Best Drill Bits in 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

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A best drill bits set is a power cutting tool that is used to make holes in different materials. Typically, the holes are made with a circular cross-section. 

Drilling bit sets are available in all sorts ofshapes and sizes and are used to create various types of holes in all sorts of materials.

230 Pieces Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set, Anti-Walking 135° Tip High Speed Steel, Size from 3/64" up to 1/2", Ideal for Wood/Steel/Aluminum/Zinc Alloy, with Hard Storage
Chicago Latrobe 57714 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set with Metal Case, Black Oxide Finish, 118 Degree Conventional Point, Inch, 29-piece, 1/16" - 1/2" in 1/64" increments
DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set, 21-Piece (DW1342)
amoolo Cobalt Drill Bit Set (13 pcs), M35 HSS Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Metal and Cast Iron,1/16"-1/4"
Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, High Speed Steel | 3-Piece Set | Total 28 Sizes
Model
Chicago Latrobe 150 Drill Bit Set
Chicago Latrobe 150 Drill Bit Set
DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set
Amoolo Twist Drill Bit Set
Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set
MSRP
$40.99
$114.29
$27.93
Price not available
$11.99
Our rating
94
90
88
88
87
Material
HSS - High Speed Steel with Titanium Finish
HSS - High Speed Steel with Black oxide finish
HSS - High Speed Steel with Titanium Finish
M35 Cobalt HSS - High Speed Steel
HSS - High Speed Steel with Titanium Finish
Set
230 Pieces
29 Pieces
21 Pieces
13 Pieces
3 Pieces
Ideal For
Metal, Wood, Plastic
General Purpose materials
General Purpose materials
Hard Metals
General Purpose materials
Not Ideal For
Not Specificated
Not Specificated
Not Specificated
Not for Glass or Ceramic Materials and High Carbon Steel
Not Specificated
More Information
SEE ON AMAZON
SEE ON AMAZON
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230 Pieces Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set, Anti-Walking 135° Tip High Speed Steel, Size from 3/64" up to 1/2", Ideal for Wood/Steel/Aluminum/Zinc Alloy, with Hard Storage
Model
Chicago Latrobe 150 Drill Bit Set
MSRP
$40.99
Our rating
94
Material
HSS - High Speed Steel with Titanium Finish
Set
230 Pieces
Ideal For
Metal, Wood, Plastic
Not Ideal For
Not Specificated
More Information
SEE ON AMAZON
Chicago Latrobe 57714 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set with Metal Case, Black Oxide Finish, 118 Degree Conventional Point, Inch, 29-piece, 1/16" - 1/2" in 1/64" increments
Model
Chicago Latrobe 150 Drill Bit Set
MSRP
$114.29
Our rating
90
Material
HSS - High Speed Steel with Black oxide finish
Set
29 Pieces
Ideal For
General Purpose materials
Not Ideal For
Not Specificated
More Information
SEE ON AMAZON
DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set, 21-Piece (DW1342)
Model
DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set
MSRP
$27.93
Our rating
88
Material
HSS - High Speed Steel with Titanium Finish
Set
21 Pieces
Ideal For
General Purpose materials
Not Ideal For
Not Specificated
More Information
SEE ON AMAZON
amoolo Cobalt Drill Bit Set (13 pcs), M35 HSS Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Metal and Cast Iron,1/16"-1/4"
Model
Amoolo Twist Drill Bit Set
MSRP
Price not available
Our rating
88
Material
M35 Cobalt HSS - High Speed Steel
Set
13 Pieces
Ideal For
Hard Metals
Not Ideal For
Not for Glass or Ceramic Materials and High Carbon Steel
More Information
SEE ON AMAZON
Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, High Speed Steel | 3-Piece Set | Total 28 Sizes
Model
Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set
MSRP
$11.99
Our rating
87
Material
HSS - High Speed Steel with Titanium Finish
Set
3 Pieces
Ideal For
General Purpose materials
Not Ideal For
Not Specificated
More Information
SEE ON AMAZON

Drill bits create holes by being attached to a drill. The drill, in turn, gives them the power to cut through the material, usually with the help of rotation. The drill then grasps the upper part of the drilling bit which is called the ‘shank’ in the chuck.

Drill tools are generally pretty simple products. They are designed keeping in mind only a single purpose – to effectively and quickly drill a hole into a particular material.

Drill bits set can be useful whether you are working on a certain DIY project such as a repair within your home, or a more large-scale project such as building a house.

When choosing the best drill bits set to purchase, you must think about certain factors such as what sort of a hole you want to drill.

Your main considerations should be that your hole is geometrically accurate and that it looks smooth. It’s always a plus point if you can drill the hole efficiently and quickly without wasting any time.

In most cases, a single drill bit isn’t enough to do a great job, and you will require a drill bit set. You must select your drill bit based on which material you want to drill.

