Best Metal Drill Bit Material (2024 Update)

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If you’re looking for reliable and long-lasting drill bits for your next DIY or professional project, it’s crucial to consider the type of material they are made from. When it comes to drilling into metal, choosing the right material can make a significant difference in the performance and durability of your drill bits.

Before buying metal drill bits, consider the following factors: the type of metal you’ll be drilling into, the hardness of the metal, the thickness of the metal, and the sharpness of the drill bit. Each of these factors can affect the performance of the drill bit, making it essential to choose the right material.

There are various materials to choose from, including High-Speed Steel (HSS), cobalt, titanium, and carbide. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your drilling needs. For instance, HSS drill bits are a popular choice for drilling into softer metals, while cobalt is ideal for harder metals that require higher drilling speeds and temperatures.

If you’re still unsure which metal drill bit material is the best for your needs, consider asking yourself these questions: What type of metal will you be drilling into most frequently? How often will you use the drill bits? What is your budget? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your search and find the best metal drill bit material that suits your specific needs.

10 Best Metal Drill Bit Material

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for drilling small holes in hard materials such as steel and iron with a short, sturdy body.
2
This product is ideal for metalworking tasks that require drilling precise holes with high heat resistance.
3
The product is ideal for metalworking, specifically for drilling and countersinking holes in lathe machines.
4
The product is ideal for drilling into hardened steel and other metal materials, with a 118 degree four facet point.
5
Precision drilling in materials such as wood, plastic, and metal with a 1 1/32" titanium drill bit.
6
This drill bit set is ideal for drilling into metal, stainless steel, and cast iron.
7
The product is ideal for drilling holes in leather, soft metal, wood, plastic, soft materials, aluminum, amber, and models.
8
Ideal for drilling hard metal, stainless steel, and cast iron with its M35 cobalt and HSS material.
9
Ideal for drilling through tough metals and materials with precision and durability.
10
This product is ideal for drilling through tough metal surfaces with precision and reliability.
Ideal for drilling small holes in hard materials such as steel and iron with a short, sturdy body.
This product is ideal for metalworking tasks that require drilling precise holes with high heat resistance.
The product is ideal for metalworking, specifically for drilling and countersinking holes in lathe machines.
The product is ideal for drilling into hardened steel and other metal materials, with a 118 degree four facet point.
Precision drilling in materials such as wood, plastic, and metal with a 1 1/32" titanium drill bit.
This drill bit set is ideal for drilling into metal, stainless steel, and cast iron.
The product is ideal for drilling holes in leather, soft metal, wood, plastic, soft materials, aluminum, amber, and models.
Ideal for drilling hard metal, stainless steel, and cast iron with its M35 cobalt and HSS material.
Ideal for drilling through tough metals and materials with precision and durability.
This product is ideal for drilling through tough metal surfaces with precision and reliability.

1. Hss Cobalt Drill Bit Double End 5/32 In. Stubby Body Drill Steel Metal Iron-10pcs

This double-ended drill bit is an indispensable tool for drilling through a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, general steel, metal sheet, iron, copper, aluminum, and plastic. The drill bit measures 5/32" in diameter, with a 5/8" flute length and an overall length of 2-1/16". It is made from high-speed steel (HSS) cobalt material, which is renowned for its exceptional hardness and long-lasting durability.

One of the standout features of this drill bit is its double end cutting point. With two cutting points on a single bit, users can use one end until it becomes dull, and then flip it over to use the other side as if it were a brand-new drill bit. This design increases the tool's lifespan and makes it more efficient for various applications.

The drill bit also boasts a split point 135-degree angle, which eliminates the need for center punching. The aggressive split point quick-cut points are self-centering and penetrate quickly with less pressure, making drilling tasks easier and faster.

2. Hymnorq Cobalt Drill Set, 10 Pieces, Metalworking Ready!

The Cobalt Steel drill bits are a must-have for anyone involved in metalworking. These bits are made from M35 grade cobalt steel, which has been hardened by adding molybdenum and cobalt to create a Rockwell hardness of up to 67. This allows for much faster cutting and a longer lifespan, up to twelve times more than an average HSS drill bit.

These drill bits are particularly effective at cutting through hard metals with a hardness of less than HRC38°, such as stainless steel and cast iron. They can also be used for softer materials like copper and aluminum. However, they are not suitable for cutting through hardened steel or high carbon steel. If the drill bit fails to penetrate, try adjusting the RPM.

