Drilling through stainless steel can be a challenging task, often requiring specialized tools that can withstand its inherent toughness and work-hardening properties. Standard drill bits simply won’t cut it, leading to frustrating delays, dull bits, and potential project failure. That’s why investing in the best stainless steel drill bits is crucial for any serious DIYer or professional tradesperson. These high-performance bits are engineered with superior materials like cobalt or titanium nitride coatings, featuring specific geometries like 135-degree split points, to slice through hard metals efficiently and cleanly. Our comprehensive guide reviews the top options available, helping you find the perfect set to tackle your most demanding metal drilling projects with precision and durability.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Stainless Steel Drill Bits Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. M35 Cobalt High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set for Drilling Stainless Steel and Hard Metals
The M35 Cobalt High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set stands out as our top recommendation for anyone regularly working with stainless steel and other challenging materials. Crafted from premium M35 cobalt steel, these bits are engineered for superior heat resistance and wear, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. With a focus on durability and efficiency, this set offers a comprehensive solution for precision drilling in demanding applications.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ M35 Cobalt Construction: Contains 5% cobalt, providing exceptional hardness and heat resistance crucial for drilling stainless steel.
- ✓ 135-Degree Split Point: Ensures quick starts, prevents “walking,” and reduces the need for a pilot hole, enhancing accuracy.
- ✓ Twist Design: Optimized flute design for efficient chip removal, reducing heat buildup and preventing clogging during drilling.
- ✓ Versatile Sizing: Includes 13 common sizes from 1/16″ to 1/4″, covering a wide range of everyday drilling tasks.
- ✓ Durability & Robustness: Designed to be highly robust, making it suitable for iron castings, copper, and other hard metals.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this M35 Cobalt drill bit set due to its exceptional performance on stainless steel and other hard metals. The cobalt composition allows it to maintain sharpness and integrity even under high friction and heat, which are common challenges when drilling tough materials. Its 135-degree split point ensures precise starts and minimizes bit wander, making your drilling tasks more accurate and less strenuous.
Best For
This set is best for professionals and serious DIYers who frequently drill into stainless steel, cast iron, hardened metals, and other challenging alloys, demanding both precision and long-lasting durability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional durability and heat resistance with M35 cobalt steel.
- 135-degree split point ensures precise, non-walking starts.
- Efficient twist design for effective chip removal and reduced heat.
- Versatile range of sizes for various applications.
Cons:
- May still require cutting fluid for optimal performance on very thick stainless steel.
- Initial investment might be higher than standard HSS sets.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I had a use case where a machine screw had broken off in a location that wasn’t easy to access. I decided versus pulling the piece of equipment apart to improve access, I’d spend the money on a set of these with the hopes it would catch as I was drilling out the broken off screw. The screw broke d”
Customer Review: “I purchase this set just under a year ago. I have not use these drill bits but a couple of times and 4 have already broken.10/6/2025 Update. Macxcoip Cobalt Drill Bits set seller reached out address any issues or concerns in my satisfaction with the product I received. They offer a full refund or to”
2. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece
For those who value brand reliability and consistent performance, the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set is an excellent choice. This 21-piece set combines the trusted quality of DEWALT with enhanced durability from its Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating. Designed with a pilot point, these bits ensure clean and accurate holes, making them suitable for a wide range of materials, including lighter gauge stainless steel.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coating: Provides a hard, wear-resistant layer that extends bit life and reduces friction.
- ✓ Pilot Point Design: Starts on contact, preventing bit walking and creating cleaner, more precise holes without the need for a pilot.
- ✓ 21-Piece Set: Offers a comprehensive selection of sizes to handle various drilling applications.
- ✓ Optimized Flute Geometry: Facilitates efficient material removal, keeping the bit cooler and preventing clogging.
- ✓ Durable Construction: Built with DEWALT’s reputation for rugged tools, ensuring long-term reliability.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for its reliable performance and enhanced durability. The TiN coating significantly improves wear resistance, allowing these bits to tackle tough materials like stainless steel more effectively than standard HSS bits. The pilot point is a game-changer for precision, ensuring your holes start exactly where you intend them to be.
