Drilling through stainless steel can be a challenging task, often requiring specialized tools that can withstand its inherent hardness and resistance to corrosion. Standard drill bits tend to dull quickly or even break when attempting to penetrate this tough material, leading to frustration and wasted effort. To achieve clean, precise holes without damaging your workpiece or your tools, selecting the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel is absolutely crucial. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect bits for your next project, ensuring efficiency and superior results.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Drill Bit For Drilling Stainless Steel Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. amoolo Titanium HSS Micro Drill Bit Set for Drilling Stainless Steel and Hard Metals (3/64″-1/8″)
The amoolo Titanium HSS Micro Drill Bit Set is a fantastic option when you need to drill small, precise holes in challenging materials like stainless steel. This 60-piece set provides an excellent range of common micro sizes, making it versatile for various intricate tasks. Engineered with premium HSS titanium coating, these bits are designed for enhanced durability and performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 60-Piece Combo Set: Includes 6 commonly used micro sizes (3/64″, 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″) for versatile applications.
- ✓ Premium HSS Titanium Coating: Made from industry-grade 4341 high-speed steel, harder than typical 4241 HSS bits, and titanium-coated for superior longevity.
- ✓ Fully Ground Process: Features fully ground spiral grooves that efficiently clear particles, reducing friction and heat buildup during drilling.
- ✓ 135° Split Point: The 135-degree split point tip prevents “walking” and allows for precise, self-centering starts on hard surfaces without a pilot hole.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the amoolo Titanium HSS Micro Drill Bit Set for its exceptional value and performance, especially when tackling smaller drilling tasks in stainless steel. The combination of high-quality materials and thoughtful design ensures these bits maintain sharpness and drilling efficiency over time, providing reliability for both professional and DIY projects.
Best For
This set is ideal for hobbyists, jewelers, model makers, and anyone needing to drill small-diameter holes in stainless steel, hard metals, or other dense materials with precision.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value with 60 pieces covering common micro sizes.
- Superior hardness and durability due to 4341 HSS with titanium coating.
- Efficient chip removal and reduced heat due to fully ground design.
- 135° split point ensures accurate, self-centering starts.
Cons:
- Limited to smaller drill bit sizes.
- May require careful handling due to the delicate nature of micro bits.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I have a bit set of all kinds of drill bits, and I always end up breaking or losing one every so often. So, I need to replace. 1/8th inch drill bits are VERY useful, and I have a lot of them…. and now I have more! This is a good package of drill bits. They work perfectly fine, they drill through w”
Customer Review: “Great little bits just what I needed drill through metal remarkably well perfect set of those sizes that tend to wear out or break first! Currently looking for larger sizes from same manufacture at these prices I honestly don’t need another source ! I have tried a few others on here and they mostly “
2. Cobalt Twist Drill Bit Set for Drilling Stainless Steel and Other Hard Metals
When seeking the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel, a cobalt twist drill bit set is often the top recommendation, and this set lives up to that reputation. Crafted from M35 Cobalt High Speed Steel, these bits are specifically engineered to tackle tough materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and other hardened metals, offering superior heat resistance and exceptional hardness for prolonged tool life.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ M35 Cobalt Construction: Made from premium High Speed Steel M35 with 5% cobalt, providing significantly higher heat resistance and hardness than standard HSS bits.
- ✓ 135° Split Point Design: The 135-degree split point tip ensures precise, self-centering drilling, preventing bit walking and allowing for quick penetration without a pilot hole.
- ✓ Fully Ground Twist Design: Engineered with fully ground flutes that rapidly clear chips and reduce friction, leading to cooler operation and extended bit life.
- ✓ Versatile Application: Highly effective on a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, hardened steel, and other abrasive metals.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this Cobalt Twist Drill Bit Set because it represents an excellent investment for anyone regularly working with stainless steel and other hard metals. Its M35 cobalt composition delivers outstanding durability and heat resistance, which are critical for preventing premature dulling and breakage when drilling through challenging materials.
