10 Best Drill Bits for Metal Reviews and Buyers Guide
When it comes to power tools, drills are by far the most versatile and reliable machines that you can have at your disposal. However, what makes the device so amazing is that you can use different bits to work on various jobs. So, whether you need to drill through wood, plastic, or metal, you can find bits that will make the work go so much easier.
With that in mind, today we are going to look at bits that will work best to go through metal. What’s important to remember, though, is that there are plenty of variations of metal out there, so it’s imperative that you find bits that are rated for the job.
For example, if you want to drill through sheet metal, you can use almost any twist bit. If, however, you want to go through hardened steel, then you’ll need something a bit more robust. As such, we’ll be sure to discuss the different bit types and how they can be used effectively.
10 Best Drill Bits for Metal
Picture | Name | Editor Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Drill America KFDRSD Series Killer Force High-Speed Steel Reduced-Shank Drill Bit | ||
 | DEWALT DW1263 14-Piece Cobalt Pilot Point Drill Bit Set | ||
 | Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set | ||
 | Bosch CO21 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set | ||
 | Neiko 10194A Titanium Step Drill Bit, High-Speed Steel | ||
 | 8PC HSS Cobalt Silver & Deming Drill Bits Set | ||
 | XtremepowerUS 8PC HSS Silver and Deming Drill Bits Set | ||
 | Titanium Drill Bit Set for Metal | ||
 | CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole 50 Sizes Step Drill Bit Set | ||
 | DEWALT DW1177 20-Piece Black-Oxide Metal Drill Bit Set |
Recommended Best Drill Bits for Metal Reviews
Drill America KFDRSD Series Killer Force High-Speed Steel Reduced-Shank Drill Bit
Editor Rating:
Kicking off our list is this high-speed steel bit from Drill America. As with most HSS bits, this one is designed to work with a variety of materials, including some lighter metals as well. What makes this particular bit work for the job is that it has a black and gold oxide coating and it has a split point tip. The coating helps to preserve the bit from overheating or getting damaged while working, and the tip ensures that it creates a smooth hole every time.
As for the rest of the bit, it has a round shank, meaning that it will fit into almost any drill chuck. It is also three inches long and ½ inches wide, which is one of the largest sizes you can find. Finally, if you rotate the bit counterclockwise, you can remove the debris from the hole quickly and efficiently.
PROS
- Durable high-speed steel bit
- 135-degree tip to reduce walking
- Three inches long
- One-inch diameter
- Black and gold oxide coating
- Round shank to fit into any drill chuck
- Split-point tip self-centers for accuracy
- Can be used for wood and plastic as well
- When rotated counterclockwise, it will remove debris
CONS
- Not designed for heavy-duty use
- In rare cases, the bit may break under heavy pressure
DEWALT DW1263 14-Piece Cobalt Pilot Point Drill Bit Set
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As we mentioned above, if you want to get the most out of your drill bits when working with metal then you need to use ones that have cobalt mixed in. So, that means that this set of bits from DeWalt will outperform most HSS models since they have cobalt tips. This ensures that the bit doesn’t break down as quickly and will punch through most hard metals with ease.
What we like about this set is that you get all of the standard sizes up to ½ inches, and each one comes with a gold oxide coating. This helps extend the life of the bits by reducing heat damage and breakage. Also, they come in a durable carrying case that lets you bring them along to any job site without risk of losing them.
PROS
- Durable cobalt steel bits
- 14 sizes available
- Heavy-duty carrying case
- Case is clearly marked for sizes
- Proprietary pilot point tip for accuracy
- Tip sizes range from 1/16 to ⅜ inch
- Round shank fits in most drill chucks
- Gold oxide finish
- Ideal for harder metals, including stainless
- One-year limited warranty
CONS
- Smaller bits may fracture under pressure
- Some bits may not power through thicker metal
Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set
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Next, we have another set of cobalt steel bits, and these are from Irwin Tools. Much like the DeWalt set above, these are made to withstand higher temperatures and more pressure, which means that you can work on harder metals without any problems. Best of all, they come with a gold oxide finish, and there are 29 different sizes from which to choose.
