I Tested the Best Metal Drill Bits for Metal: My Top Picks and Tips
When it comes to tackling tough metalworking projects, having the right tools can make all the difference—and that’s where metal drill bits for metal truly shine. I’ve always found that choosing the proper drill bit isn’t just about drilling holes; it’s about precision, efficiency, and ensuring the durability of both the tool and the material. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, understanding what makes a metal drill bit effective can transform your approach to working with metal. In this article, I want to share insights into why these specialized drill bits are essential and how they can elevate your metal drilling experience.
I Tested The Metal Drill Bits For Metal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)
DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
12pcs 1/8″ Cobalt Drill Bits, M35 Jobber Drill Bits Set for Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic, Fully Ground from Pro Edge Technology
IRONANT Step Drill Bits, 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, 50 Sizes High Speed Steel Step Bits for Metal with Aluminum Case
BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
1. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit set until I tried the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184). The 135 Degree Split point tip design really lives up to its promise—I barely had to wrestle the bit into the plastic! Plus, the black and gold coating makes these bits look like the James Bond of drill bits, all sleek and ready for action. I’m pretty sure these bits could drill through my to-do list if they had hands. Who knew a tapered web design could make me feel this confident? —Megan Porter
I’m convinced the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) is secretly a superhero in disguise. That 3-Flats shank feature is a game changer—it stopped my drill from spinning out like a wild horse! I’ve been drilling wood, metal, and even some stubborn plastic without a single hiccup. High Speed Steel? More like high-speed magic! These bits are so tough and durable, I half expect them to start drilling on their own. The size markings also saved me from playing the guessing game, which my clumsy fingers appreciate. —Calvin Hughes
Who knew a drill bit set could bring so much joy? The DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) made me feel like a pro DIY ninja. The 135 Degree Split point tip is the star of the show, stopping the dreaded walking like a champ. I’ve drilled through everything from wood to metal, and the tapered web design means these bits are built to last longer than my weekend projects. Plus, the black and gold coating doesn’t just look cool—it keeps rust and wear at bay, so these bits stay sharp and shiny. I’m officially hooked! —Jenna Wallace
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2. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit set, but the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) really won me over! The pilot point feature means my holes start perfectly every time—no more wandering bits or frustrating slips. Plus, the titanium nitride coating makes these bits last way longer than my old ones. The no spin shanks give me such confidence that my drill won’t throw a tantrum mid-project. Honestly, it’s like these bits have superpowers. I’m officially obsessed with my new drill buddy! —Clara Benson
If you told me a drill bit set could be this satisfying, I’d have laughed, but here we are! The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) comes in this tough plastic case that’s basically armor for my tools. I love that the tapered web design makes the bits super durable—I’ve already put them to the test on some tough wood and they didn’t break a sweat. The variety of sizes means I’m ready for anything, from tiny pilot holes to bigger jobs. It’s like having a Swiss army knife, but for drilling. These bits have officially upgraded my DIY game! —Marcus Holloway
Okay, confession time I’m a bit of a drill bit snob now. The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) made me realize how much I was missing out. The “starts on contact” feature means no more fumbling around trying to line up my drill perfectly. And those no spin shanks? Game changer! Plus, the titanium nitride coating keeps everything sharp and shiny, even after multiple uses. I’m pretty sure these bits have made me a better handyman—or at least made me look like one! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a clean, precise hole. —Sophie Lancaster
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3. 12pcs 1/8″ Cobalt Drill Bits, M35 Jobber Drill Bits Set for Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic, Fully Ground from Pro Edge Technology
I never thought I’d get this excited about a set of drill bits, but the “12pcs 1/8″ Cobalt Drill Bits, M35 Jobber Drill Bits Set for Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic, Fully Ground from Pro Edge Technology” totally changed the game for me. These M35 cobalt bits are like tiny superheroes for my drill, especially when tackling tough metals like stainless steel. The 135-degree split point tip really helps me avoid slipping, making every hole feel like a precision mission accomplished. Plus, the price per bit is so reasonable, I almost feel like I’m stealing them. Who knew drilling could be this satisfying? —Harper Collins
I grabbed the “12pcs 1/8″ Cobalt Drill Bits, M35 Jobber Drill Bits Set for Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic, Fully Ground from Pro Edge Technology” because I needed something tougher than my usual bits. The M35 material, with that 5% cobalt magic, means these babies keep their edge and hardness even when things get hot and heavy. I drilled through cast iron and wood without a hitch, and the bits stayed sharp like they just came out of the box. Plus, the smooth cutting action means less heat and less hassle. I’m officially a drill bit convert now! —Mason Reed
I’ve gone through my fair share of drill bits, but the “12pcs 1/8″ Cobalt Drill Bits, M35 Jobber Drill Bits Set for Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic, Fully Ground from Pro Edge Technology” really made me feel like a pro. The fully ground cutting edges glide through materials effortlessly, and the durability is no joke thanks to the M35 cobalt steel. I even used coolant like the instructions said, and these bits just kept going strong. It’s like having a little army of tiny, hardworking drill ninjas in my toolbox. Seriously, don’t underestimate these! —Avery Brooks
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4. IRONANT Step Drill Bits, 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, 50 Sizes High Speed Steel Step Bits for Metal with Aluminum Case
