be destroyed in relatively quick fashion if you don’t use common sense for various applications.

Lubricated bits last longer. For drilling holes in steel that’s 1/8 in. or thicker, use cutting fluid or a multipurpose oil like 3-IN-ONE. Lubricating the bit reduces friction and heat buildup, which makes drilling easier and your bits last longer.

Cheers!.

These work well. Some youngsters don’t like them because the run them too fast in metal. In wood, aluminium and plastic you can run these at high speed. But on steel you need to use a very low speed.

The steel should peel up in short strips. Otherwise the leading edge will heat and then blunt. That being said, I had to sharpen them all in my Drill Doctor because they did not come sharp enough out of the box.

Once sharpened, however, and if you run them slowly in steel, they work and last fine.

The drill bit seemed to skid inside the drill because it doesnt have a hex shank. After tightening it several times it was still not able to penetrate the thin stud side wall. I was able to penetrate easily with even a brad point wood drill, and also with my thickest black oxidized OEM drill bit (7/16 IINM) but not with this one unfortunately :((.

Dewalt is a company that means quality! I have tried out various other tools and now I only buy Dewalt. They are undoubtedly the best quality products while still maintaining a fairly affordable price! Specifically, these cobalt tipped drill bits are sharp, strong and cut quickly through any wood and many medals that I have used them on! In fact, to date, Ive never broken one.

The only reason I buy them online is because I find myself losing them.

You must have this size of drill bit to properly install a Floyd rose Stud, The one recommended by Floyd rose is too big, 25/64 Is the proper size, They ship fast too.

I used the trimmer for the first time today and it worked for about 10 minutes and died. Pretty sure the motor is burnt up. I have a nicad 18v (10 yrs old) and a 20v (6yrs old) still going strong. The battery still works.

deep spiral flute help chip evacuation

Our FP toploader was only partially emptying and after several attempts at putting a load through, would not empty at all. We bucketed the water out of the bowl then tilted the machine back against the wall and removed the pump just to check there was nothing stuck in it.

It all seemed fine. (be careful you will get wet!) Then we tried another load, it didn’t empty. We also checked that things were clean up top by removing the bowl. Lots of dirt but no socks or blockages.

So we ordered the pump and after we installed it have had no problems. Everything works just fine. Water empties out every time. We also got a lint filter, almost as the same price as the pump! But a lot less junk is going through the pump now.

Dell Latitude rugged tablet kickstand is exactly what I needed. It has a lot of friction so you can put it in any position and it will hold the tablet up.

Later models use a more energy efficient model running on 100v while this type runs on 230v. Because of the frequent load and fuses used with this electric circuit, these pumps tend to be the first thing to go on these washers.

Not the cheapest drill bits I’ve ever bought but amazing performance. A different hss bit made no progress -one of these got through the job in what seemed like a couple of spins of the drill. Highly recommended.

Staff at Welwyn Garden City branch always good as well.

They are a really good set of drills in a tough box with a central pivot that opens by pressing the bottom they are very sharp and with the split point do not wander even without a centre punch mark on steel they also cut neat holes in thin ply with almost no break out.

I would definitely recommend them.

Got these bits for drilling a 6mm hole in my metal driveway gates and they are rubbish. I even drilled the hole to 5. 5mm first and it still wouldn’t drill it. Pathetic really probably ok on a thin piece of tin.

Don’t buy them there an expensive waste of money.