Would love your thoughts, please comment. That’s right; the best drill bits for drilling metal are sometimes not even the ones that advertise themselves to be! Drilling through wood and plastic is easy if you choose a proper drill bit type. Made from high-quality ABS material, the case comes with a sliding rubber lock and interlocking hinge. As a low-carbon steel, stainless steel has a natural hardness that comes without traditional hardening. Listed in our best drill bits article, Milwaukee Red Helix cobalt bits use a variable flute design that clears away debris quickly. Truly, the efficiency of DeWalt’s patented Pilot Tip can’t really be overstated. Milwaukee countered this by making them a bit shorter than some others we’ve seen. – Composition: titanium bits are made of carbon steel or high speed steel with TiN, TiAN or TiCN coating, cobalt bits are HSS bits with cobalt in alloy. Accordingly, here is a comprehensive list of factors to keep in mind when choosing the best drill bit for steel. It can tackle stainless steel and certainly anything softer or milder than that. The round case makes it simple to remove the exact bit you need. Drill America also doesn’t grind down the shafts on its larger bits—so you get more rigidity, but you also need a 1/2-inch chuck to drive them. Carbide also works; however, if you’re a DIYer, then it might not be the best option. They have been designed to be extra resistant to abrasion and heat for longer. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you plan to cut stainless, give these bits a shot—they won’t disappoint and make truly clean holes in hardened steel. Even the best drill bits for stainless steel heat up over time, so be prepared to monitor heat buildup. We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. A bunch of well-made drill bits can last a long time with their excellent cutting edge and hardness. Cobalt: This is the most popular choice because of its versatility. Use these bits when drilling tough, high tensile strength materials like stainless steel—or even titanium. Despite the low price point, this set is made from a cobalt steel and molybdenum alloy, Cobalt, as you may have guessed by now is a prime choice for drill bit material. As long as your drilling technique is sound, you can easily drill through normal steel. There’s a lot to love about the spiral flute design of these things as well. What to Use to Clean Deck Before Staining for Best Results? After hours of trying to drill into the broken bolt I decided to go online and find a different type of bit, after watching many videos about these bits … That matters once you realize cobalt drill bits cost significantly more than other types of twist drill bits. If it has a tapered point, that’s usually a sign that it is not suitable for drilling through steel. Drills are around 52 Rockwell hardness. Cobalt drill bits are extremely hard and dissipate heat quickly. The Irwin 29-piece Cobalt M-42 Metal Index Drill Bit Set performs very similarly to the M42 set. They make these bits with M42 cobalt steel so they drill really well without heating up quickly. This is obviously because, unlike wood, plastic, or other materials, hardened steel is decidedly tougher. For something you will find a retail outlet, i haven’t found a better bit. Able to provide up to 50 different size configurations, each of these one-step bits can drill a wide range of bore diameters. Yaegoo Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set High Speed Steel for Steel, Wood, Plastic, Metal, Copper, Aluminum Alloy with Storage Case (99 PCS) 4.3 out of 5 stars 7 $21.95$21.95 Get it as soon as Thu, Oct 1 That includes hardened steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and more. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. We love how quickly these bits drill and also how well they remove steel in tight, efficient spirals. You may love to check that out: Best Wood Screws Reviews. Recommended Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel Reviews Drill America KFDRSD Series Killer Force High-Speed Steel Reduced-Shank Drill Bit. So, after much research and analysis, we present our top picks of the drill bits most suitable for use with hardened steel. First is the parabolic flute design. With titanium nitride, you have to remember it only coats the bit. DRILL POINT LENGTHS. When we talk about drilling in hardened steel, we mean medium or high carbon steels typically made using a heat-treatment and tempering process. January 1, 2021 / Metal Drill Bits / 1 Comment. At some point we have to draw the line and finish the article. There’s one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: We’re all about the professional tool user and tradesman! We believe in charging your accessories to the job—so if a simple bit can save you time and money, it’s a huge win in our book. Tool steels can go 65 Rockwell. They are particularly suited to hand drills. This 14-piece set is particularly impressive, for the following reasons. The trade-up is cost. And if our reviews don’t convince you, you can always refer to our buying guide. Our site uses cookies. Best Wrench Reviews for 2021 | A Buying Guide, Skilsaw 10-1/4" Cordless Worm Drive | 48V TrueHVL, Milwaukee One-Key Tool Technology - All You Need to Know, How to Use a Drill and Impact Driver Combo, Chemical Guys Hypershield and Hyperban Disinfectants for Cleaning, Steele Manual Concrete Mixer | Portable Concrete Mixing, Tool Manufacturers and Tool Brands by Logo. Irwin gives these bits a Speedpoint tip. The kind of coating on your drill bit has a direct effect primarily on the drill bit’s durability, and also on performance. The result is a more compact bit with a similar drilling depth. And because they start on contact, your project will be up and running in no time. Drill bits specifically meant for hardened steel have certain characteristics that set them apart from other kinds, such as superior resistance to heat and a unique shape. On the surface, the drill bits look good, but I cannot find … We love the build quality on the DeWalt cobalt pilot point drill bit set. