When tackling projects involving metal, having the best metal drill bit set is absolutely crucial for efficiency, precision, and safety. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a dedicated DIY enthusiast, the right drill bits can make the difference between a smooth operation and a frustrating, bit-breaking ordeal. From hardened steel to aluminum, different metals demand specific bit compositions and designs to ensure clean holes and extended tool life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the top contenders, exploring their unique features and helping you select the perfect set to conquer any metal drilling challenge.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Metal Drill Bit Set Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Best M35 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set for Hardened Steel and Stainless Steel
This M35 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set is engineered for maximum durability and performance, especially when dealing with tough materials like hardened steel and stainless steel. Its advanced composition and design ensure it stands up to rigorous use, making it a favorite among professionals. The triple-flute design significantly enhances cutting speed and chip removal, reducing the risk of bit breakage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-Leading Durability: Crafted from M35 Cobalt High-Speed Steel with 5% Cobalt, resisting extreme temperatures up to 1200°F for 5X longer life.
- ✓ Triple-Flute Revolution: Unique 3-flute design provides 40% faster cutting and superior chip evacuation, preventing clogging.
- ✓ Precision Engineered for Pros: Features a TiAlN Nano-coating (89HRC hardness) and a 135° self-centering tip for rapid, precise drilling through hardened materials.
- ✓ Versatile Performance: Capable of drilling through 1/4″ stainless steel in just 8 seconds, ensuring efficiency in demanding tasks.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this set for its exceptional ability to handle the toughest drilling jobs with ease and longevity. The combination of M35 cobalt steel, TiAlN coating, and innovative triple-flute design truly sets it apart. It delivers both speed and durability, proving to be a reliable choice for consistent, high-quality results in challenging metals.
Best For
This set is best for professionals and serious DIYers who frequently work with hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and other high-strength alloys where standard bits quickly fail.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Significantly longer lifespan in tough materials compared to standard HSS bits.
- Fast and efficient drilling thanks to the triple-flute design and advanced coating.
- Excellent chip removal prevents bit overheating and clogging.
- 135° self-centering tip ensures precise starts without walking.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to basic drill bit sets.
- Requires proper drilling techniques (e.g., cooling fluid, appropriate speed) to maximize lifespan.
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.”
2. Best Cobalt HSS Drill Bit Set for Hardened Metals, Stainless Steel, and Cast Iron
This Cobalt HSS Drill Bit Set is an excellent all-around choice for a variety of challenging metal drilling tasks. Made from high-quality M35 cobalt steel, these bits offer enhanced durability and heat resistance, making them ideal for cutting through materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and other hardened metals. The comprehensive range of sizes ensures you have the right bit for almost any job.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Comprehensive Size Range: Includes 29 drill bits in various sizes from 1/16″ to 9/32″, covering common drilling needs.
- ✓ Premium M35 Cobalt Material: Made from M35 cobalt high-speed steel, providing superior hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance.
- ✓ Quick and Efficient Drilling: Features a 135-degree split point tip and twist design for fast, precise starts and effective chip removal, reducing walking.
- ✓ Versatile Application: Highly effective on a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, iron castings, copper, and general hardened metals.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set for its versatility and robust construction. The M35 cobalt composition ensures these bits can withstand the heat and friction generated when drilling tough metals, providing a longer lifespan than standard HSS bits. The wide array of sizes in a single set makes it a highly practical investment for any workshop.
Best For
This set is best for users who require a versatile and durable drill bit collection for frequent use on various hardened metals, including stainless steel, cast iron, and general workshop tasks involving tough materials.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive range of sizes suitable for diverse projects.
- High heat resistance and durability due to M35 cobalt steel.
- 135-degree split point tip allows for quick, accurate drilling.
- Suitable for both soft and hard objects, enhancing utility.
Cons:
- Some users reported occasional bit breakage under specific conditions, indicating importance of proper technique.
- May require specific cooling methods for extremely prolonged drilling to ensure maximum lifespan.
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”
3. M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Metal with 1/4″ Hex Shank
This M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set provides exceptional quality and performance in a compact form factor, making it ideal for tight spaces and quick changes. Crafted from M35 cobalt high-speed steel, these bits offer enhanced durability and heat resistance, especially when working with various metals. The 1/4″ hex shank ensures compatibility with impact drivers and quick-change chucks, adding to its versatility and ease of use.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-Quality Cobalt Materials: Made from M35 cobalt high-speed steel, fortified for double protection against wear and heat.
- ✓ Efficient Cutting Performance: Stubby design combined with cobalt material ensures excellent stability and efficient chip evacuation, prolonging bit life.
- ✓ Versatile Applications: Includes 5 popular sizes (3/32″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″) plus a 3/8″ bit, suitable for various metal drilling tasks.