Best For
This set is best for general contractors, metal fabricators, and serious DIYers needing a versatile, durable drill bit set for frequent use on various materials, including medium-duty stainless steel, wood, and plastics.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- TiN coating enhances bit durability and reduces friction.
- Pilot Point tip ensures accurate starts and clean holes.
- Comprehensive 21-piece set for broad utility.
- Reputable DEWALT quality and reliability.
Cons:
- Not as robust as full cobalt bits for extremely hard or thick stainless steel.
- TiN coating can eventually wear off with heavy use.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is an excellent drill bit set from DeWalt. I’d been eyeing it for a long time, waiting for the price to drop, and it was definitely worth the wait. Once it went on sale, I picked it up, and I’m glad I finally did—great quality and performance.”
Customer Review: “This is an excellent drill bit set from DeWalt. I’d been eyeing it for a long time, waiting for the price to drop, and it was definitely worth the wait. Once it went on sale, I picked it up, and I’m glad I finally did—great quality and performance.Read more”
3. BOSCH Cobalt M42 14-Piece Drill Bits for Stainless Steel and Tough Metals
If you’re looking for superior performance on a reasonable budget, the BOSCH Cobalt M42 14-Piece Drill Bits set is an outstanding choice. These bits leverage M42 cobalt, known for its high heat resistance and upgraded durability, offering a significant improvement over standard drill bits when tackling challenging materials like stainless steel and tough alloys. Bosch delivers professional-grade quality without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ M42 Cobalt Material: Contains 8% cobalt alloy, providing superior heat resistance and making it extremely durable for drilling hard metals.
- ✓ Extended Life: Delivers up to 10 times the life compared to standard drill bits, ensuring long-term value.
- ✓ High-Heat Resistant: Withstands high-temperature applications, preventing softening and dulling, critical for stainless steel.
- ✓ Hardened Surface: Specifically designed with a hardened surface for optimal performance on stainless steel and other tough materials.
- ✓ Jobber-Length Bits: Ideal for general-purpose drilling, offering a good balance of reach and stability.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the BOSCH Cobalt M42 set as the “Best Budget” option because it provides premium M42 cobalt performance at a highly competitive price point. The 8% cobalt content makes these bits exceptionally tough and heat-resistant, which is essential for successfully drilling through stainless steel without premature wear. You get significant durability and efficiency without the premium cost of larger sets.
Best For
This set is best for skilled DIYers, automotive technicians, and maintenance professionals who need highly durable and heat-resistant drill bits for regular work with stainless steel, cast iron, and other tough metals, while being mindful of their budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior M42 cobalt (8%) for extreme heat resistance and durability.
- Significantly extended lifespan (10x vs. standard bits).
- Excellent performance on tough metals and stainless steel.
- Trusted Bosch brand quality at a reasonable price.
Cons:
- Smaller set size (14 pieces) compared to some other options.
- Case quality could be improved for better organization.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Anything bosch makes is good, but i feel like they have it down pat when it comes to stuff like twist drills and bits.The M42 cobalt keeps the drill from getting too hot and also acts as a “lubricant”, both contributing to keeping a sharp cutting edge, giving it quality and ease of use.These factors”
Customer Review: “This is a great drill bit set. The reason I purchased this set is because I needed to drill and tap a hole in the end of a lawnmower engine crankshaft. Rather than buying just that drill bit I decided to get a whole set, because I knew I would need drill bits again. I decided to go with this set ove”
4. Crosstar M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel and Hardened Metal, TiAlN Three-Flute Design
The Crosstar M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set pushes the boundaries of performance for drilling in stainless steel and hardened metals. Featuring an advanced TiAlN Nano-coating and an innovative three-flute design, these bits are engineered for maximum durability, heat resistance, and efficiency. They are specifically designed to tackle the toughest drilling challenges with speed and precision, outperforming many standard cobalt bits.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ M35 Cobalt High-Speed Steel: Contains 5% cobalt, providing superior heat resistance up to 1200°F and extending bit life by 5X.
- ✓ TiAlN Nano-coating (89HRC): Offers extreme hardness and heat dissipation, enabling faster drilling and longer tool life in hard materials.
- ✓ Triple-Flute Design: Innovative three-flute geometry enhances chip removal by 40%, reducing clogging and minimizing bit breakage.
