Ever snapped a drill bit while trying to bore through a tough piece of metal? It’s frustrating, right? Hardened steel is incredibly strong. Regular drill bits just can’t handle it. This can lead to wasted time, broken tools, and even injuries. Finding the right drill bit for hardened steel is a common problem for both DIY enthusiasts and professional machinists.
Choosing the wrong drill bit can be a costly mistake. You might end up with holes that are crooked or too small. You might also damage your workpiece. This blog post is here to help. We’ll explore the best types of drill bits for tackling hardened steel. We will also cover the important features to look for.
By reading on, you’ll learn how to identify hardened steel. You’ll discover the materials and designs that make a drill bit effective. We’ll also cover tips for drilling safely and efficiently. Get ready to say goodbye to frustrating drill bit failures and hello to successful projects! Let’s dive into the world of hardened steel drilling.
Our Top 5 Drill Bit For Drilling Hardened Steel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Drill Bit For Drilling Hardened Steel Detailed Reviews
1. NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals
Rating: 9.5/10
The NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set is built for tough jobs. These drill bits are made for drilling into stainless steel and other hard metals. This set includes five popular SAE sizes. They have a special design to reach tight spaces. The bits come in a handy storage case for easy organization.
What We Like:
- The M35 Cobalt steel makes the drill bits strong and long-lasting.
- The stubby design lets you drill in hard-to-reach places.
- The 135° split point tip helps the drill bits start drilling quickly and accurately.
- The 1/4″ hex shank fits in most drills and impact drivers.
- The set includes common sizes for many projects.
- The storage case keeps the bits organized and easy to find.
What Could Be Improved:
- This set only has five drill bits, so you might need other sizes.
- Some users may prefer a wider range of sizes.
In short, the NordWolf drill bit set is a good choice for working with hard metals. It’s a useful set for both professionals and DIYers.
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: 9.4/10
The BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set is a drill bit set. It comes with a case. These bits are built to drill into tough materials. They are made of Cobalt M42. This makes them strong and heat resistant. They can handle stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, and other metals.
What We Like:
- The bits are made of Cobalt M42. This makes them very durable.
- They can last up to 10 times longer than regular bits.
- The bits can handle high heat.
- They have a thick design for stability.
- The tips are hardened to drill into hard materials.
- The set includes many sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- None
In conclusion, the BOSCH CO14B set is a great tool for drilling. The bits are built to last and can handle hard jobs.
3. toolant Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Metal and Steel (Pro)
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOOLANT Cobalt Drill Bit Set Pro is a tough set of drill bits. This set is made for drilling into metal and steel. It has 21 drill bits with a titanium aluminum nitride coating. These bits have bullet point tips to help you drill accurately. They are perfect for working with hardened metal and stainless steel. This set is designed for heavy-duty jobs.
What We Like:
- The set has 21 different drill bit sizes.
- The titanium aluminum nitride coating makes the bits extra hard. They stay sharp.
- The bullet point tips help with precise drilling.
- This set is designed for tough jobs.
- You get a 90-day warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may need more specialized sizes.
The TOOLANT Cobalt Drill Bit Set Pro is a good choice for anyone who works with metal. The warranty gives you peace of mind.
4. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set
Rating: 8.8/10
The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set (DW1361) is a 21-piece set of drill bits. These bits are made for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic. They have a special coating called Titanium Nitride. This coating helps the bits last longer. The bits also have a pilot point. This helps the bits start drilling where you want them to. The set comes with different sizes of bits. They all fit in a tough plastic case for easy storage.
What We Like:
- Titanium Nitride coating makes the bits last a long time.
- Pilot point helps the bits start drilling right away.
- The bits have no-spin shanks. This helps them stay in the drill.
- Tapered web design makes the bits stronger and less likely to break.
- The set includes many sizes, from small to big.
- The tough plastic case keeps the bits organized.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want more of certain bit sizes.
- The case could be labeled more clearly.
The DEWALT drill bit set is a good choice for many jobs. The bits are strong and last long. This set is a handy addition to any toolbox.
5. ArtyMaster Drill Bit Set
Rating: 9.0/10
The ArtyMaster Drill Bit Set is a 13-piece set of twist drill bits. These bits are made for tough jobs. They are designed to cut through stainless steel, hardened steel, cast iron, plastic, and wood. The set includes bits from 1/16″ to 1/4″ in size. This makes it a good choice for many different projects. The bits are made with M35 High Speed Steel and 5% Cobalt. This makes them strong and long-lasting.