The 135° quick-cut pilot split points are self-centering, which means they can quickly penetrate with less pressure. These bits will not "walk" or "wander," which is a common problem with other drill bits. The straight shank allows for firm holding and accurate centering, making them fit for standard drill chucks and regular round collet chucks.

The set includes 10 pieces of 11/64” diameter M35 grade cobalt steel twist drill bits, packed in a plastic case for easy storage and carrying. The total length of each bit is 3.26 inches, with a working length of 2.13 inches. These bits are manufactured to German DIN338 standard, ensuring their quality and durability.

To help users get the best results from these drill bits, a downloadable user guide is available. The guide includes tips for drilling metals and an RPM chart for several common metals, based on reviews and articles found on the internet. Most customers have found that following these tips results in much better performance.

3. Atoplee High-Speed Steel Lathe Bit Set

If you're looking for a reliable center drill bit set, then look no further than this high-quality product. Made from M2 High speed steel, this center drill bit is extremely durable and has high hardness, making it resistant to wear and breakage.

This center drill bit set comes with five different sizes (1mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm, 3.15mm, and 5mm), which means that you'll have the right size for any job. Whether you're drilling small or larger holes, this set has got you covered.

One of the standout features of this center drill bit set is its accurate 60-degree tip angle. This precise tip angle is perfect for processing centering holes and countersinks in general materials. With this center drill bit set, you can ensure that your holes are drilled accurately and efficiently.

This center drill bit set is also incredibly versatile. It has a hardness of HRC65 and a working hardness of HRB200-300 degrees, which means that it can be used to process a wide range of materials, including alloy steel, cast iron, cast steel, copper, aluminum, and more.

In terms of workmanship, this center drill bit set is top-notch. It has accurate positioning and is sharp and durable, ensuring that you can use it for a long time without needing to replace it.

Finally, this center drill bit set is perfect for a range of applications. It can be used with lathe machines to drill holes in mold steel, cast iron, alum, carbon steel, wood, thread mold, and other tough materials. With this set, you can improve the efficiency of your drilling and ensure that your holes are accurate and precise.

4. Aero Carbide Bits: Hardened Steel Drilling Solution

The Premium Bright Finish solid carbide drill bits offered by this brand are designed to provide better rigidity than high speed steel bits. Made from tungsten carbide (WC), this material is extremely heat resistant and ideal for high speed applications. These bits are an excellent solution for many businesses, including aerospace drilling jobs for aircraft mechanics, precision machining, and hobby supply.

These carbide drill bits are recommended for use on a variety of materials, including aircraft metals, chrome, titanium, inconel, stainless steel, alloys, low-medium-high carbon steel, aluminum, copper, glass, plastics, composite materials, and cast iron. They are able to stay sharp for much longer than traditional steel bits, making them perfect for even the toughest of applications.

The optimal design of these drill bits is geared towards metal work. With a 118° four facet point angle, drill wander is minimized and accurately sized holes are assured. These jobber length, precision ground carbide drills are designed for high feed rates with good chip disposal, while the smooth finish on the bits increases chip flow. Spiral flutes are constructed with a higher flute angle to remove chips more easily.

The specifications for these carbide drill bits are as follows: the flute length is 1-5/8 inch, the overall length is 2-3/4 inch, and the drill size is 3/16 inch. The tungsten carbide grade (ISO) is K20, while the binder is 8% cobalt. The hardness rating is 91.3 HRa, and the bits are uncoated.

It is important to note that tungsten carbide is a composite material, and while it looks like a metal, it is actually a composite of tungsten carbide powder mixed with cobalt as a binder metal. As a result, the resulting material is more like a ceramic than a metal. It is an extremely hard material, with a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale (diamond is a 10 and hard steel is around 5). While it can cut through most materials, its hardness also makes it brittle with virtually no plasticity. Unstable drilling can result in a broken bit. These drills require proper handling and care to ensure optimal performance.

5. Performance Tool W8579 1 1/32" Titanium Drill Bit For Precision Drilling In Wood, Plastic, And Metal

The 11/32" titanium drill bit is a high-quality tool designed for precision drilling in wood, metal, and plastic. Made from top-notch materials, this drill bit is built to last and deliver long-lasting performance, ensuring that users get the best value for their money.

This drill bit is easy to use, with a diameter size of 11/32" that makes it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Its design maximizes efficiency and control, allowing users to achieve accurate results with ease.

