Ever tried to drill through something super tough, like a hardened steel bolt that just won’t budge? It’s a frustrating feeling, isn’t it? You grab your drill, you pick a bit, and then… nothing. You end up with a dull bit and a hole that’s barely scratched. That’s where the right drill bit for hardened steel becomes your best friend.
Choosing the correct drill bit for hardened steel can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different types, coatings, and materials, and picking the wrong one means wasted time, money, and a whole lot of annoyance. You want a bit that can power through, without breaking or overheating. Getting this wrong can lead to damaged tools and unfinished projects.
But don’t worry! In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what you need to know. We’ll explore the best types of drill bits designed for this tough job and explain why they work so well. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the perfect drill bit to conquer any hardened steel task you throw at it.
Our Top 5 Drill Bit For Hardened Steel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Drill Bit For Hardened Steel Detailed Reviews
1. NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackle tough jobs with the NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set. This set is designed for drilling into hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium. The stubby size makes them great for tight spots. They fit easily into quick-change chucks and impact drivers.
What We Like:
- Made from strong M35 Cobalt steel for extra toughness and a long life.
- Stubby design (1.84 to 2.32 inches) easily reaches tight and hard-to-get-to places.
- The 135° split point tip helps the drill bit center itself and makes drilling faster.
- Works well on stainless steel and other hard metals like titanium, bronze, and aluminum.
- Comes with popular SAE sizes: 3/32″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, and 5/16″.
- The 1/4-inch hex shank fits most standard chucks and drivers.
- Comes in a handy plastic case with clear size markings for easy finding.
- The case has a hook for easy storage on pegboards.
What Could Be Improved:
- The set only includes five popular sizes, so you might need other sizes for different projects.
This NordWolf drill bit set is a reliable tool for anyone working with hard metals. It’s a great addition to any toolbox for its durability and ability to get into small spaces.
2. BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.2/10
Tackling tough drilling jobs just got easier with the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set. This set features M42 Cobalt drill bits that are built to last, even when working with challenging materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, these bits are designed to give you reliable performance and a clean finish.
What We Like:
- Made with M42 Cobalt alloy, these bits offer 10 times the life of standard bits.
- They resist high heat, so you can drill for longer without overheating.
- The thick web-helix design adds extra strength for tough jobs.
- A hardened tip helps these bits power through abrasive materials.
- The set includes a variety of common sizes from 1/16″ to 1/2″, perfect for many projects.
- The included case keeps your bits organized and protected.
What Could Be Improved:
- While excellent for metal, they may not be ideal for wood or plastic.
- For very small pilot holes, a smaller bit might be needed.
This Bosch drill bit set is a smart investment for anyone who frequently drills into hard metals. You’ll appreciate their durability and how efficiently they cut through tough materials.
3. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of drill bits that wear out fast or wander off course? The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) is here to help. This set gives you a variety of sizes for all your drilling needs. The special coating makes them last longer, and the sharp point helps you start drilling right where you want to. These bits are built tough to handle your projects.
What We Like:
- The Titanium Nitride coating makes the bits last much longer.
- The Pilot Point design lets you start drilling on contact. This means cleaner holes and no slipping.
- No spin shanks keep the bits from turning in your drill chuck. This is safer and gives you more control.
- The tapered web design makes the bits stronger and less likely to break.
- You get 21 different sizes, from small 1/16-inch bits to a larger 1/2-inch bit.
- They come in a sturdy plastic case to keep them organized and protected.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the case is good for organization, it might not be the most compact for very small toolboxes.
- For extremely heavy-duty or industrial use, a professional might eventually need even more robust bits, though these are excellent for most DIY and home projects.
This DEWALT drill bit set is a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable performance. It’s a great upgrade for your toolbox.
4. MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Rating: 9.2/10
Tackle tough jobs with the MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set. This 13-piece kit uses M35 High Speed Steel, making it ideal for drilling into hard materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and even hardened metal. You can also use these bits on wood and plastic. The set includes a handy storage case, keeping your bits organized and ready to go.
What We Like:
- The M35 cobalt material makes these bits super strong and sharp.
- They cut through tough metals like stainless steel easily.
- The 135-degree point tip helps them start drilling without slipping.
- Faster chip removal means less clogging and quicker work.
- The included case keeps all 13 bits (from 1/16″ to 1/4″) organized and easy to find.
- They are good for drilling into wood and plastic too.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for hardened metal, for extremely heavy-duty, continuous industrial use, a larger set with more specialized bits might be preferred.
This MACXCOIP drill bit set offers excellent performance for a wide range of projects. It’s a reliable choice for DIYers and professionals alike.
5. toolant Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Metal and Steel (Pro)
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of drill bits that can’t handle tough jobs? The toolant Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Metal and Steel (Pro) is here to help. This set features 21 high-quality drill bits coated with Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN). This special coating makes the bits super hard and resistant to heat, so they cut through metal and steel like butter. The unique bullet point tip also makes sure your drill starts exactly where you want it, without slipping. Whether you’re working with hardened metal or stainless steel, this set is built for demanding tasks.
What We Like:
- The TiAlN coating makes the bits very hard and helps them stay sharp, even when drilling through tough materials.