- ✓ 1/4″ Hex Shank: Compatible with impact drivers and quick-change chucks, offering convenience and stable grip.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set as the best budget option because it delivers premium M35 cobalt performance at a highly accessible price point. The stubby design is perfect for confined areas, and the hex shank compatibility is a significant advantage for modern power tools. It’s an excellent value for durable bits designed to tackle tough metals.
Best For
This set is best for users who need a compact, durable, and affordable set of cobalt drill bits for metal, particularly for working in tight spaces or with impact drivers on steel, cast iron, and stainless steel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for M35 cobalt drill bits.
- Stubby design ideal for drilling in confined spaces.
- 1/4″ hex shank provides secure grip and quick-change compatibility.
- Strong performance on steel and other hard metals.
Cons:
- Limited reach due to the stubby design.
- Smaller selection of sizes compared to full-length sets.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Was able to drill through steel easily. Ruined a lot of bits prior to getting these”
Customer Review: “Was able to drill through steel easily. Ruined a lot of bits prior to getting theseRead more”
4. Best Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Metal and Hardened Steel with 1/4 Hex Shank
This Cobalt Drill Bit Set with 1/4 Hex Shank is engineered specifically for durability and performance in demanding metalworking applications. Its M35 Cobalt material offers a significant upgrade in hardness and heat resistance over standard HSS bits, making it exceptionally well-suited for drilling through hardened steel and other tough alloys. The innovative solid bonding hex shank design enhances stability and prevents bit breakage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Premium Cobalt M35 Material: Boasts a hardness of up to 67 HRC, offering superior heat resistance and a lifespan up to 12 times longer than average HSS bits.
- ✓ Solid Bonding Hex Shank: Features an advanced hex shank design that prevents the bit from breaking loose, ensuring enhanced durability and safety.
- ✓ Improved Concentricity: The new hex shank design eliminates radial runout and significantly improves concentricity, providing higher impact resistance and precision.
- ✓ High Torque Performance: Delivers 5 times higher torque compared to older hex shank designs, ensuring powerful and consistent drilling.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this set for its exceptional durability and improved design features. The M35 cobalt composition, combined with the solid bonding hex shank, addresses common issues like bit breakage and wobbling, providing a stable and long-lasting drilling solution. It’s a reliable choice for consistent performance on tough metals.
Best For
This set is best for professionals and serious DIYers who require durable cobalt drill bits with a secure 1/4″ hex shank for use in impact drivers or standard drills when working with hardened steel, stainless steel, and other demanding metals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior hardness and heat resistance for extended life.
- Innovative solid hex shank prevents breakage and wobble.
- Enhanced concentricity leads to more precise holes.
- High torque capacity makes it effective with impact drivers.
Cons:
- M35 cobalt bits are generally more expensive than basic HSS.
- Requires consistent lubrication to maximize performance on very hard metals.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent product. These are high quality bits that work great”
Customer Review: “These hold up I’m shocked that they are so good and I been light on all my drill bits they all broke within 20 minutes. These are perfect definitely recommend”
5. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for Metal, Pilot Point, 21-Piece
The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set is a robust and reliable choice for general-purpose metal drilling. Featuring a durable titanium nitride coating, these bits offer increased longevity and reduced friction compared to standard HSS bits. The pilot point tip design is a standout feature, ensuring accurate hole starting and cleaner cuts, which is particularly beneficial when working with various metal types.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Titanium Nitride Coating: Provides increased durability, reduces friction, and extends the overall life of the drill bits.
- ✓ Pilot Point Tip: Designed to start on contact, preventing bit walking and creating cleaner, more accurate holes.
- ✓ Comprehensive 21-Piece Set: Offers a wide array of commonly used sizes, making it versatile for numerous applications.
- ✓ Optimized for Metal: Engineered to provide consistent and effective drilling performance across various metal thicknesses and types.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for its excellent balance of performance, durability, and value. The TiN coating offers enhanced wear resistance, while the pilot point tip simplifies drilling tasks by preventing frustrating bit walk. It’s a reliable set from a trusted brand, suitable for both professionals and serious home users.
Best For
This set is best for general construction, automotive, and workshop tasks where a versatile and durable set of titanium-coated drill bits is needed for various metals, including mild steel, aluminum, and brass.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Titanium coating enhances bit life and drilling speed.
- Pilot point tip ensures clean, accurate starts.
- Comes from a reputable brand (DEWALT) known for quality.
- Versatile 21-piece set covers many common sizes.
Cons:
- Titanium coating may wear off over time, especially with heavy use on very hard metals.
- Not as heat-resistant or durable as M35 cobalt bits for extreme applications.
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”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Metal Drill Bit Set
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the best metal drill bit set involves more than just picking a brand. You need to consider several critical factors that directly impact performance, durability, and suitability for your specific projects. Our recommendations are based on a thorough evaluation of these elements:
- ✓ Material Composition:
- High-Speed Steel (HSS): Good for softer metals like aluminum, copper, and mild steel. It’s the most common and affordable.