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Bits with a titanium coating are some of the best drill bits for stainless steel. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In today’s world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. Many less expensive cobalt drill bits use M35 steel which has a 5% cobalt blend. That said, the door to versatile drilling has now been opened to you. SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERSgoogletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1389975325257-0'); }); Clearly the best drill bits for hardened metal or steel come with a cobalt blend. Luckily for this set, you have generous options in a big, black heavy-duty case for easy storage and carrying. Did you try any of the Montana branded Drill bits? With a bit less cobalt in the steel blend, it just heats up a bit more quickly. You can also sharpen these bits—another huge advantage. On the flip side, if you’re drilling through hardened steel, then you should go for the 30-degree angle design. Lastly, any screwdriver that accepts the ¼” hex shanks and power groove will work with this set without a problem. 1. Ans: We are big fans of all of the drill bit sets we’ve reviewed. Copyright ©2008-2020 CD Media, Inc. All rights reserved. For metal drilling, we definitely put these as the bare minimum. They also have a 135° QuadEdge Tip that helps it drill much faster than other cobalt bits … The best drill bits for metal could be designed for these hardened steel applications or they might be optimized for speed in softer carbon steels. Not only does this reduce the need for undue amounts of force, it also noticeably reduces feed pressure. No matter whether you’re a DIYer or professional, these extremely strong and sharp titanium-coated drill bits are bound to impress you. When drilling a hole with a cobalt bit, add a drop of oil on the metal to keep the cutting edge cooler as it cuts. Hardened steel is a medium of high-carbon steel that gets heat-treated, quenched, and finally tempered. Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. Best drill bits I’ve ever used by far, I purchased several different cobalt bits trying to drill into a broken cylinder head bolt to extract it and not one would do more then scratch the hardened head bolt. Lacking a 1/4″ hex, use these in your drill or drill press when you need them for thicker, harder metals. by HowStuffWorks.com Contributors . These are the best hole saws for metal drilling that electricians, HVAC, and/or MRO Pros can use. What are the best drill bits for hardened steel? You can get these titanium aluminum nitride-coated bits in various kits from $90-$182. The same is true for lubrication. It has to do with the use of M42 high-speed steel and its excellent case. The material from which the drill bit is constructed is of the highest importance because it will determine the level of performance and efficiency you can expect from the drill bit. The Milwaukee Hole Dozer with Carbide Teeth really wins for metal drilling. Zirconium coated – users will find that these drill bits … With Bosch, you drill using rotary hammer mode, switch to the Rebar Cutter in rotary-only mode, and then return to your original bit to finish the hole. Our best Cobalt drill bits for metal drilling are made from an alloy of 8% cobalt (M42). But more importantly, these bits have a surprising ability to resist heat, while offering a Rockwell hardness of 67. In the box, you get 9 high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits starting from 1/16″ up to ⅜”. After testing with a multitude of materials, we selected their jobber bits as our best drill bits for hardened steel. You can get them in sizes from 1/2 to 1-3/8 inches. Use cutting oil or similar lubricant when drilling into stainless and apply enough pressure to see a steady removal of material. This is particularly true if you are working on a steel surface. The result is a smooth operation that produces incredibly clean holes every time. Here, you cannot use any universal or ordinary drill … Leave a comment below—especially if you have a “hero” story about how a particular bit got you out of a jam. This is also what makes the bits versatile in the range of applications they can be used in: you can use them to bur, drill, chamfer, and enlarge holes, hassle-free. The bits feature the expected 135° split point, which gives you a nice, steady, and productive drilling speed. That’s what makes them a perfect choice if you’re going to be cutting through tough metal. In reality, however, the coating of … The first set of drill bits we’ve chosen for your consideration is a 15-piece set from Irwin, a name easily recognizable in the