Ever tried to drill through metal and ended up with a dull bit, a smoking hole, and frustration? You’re not alone. Picking the correct drill bit for metal can feel like a puzzle. Metal comes in so many forms – soft aluminum, tough steel, even hard stainless steel – and each needs a specific tool to make a clean, efficient hole. Using the wrong bit can bend your workpiece, break your bit, or simply not cut at all, wasting your time and money.
But what if you could confidently choose the perfect drill bit every time? What if you knew exactly which material and design would slice through metal like butter? This post is your guide to understanding the world of drill bits for metal. We’ll break down what makes them different, what to look for, and how to match the right bit to your project. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to tackle any metal drilling job with ease and precision.
Our Top 5 Drill Bits For Drilling Metal Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Drill Bit Set | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Drill Bit Set | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Drill Bits For Drilling Metal Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Drill Bit Set
Rating: 9.0/10
Tackle your projects with confidence using the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, For Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184). This versatile set is built to handle a variety of materials, making it a must-have for any DIYer or professional. Its thoughtful design ensures smooth drilling and long-lasting performance, so you can get the job done right.
What We Like:
- The 135-degree split point tip helps the drill bit start easily and stops it from “walking” or sliding around on your material.
- Made from High Speed Steel, these bits can easily drill into plastic, wood, and metal, making them very useful.
- The tapered web design makes the bits super strong and less likely to break.
- A special black and gold coating protects the bits from rust and wear, so they last longer.
- The 3-flats shank keeps the drill bit from spinning around inside your drill’s chuck, giving you better control.
- You can quickly see the size of each drill bit thanks to the markings right on the shank.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set comes in a plastic case that could be a bit more robust for frequent travel or rough handling.
- While the sizes are marked, the markings could be a bit larger for easier reading in low light.
This DEWALT drill bit set offers excellent value and performance for a wide range of tasks. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing to drill accurately and efficiently.
2. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set
Rating: 9.4/10
Tackling your next DIY project just got easier with the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set. This 21-piece set (DW1361) is designed to make drilling cleaner and faster, whether you’re working with wood, metal, or plastic.
What We Like:
- The titanium nitride coating gives these bits a longer life, meaning they’ll stay sharp and effective for many jobs.
- The Pilot Point design lets the bit start drilling right away, so you get clean holes without the bit wandering.
- No-spin shanks mean the bits grip your drill chuck firmly, preventing them from slipping.
- A tapered web design makes the bits stronger and less likely to snap, which is a big plus when you’re drilling into tougher materials.
- This set covers a wide range of common sizes, from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch, giving you the right bit for almost any task.
- Everything comes organized in a tough plastic case, making it easy to find the bit you need and keeping your toolbox tidy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While generally robust, some users might find the smaller bits can still be a bit delicate for very heavy-duty applications.
- The set includes two of the most common smaller sizes, but for very specific projects, you might need to buy individual larger bits separately.
This DEWALT drill bit set is a fantastic upgrade for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast. You get durability, precision, and a great variety of sizes, all in a convenient package.
3. DEWALT Drill Bit Set
Rating: 8.5/10
Tackle any drilling job with the DEWALT Drill Bit Set. This 21-piece set has everything you need for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic. The bits are made tough with a black oxide coating, meaning they won’t rust easily and will last a long time. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these drill bits make your work easier and more accurate.
What We Like:
- These bits work well on many different materials like metal, wood, and plastic.
- The special 135-degree tip stops the bit from slipping, so you start drilling exactly where you want.
- The design helps clear out wood and metal chips quickly, keeping your work area clean.
- The black oxide coating makes the bits last longer and resist rust.
- The 31-degree angle helps you drill deeper holes without the bit getting stuck or being too rough.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set doesn’t include the largest sizes for very big holes.
- It would be helpful if the case had a clearer way to organize and label each bit size.
This DEWALT drill bit set is a solid choice for most home projects. You get good quality bits that handle common drilling tasks efficiently.
4. MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Rating: 9.5/10
Tackle any project with the MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set! This 13-piece kit is made from M35 High Speed Steel, meaning it’s tough enough for hardened metals like stainless steel and cast iron, but also works great on wood and plastic. The jobber-length bits come in sizes from 1/16″ to 1/4″, giving you plenty of options for various tasks. Everything is neatly organized in a handy storage case, making it easy to find the right bit and keep them protected.
What We Like:
- The M35 cobalt steel makes these bits very strong and durable, perfect for hard materials.
- They cut quickly and efficiently thanks to the 135-degree point tip and twist design.
- The self-centering tip prevents the bit from slipping, and it removes chips fast.
- The set includes a variety of sizes to fit many different needs.
- A storage case with size labels keeps everything organized and easy to find.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for many materials, for extremely heavy-duty or continuous industrial use, professional-grade bits might be preferred.
This MACXCOIP drill bit set is a solid choice for DIYers and professionals alike, offering good performance and value. You’ll be ready to drill through tough materials with confidence.
5. NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals
Rating: 9.5/10
Tackle tough jobs with the NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set. This set is designed for drilling into stainless steel and other hard metals, making it a great tool for any DIYer or professional. The stubby size lets you reach tight spots, and the M35 cobalt steel ensures these bits last a long time.
What We Like:
- Made from strong M35 Cobalt steel for extra toughness and a long life.
- Stubby design fits into hard-to-reach and tight spaces.
- 135° split point tip starts drilling right away and drills fast.
- Works well on stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, and aluminum.
- 1/4-inch hex shank fits most drills and impact drivers.