One of the standout features of this drill bit is its versatility. It can be used with a wide range of drilling machines, including cordless drills and impact drivers, making it suitable for various applications.

In addition to its high-quality materials and precision drilling capabilities, the 11/32" titanium drill bit is also an excellent value for money. Its durable construction, versatility, and ease of use make it a must-have tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional.

Whether you're working on a DIY project or a professional job, the 11/32" titanium drill bit is a reliable and efficient tool that will help you achieve the results you need. With its precision drilling capabilities and versatility, this drill bit is an excellent addition to any toolkit.

6. Cobalt Metal Drillbit Collection: 50-Pack

The 1/4-Inch Cobalt Jobber Drill Bit Set with 50 pieces is the ultimate solution for those who require a reliable and efficient set of drill bits for their metalworking projects. This set includes drill bits of various sizes – 1.0×10/1.5×10/2.0×10/2.5×10/3×10 – to cater to all your drilling needs.

The cobalt drill bits have been specifically designed for use on metals such as stainless steel, nickel alloy, cast iron, and softer materials. They are made from the finest high-speed steel, which makes them highly abrasive and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring long-term durability.

One of the most impressive features of these drill bits is their self-centering capabilities. The 135-degree split point design allows them to penetrate quicker with less pressure needed, minimizing bit walking or wandering while ensuring a crisp, centered drill hole that doesn’t require a center punch.

These drill bits are incredibly versatile and can be used in both keyed and key-less drill chucks. They excel in metalworking applications when drilling in high-tensile strength materials. Additionally, the tip can be sharpened to ensure peak-performance readiness at all times.

7. Titanium Coated Hss Drill Bit Set – Versatile Precision.

Introducing the 50-piece Titanium Coated HSS High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set, an essential tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional. This drill bit set is designed to make your drilling tasks easier and more efficient. The set comes with 50 drill bits, each with a titanium coating for long-lasting performance.

The drill bit set is perfect for drilling through a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, and aluminum. The largest size available in this set is 1/8 inch, and each size is available in 10 pieces, including 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, and 3mm. Whether you're working with leather, metal, wood, plastic, soft materials, aluminum, amber, or any other material, this drill bit set has you covered.

The titanium coating on these drill bits makes them more durable and long-lasting than traditional HSS drill bits. You can expect these drill bits to stay sharp and provide consistent results even after multiple uses. With this set, you'll have all the drill bit sizes you need to complete any project with precision and ease.

8. High-Performance Metal Drill Bits By Sipery

Introducing the 10Pcs Cobalt Drill Bit Set, a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesman. This set features 6mm (15/64 inch) straight shank drill bits with a flute length of 65mm (2.56 inches) and an overall length of 91mm (3.58 inches).

Made from M35 Cobalt High Speed Steel through a fully ground process, these jobber drill bits have superior abrasive resistance and longer drilling life than their counterparts. The 135 degree split point design is another standout feature of these drill bits, ensuring self-centering for more precise and faster drilling. With this feature, it also prevents walking, thereby giving you a more accurate drilling experience.

The Cobalt Drill Bit Set is perfect for drilling through hard metals such as stainless steel (0.5-8mm thickness) and cast iron. It can also be used for wood, aluminum alloy, and other softer metals. Its versatility makes it an essential addition to your tool collection, whether at home or in a workshop.

The round straight shank of these drill bits allows for use with a wide variety of tool holding systems. However, when drilling metal, it is recommended to use it on bench drills for maximum efficiency.

Investing in this drill bit set is a wise choice. It is durable, efficient, and can handle various materials, making it a valuable tool for any drilling job. So why wait? Get the 10Pcs Cobalt Drill Bit Set now and experience the difference it can make in your drilling projects!

9. Hss Cobalt Drill Bit Set 25/64 Inch 5pcs M35 Co Twist Jobber Length Steel Metal Drill Bits

The 25/64 inch diameter drill bit is a reliable and high-performing tool for those who need to drill through tough materials. With a flute length of 3-3/4 inches and an overall length of 5-1/8 inches, this drill bit is designed to handle a wide range of applications.

Crafted from HSS (M35) cobalt steel, this drill bit is built to last and provide fast drilling performance. The cobalt material ensures that the drill bit can withstand heavy use and maintain its sharpness for longer periods of time.

Featuring a gold oxided ember finished treatment, this drill bit has a high hardness body shank that is resistant to wear and tear. The surface treatment not only enhances the drill bit's durability but also boosts its overall performance.