Drill bit sets are easily available at any home improvement store. There are different types of best drill bits available for varying materials.

For example, a high-speed steel (HSS) drilling bit set is an economical choice for materials such as wood, plastic, and soft steels. Cobalt (HsCO) on the other hand, is one of the best drill bits for drilling into tougher materials such as harder steel and stainless steel.

Meanwhile, Carbide (Carb) is perhaps the hardest of all drill bits available, and is mainly for production purposes. This sort of a drilling bit should never be used at home in DIY projects.

Make sure that you purchase a drilling bit set based on its performance and not the way that it looks. Sometimes a beautiful-looking drill bit set performs poorly and is, therefore, useless.

The three things that you absolutely must think about when choosing the right angle drill bit set are the material you want to drill into, the sort of hole you want to make, and the way in which you want to make it.

Here are some of the best drill bit sets for metal available in the market right now.

WINNER – 230 Pieces Titanium Drill Bit Set

230 Pieces Titanium Drill Bits Set for Wood Metal Aluminum Alloy Review
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Specifications

  • Premium material
  • Comes with plastic storage box
  • Commonly used with all materials
  • Product weight: 4.2 pounds
  • Size: 230 Piece Drill Bits Set
  • Material: High Speed Steel (HSS)
  • Finish: Titanium coated, which prevents rusting
  • Sizes include: 32 Piece 3/64inch, 30 Piece 1/16inch, 30 Piece 5/64inch, 30 Piece 3/32inch, 20 Piece 1/8inch, 20 Piece 9/64inch, 12 Piece 5/32inch, 12 Piece 11/64inch, 12 Piece 3/16inch, 8 Piece 7/32inch, 4 Piece 15/64inch, 6 Piece 1/4inch, 4 Piece 9/32inch, 2 Piece 19/64inch, 3 Piece 5/16inch, 2 Piece 21/64inch, 1 Piece 23/64inch, 1 Piece 3/8inch, 1 Piece 1/2inch

Dimensions

11 x 9.4 x 2.2 inches

Features Review

This drilling bit set is manufactured using High Speed Steel. This ensures both strength as well as durability. This widely used drill bit set has 230 pieces and can meet most of your requirements for drilling into metal or even materials such as plastic or wood.

The drilling bit set has a The 135° fast cutting point. This penetrates your material quickly and effectively, without you having to exert too much pressure.

Being one of the best drill bits coated in titanium,it not only prevents rusting, but also makes your drill bit set hardy and effective, reducing buildup.

This drilling bit set is available in a range of different sizes and you can pick one based on which suits your requirements.

Furthermore, the set is available in a plastic storage box that makes it both easy to carry around and also to store safely, without harming any of the drilling bits.

There a number of reasons to invest in this particular metal bit set. The most important by far are that there are 230 separate drill bits available in this one set and although they are small in size, they perform exceptionally well.

At this low price, it’s impossible to purchase such a large number of best drill bits, so this set is well worth the price.

Runner Up – Chicago Latrobe 150 Series Drill Bits Set

Chicago Latrobe 150 Series High-Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Sets Review
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Specifications

  • High-speed steel (HSS) which makes it hardy and wear resistant
  • 118-degree conventional point
  • A range of drilling applications
  • Perfect for general-purpose drilling applications
  • Finish: Black Oxide
  • Product weight: 2.95 pounds
  • Set pieces: 29
  • Sizes available: 1/16inch – 1/2inch in 1/64inch increments

Dimensions

Unknown

Features Review

This Chicago-Latrobe 150 series jobber length drill bit set comprises of 29 high-speed steel drill bits. Their sizes range from 1/16-inch through 1/2-inch in 1/64-inch increments.

There are many reasons to consider buying this metal bit set. For starters, the set offers 29 different types of drill bits. These are useful because you can use a different one for a different purpose.

Second, the black oxide finish functions as a lubricant. It prevents wear and tear while at the same time encourages coolant and chip flow.

Additionally, the 118-degree conventional points are made keeping in mind all sorts of applications on various metals.

The extremely versatile drilling depth that this set has to offer is useful in a range of drilling applications, depending on what you wish to do. The round shanks of the drill bits accommodate most drill chucks, which is an added advantage.

This drill bit set is accompanied with a gray epoxy-coated steel index case. This case even has labeled compartments for decent organization as well as identification.

The case measures 7-1/4-inches tall, 4-3/8-inches wide, and 1-7/8-inches deep and so is large enough to make sure that your drill bits set stays safe and protected.

The High-speed steel (HSS) material that the drill bit set is made out of allows for hardiness and also protects from wear and tear.

The black oxide finish reduces wear and tear of the drill bits while at the same time,encouraging chip and coolant flow on materials.

Although this particular drilling bit set is a little bit on the pricey side, the features and performance makes it one of the best drill bit sets for metal available in the market today.

