Ever tried to drill a hole in metal and ended up with a dull bit, a warped piece of metal, or just frustration? You’re not alone! Picking the perfect drill bit for metal can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many shapes, sizes, and materials, and using the wrong one can ruin your project and your drill.
This is where knowing your drill bits comes in handy. We’ll explore the different types of drill bits designed specifically for metal. Understanding these will save you time, effort, and the headache of mistakes. You’ll learn what makes each bit unique and when to use it for the best results.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident choosing the right drill bit for any metal job. Get ready to make cleaner holes, work more efficiently, and tackle your metal projects with ease!
Our Top 5 Type Of Drill Bit For Metal Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Type Of Drill Bit For Metal Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Drill Bit Set
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackling your next DIY project just got a whole lot easier with the DEWALT Drill Bit Set. This 14-piece collection is designed to help you drill cleanly and efficiently through a variety of materials. Whether you’re working with tough metal, soft wood, or smooth plastic, these bits are built to perform. They’re a solid addition to any toolbox, from beginner crafters to experienced builders.
What We Like:
- The 135-degree split point tip stops the bit from skittering when you start drilling. This means cleaner holes and less frustration.
- These bits are made from High Speed Steel, making them strong enough for wood, plastic, and metal.
- A special tapered web design helps the bits resist breaking, so they last longer.
- The black and gold coating protects the bits from rust and wear, keeping them in good shape.
- The 3-flat shank helps the drill bit grip better in your drill’s chuck, preventing it from spinning loose.
- You can easily see the size of each drill bit thanks to the markings right on the shank.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for common tasks, the set might not include the super-specialty sizes some advanced projects require.
- For very heavy-duty, continuous use in extremely hard metals, professional-grade bits might offer even more longevity.
Overall, this DEWALT drill bit set offers excellent versatility and durability for a wide range of common drilling tasks. It’s a reliable choice that makes getting the job done more straightforward.
2. CaRoller Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29-Piece M35 Cobalt Steel Metal Drill Bits Durable Round Shank Drill Sets for Steel
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackle any drilling job with confidence using the CaRoller Cobalt Drill Bit Set. This 29-piece collection features durable M35 cobalt steel bits, perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re working with tough metals, wood, or plastic, these bits are designed for precision and longevity. The set even includes a handy cup-type holder to keep everything organized and accessible.
What We Like:
- A Must For Professionals: Great for everyone from seasoned pros to hobbyists, ensuring perfect holes every time.
- Heavy Duty Construction: Made with tough HSS cobalt and an amber coating for long-lasting wear resistance.
- Convenient Size Variety: The 29-piece set offers a wide range of sizes for all your drilling needs, from 1/16″ to 1/2″.
- Practical and Portable: The included cup-type holder keeps your bits organized and attaches easily to your tool belt.
- Versatile Functions: The 135-degree split point and self-centering design prevent walking, making drilling through various materials like steel, cast iron, and hard plastics a breeze. The fully ground twist design helps keep the bits cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the set is comprehensive, very specific or unusual hole sizes might require separate purchases.
- The “Rest assured to order” section feels a bit like a sales pitch rather than a product feature.
This CaRoller Cobalt Drill Bit Set offers excellent performance and convenience for a variety of projects. It’s a reliable addition to any toolbox.
3. COMOWARE 12″ Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set
Rating: 9.5/10
Tackle your DIY projects with confidence using the COMOWARE 12″ Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set. This 12-piece set features high-carbon steel drill bits that are extra long, making them ideal for reaching deep into materials. Whether you’re working with wood, plastic, PVC, rubber, or composites, these bits offer precision and durability.
What We Like:
- The extra-long 12-inch length gives you better control and stability, especially when drilling deep.
- The brad-point design means the drill bit starts exactly where you want it, preventing slipping.
- High-carbon steel makes these bits tough and sharp for fast cutting.
- You get a good range of sizes, from 1/8″ to 1/2″, covering many common needs.
- They work with different drills, like bench drills and hand drills.
- A drill bit holder is included, so you can keep everything organized.
What Could Be Improved:
- The shank types vary (round and reduced) which might require attention when switching bits.
- While durable, heavy-duty industrial use might wear them down faster than specialized bits.
This COMOWARE set is a solid choice for most home projects. It provides the reach and precision you need for a variety of materials.
4. 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: 9.1/10
Tackle your toughest drilling jobs with the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set. This set features M42 Cobalt drill bits, designed to cut through hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium with ease. The included case keeps your bits organized and protected, making it a convenient addition to any toolbox.
What We Like:
- M42 Cobalt alloy offers 10x longer life than standard bits.
- High-heat resistance lets you drill for longer periods without overheating.
- The thick web-helix design adds extra stability when drilling tough materials.
- Surface-hardened tips easily pierce abrasive materials.
- The three-flat shank prevents bits from slipping in the chuck.
- Comes with a useful assortment of common bit sizes from 1/16″ to 1/2″.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, these bits are best suited for metal; wood drilling may cause premature wear.
- For very thick or extremely hard metals, a more powerful drill and specific bit types might be necessary.
This Bosch drill bit set is a solid investment for anyone frequently working with metal. It provides the power and durability needed for challenging drilling tasks.
5. MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Rating: 8.8/10
Tackle your toughest drilling jobs with the MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set. This 13-piece kit is made from M35 High Speed Steel, meaning it’s built tough for hardened metals, stainless steel, and even wood and plastic. The bits range from 1/16″ to 1/4″, giving you plenty of options for different projects.