We also love the carrying case that comes with these bits. They are arranged in cartridges that are clearly labeled so that you can pick out the right size for your needs. Also, the case itself is insulated to protect your bits in case you drop it. Finally, the cartridges are removable for extra convenience.
PROS
- Durable cobalt steel bits
- 29 sizes available
- Sturdy plastic case for transport
- Cartridges are removable for convenience
- Bits are clearly labeled for size
- Range is between 1/16 to ½ inch
- Gold oxide finish to improve bit life
- Heavy-duty web construction for better strength
- 135-degree tips to reduce walking
- Round shank to fit into most drill chucks
- Case is rubber molded in case of drops
CONS
- There may be some discrepancy regarding the percentage of cobalt. It’s 5%, not 8%
- Some bits may fracture under pressure
- Not ideal for some hardened metals
Bosch CO21 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set
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While most of the bits that we are going to look at have excellent qualities for drilling through metal, many of them cannot withstand heavy duty use, such as drilling through hardened steel. However, this next set from Bosch is designed for high-end operations, meaning that you are getting some of the best bits overall.
What makes these so unique and so powerful is that they are almost pure cobalt. While other bits are steel with a slight mixture of cobalt, these are the real deal.
This means that you can drill through tougher, thicker material without risk of overheating or breakage. In fact, they are so durable that they don’t even need a black oxide finish.
Overall, the only downside to this set is the carrying case, which can be a bit hard to open at times. Otherwise, these are probably the best bits you can find.
PROS
- Durable cobalt steel drill bits
- 21 sizes available
- Range between 1/16 to ½ inch
- Split point tip won’t walk on metal
- Three flat shanks for better grip in the chuck
- Solid Cobalt is built for higher temperatures
- Each bit is stamped for size
- Ideal for stainless and cast iron
- Carrying case included
CONS
- Case is somewhat flimsy
- Can be hard to remove bits from case
Neiko 10194A Titanium Step Drill Bit, High-Speed Steel
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Sometimes you don’t need to drill a deep hole, such as when you’re working with sheet metal. In those cases, a step bit might be your best bet. The reason that people love using these bits is that you get a variety of sizes with one piece of equipment. This means that you can drill holes of varying widths without needing to change the bit.
As far as performance goes, this bit is ideal for thin metal as it is made of high-speed steel with a titanium coating. The coating prevents corrosion and wear and tear, and the bit also comes with a split point tip to help prevent walking. Finally, the shaft is three sided so that you get a better grip in the chuck and won’t have any problems with slipping.
PROS
- Durable high-speed steel
- Titanium coated for longer life
- Step bit provides ten different sizes
- Range between 1/4 to 1 ⅜ inches
- 135-degree split point tip prevents walking
- Two-flute design for easier operation
- Clears chips away as you work
- Tri-flat shank for better grip in the chuck
CONS
- Bit edges may not be sharp enough to cut through some metals
- May have a hard time on hardened steel
8PC HSS Cobalt Silver & Deming Drill Bits Set
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Next, we have yet another set of bits that use a mixture of steel and cobalt to deliver high-quality results. As such, these bits are built to handle stronger material such as stainless steel with ease. You get eight different sizes, although they are much larger than most of the other sets we’ve seen. That means that if you need to drill tiny holes, then you will need a more comprehensive set.
In addition to the durable material and the split point tips, what we also like about this set is the carrying case.
It has a sturdy aluminum exterior with a soft interior. This ensures that your bits are in the best condition every time you use them. Best of all, the inside is clearly labeled so that you never have any problems figuring out what size you need.
PROS
- High-speed steel bits
- Coated in cobalt for better performance
- Eight size options available
- Tri-flat shank for better traction in chuck
- Split point 135-degree tip to reduce walking
- Size range between 9/16 and one inch
- Durable aluminum carry case
- Case is clearly printed with bit sizes
CONS
- Cobalt coating is not as durable as other options
- Bit shank is thick, which may not fit into some drill chucks
XtremepowerUS 8PC HSS Silver and Deming Drill Bits Set
Editor Rating:
One thing that most bit sets have in common is that as you adjust the size of them, they tend to shrink. So, a ¼ inch bit is much smaller than a ½ inch one. That is not the case with these bits. Each one is six inches long, which makes bit changes so much easier. This way you don’t have to reset the chuck every time you want to resize the bit, which is a huge advantage.