What We Like:
- The drill bits are made from high-quality M35 High Speed Steel with 5% Cobalt. This makes them extra durable.
- They can cut through many materials. You can use them on stainless steel, plastic, and wood.
- The 135° split point design helps the bits start cutting quickly and accurately.
- The set includes many sizes. You will have the right bit for your project.
- The set comes in a case. It is easy to store and carry.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may need more specialized sizes.
The ArtyMaster Drill Bit Set is a solid choice for anyone who needs a set of durable drill bits. They are good for many different projects. This drill bit set is a good value.
Drill Bits for Hardened Steel: A Buyer’s Guide
Drilling hardened steel can be tough. You need the right drill bit. This guide helps you choose the best one. We will cover key features, important materials, and how to pick a good drill bit.
Key Features to Look For
When buying drill bits for hardened steel, several features matter.
- **Tip Angle:** Look for a tip angle of 135 degrees. This angle helps the drill bit start drilling without wandering. It also helps it cut through the hard steel.
- **Point Style:** Split-point drill bits are great. They help prevent the bit from “walking” or sliding on the surface.
- **Flute Design:** The flutes are the grooves on the bit. They remove the metal chips. Look for flutes that are designed for efficient chip removal.
- **Shank Type:** The shank is the part that goes into your drill. Make sure it fits your drill. Most drills use a round shank, while some use a hex shank.
Important Materials
The material of the drill bit is very important. It affects how well the bit cuts.
- **High-Speed Steel (HSS):** HSS is a common choice. It’s a good starting point. It can handle higher temperatures than other steels.
- **Cobalt (HSS-Co):** Cobalt bits are stronger than HSS. They can handle even tougher materials and higher heat. These are good for harder steels.
- **Tungsten Carbide:** These bits are very hard and strong. They are for extremely hard steels. They also stay sharp for a long time.
- **Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coating:** Some bits have a TiN coating. This coating makes them harder and more resistant to wear. It also helps reduce friction.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a drill bit.
- **Material Quality:** The better the material, the better the bit. High-quality steel and cobalt bits are better than cheaper ones.
- **Manufacturing Process:** How the bit is made matters. Precision grinding makes a sharper and more accurate bit.
- **Heat Treatment:** Proper heat treatment makes the bit stronger and more durable. It helps it withstand high temperatures.
- **Brand Reputation:** Some brands are known for quality. Researching brands can help you find a good drill bit.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using drill bits for hardened steel takes patience.
- **Slow and Steady:** Drill slowly. Let the bit do the work. Don’t force it.
- **Cooling:** Use cutting oil or coolant. This keeps the bit cool. It also helps with chip removal.
- **Pilot Hole:** Start with a smaller pilot hole. This helps the larger bit start accurately.
- **Use Cases:** These bits are for many jobs. They are used in automotive repair, metalworking, and construction. They are also used in DIY projects.
FAQ: Drill Bits for Hardened Steel
Here are some frequently asked questions about drill bits for hardened steel.
Q: What’s the best drill bit for hardened steel?
A: Cobalt or tungsten carbide drill bits are often best for hardened steel because of their hardness and ability to withstand heat.
Q: How do I know if the steel is hardened?
A: Hardened steel is very hard. It’s also difficult to scratch with a file.
Q: Do I need to use cutting oil?
A: Yes, cutting oil is important. It cools the bit and helps with chip removal. This helps the bit last longer.
Q: What speed should I drill at?
A: Drill slowly. High speeds can overheat the bit and ruin it. Check the bit’s instructions for recommended speeds.
Q: What is a pilot hole?
A: A pilot hole is a small hole you drill first. It helps the larger drill bit start accurately.
Q: How do I sharpen a drill bit?
A: Sharpening a drill bit can be tricky. It’s best to use a drill bit sharpener or take it to a professional.
Q: What is the difference between HSS and Cobalt drill bits?
A: Cobalt bits are harder and stronger than HSS bits. They can handle higher temperatures. Cobalt bits are better for very hard steels.
Q: Can I use these bits on other materials?
A: Yes, you can use these bits on other materials. They work well on steel, iron, and other metals.
Q: How can I make my drill bit last longer?
A: Use cutting oil, drill at the right speed, and don’t force the bit. Also, use a pilot hole.
Q: Where can I buy these drill bits?
A: You can buy these drill bits at hardware stores, online retailers, and tool supply stores.
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!