- Cobalt (M35 or M42): HSS with 5-8% cobalt, offering superior heat and abrasion resistance. Ideal for drilling hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened alloys. This is typically what you want for challenging metal work.
- Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coated: HSS bits coated with titanium nitride. This coating reduces friction, increases surface hardness, and extends tool life, suitable for general-purpose metal drilling.
- ✓ Coating: Beyond TiN, some bits feature TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride) or black oxide coatings. TiAlN offers even greater hardness and heat resistance, perfect for dry machining or very tough materials. Black oxide helps resist corrosion and provides some lubrication.
- ✓ Point Angle:
- 118° Point: Standard angle for general-purpose drilling in softer materials.
- 135° Split Point: Recommended for hard metals. It prevents bit walking, requires less feed pressure, and is self-centering, leading to cleaner, more accurate holes without a pilot drill.
- ✓ Shank Type:
- Round Shank: Standard, fits most drill chucks.
- Hex Shank (1/4″): Provides a secure grip, preventing slippage, and is compatible with impact drivers and quick-change chucks. Excellent for high-torque applications.
- ✓ Set Size and Range: Consider the variety of sizes included. A comprehensive set ensures you have the right bit for diverse tasks without needing frequent replacements.
- ✓ Brand Reputation: Established brands often signify quality control and reliable performance, backed by customer support.
- ✓ Intended Use: Tailor your choice to your most common applications. Heavy-duty work on hardened materials demands cobalt, while lighter tasks might be fine with TiN-coated HSS.
Budget Planning
Investing in a quality metal drill bit set can initially seem expensive, but it pays off in the long run through durability, performance, and reduced frustration. HSS sets are the most budget-friendly for occasional use on softer metals. For frequent work on tougher materials, a cobalt set, while costing more upfront, offers superior longevity and precision, ultimately saving you money on replacements and wasted effort. Titanium-coated bits offer a good middle-ground, providing enhanced performance over basic HSS without the full price tag of cobalt. Consider your frequency of use and the types of metals you’ll be drilling to strike the right balance between cost and capability.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best metal drill bit set is a critical decision for anyone working with metal. The key is to understand the properties of different bit materials, coatings, and designs, then match them to your specific needs. Prioritize cobalt or titanium-coated bits with a 135° split point for hardened steel and stainless steel. For softer metals, HSS or black oxide bits will suffice. Always remember that proper technique, including using appropriate drill speeds and cutting fluids, will significantly extend the life and performance of even the highest quality drill bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between HSS, Cobalt, and Titanium drill bits for metal?
A: HSS (High-Speed Steel) bits are basic and suitable for general drilling in softer metals like aluminum and mild steel. Cobalt (M35/M42) bits are HSS with an added percentage of cobalt, making them much more heat-resistant and durable for drilling hard metals like stainless steel and cast iron. Titanium Nitride (TiN) coated bits are HSS bits with a hard ceramic coating that reduces friction and increases surface hardness, extending life for general-purpose metal drilling but not as heat-resistant as cobalt for extreme applications.
Q: Can I sharpen metal drill bits?
A: Yes, many metal drill bits can be sharpened, especially HSS and cobalt bits. There are specialized drill bit sharpeners available, or you can use a bench grinder with a steady hand. Sharpening can significantly extend the life of your bits, but it requires practice to maintain the correct tip geometry (like the 135° split point).
Q: What drill speed should I use for drilling metal?
A: Generally, slower speeds are better for drilling harder metals and larger diameter holes, while faster speeds can be used for softer metals and smaller holes. Excessive speed generates heat, which can quickly dull or destroy a drill bit, especially HSS. Always use cutting oil or fluid to cool the bit and workpiece, regardless of speed, when drilling metal.
Q: How do I prevent drill bits from breaking when drilling metal?
A: To prevent breakage: 1. Use the correct drill bit material for the metal. 2. Use a slower drill speed and consistent, firm pressure. 3. Apply cutting fluid to reduce heat and friction. 4. Secure your workpiece firmly to prevent movement. 5. Avoid excessive side pressure or bending the bit while drilling. 6. Use a 135° split point bit for self-centering to reduce walking and strain.
Q: Are hex shank drill bits better for metal?
A: Hex shank drill bits offer a more secure grip in the drill chuck, which helps prevent slippage, especially during high-torque applications in metal. They are also compatible with impact drivers, which can be convenient. While a round shank works fine in a good chuck, the hex shank offers added stability, reducing wear on the chuck jaws and potentially the bit itself, making them a popular choice for metal.
Selecting the right metal drill bit set is an investment in your tools and the quality of your work. By understanding the nuances of materials, coatings, and design, you can make an informed decision that enhances your efficiency and durability. Our top picks, especially the M35 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set for Hardened Steel and Stainless Steel, represent the pinnacle of performance and longevity for demanding tasks. Don’t let inferior bits hold back your projects; choose wisely and drill with confidence!
Ready to upgrade your toolkit? Browse All Our Recommended Metal Drill Bit Sets on Amazon
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.