- Comes with popular SAE sizes: 3/32″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, and 5/16″.
- Special case keeps bits organized and sizes are easy to see.
- Case has a hook for hanging on pegboards.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set only includes imperial (SAE) sizes, no metric sizes are available.
- For very demanding, continuous professional use, a larger set with more sizes might be preferred.
This NordWolf drill bit set is a solid choice for anyone needing to drill into hard metals. Its compact size and durable construction make it a valuable addition to your toolkit.
Choosing the Right Drill Bits for Metal: A Complete Guide
Drilling into metal requires the right tools. Choosing the correct drill bit makes the job easier and safer. This guide will help you find the best drill bits for your metalworking projects.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy drill bits for metal, a few things really matter.
1. Material of the Bit
The material makes the drill bit strong and able to cut through tough metal. The most common and best materials are:
- High-Speed Steel (HSS): This is a very popular choice. It’s strong and can handle the heat that comes from drilling metal.
- Cobalt: Cobalt drill bits are even stronger than HSS. They have a special coating that makes them very tough. They are great for drilling hard metals like stainless steel.
- Carbide: Carbide bits are the hardest. They are best for very hard metals and can drill a lot of holes before they get dull.
2. Bit Coatings
Some drill bits have special coatings. These coatings help the bit last longer and drill better.
- Titanium Nitride (TiN): This gold-colored coating makes the bit harder and reduces friction. It’s good for general metal drilling.
- Black Oxide: This coating helps the bit resist rust and corrosion. It also helps it stay cool.
- Cobalt Coatings: Some HSS bits have a cobalt coating. This makes them more heat-resistant and suitable for harder metals.
3. Flute Design
The flutes are the spiral grooves on the drill bit. They help remove metal chips as you drill.
- Standard Flutes: These work well for most metals.
- Deep Flutes: These are better for softer metals because they can remove more chips.
4. Point Angle
The tip of the drill bit is called the point. The angle of this point matters.
- 118-degree point: This is a common angle. It’s good for general use on softer metals like aluminum and mild steel.
- 135-degree point: This angle is sharper. It’s better for harder metals like stainless steel because it bites into the metal more easily.
Important Materials for Drill Bits
As mentioned earlier, the material of the drill bit is very important.
- High-Speed Steel (HSS): This is a good all-around choice. It’s affordable and works well for many metal types.
- Cobalt Steel: This is a stronger version of HSS. It contains cobalt, which makes it much harder and more heat-resistant. Use this for stainless steel, cast iron, and other tough metals.
- Solid Carbide: These bits are made from tungsten carbide. They are the hardest and most durable option. They are perfect for drilling very hard metals, but they are also more brittle and expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a drill bit better or worse.
Quality Improves When:
- The bit is made from high-quality HSS, Cobalt, or Carbide.
- It has a good coating like Titanium Nitride or Black Oxide.
- The flutes are sharp and clean.
- The bit is made by a trusted brand.
Quality Reduces When:
- The bit is made from cheap steel that can’t handle heat.
- The tip is dull or damaged.
- The flutes are rough or uneven.
- The bit breaks easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the drill bit affects its performance.
User Experience:
A good drill bit makes drilling feel smooth. You won’t have to push too hard. The bit will cut cleanly, and you’ll see nice metal shavings. A bad bit might spin and not cut, or it might get very hot quickly. It can even break if it’s not strong enough.
Use Cases:
- DIY Projects: For small home repairs or building furniture, HSS bits are usually enough.
- Woodworking with Metal Inserts: HSS or titanium-coated bits work well here.
- Automotive Repairs: You might need Cobalt bits for tougher parts.
- Heavy-Duty Metal Fabrication: For industrial work, Carbide or high-quality Cobalt bits are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best type of drill bit for stainless steel?
A1: For stainless steel, you should use Cobalt drill bits. They are strong and can handle the heat. A 135-degree point angle is also helpful.
Q2: Can I use a regular drill bit on metal?
A2: Regular drill bits are usually made for wood. They can work on very thin or soft metals, but they will dull quickly and might not cut well. It’s better to use bits made for metal.
Q3: How do I keep my drill bits from overheating?
A3: Use a cutting fluid or lubricant. Also, don’t drill too fast. Pull the bit out of the hole often to let it cool and clear chips.
Q4: What does the coating on a drill bit do?
A4: Coatings like Titanium Nitride make the bit harder, reduce friction, and help it last longer. Black Oxide helps prevent rust.
Q5: How do I know when my drill bit is dull?
A5: A dull bit will make a lot of noise, require more force to drill, and may not make clean holes. It might also produce a lot of heat.
Q6: What is the difference between HSS and Cobalt drill bits?
A6: Cobalt drill bits are made with added cobalt, making them harder and more heat-resistant than regular High-Speed Steel (HSS) bits. They are better for drilling harder metals.
Q7: Do I need a special drill for metal drill bits?
A7: No, you can use standard corded or cordless drills. Make sure your drill has enough power and speed settings for the metal you are drilling.
Q8: How should I store my drill bits?
A8: Store them in a dry place to prevent rust. A drill bit organizer or case is a good idea to keep them from getting damaged or lost.
Q9: What is a “twist drill bit”?
A9: A twist drill bit is the most common type. It has a spiral shape (flutes) that helps it cut and remove material.
Q10: Can I drill through thick metal with any drill bit?
A10: No, drilling through thick metal requires powerful drills and very durable bits, like Cobalt or Carbide. You may also need to use a pilot hole and drilling lubricant.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!