With a split point angle of 135 degrees, this drill bit guarantees self-centering and easy quick penetration. This feature ensures that the drill bit can handle a wide range of drilling tasks with ease.

This drill bit is ideal for drilling through tough materials such as stainless steel, metal, steel, cast iron, alloy steel, copper, aluminum, and plastic. Its versatility makes it a must-have tool in any workshop or DIY toolbox.

10. Hss Cobalt Drill Bit Set 11/32 Inch 5pcs M35 Co Twist Jobber Length Steel Metal Drill Bits

This drill bit is the perfect tool for all your drilling needs. The dimensions of the bit are 11/32" in diameter, with a flute length of 3-7/16" and an overall length of 4-3/4". It is made from high-speed steel (HSS) cobalt steel, which ensures both a longer lifespan and faster drilling performance. The surface of the bit has been treated with a gold oxide ember finish, which maintains the high hardness of the body shank.

One of the standout features of this drill bit is its split point angle of 135 degrees. This guarantees self-centering and easy penetration, making the drilling process smoother and more efficient. It is suitable for drilling through a variety of materials, including stainless steel, metal, steel, cast iron, alloy steel, copper, aluminum, and plastic.

Investing in a high-quality drill bit such as this one is essential for achieving precise and accurate results in your drilling projects. With its superior materials, surface treatment, and split point angle, this drill bit is sure to provide reliable and efficient performance, making it a valuable addition to any tool collection.

Best Metal Drill Bit Material FAQs

What is the best material for drilling through cast iron?

When it comes to drilling through cast iron, it is important to choose the right type of drill bit for the job. The best material for drilling through cast iron is a cobalt drill bit. Cobalt drill bits are made from a high-speed steel alloy that contains cobalt, which makes them harder and more durable than other types of drill bits. They are also able to withstand high temperatures and are less likely to break or dull when drilling through tough materials like cast iron.

Another option for drilling through cast iron is a carbide-tipped drill bit. Carbide-tipped drill bits are made from a combination of carbide and steel, which makes them extremely hard and durable. They are able to drill through tough materials like cast iron with ease, but they are also more expensive than cobalt drill bits.

In summary, if you are looking for the best material for drilling through cast iron, then a cobalt drill bit is the way to go. However, if you need to drill through a large amount of cast iron or other tough materials, then a carbide-tipped drill bit may be a better choice.

What is the most cost-effective metal drill bit material?

The most cost-effective metal drill bit material is High-Speed Steel (HSS). HSS drill bits are made of high-carbon steel and other elements such as tungsten and molybdenum. These elements make the drill bit more durable and resistant to heat, allowing it to cut through metal more efficiently. HSS drill bits can be used for a variety of materials including wood, plastic, and most metals. HSS drill bits are also readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to other metal drill bit materials such as cobalt, titanium, and carbide. Although they may not last as long as more expensive materials, HSS drill bits are an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who want a reliable and cost-effective option for drilling through metal.

What is the most durable metal drill bit material?

When it comes to drilling through tough materials like metal, choosing the right type of drill bit material is crucial. There are several materials to choose from, but the most durable metal drill bit material is carbide. Carbide is a combination of tungsten and carbon and it has a high resistance to wear and heat. This makes it ideal for drilling through hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium.

Another advantage of carbide drill bits is their ability to maintain their cutting edge for a longer time, which means they stay sharp for more extended periods compared to other materials. Carbide drill bits are also available in a range of sizes and shapes, making them suitable for various drilling applications. However, carbide drill bits are more expensive than other materials, so they may not be the best choice for occasional use. In summary, if you need to drill through hard metals regularly, carbide drill bits are the most durable and reliable option.

What material is the most resistant to heat when drilling through metal?

When it comes to drilling through metal, the choice of material for the drill bit is crucial. The most resistant material to heat when drilling through metal is tungsten carbide. This material is made from a combination of tungsten and carbon, and it is extremely hard and durable. Tungsten carbide is able to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in high-speed drilling applications. It is also highly resistant to wear and tear, which means that it can last for a long time without needing to be replaced. Other materials that are commonly used for drill bits include cobalt, high-speed steel, and titanium, but tungsten carbide is the most heat-resistant of them all. If you are looking for a drill bit that can handle high-temperature applications, tungsten carbide is definitely the material of choice.