What We Like:
- Versatile Sizes: The set includes 13 different drill bit sizes, from small 1/16″ to a larger 1/4″, perfect for a wide range of tasks.
- Durable M35 Cobalt: These bits are made with M35 cobalt, making them super strong and sharp for drilling into tough materials like stainless steel and cast iron.
- Fast and Easy Drilling: The 135-degree tip and twist design helps bits cut quickly and prevents them from slipping, so you can get the job done faster.
- Sharp and Precise: The hardened and polished bits offer excellent cutting performance, ensuring clean, accurate holes without wobbling.
- Organized Storage: The included index storage case keeps your bits neat and easy to find, with clear size labels.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited for Extremely Hard Materials: While great for hardened metals, they might not be the best choice for the absolute hardest materials available.
- Potential for Heat Build-up on Prolonged Use: As with any drill bits, prolonged use on very hard materials can lead to heat build-up, so occasional cooling is recommended.
This MACXCOIP drill bit set is a reliable choice for DIYers and professionals alike. You get a great set of durable bits that make drilling easier and more efficient.
Choosing the Right Drill Bit for Metal
Drilling into metal can be tricky. The wrong drill bit can make the job harder, damage your workpiece, or even break the bit. This guide will help you pick the perfect drill bit for your metal drilling needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for drill bits for metal, keep these important features in mind.
- Material: The material the drill bit is made from is super important. It affects how strong and heat-resistant the bit is.
- Flute Design: Flutes are the spiral grooves on the bit. They help clear out metal shavings and keep the bit cool. Different flute designs work better for different types of metal.
- Point Angle: This is the angle at the very tip of the drill bit. A sharper angle is good for harder metals, while a wider angle can be better for softer metals.
- Coating: Some drill bits have special coatings. These coatings can make the bits last longer and drill smoother.
- Shank Type: The shank is the part of the bit that goes into your drill. Most common are round shanks, but some have hexagonal shanks for better grip.
Important Materials
The material of the drill bit is a big deal for how it performs.
- High-Speed Steel (HSS): This is a very common and affordable material. HSS bits are good for general metal drilling. They can handle moderate heat.
- Cobalt: Cobalt drill bits are made from HSS mixed with cobalt. This makes them much stronger and more heat-resistant. They are excellent for drilling hard metals like stainless steel.
- Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coating: This is a gold-colored coating. TiN coating makes HSS bits harder and more heat-resistant. It helps them last longer and drill faster.
- Black Oxide Coating: This black coating offers some corrosion resistance and can help bits stay cooler. It’s a good upgrade over plain HSS bits.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a drill bit better or worse.
- Precision Grinding: Bits that are precisely ground have sharper cutting edges. This means they cut cleaner and require less force.
- Heat Treatment: Proper heat treatment makes the metal in the drill bit very strong. This prevents the bit from getting soft when it heats up during drilling.
- Manufacturing Consistency: Well-made bits are consistent in size and shape. This leads to more accurate holes.
- Cheap Materials: Using lower-quality steel or poor manufacturing processes will result in bits that dull quickly and break easily.
- Improper Heat Management: If a bit gets too hot, it can lose its hardness. This is why using cutting fluid is important.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your drill bits will guide your choice.
- DIY Projects: For basic home repairs and crafting, standard HSS drill bits are usually fine.
- Woodworking with Metal Inserts: If you’re adding metal components to wood projects, HSS bits will work well.
- Automotive Repair: Working with car parts often means drilling into steel. Cobalt or TiN coated bits are recommended here for their durability.
- Heavy-Duty Fabrication: For serious metalworking, especially with thick or hard metals, you’ll need high-quality cobalt or specialized bits.
- Drilling Thin Sheet Metal: For very thin metal, a sharp HSS bit with a shallower point angle can prevent snagging.
Using the right drill bit makes a big difference. By understanding these features and materials, you can choose the best drill bit to get your metal drilling jobs done right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of drill bit for drilling through steel?
A: For steel, cobalt drill bits or HSS bits with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating are best. They are strong and can handle the heat.
Q: Can I use a regular drill bit on metal?
A: You can use regular HSS drill bits on softer metals like aluminum or thin steel. For harder metals, they will dull quickly and might break.
Q: What does the gold coating on some drill bits mean?
A: The gold coating is usually titanium nitride (TiN). It makes the drill bit harder and more heat-resistant, helping it last longer.
Q: How do I keep my drill bits from overheating?
A: Using a cutting fluid or lubricant is important. It helps cool the bit and the metal, and it also helps clear away shavings.
Q: What is the difference between HSS and Cobalt drill bits?
A: Cobalt drill bits are made with added cobalt, making them harder and more heat-resistant than standard HSS bits. They are better for drilling tough metals.
Q: Should I use a specific drill bit for stainless steel?
A: Yes, stainless steel is very hard. Cobalt drill bits or high-quality HSS bits with a TiN coating are recommended for drilling stainless steel.
Q: What is a “split point” on a drill bit?
A: A split point is a special tip design that helps the bit start drilling more easily and prevents it from “walking” or wandering on the metal surface.
Q: How do I know when my drill bit is dull?
A: A dull drill bit will require more force to drill, will produce fuzzy or stringy shavings instead of clean ones, and may overheat quickly.
Q: Can I sharpen drill bits for metal?
A: Yes, you can sharpen metal drill bits with a grinding wheel or a specialized drill bit sharpener. However, it requires precision to get the correct angle.
Q: What is the most common size of drill bit?
A: While sizes vary greatly, common starter sets often include a range of sizes from very small (like 1/16 inch) up to 1/2 inch.
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!