As far as performance goes, these bits are high-speed steel mixed with cobalt, so they can take on most metal jobs. They have split point tips to prevent walking, and they all come in a sleek aluminum carrying case. The only limitation of these bits is that they smallest they go is 9/16 of an inch, so you won’t be able to make holes smaller than that. Otherwise, they are excellent and reliable.
PROS
- High-speed steel bits
- Eight size options available
- Size range between 9/16 to one inch
- Each bit is six inches
- Durable aluminum carrying case with soft interior
- Black and silver oxide coating to extend life
- 135-degree split point tips reduce walking
- Bits are clearly labeled for size
CONS
- Not designed for some hardened steels
- May take longer to punch through than other bits
Titanium Drill Bit Set for Metal
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For the most part, drill bit sets give you a few different size options from which to choose. The downside, though, is that if one bit breaks you have to scour the hardware store to find a replacement, as it is more cost effective than getting a whole new set. In this instance, though, you get 230 bits with this set, meaning that you have more than enough spares for each size.
The range for this set is only 1/16 to ½ inch, but you get a bunch of backups for most of them, making it a worthwhile set. The bits are made of high-speed steel with titanium coating, meaning that they are built for a wide range of jobs, including metal. Also, they come with split point tips, so they won’t walk as you’re trying to drill. Overall, if you do a lot of drilling, this is the set to buy.
PROS
- Durable high-speed steel
- Titanium coating for longer shelf life
- 230 bits included
- Size options between 1/16 to ½ inch
- Multiple bits in each size
- Durable carrying case included
- Bits are clearly marked
- Split point tips to reduce walking
- Ideal for wood and plastic as well
- Round shanks fit in any drill chuck
CONS
- In rare cases, some of the bits will be slightly bent
- Smaller bits may fracture under pressure
- Not designed for heavy duty steel
CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole 50 Sizes Step Drill Bit Set
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For the most part, when picking out step bits, you are going to choose them individually. In this case, though, you get five different bits, which means that you get fifty various sizes. Also, each bit is shaped differently so that you can use them on varying materials with ease. Two of the bits are sharp so that they can create smaller holes in wood and plastic.
The rest have wider split point tips so that they work well with metal. Overall, if you want a complete size range without having to buy a ton of bits, this is a great set to have.
Not only are these bits versatile, but they are durable as well. They are made of a steel and cobalt mixture with titanium coating so that they last much longer and won’t break down very easily. They also come in an incredible carrying case with a soft interior. Best of all, each size range is clearly printed on the side of the bit so you can always know that you’re drilling the right hole.
PROS
- Durable cobalt steel step bits
- Five different bits included
- Ten sizes per bit; 50 total
- Split point and sharp tips for various materials
- Durable carrying case with soft interior
- Titanium coating for longer life
- Sizes are clearly marked on each bit
- Double cutting blades for faster operation
- Three sided shank for better grip
CONS
- Only three of the bits are ideal for metal
- Smaller bits may dull much faster
DEWALT DW1177 20-Piece Black-Oxide Metal Drill Bit Set
Editor Rating:
Our final set is another winner from DeWalt. Overall, if you’re looking for a cost-effective set of bits that can handle most light metals, this is the one to get. They are each made of high-speed steel with a black oxide finish, meaning that they are going to last for a long time.
The other great thing about these bits is that they have a parabolic flute shape that removes debris while you work and delivers more accurate results. Also, they have a wide tip so that they don’t walk on the metal when you’re trying to drill. Finally, the carrying case is durable and reliable and won’t shatter if you drop it.
PROS
- Durable high-speed steel bits
- Black oxide finish for longer life
- 135-degree split point tips
- Parabolic flute shape for easier handling
- Tough plastic carrying case
- Twenty size options available
- Size range between 1/16 to ½ inch
- Locking case to prevent theft
- Impact resistant in case of drops
- Bit sizes are clearly labeled
CONS
- Work best in a drill press; may snap if handheld
- Not designed for heavy duty use
- Smaller bits may fracture under pressure
If you want the best drill bits that can handle any metal with ease, then we highly suggest the Bosch CO21 set. The reason that these are better than the rest is that they are solid cobalt, which means that they are made to handle higher speed, temperatures, and pressures. Overall, you can do so much more with these bits than with any others on this list. That’s not to say that the others are bad, but that these are better made.