- The bullet point tip is sharp and helps the drill bit start smoothly without moving around, giving you precise holes.
- It includes a wide range of sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, so you have the right bit for almost any metal drilling job.
- The cobalt construction adds extra strength and durability.
- toolant offers a 90-day warranty, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- The case might not be the most robust for heavy-duty storage and transport.
- While excellent for metal, they might be overkill for softer materials like wood.
This toolant drill bit set is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs reliable performance when drilling into metal. It delivers sharp, accurate holes with ease.
Choosing the Right Drill Bit for Hardened Steel
Drilling into hardened steel can be a tough job. You need the right tools. This guide will help you pick the best drill bit for hardened steel. It will make your project easier and safer.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a drill bit for hardened steel, look for these important things.
- Material: The bit’s material is very important. It needs to be strong and tough.
- Flute Design: The flutes are the spiral grooves on the bit. Their shape helps clear away metal chips.
- Point Angle: The angle at the tip of the drill bit affects how it cuts.
- Coatings: Special coatings can make the bit last longer and cut better.
- Shank Type: The shank is the part that goes into your drill. It needs a good grip.
Important Materials
The material of the drill bit is what makes it cut through hardened steel.
- High-Speed Steel (HSS): This is a common material. It’s good for many jobs. However, it might not be strong enough for very hard steel.
- Cobalt Steel: Cobalt is added to HSS. This makes the bit much harder and more heat-resistant. Cobalt drill bits are excellent for hardened steel.
- Carbide (Tungsten Carbide): Carbide is the hardest material commonly used for drill bits. Carbide bits are the best choice for the toughest hardened steels. They stay sharp longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a drill bit better, while others make it worse.
- Improving Quality:
- Cobalt or Carbide Composition: More cobalt or carbide means a better bit.
- Heat Treatment: How the bit is heated and cooled during making affects its hardness. Good heat treatment makes it stronger.
- Precision Grinding: Sharp, well-ground flutes and points help the bit cut cleanly.
- Special Coatings:
- Titanium Nitride (TiN): This gold coating adds hardness and reduces friction. It helps the bit last longer.
- Black Oxide: This coating helps resist rust and adds a little bit of hardness. It’s good for less demanding jobs.
- TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride): This coating is even better at handling heat. It’s great for very hard materials.
- Reducing Quality:
- Softer Materials: Bits made from plain steel or low-quality HSS will dull quickly.
- Poor Grinding: Dull edges or uneven flutes make drilling harder and can damage the bit.
- No Coatings: Uncoated bits can get hot and wear out faster.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the drill bit matters a lot.
- Drilling Speed: You need to drill slower with hardened steel. Too fast, and the bit will overheat and get damaged.
- Lubrication: Using a cutting fluid or oil is essential. It cools the bit and the metal. It also helps remove metal chips.
- Drill Press vs. Hand Drill: A drill press gives more stable and controlled pressure. This is better for hardened steel. A hand drill can work, but it takes more skill.
- Pilot Holes: For larger holes, start with a smaller pilot hole. Then use a larger bit. This makes the job easier.
- Use Cases:
- Repairing Tools: Fixing broken tools made of hardened steel.
- Machining: Creating holes in machine parts.
- Metal Fabrication: Working with hardened steel components.
- DIY Projects: When you need to drill into tough metal items.
Using the right drill bit and technique will save you time and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of drill bit for hardened steel?
A: Cobalt drill bits or carbide drill bits are the best for hardened steel. They are very hard and can handle the heat.
Q: Why do I need special drill bits for hardened steel?
A: Hardened steel is very tough. Regular drill bits will get dull very quickly or break. Special bits are made from harder materials to cut through it.
Q: Can I use a regular HSS drill bit on hardened steel?
A: You can try, but it’s not recommended. A regular HSS bit will likely dull very fast and may not even be able to cut through. You’ll have a much harder time and might ruin the bit.
Q: What are the benefits of a cobalt drill bit?
A: Cobalt drill bits are harder and more heat-resistant than regular HSS bits. They last longer and can drill through tougher materials like hardened steel.
Q: What is the purpose of coatings like Titanium Nitride (TiN)?
A: TiN coatings make the drill bit harder and reduce friction. This helps the bit cut better, last longer, and stay cooler.
Q: How fast should I drill into hardened steel?
A: You should drill much slower than you would with softer metals. A slower speed helps prevent the drill bit from overheating and becoming dull.
Q: Is it important to use cutting fluid when drilling hardened steel?
A: Yes, it is very important. Cutting fluid cools the drill bit and the metal, which prevents overheating. It also helps remove metal chips and makes drilling smoother.
Q: What is a pilot hole, and why is it useful for hardened steel?
A: A pilot hole is a small hole drilled first. It guides the larger drill bit. For hardened steel, it makes it easier and safer to drill a larger hole because the larger bit has less material to cut through initially.
Q: Can I use a cordless drill for hardened steel?
A: Yes, but it’s best to use a drill with good power and torque. A drill press is ideal for more control. If using a cordless drill, make sure it has a clutch setting to prevent over-torquing.
Q: How do I know if my drill bit is dull?
A: A dull drill bit will struggle to cut, produce fine dust instead of shavings, and you might smell burning. The drill bit might also feel hot to the touch after a short time.
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!