What material is the most resistant to wear and tear when drilling through metal?

There are several materials that are known for their wear and tear resistance when drilling through metal. However, one of the most commonly used materials is cobalt. Cobalt is a hard and durable material that can withstand high temperatures and pressure during the drilling process. Cobalt drill bits are known for their ability to maintain their shape and sharpness even after prolonged use, making them a popular choice for drilling through tough metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium.

Another material that is highly resistant to wear and tear is tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide is a composite material made of tungsten and carbon, which makes it extremely hard and wear-resistant. Tungsten carbide drill bits are known for their ability to drill through hard metals like steel, aluminum, and copper with ease and precision.

In summary, both cobalt and tungsten carbide are highly durable and wear-resistant materials that are commonly used in drill bits for metal drilling applications.

What metal drill bit material is best for drilling through thick metals?

When it comes to drilling through thick metals, the best metal drill bit material is cobalt. Cobalt drill bits are made from a blend of cobalt and steel, which makes them durable and able to withstand high temperatures. This is important when drilling through thick metals, as the heat generated during the drilling process can cause other types of drill bits to become dull or even break.

Cobalt drill bits also have a high level of hardness, which allows them to maintain their sharpness for longer periods of time. This means that they can drill through tough materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium without becoming dull or losing their cutting edge.

Additionally, cobalt drill bits have a unique flute design that allows them to remove chips from the hole more efficiently. This helps to prevent the bit from becoming clogged and reduces the amount of heat generated during the drilling process.

Overall, if you need to drill through thick metals, cobalt drill bits are the best choice due to their durability, hardness, and efficient chip removal.

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

When it comes to drilling through stainless steel, using the right type of drill bit material is crucial. The best type of metal drill bit material for drilling through stainless steel is high-speed steel (HSS). HSS drill bits are made of a combination of carbon steel and other elements like tungsten and molybdenum, which makes them durable and resistant to high temperatures. They are also able to maintain their sharpness even when drilling through hard metals like stainless steel.

Another option for drilling through stainless steel is cobalt drill bits, which are made of a high-speed steel base with added cobalt for increased heat resistance and hardness. These bits are more expensive than HSS drill bits, but they are ideal for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel.

In summary, when drilling through stainless steel, it is best to use HSS or cobalt drill bits for their durability, heat resistance, and ability to maintain sharpness.

Which material is best for drilling through hardened steel?

The best material for drilling through hardened steel is carbide. Carbide is a type of industrial-grade material that is made from a combination of tungsten and carbon. It is extremely hard and durable, making it ideal for drilling through tough materials like hardened steel.

Carbide drill bits are designed to withstand the heat and pressure that comes with drilling through hardened steel. They are also designed with sharp, precision edges that can cut through the material quickly and efficiently.

Other materials like cobalt and high-speed steel can also be used for drilling through hardened steel, but they are not as durable or effective as carbide.

It is important to note that drilling through hardened steel requires specialized equipment and techniques, so it is recommended to seek the help of a professional or experienced individual to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Which metal drill bit material is the most versatile for different types of metal?

When it comes to drilling through different types of metal, cobalt drill bits are considered the most versatile and reliable option. Cobalt drill bits are made of high-speed steel with varying levels of cobalt added to the mix. The cobalt content increases the strength and heat resistance of the drill bit, allowing it to handle harder and tougher materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium.

Cobalt drill bits are also suitable for softer metals like aluminum and brass, making them the go-to choice for professionals who need a single drill bit that can handle a variety of materials. They also have a longer lifespan than regular high-speed steel drill bits, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

However, it's important to note that cobalt drill bits are more expensive than other types of drill bits. So, if you only need to drill through softer metals, a regular high-speed steel drill bit might be a more economical choice.

Which metal drill bit material provides the cleanest and most precise holes?

When it comes to drilling holes in metal, the most commonly used materials for drill bits are high-speed steel (HSS) and cobalt. However, if you want the cleanest and most precise holes, cobalt drill bits are the better option. Cobalt drill bits are made with a blend of cobalt and steel, which makes them harder and more durable than HSS bits. They also have a higher melting point, which allows them to drill through tougher metals without overheating and losing their sharpness. Additionally, cobalt bits have a unique flute design that helps to clear chips and debris from the hole as you drill, resulting in a cleaner and more precise hole. Overall, if you want the best results when drilling metal, investing in a set of cobalt drill bits is definitely worth considering.

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