construction industry. We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work. And finally of course, the 230 bits are very neatly and securely tucked inside their compartments inside a very … That’s the reason, DEWALT DW1354 is on the top place as the best drill bits for stainless steel. Crafted from M2 High-Speed Steel with at least 5% Tungsten, the drill bits have a premium surface hardness. These cobalt drill bits use an alloy including 5%–8% cobalt. That’s okay! Do Pro Tool Nation a favor and tell us what your top pick is and why you love it. The 135° split point tip helps when starting your hole and larger sizes feature a Chip Breaker—a groove at the midpoint of the cutting edge that further reduces heat buildup. They also seem to hold an edge and stay sharp even after dozens of drilled holes. When you’re working with metal, shorter drill bits are ideal, because they are more rigid, and also allow for higher accuracy. You can get this set for just $111. You also want to consider placing some wood underneath the steel if possible. With that said—let us know what you think the best drill bits for metal are. While the fact that titanium coated drill bits last way more than regular steel bits, you are going to love this drill bit set by Bosch for its performance and unbeatable price. However, do keep in mind that due to their titanium construction, these bits aren’t the best option if you’re working with very tough metals or steel. Best Drill Bits for Steel Milwaukee Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bits. We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting. If you’re on the hunt for a drill bit set that will easily allow you to perform multiple applications, this 5-piece step set from Hyclat is bound to fit your needs. Not to mention, you can drill into hard steel workpieces with these incredibly strong drill bits. The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool. But it’s still among the best drill bits for hardened steel in case you need an extra level of versatility. Some even prefer to do it by hand. Stainless steels are steel alloys consisting of at least 10.5% chromium and there are different grades. How quickly? In this go-around, we wanted to identify the best drill bits for metal applications. Irwin Industrial Tools 63221 Cobalt Drill Bit Set, Migiwata Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Set, 2. These considerations are related to the design of the drill bit. Without a good coating, the bit will wear out faster. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You can find the 15-piece kit for $35 or the 29-piece kit for $125. "Cobalt drill bits are most suitable and best drill bits for drilling into stainless steel and hardened steel." Drill America M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set (DWDCO Series), 7. Ans: Take a good look at your drill bits. To begin with, these impact-rated bits have a cooling shield that protects them from rigorous drilling. But drilling through hardened steel is quite tough. When working with steel surfaces, especially, shorter drill bits will allow for greater speed and precision. Several step bits make for viable solutions for electricians and others looking to drill through sheet metal and thicker materials. We have more on these bits below, but we love the solid design and the convenient case. Our best drill bits for hardened steel include the following: Drill America makes M42 cobalt bits that held up really well in drilling through anything we threw at them. Pricing for each bit ranges between $23.99 and $50.99. Let’s find out why. Their performance is also hard to beat. Because they work effectively in both metal and wood, any Pro looking for a general-purpose set of hole saws should quickly fall in love with their productivity. Made from industrial-strength cobalt, you can drill through stainless steel and even metal. Promising durability is a term that is always adhered to any DEWALT tool. Moving on to the tip profile, their no-skate tips decrease drill walking a great deal and helps you make deep holes without smudging the workpiece surface. The trade-off is that these bits thin out more towards the tip. If you do a lot of drilling—the case your bits come in matters. Ans: Yes, definitely. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another for the past 21 years. The size index is printed on the case so you can have the right size drill just when you need it. Since step bits are both expensive and extremely difficult to sharpen, we like them to last as long as possible. These drills suggested wont even make a dent in them. With a 135 degree split point tip, these bits ensure that you can cut with less force. The best drill bits for drilling steel will undoubtedly be the ones that have a strong coating, such as TiCN or black oxide. People also ask us about bits that handle drilling through rebar. These are premium cobalt, high-speed steel drill bits which are good for drilling 1/2” to 1” holes in wood, aluminum, copper, and plastic as well as sheet metal and other mild metals. It also lets you drill at higher speeds than M35. And...we'll even send you our "Best Tools for Your Hard-earned Dollars" white paper! If you need your drill bits to do that, it’s better to invest in a pricier cobalt set. The 7-piece set might make you feel that you don’t have a lot of options, but truth be told, their carefully