How to Choose a Drill Bit for Metal
Material
Overall, when picking out a drill bit, you want to make sure that it can handle the job you need it to do. When drilling through metal, you need something strong and durable that won’t break or wear down easily. Since metal on metal contact can create a lot of heat and friction, it’s crucial that you pick materials that won’t get affected by that as much. When it comes to working with metals, here are the most common drill bit materials you want to use.
HSS
This is high-speed steel, and it is one of the more cost-effective options out there. Still, HSS is highly effective at putting holes through most metals, including hardened ones. What you want to look for, though, is bits that are covered in black or gold oxide, as this will keep them from getting too worn out from drilling through metal. If the HSS is bare, it will break down much faster.
Cobalt
This material is ideal for harder metals as it won’t fracture as easily. Typically, cobalt bits are a mixture of HSS and cobalt, and it will say a percentage on the package (usually about 5-8%). We highly recommend these bits if you are working on stronger materials that need something with a bigger punch.
Carbide
For the most part, you won’t ever have to worry about carbide drill bits as they are only designed for the thickest and heaviest metals. Also, you need a special drill press to use them as they can fracture easily if you aren’t careful.
Tip
When you look at different drill bits, you will see that many of them come with one of two different angles on the tip. For softer materials like wood and plastic, you need a sharper point, which is usually 118 degrees. However, because metal puts up more resistance, you need a flatter tip that won’t walk as you try to drill. As such, you need to make sure that the tips are 135 degrees instead. For thinner pieces (such as sheet metal), you might be able to get away with an 118-degree tip, but we don’t recommend it.
Tips and Tricks for Drilling Through Metal
If you’re still new to the process of drilling holes into metal, then it’s imperative that you follow some basic procedures and guidelines to ensure that you get the best results possible. Also, it will help make sure that you don’t damage anything, including yourself. As such, you will want to follow these steps when making your holes.
Wear Eye Protection
You should be doing this with any kind of drilling, but it’s particularly important with metal. If a shaving got into your eye, it could cause serious damage.
Use Clamps if Necessary
Unless you are drilling into a fixed beam, hold the metal down with clamps so that it doesn’t move while you drill. Since it puts up more of a fight than wood or plastic, this is an important step.
Place Wood Underneath
If you are drilling on a table or anything, then you want to put something behind the metal so that your drill doesn’t get damaged as it penetrates. It will also help keep you stabilized as you pull it back through.
Sandwich Sheet Metal
Thinner pieces will require you to put wood on either side so that you don’t risk tearing through the metal as you make your initial hole.
Punch it First
With tougher metals, it can be hard to stay accurate when you’re first drilling. Many times the bit will start “walking,” which can pose a problem. To fix this issue, use a punch to make a dent in the metal first so that it won’t move around.
Use a Press if Possible
Again, unless you are putting holes into a fixed beam or something, you will do a lot better to use a press instead of a handheld drill. This will ensure that you get a clean hole every time.
Deburr with a Larger Bit
Sometimes the metal will have burrs around the edges, which can be a minor problem. To smooth it out, use a larger bit and rotate it by hand. This should remove the burrs effectively.
Use Lubricant
Since a lot of heat is generated when drilling through metal, you need to use the right kind of lubricant to ensure that it doesn’t damage either the bit or the piece on which you’re working. If necessary, lube while you go as well.
Drill Slowly
If you operate your drill at the same speeds as you would with wood or plastic, it can wear down the bit remarkably fast. As a rule, the harder the material, the slower you should go. This will ensure that your pieces last much longer.
About the Author Darrell Webster
I believe there is a handyman in all of us as long as you have the right tools. I started this blog to help anyone who is interested in fixing things to learn their way around the different tools and to know how to perform different DIY tasks. I have been doing this for years and believe I am a master of this art.