Best For
This set is ideal for professional tradespeople, fabricators, and serious DIY enthusiasts who frequently encounter hard metals, especially stainless steel, and require reliable, long-lasting drill bits.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior heat resistance and hardness from M35 cobalt steel.
- Excellent for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel.
- 135° split point ensures precise, no-walk starts.
- Fully ground flutes provide efficient chip removal and cooler drilling.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than standard HSS drill bits.
- Requires proper drilling techniques (low speed, coolant) to maximize lifespan.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great value. Used a bit to drill a starter hole in a 1/8th inch thick metal frame and it worked well.”
Customer Review: “Work well, could be slightly more durable but for price not a bad value”
3. Titanium Coated HSS Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel, Hardened Metal, and Wood
For those seeking an effective yet economical solution for drilling through various materials, including stainless steel, this Titanium Coated HSS Drill Bit Set is an excellent choice. Its high-speed steel construction combined with a titanium coating provides enhanced hardness and reduced friction, making it a reliable performer for a wide range of drilling tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Titanium Coated HSS: High-speed steel construction with a titanium coating for improved hardness, durability, and reduced friction, extending bit life.
- ✓ Enhanced Blade Edge: Minor improvements to the blade edge design boost drilling efficiency by over 16% compared to traditional HSS bits.
- ✓ Self-Centering Capability: Designed to prevent “walking” and increase cutting speed with a self-centering point, ensuring precise hole starts.
- ✓ Efficient Chip Removal: The design facilitates faster chip evacuation, preventing clogging and allowing particles to escape easily for smoother drilling.
- ✓ Multi-Material Compatibility: Suitable for drilling into stainless steel, hardened metal, wood, plastic, and other common materials.
Why We Recommend It
This Titanium Coated HSS Drill Bit Set earns our recommendation as a “Best Budget” option because it offers impressive performance on tough materials like stainless steel without breaking the bank. The titanium coating provides a significant upgrade over standard HSS bits, making it a versatile and durable choice for general-purpose use.
Best For
This set is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and general contractors who need a reliable and affordable drill bit set capable of handling occasional drilling in stainless steel, hardened metals, and softer materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cost-effective solution for drilling tough materials.
- Titanium coating enhances durability and reduces friction.
- Improved blade edge design increases drilling efficiency.
- Self-centering point prevents bit walking for accurate starts.
Cons:
- May not offer the same longevity as premium cobalt bits under heavy industrial use.
- Requires proper drilling speed and coolant for optimal performance on very hard materials.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been replacing news on Amazon for a couple years now they work extremely well on great value for the price. Trust me.”
Customer Review: “I ordered the “13 piece hex professional metric drill bit set”. Apparently, graduated storage boxes are made only for round shank drill bits, so these hex shank bits came in a plastic bag. I guess I’m spoiled by my two English drill bit sets (albeit with round shanks), both of which came in storage “
4. 1-1/8” HSS M2 Twist Drill Bit for Steel, with 1/2” Round Shank, 118° Split Point
For larger diameter drilling in robust materials, the 1-1/8” HSS M2 Twist Drill Bit stands out as a strong contender for the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel. Made from high-speed steel M2 material with a durable gold oxide finish, this bit is built for strength and longevity. Its 118° split point design ensures efficient and accurate drilling, even in challenging applications.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-Quality M2 HSS Material: Constructed from M2 high-speed steel, known for its excellent hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, perfect for drilling hard metals.
- ✓ Durable Gold Oxide Finish: Provides an extra layer of protection against corrosion and reduces friction, contributing to a longer tool life and cooler drilling.
- ✓ 118° Split Point: The 118-degree split point design allows for self-centering, preventing bit wandering and ensuring precise starts without the need for a pilot hole in most materials.
- ✓ 1/2” Round Shank: The robust 1/2-inch round shank provides secure gripping in larger chucks, ensuring stability and power transfer during heavy-duty drilling.