Sometimes, a lot of these cheaper drill bit sets fail to perform optimally. It’s better to invest in a drill bit set that might be cheaper but is so much more worthwhile than any cheaper set that won’t perform half as well.

ALTERNATIVE – DEWALT Titanium Drill Bits Set

DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set, 21-Piece (DW1342) Review
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Specifications

  • Comes with a speed tip that reduces walking
  • Perfect for drilling into materials including metal, wood, and plastics
  • No spin shanks
  • Includes a tough case container to keep the drill bits organized
  • Titanium Coating for durability
  • Material: Titanium
  • Product weight: 1.06 pounds
  • Speed: 40 RPM
  • Number of pieces: 21
  • 30-days money back guarantee

Dimensions

8.8 x 1.8 x 8.8 inches

Features Review

There are many reasons for why this might just be one of the best drilling bit sets on the market right now.  For starters, this drill bit set is extremely reasonably priced.

In fact, with the sort of features it has to offer, this drilling bit set is nothing short of being a steal.

This 21 piece set is versatile in all that it has to offer. Because there are so many different types of drill bits in the set, you can use them to drill into a variety of different materials.

These include, metal, plastic and wood. The titanium coating allows for exceptional durability as well as prevents the set from wear and tear.

What’s more, the set comes with an excellent user friendly case. This case ensures that your drill bits remain well organized and that you can easily carry them around with you wherever you go.

It also ensures that your drill bits remain perfectly safe and protected.

The drill bits are capable and sharp and this is one purchase you will not regret making.

BEST FOR THE MONEY – Amoolo Twist Drill Bits Set

Amoolo Twist Drill Bit Set (13 pcs) Review
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Specifications

  • A M35 Cobalt Drill Bit
  • Fully Ground Process
  • 135° Split Point
  • No center punch is needed
  • Multiple Applications
  • Perfect for hard metals such as stainless steel and cast iron
  • Can be used for Wood, Aluminum Alloy and Other Softer Metals
  • Not ideal for ceramic materials or glass
  • Not ideal for high-carbon steel or heat-treated steel
  • Combination set of 13 sizes
  • Material: M35 Cobalt HSS
  • Drill bits sizes: 1/16inch, 5/64inch, 3/32inch, 7/64inch,1/8inch, 9/64inch, 5/32inch,11/64inch, 3/16,13/64inch, 7/32inch,15/64inch, 1/4inch x 1 Pcs each
  • Product weight: 2.4 ounces
  • 90 Days 100% warranty for a refund or replacement

Dimensions
8.7 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches

Features Review

This drilling bit set is made up of a M35 Cobalt Drill Bit. The set contains 5% Cobalt (M35 Cobalt HSS).

This increases the strength and hardiness of the drill bit set and makes it so much easier to use. It also makes it more heat-resistant.

This drilling bit set has a split point of 135°. It doesn’t require any center punch. The set has a fully ground spiral groove design. This design achieves multiple purposes. It helps clear particles quickly,  it helps reduce friction and heat too for a faster and a cooler drilling performance.

The 135° split point with the straight shank reduces the need to walk andensures that the whole drilling process is quicker and more efficient, as well as being precise.

What’s better is that this particular drill bit set is ideal for use with all sorts of hard metals includingstainless steel as well as cast iron.

Additionally, this dill bit set can even function really well with materials such as wood, aluminum alloy, as well as other softer metals.

This set isn’t however compatible with materials such as glass or ceramics. It also isn’t compatible with materials such as high-carbon steel and heat-treated steel.

You must be careful to pay attention to the speed, pressure and heat control each time when you are drilling.

This entire drilling bit set comprises of 13 pieces, each of a different size so that you can meet all sorts of requirements.

The set even comes with its own plastic case so that you can store it carefully and also carry it around with you if need be.

The low price is perhaps what makes purchasing this drill set so very worth it. The functionalities that this drill bit set has to offer are unlike any other. What’s more, if you are still somehow unhappy with this drill bit set after purchasing it, not to worry!

The product comes with a 3 month warranty so you can easily get the set repaired or replaced within a span of three months.

Because of its price and performance, this might just be the best drill bit set for metal out there right now. So purchase this now before it’s too late!