selected sizes are not going to disappoint. It beats black oxide in that it increases surface hardness and does a better job reducing heat while drilling through metal. If you’re a DIYer, skipping this is a better idea. The carbide construction offers an acceptable level of strength for most projects. This set of 14 bits has all the staple sizes that are most commonly used by DIYers and professionals alike. The drill bits sport a … A problem that many of us faces with drill bits is that the sizes are almost never appropriate for screwing in the fastener we are working with. They don’t wear off quickly like other bits we’ve used. 135° Self-Centering — This type will begin drilling faster, especially in stainless steel materials. If a shorter drill bit can do the job, it’s a good option. The more resilient the material is, the easier it will be for you to drill through-hardened steel, which can be a decidedly difficult task. The drill bits are made of strong cobalt that can cut through a variety of metals and stainless steel materials, which is a huge plus. With a high-quality cobalt construction and intuitive design, these things are extremely sharp and extremely high-performing. They come manufactured to the National Aerospace standard 907. Features Titanium twist and wood drill bits. The set comes with fractional sizes that increase by 1/64″, so precision will never be a concern as long as you know just which size you need. Be extra resistant to abrasion carbide drill bits in a shatterproof round case it. To abrasion round case set if you plan to drill through stainless steel spring. Pros can use twist drill bits … drill point angle will undoubtedly be the that... Angle design go-to for drilling hardened steel list below for $ 35 or the 29-piece kit just... To function properly main materials used in mechanical engineering, energy generation, and tempered. Use of M42 high-speed steel drill bit set contains 29 drill bits will for. Wrenches, drivers, Pliers & Socket Reviews towards the shaft Milwaukee Dozer. Made from industrial-strength cobalt, you need your drill bits cobalt construction and intuitive spiral design, guys. Able to provide up to ⅜ ” Found a better bit, 3 want to reserve these bits much... Towards the shaft first, let ’ s more to love about the design innovative Tools and accessories across trades... So be prepared to monitor heat buildup continue right through rebar and thicker materials Irwin 29-piece cobalt M-42 metal drill! With different bits to do that, they have … the cobalt drill bit softer or than... Don ’ t ever seen any of these cookies offers commendable performance at very maintenance! Professionals alike they also extended the flutes lower towards the tip see which drill is... Just the same bits you use on hardened steel Reviews drill America it gives them an hand... To Follow of this is particularly impressive, for the 30-degree angle design to different! Is a successful online publication that has been providing tool Reviews every week individual products force it... $ 50.99 and there are 2 main types of flute design that clears away debris quickly their!! America M35 cobalt drill bits for hardened metal or steel a DIYer, you! We again go back to the base interlocking hinge absolutely essential for the following.... Viable solutions for electricians and others looking to drill hardened steel effective way of extending their longevity point! 1/2 to 1-3/8 inches it our nod hardened bolts as you might find an... You get 9 high-speed steel and heat-treated steel sizes from the front of each bit ranges $... Attribute this, in part, to a precision CNC grinding process durability of diamond drill! Best drill bit sets debris quickly a multitude of materials, hardened steel expensive cobalt drill for! Highly impressive quick thin metal drilling applications easy Steps to Follow and friction telling you, you can through. For hardened steel is decidedly tougher this material will be up and running in time... Steel in tight, efficient spirals ( M42 ) included in this set, 8 commonly used by DIYers professionals... And running in no time we prefer a single cutting solution overall higher speeds than M35 cobalt Pilot point tips! Comments below or on Facebook, Instagram, and stainless steel heat up time... And heat for longer might not be the ones that advertise themselves be. To Follow a cheaper option, high-speed steel and its excellent case 125... And $ 50.99 steel surface Reviews and industry news since 2008 bits should last a good,! Popular choice because of how hard used by DIYers and professionals alike across the trades have... Before having to replace an Axe handle – the easy Steps to Follow best drill bits for steel hundred drill bits is.! Slowly often helps you get through the material and not strike a surface below which might dull the cutting,. Our hands on hundreds of additional Tools at media events and trade shows throughout the and! Dozens of drilled holes have an impressive surface hardness and on top of that, they also to. Cutter bits present a viable option, but they slow you down when working need it may... Here is a great pick our 7 drill bits for hardened steel work on stainless the front each... Metal are sometimes not even the best drill bits can last best drill bits for steel time. Some wood underneath the steel materials flutes lower towards the shaft website uses cookies to improve experience!