- ✓ General Purpose Application: Suitable for a wide range of materials including stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, and other common ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this HSS M2 Twist Drill Bit for its solid construction and performance, especially when a larger diameter hole is required in challenging materials. The M2 HSS material paired with the gold oxide finish provides excellent durability and resistance, making it a reliable choice for demanding tasks involving stainless steel.
Best For
This drill bit is ideal for industrial use, metalworking shops, and serious DIYers tackling projects that require drilling large holes in stainless steel, structural steel, or other heavy-duty metals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust M2 HSS construction for superior strength and wear resistance.
- Gold oxide finish adds durability and corrosion resistance.
- 118° split point enables precise, self-centering drilling.
- 1/2” round shank offers stable grip in drill chucks.
Cons:
- Single bit purchase, not a set, which may not be cost-effective for varied needs.
- Larger size might not be suitable for smaller, handheld drills without a proper chuck.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is great. I needed a bit to put holes in my bowling ball for my interchangeable thumb. Bowling ball bits are so expensive and I thought let’s try it out wven though I was told not to buy just any bit. This thing worked great and looks identical to the one the proshop uses at the bowling alley.”
Customer Review: “This is great. I needed a bit to put holes in my bowling ball for my interchangeable thumb. Bowling ball bits are so expensive and I thought let’s try it out wven though I was told not to buy just any bit. This thing worked great and looks identical to the one the proshop uses at the bowling alley.”
5. Crosstar M35 Cobalt TiAlN Coated Drill Bits for Stainless Steel & Hardened Metal
The Crosstar M35 Cobalt TiAlN Coated Drill Bits represent the pinnacle of drilling technology for tough materials, making them a premium choice for the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel. Combining M35 Cobalt High-Speed Steel with an advanced TiAlN coating and a unique triple-flute design, these bits are engineered for extreme durability, speed, and precision in the most demanding applications.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-Leading Durability (M35 Cobalt): Made from M35 Cobalt High-Speed Steel with 5% cobalt core, capable of resisting temperatures up to 1200°F and outlasting standard bits by 5X in hardened steel.
- ✓ Triple-Flute Revolution Design: Special 3-flute geometry cuts faster, provides 40% better chip removal, eliminates clogging, and reduces breakage, optimized for hard metals.
- ✓ TiAlN Nano-Coating (89HRC): Features a Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) coating with 89HRC hardness, significantly enhancing wear resistance and reducing friction for ultra-fast drilling through stainless steel.
- ✓ 135° Self-Centering Tip: Precision-engineered 135-degree self-centering tip allows for immediate, accurate starts without walking, even on curved or uneven surfaces.
- ✓ Rapid Drilling Performance: Capable of boring through 1/4″ stainless steel in as little as 8 seconds, showcasing its superior cutting efficiency.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Crosstar M35 Cobalt TiAlN Coated Drill Bits for anyone seeking the absolute best performance and longevity when drilling stainless steel and other hardened metals. The combination of premium M35 cobalt, advanced TiAlN coating, and innovative triple-flute design makes these bits incredibly fast, durable, and precise, minimizing frustration and maximizing productivity.
Best For
These drill bits are expertly suited for professional machinists, fabricators, metalworkers, and industrial applications where speed, precision, and tool life are paramount when working with stainless steel, tool steel, and other extremely tough alloys.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional durability and heat resistance from M35 cobalt with TiAlN coating.
- Significantly faster drilling speeds due to optimized triple-flute design.
- Superior chip removal prevents clogging and reduces breakage.
- Precise, self-centering 135° tip for accurate starts.
Cons:
- Higher price point due to advanced materials and coating.
- May be overkill for occasional, light-duty drilling tasks in softer materials.
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.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Drill Bit For Drilling Stainless Steel
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel, several critical factors must be taken into account to ensure successful drilling and maximize bit longevity. Firstly, the material of the drill bit is paramount. Cobalt drill bits (M35 or M42) are highly recommended due to their high heat resistance and hardness, crucial for stainless steel’s tough nature. Titanium-coated HSS bits are a good alternative for general use, offering increased surface hardness and reduced friction. Secondly, the tip geometry, specifically a 135-degree split point, is vital as it prevents “walking” on the workpiece, allowing for precise, self-centering starts without the need for a pilot hole. Thirdly, consider the coating; coatings like TiAlN can significantly enhance the bit’s wear resistance and reduce heat, making drilling faster and smoother. Lastly, the flute design should efficiently clear chips, preventing heat buildup and potential bit breakage. Always ensure your chosen bits are designed for metal drilling, not just wood or plastic.