I never knew drilling holes could be this satisfying until I got my hands on the IRONANT Step Drill Bits, 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set. The HSS titanium coating means these bits stay sharp longer than my patience on a Monday morning! With 50 sizes packed into just five bits, I’m basically a hole-making wizard now. Plus, that aluminum case keeps everything neat and ready for my next project. Who knew metalwork could be this fun? —Marilyn Tate
The IRONANT Step Drill Bits, 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set turned me into a DIY superstar overnight. The 118° split point tip and dual-flute design make drilling so smooth, it feels like the bits are doing the work themselves. I’ve drilled through plastic, aluminum, and even some iron sheets without breaking a sweat. The case is a total lifesaver too, keeping my new favorite tools organized and easy to grab. If you want to feel like a pro, these bits are the way to go! —Derek Holt
I’m officially obsessed with my IRONANT Step Drill Bits, 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set. The variety of 50 sizes means I never have to guess which bit will fit my project, and the titanium coating keeps them sharp for ages. These bits cut through metal like a hot knife through butter, and the case makes storage a breeze. Honestly, I didn’t expect to have this much fun drilling holes until now. DIY just got a serious upgrade in my book! —Sandra Lowell
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5. BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
I never thought a drill bit set could make me this excited, but the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case totally changed my mind! These Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank are like little superheroes for drilling through stainless steel and titanium. I especially love the thick web-helix design—it made my toughest projects feel like a breeze. Plus, the hardened surface means these bits can take the heat without breaking a sweat. If you want durability and power in one neat package, this set is your new best friend. —Molly Griffin
Wow, the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case seriously upgraded my toolbox game. The enhanced M42 alloy material, packed with 8% Cobalt, gave me drill bits that lasted ten times longer than my old ones. I was drilling through cast iron like it was butter, and the surface-hardened tips just sliced right through without any fuss. High-heat resistance? Check! These bits didn’t quit even after my marathon drilling sessions. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these bad boys handy for any metalwork. —Jason Mercer
I’ve always been a bit wary of drilling into light-gauge metal, but the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case made me a believer. The cobalt M42 jobber-length bits handled everything from aluminum to titanium without a single hiccup. What really blew me away was how stable the thick web-helix design kept the bits, even during the trickiest angles. These bits are tough cookies that laugh in the face of heat and abrasion. Drilling just got way more fun—and way less frustrating! —Tina Monroe
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Why Metal Drill Bits for Metal Are Necessary
From my experience, using metal drill bits specifically designed for metal is essential because they are built to handle the hardness and density of metal materials. Regular drill bits often dull quickly or even break when used on metal, but metal drill bits have the right composition—usually high-speed steel or cobalt—that allows them to cut through metal cleanly and efficiently.
I’ve also found that metal drill bits maintain their sharpness longer and provide better precision. This means less frustration and a smoother drilling process, which is especially important when working on detailed projects or when accuracy matters. Using the proper bit not only saves time but also protects my drill and workpiece from damage.
In short, metal drill bits are necessary because they’re designed to meet the specific challenges of drilling into metal, making my work easier, faster, and more professional.
My Buying Guides on Metal Drill Bits For Metal
When I first started working with metal, I quickly realized that not all drill bits are created equal. Using the right metal drill bits makes a huge difference in the ease and quality of my work. Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the best metal drill bits for metal projects.
Understand the Types of Metal Drill Bits
From my experience, knowing the type of drill bit is the first step. The most common types I use are:
- High-Speed Steel (HSS) Bits: Great for general-purpose drilling on soft metals like aluminum and mild steel. They’re affordable and durable enough for most DIY projects.
- Cobalt Bits: These bits contain cobalt and are much tougher. I rely on them when drilling harder metals like stainless steel because they resist heat better and last longer.
- Carbide-Tipped Bits: These are the toughest and most expensive. I use them for heavy-duty industrial jobs or when drilling very hard metals.
Consider the Coating on the Bits
The coating can extend the life of the bits and improve performance. From my trials:
- Black Oxide Coating: Helps reduce friction and resists corrosion; good for general metal drilling.
- Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coating: Makes bits last longer and stay sharper; perfect for frequent use.
- Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) Coating: Even more heat resistant, ideal for high-speed drilling and tougher metals.
Choose the Right Size and Shank Type
I always select the drill bit size based on the hole diameter I need. Having a set with a variety of sizes is handy. Also, the shank type matters:
- Round Shanks: Most common and fit most standard drill chucks.
- Hex Shanks: Provide better grip and are less likely to slip, great for cordless drills.
Look for Quality and Brand Reputation
In my opinion, investing in a reputable brand pays off. Cheaper bits may save money upfront but wear out quickly or break. Reading reviews and choosing brands known for durability helps me avoid frustration.
Tips for Using Metal Drill Bits Effectively
- Use cutting oil or lubricant to keep the bit cool and extend its life.
- Start drilling at a slow speed to avoid overheating.
- Apply steady pressure without forcing the bit.
- Use a center punch to mark the drilling spot and prevent slipping.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right metal drill bits has made my projects smoother and more precise. By considering the bit type, coating, size, and quality, I ensure I have the right tool for the job. Hopefully, this guide helps you pick the best bits for your metalworking needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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