- ✓ 135° Self-Centering Tip: Ensures precise hole starts without walking, even on curved or uneven surfaces, for quick and accurate drilling.
- ✓ Rapid Drilling Performance: Engineered to bore through 1/4″ stainless steel in as little as 8 seconds, showcasing its impressive speed.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Crosstar M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set for its cutting-edge design and remarkable performance. The combination of M35 cobalt, TiAlN coating, and a unique triple-flute design makes these bits exceptionally effective and fast for drilling in extremely hard materials like hardened stainless steel. They’re built for speed, durability, and a clean finish.
Best For
This set is best for industrial professionals, metal fabricators, and serious DIYers who require top-tier performance for frequent, heavy-duty drilling in thick or hardened stainless steel, tool steel, and other exotic alloys.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading durability with M35 cobalt and TiAlN coating.
- Triple-flute design for superior chip removal and faster drilling.
- Exceptional heat resistance (up to 1200°F).
- 135° self-centering tip for precision and rapid hole creation.
Cons:
- Premium price point may be a consideration for some budgets.
- Availability might be more limited than mainstream brands.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The half inch bit I used yesterday on soft iron hinges and 2 inch angle iron. Amazed how sharp these bits are! Never seen the most perfect curly shavings as it cut through the metal with ease. Don’t know how long these will last but boy am I impressed so far. These were used in a cordless drill.”
Customer Review: “The half inch bit I used yesterday on soft iron hinges and 2 inch angle iron. Amazed how sharp these bits are! Never seen the most perfect curly shavings as it cut through the metal with ease. Don’t know how long these will last but boy am I impressed so far. These were used in a cordless drill.”
5. Best Cobalt M35 High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel and Hard Metals
Rounding out our list is another excellent option for tackling challenging materials: the Best Cobalt M35 High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Set. This extensive 29-piece set provides a wide range of sizes, ensuring you have the right bit for almost any task involving stainless steel, cast iron, or other hard alloys. Constructed from durable M35 cobalt steel, these bits are designed for sharpness, longevity, and efficient drilling, making them a valuable addition to any toolkit.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ M35 Cobalt Drill Bit: Made with 5% cobalt, providing enhanced hardness and heat resistance necessary for drilling hard metals.
- ✓ Extensive 29-Piece Set: Includes a wide variety of sizes, from 1/16″ up to 1/2″, offering maximum versatility for diverse projects.
- ✓ 135-Degree Point Tip: Facilitates self-centering and fast penetration, reducing bit wander and ensuring accurate hole placement.
- ✓ Twist Design: Efficient flute geometry allows for quick and effective chip evacuation, minimizing heat and preventing clogging.
- ✓ Versatile Application: Suitable for use on a broad spectrum of materials, including stainless steel, iron castings, copper, and general steel.
Why We Recommend It
This M35 Cobalt High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Set is recommended for its comprehensive size range and robust cobalt construction. The sheer number of bits in the 29-piece set means you’ll rarely be without the exact size you need, making it incredibly practical for diverse projects involving stainless steel and other tough metals. Its M35 cobalt composition ensures long-lasting sharpness and durability.
Best For
This set is best for workshops and individuals who require a vast array of sizes for drilling into various hard materials, particularly stainless steel, and value a comprehensive kit for a wide range of tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive 29-piece set covers almost all drilling needs.
- M35 cobalt construction ensures high durability and heat resistance.
- 135° split point for accurate, quick starts without pre-drilling.
- Effective twist design for efficient chip removal.
Cons:
- May be a less recognized brand compared to industry giants.
- Storage case quality could sometimes be inconsistent.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I had a use case where a machine screw had broken off in a location that wasn’t easy to access. I decided versus pulling the piece of equipment apart to improve access, I’d spend the money on a set of these with the hopes it would catch as I was drilling out the broken off screw. The screw broke d”
Customer Review: “I purchase this set just under a year ago. I have not use these drill bits but a couple of times and 4 have already broken.10/6/2025 Update. Macxcoip Cobalt Drill Bits set seller reached out address any issues or concerns in my satisfaction with the product I received. They offer a full refund or to”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Stainless Steel Drill Bits
Essential Factors We Consider
When selecting the best stainless steel drill bits, several critical factors must be taken into account to ensure efficiency, durability, and a clean finish. The material composition of the drill bit is paramount; cobalt drill bits (M35 or M42) are highly recommended due to their high heat resistance and hardness, which are essential for penetrating tough materials like stainless steel without dulling. Titanium Nitride (TiN) coated bits also offer enhanced wear resistance and reduced friction, making them suitable for many applications. The point angle, ideally 135-degrees, helps prevent “walking” and allows for a quicker, more precise start, especially with a split-point design. The flute design is also important for effective chip evacuation, which helps keep the bit cool and prevents clogging. Lastly, consider the shank type for compatibility with your drill chuck and the overall set size to ensure you have a range of bits for various hole diameters.