Budget Planning
Investing in the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel involves balancing performance with cost. While standard High-Speed Steel (HSS) bits are the most affordable, they dull quickly when encountering stainless steel. Titanium-coated HSS bits offer a good middle-ground, providing enhanced durability and efficiency at a reasonable price, suitable for occasional use. For frequent or heavy-duty drilling in stainless steel, cobalt drill bits are a necessary investment. Although they come with a higher upfront cost, their superior heat resistance and wear life will save you money in the long run by reducing replacements and increasing productivity. Advanced coated cobalt bits, like those with TiAlN, are at the higher end but offer unmatched speed and durability for professional applications, often justifying their price through efficiency gains and extended tool life.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel is one that matches the specific demands of your project and your frequency of use. For intricate, small-scale work, micro titanium HSS sets offer precision and value. For general-purpose tasks where you need reliable performance without a significant investment, titanium-coated HSS sets are an excellent choice. However, for serious work or frequent drilling in stainless steel, cobalt drill bits (M35 or M42), especially those with advanced coatings, are undeniably superior. They provide the necessary hardness, heat resistance, and cutting efficiency to make drilling through stainless steel a manageable and precise operation, ensuring clean holes and extending the life of your tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a drill bit good for drilling stainless steel?
A: The best drill bit for drilling stainless steel typically needs to be made of a hard, heat-resistant material like cobalt (M35 or M42) or a high-quality High-Speed Steel (HSS) with a durable coating like titanium or TiAlN. A 135-degree split point is also crucial for preventing bit walking and ensuring accurate starts on tough surfaces.
Q: Can I use regular HSS drill bits for stainless steel?
A: While you technically can, regular HSS drill bits will quickly dull, overheat, and potentially break when drilling stainless steel. Stainless steel work hardens under friction and heat, meaning a dull bit will make the material even harder, leading to poor results and wasted time. It’s highly recommended to use cobalt or high-quality coated HSS bits.
Q: What drill speed should I use for drilling stainless steel?
A: When drilling stainless steel, lower speeds are generally better. High speeds generate excessive heat, which can quickly dull your drill bit and cause the stainless steel to work harden. Consult a drill speed chart for specific bit sizes, but a good rule of thumb is to use slower RPMs with firm, constant pressure and plenty of cutting fluid.
Q: Is it necessary to use cutting fluid with stainless steel?
A: Yes, using a high-quality cutting fluid or lubricant is highly recommended, almost essential, when drilling stainless steel. Cutting fluid helps to dissipate heat, lubricate the cutting edge, and flush out chips, all of which contribute to a cleaner hole, longer drill bit life, and prevention of work hardening.
Q: How do I prevent my drill bit from breaking when drilling stainless steel?
A: To prevent drill bit breakage when drilling stainless steel, ensure you’re using the correct type of bit (cobalt or coated HSS), drill at a slow speed, apply firm and consistent pressure, and use plenty of cutting fluid. Avoid “pecking” (intermittent pressure) and make sure your workpiece is securely clamped to prevent movement.
Selecting the best drill bit for drilling stainless steel is a critical decision that impacts the quality of your work and the lifespan of your tools. Whether you’re a professional fabricator or a dedicated DIYer, investing in high-quality cobalt or titanium-coated HSS drill bits with a 135-degree split point will significantly enhance your drilling experience. Remember to use proper techniques, including slow speeds and ample cutting fluid, to achieve optimal results. Don’t let the toughness of stainless steel intimidate you; with the right tools from our list, you’ll be drilling precise holes with confidence. Ready to tackle your next project? Browse our recommended drill bits on Amazon today and get the job done right!
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.