RUNNER UP – Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bits Set

Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set Review
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Specifications

  • Makes use of titanium and High Speed Steel (HSS)
  • Titanium coating allows for protection and durability
  • You can easily drill holes into all sorts of materials such as copper, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel and other types of sheet metals
  • A 135° split point tip. This increases speed and prevents walking
  • A two-flute design : This clears chips faster while also allowing the particles to escape easily
  • A tri-flatted shank: This allows the power tools to chuck more securely and also prevents slips
  • The set includes: 3 pieces of drill bits
  • Drill bit sizes: 3/16inch, 1/4inch, 5/16inch, 3/8inch, 7/16inch, 1/2inch; Bit #2 (13 steps): 1/8inch, 5/32inch, 3/16inch, 7/32inch, 1/4inch, 9/32inch, 5/16inch, 11/32inch, 3/8inch, 13/32inch, 7/16inch, 15/32inch, 1/2inch; Bit #3 (9 steps): 1/4inch, 5/16inch, 3/8inch, 7/16inch, 1/2inch, 9/16inch, 5/8inch, 11/16inch, 3/4inch
  • Weight: 4 ounces
  • Universal design
  • Increased cutting speed
  • Engraved sizes

Dimensions

6 x 4 x 1 inches

Features Review

There are a number of reasons to consider buying this particular drilling bit set. For starters, the set comes with High Speed Steel versatility.

This together with the titanium coating ensures that the drill is capable and durable enough to last through multiple drillings and on various different materials including aluminum, plastic, copper, stainless steel and others.

Furthermore, the set has a unique flute design. This ensures that the materials are able to escape easily so that you have a relatively clean drilling operation.

While drilling, at each step, you may experience the drilling bit stop so you never have to put extra effort and drill more than you absolutely have to.

The tri-flatted shank design is a universal fit and so you will always be at peace while drilling, knowing that your drilling bit fits well and is safe in your hands.

The engraved sizes inside each flute are useful because that way you can pick whichever size works best for the material or the project you are working on.

Additionally, the 135° split point tip allows for increased cutting sped.

At this very low price, this drill bit set is certainly worth purchasing, no matter your project.

Best Drill Bits Set for Metal – FAQ

What drill bit is best for metal?

drilling metal with step bit set

Generally speaking, just any drill bit isn’t capable of drilling through a hard metal. You will require heavy-duty best drill bits that work great with tough materials.

Titanium drill bits are high-speed steel drill bits (HSS) that have a titanium oxide coating.  These are usually very hard, and are also corrosion-resistant. They tend to last significantly longer than regular HSS drill bits. These tend to be really effective for cutting through any metal, even metal sheeting.

Furthermore, Cobalt drill bits that are made up of cobalt steel are also good for drilling tough amterials such as metals. Cobalt steel is hard and heat resistant and so cobalt drill bits also work well with metals such as stainless steel, cast iron and titanium.

How to use a drill bit for metal?

man drills aluminnium pipe with cordless drill

The first step is to correctly mark the spot you will be drilling. You can use a tape measure and a pencil to mar this spot.

Next, you need to use a small center punch, of about two millimeters to put the point of the punch on the mark you had initially made. Tap this with a hammer to create an indentation in the material.

This hole will allow the point side of the drilling bit to settle within it and prevent the drilling bit from skidding.

After marking everything, you will need to place your item flaton the surface and use clamps to clamp it up nice and tight. Allow enough space between your clamps and the drilling point to make sure that your drill gets in comfortably.

You don’t want to be stuck in too much of a confined area as this can easily lead to mistakes and potentially injuries.

Before drilling, make sure to use some lubrication. This ensures that the heat build-up is massively reduced and that any chance of drill bit damage is reduced as well.

With everything ready, you must drill out a small hole first, about four millimeters in diameter. Move up the hole to six millimeters.

Ensure that the chuck is tightened properly and place the tip of the bit directly over your punch point. Once you have made it all the way through, pull the drill bit back and place the drill to one side.

Wipe everything down and remove any excess lubrication.

What are the best drill bits for hardened steel?

If you are in search of a drill bit that works best with hardened steel, you must go to a home improvement store that specializes in drill bits for steel.

Usually though, cobalt drill bits tend to work best with hardened steel. This is because cobalt is very hard, abrasive, and heat resistant.

Is cobalt or titanium drill bits better?

metal bitset drilling steel lock

Both cobalt and titanium drill bits are effective in their own way, especially when it comes to drilling hard metals. Titanium coated drill bits generally tend to last up to six times longer than any standard High Speed Steel drill bits.

Cobalt bits on the other hand are designed particularly to be used with hard, abrasive materials. These include stainless steel, titanium and cast iron. Cobalt bits are never designed to be used generally.

As such, cobalt drill bits may be a better option when it comes to drilling hard metals, although both can do a decent job.

These are some of the best drill bit sets for metal out there today. Get your hands on some of these if you planning on drilling metals any time soon.


Best Drill Bits in 2021 - Buyer's Guide 1

Marcus Paulson

Marcus Paulson spent his extra time in woodshop back in high school, and helping his father out with small carpentry projects on the weekends. During college, Marcus paid his way by attending night classes while working full-time as a carpenter and eventual project manager, educating his crew on proper practice and the best tools (specifically drills) out there. Today, he spends time teaching his sons the same tricks of the trade he learned at a young age, and works as a foreman on renovation projects throughout the greater Los Angeles area.