Budget Planning
Investing in quality stainless steel drill bits is a decision that pays off in the long run, even if the initial cost is higher than standard HSS bits. While high-end cobalt or TiAlN-coated sets offer unparalleled performance and longevity, more budget-friendly options, like certain M42 cobalt sets, still provide excellent value. Consider the frequency and intensity of your drilling tasks. For occasional use, a decent TiN-coated set might suffice, but for frequent or professional work with thick or hardened stainless steel, opting for a premium cobalt set is a wise investment. Factor in not just the upfront cost, but also the potential savings from reduced bit replacement and increased project efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right drill bits for stainless steel makes all the difference in achieving successful and frustration-free results. By prioritizing materials like cobalt (M35 or M42), looking for specific features like 135-degree split points, and considering reputable brands, you can equip yourself with tools that will tackle even the most stubborn stainless steel with ease. Always remember to use appropriate drilling techniques, including proper speed, pressure, and lubrication, to maximize the lifespan and performance of your chosen bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of drill bits are best for stainless steel?
A: For stainless steel, cobalt drill bits (M35 or M42) are generally considered the best. They contain 5-8% cobalt, which significantly increases their hardness and heat resistance, preventing them from dulling quickly when encountering the toughness and work-hardening properties of stainless steel. Titanium Nitride (TiN) coated HSS bits can also work well for thinner or less demanding stainless steel applications, but cobalt is superior for heavy-duty use.
Q: Can I use titanium drill bits on stainless steel?
A: Yes, you can use titanium drill bits (Titanium Nitride coated HSS) on stainless steel, especially for lighter gauges or softer grades. The TiN coating adds a hard, wear-resistant layer that helps reduce friction and heat. However, for thicker, harder, or more frequent drilling in stainless steel, cobalt drill bits will typically outperform titanium-coated bits due to their inherent material hardness throughout the bit, rather than just a surface coating.
Q: Why is stainless steel hard to drill?
A: Stainless steel is challenging to drill for a few key reasons: it’s typically harder than mild steel, it has a high work-hardening rate (it gets harder as you cut it), and it’s prone to galling and heat buildup. The work-hardening means that if the bit isn’t cutting effectively, it can harden the material further, making subsequent drilling even more difficult. High heat generation can also quickly dull standard drill bits.
Q: What speed should I drill stainless steel at?
A: When drilling stainless steel, it’s crucial to use a slow drill speed with high, constant pressure. This helps ensure the bit is continuously cutting and not just rubbing, which prevents work-hardening and excessive heat buildup. The exact RPM will depend on the bit size – larger bits require slower speeds. Generally, start with the lowest speed setting on your drill and increase pressure until you see consistent chip formation.
Q: Do I need lubrication for drilling stainless steel?
A: Yes, using a suitable cutting fluid or lubricant is highly recommended when drilling stainless steel. Lubrication helps to cool the drill bit and the workpiece, reduces friction, prevents galling, and assists in chip removal. This extends the life of your drill bits and leads to cleaner, more efficient holes. Never drill stainless steel dry if you want your bits to last.
Choosing the right drill bits for your stainless steel projects can significantly impact your efficiency and the quality of your work. By understanding the superior materials and features offered by high-performance bits, you can conquer even the toughest metal drilling challenges. We’ve highlighted the top contenders, from robust cobalt sets to precision-engineered coated options, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every need and budget. Invest wisely in one of these recommended sets, and experience smoother, faster, and more precise drilling in stainless steel. Ready to upgrade your toolkit? Click on the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons to find the best stainless steel drill bits for your next project!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
