10 Best Metal Drill Bits 2020 [Buying Guide]

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Heather
Patton

Jennifer
Trimbee

Samantha
Dewitt

How to Choose the Best Metal Drill Bit

If you’re want to expand your tool collection or take on a metalworking project, a good set of metal drill bits might be just what you’re looking for. If you’re not sure whether you need a few long metal drill bits or a kit with dozens of options, you’re in the right place. We researched some of the best products available and put together this buying guide to help you figure it out. First, let’s look at some key things to remember.

Pieces: There is a lot of variety here when it comes to how many bits are included. These kits range from having as few as 9 bits to as many as 100 and just about everywhere in between.

Material: The most popular materials are cobalt and titanium. We found a few solid options made of steel, too. Metal bits have to be really hard and able to handle a lot of heat. Only a few materials meet those criteria.

Sizes: We included a range from the smallest to the largest bits in each kit. Most include bits in increments of 1/64 or 1/32-inch in this range. The more bits there are, the more sizes you get.

Carrying Case: This is one product where a carrying case is extremely useful. They not only help you carry and store the bits, but they also provide an excellent way to stay organized so you can always find what you need.

Weight: Weight matters if you’re planning to carry these kits back and forth. None of them are particularly heavy but some could be inconvenient on the job. They range in weight from 2.4 oz to 3.5 pounds.

Warranty: Most (but not all) of these products come with a lifetime warranty. Think about it, these bits are made to cut through the hardest and toughest metals. It only makes sense that they’d last a really long time.

Top 10 Products

Now that you know what to look for, let’s get into our top ten products. Here’s how it works. If you’re in a hurry, make sure you check out our top and budget picks to get a sense of the range that’s out there. We made them really easy to find, they’re the first 2 items on our list. Stick around if you can, all of these items are pretty impressive. Alright, let’s get right to it.

Cobalt Drill Bit Set

This Cobalt Drill Bit Set is our top pick for best quality metal drill bits. They’re made of solid cobalt and are high heat treated for extraordinary hardness. They’re so strong that they have a melting point of 2,853 degrees F, believe it or not. That’s a lot of heat and a lot of friction. This set includes 29 different bits ranging in size from 1/16 to ½” in increments of 1/64” without skipping any sizes. They’re designed with a 135-degree split point to prevent the bit from walking and a tri-flat shank to keep it from shifting when inside the chuck. These bits will drill through everything from stainless steel to truck frames. They come with a lifetime warranty and are proudly made in the USA.

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Dewalt Titanium Pilot Point

For a great set of hard metal drill bits on a budget, check out the Dewalt Titanium Pilot Point. For one thing, they’re from Dewalt, one of the best known and most reliable brands for all things tools. There are 21 bits in this set and they all fit into a tough plastic case so you’ll always know where every bit is when you need it. The titanium pilot point makes these bits really durable while the tapered web helps to reduce breaking, extending the life of each bit. They start drilling on contact which creates cleaner holes. The shanks won’t spin in the chuck, making sure the user has good control at all times. These bits work great on wood and plastic and can also take on non-ferrous metals.

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Irwin Hanson Spiral 10 pc Set

A nice set of professional metal drill bits is this Irwin Hanson Spiral 10 piece set. This is a really useful set because these bits are meant to be used to both drill and extract. Etched onto the side of each piece you’ll find the extractor size and recommended drill bit size so you’ll always be able to easily identify which one you need. The extractors are meant to be used in the removal of broken studs, bolts, socket screws, and fittings. They’re actually designed to embed themselves deeper into the metal so that grip increases with resistance. Plus, their aggressive spiral design provides a lot of gripping power, making this an effective and useful set of bits. The drill bits come in sizes 5/64, 7/64, 5/32, 1/4, and 19/64-inch.

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Irwin Hanson 1135ZR 35-pc Set

If you saw the previous item and thought, that’s great, but I want more, have we got a set of good metal drill bits and extractors for you. This set from Irwin Hanson has 35 different pieces that include both drill bits and extractors. The size of each one is etched right on the side so they’re all easy to identify when it’s time to pick the right one for the job. Something that’s really great about this set is that it comes with a hard plastic storage case so you can keep everything together. That’s not all, inside the lid of the case is a reference chart that tells you what size bit to use for extracting various sizes of screws and bolts. This kit includes drill bits in sizes ranging from 5.64 to ½-inch.

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Irwin Industrial Cobalt Set

Next up is this set of hardened metal drill bits from Irwin Tools. It includes 29 different bits in 1/64-inch increments. Each has a 135-degree split point to help minimize walking and keep the drill bit in place. Because these bits are made using 5% cobalt, they can tolerate higher heat and abrasion and have reliable strength and durability. These bits are made to cut through tough metals like alloy or even hardened steel. Something we have to mention is the case because it’s so well designed. The bits are arranged in 3 different organizers. Each one can be removed from the case separately so you only need to take what you need with you to the site. They’re automatically indexed by size so everything stays organized and is easy to find.

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Drill Hog 21 pc Set

Another reliable set of metal bits is this one from Drill Hog. This 21-piece set includes sizes ranging from 1/16 to ½-inch in 1/32-inch increments. They’re made of M7 steel, an alloy that includes tungsten, chromium, and vanadium to make it exceptionally hard and useful in high-speed tools. No wonder these bits are able to drill through farm implements, bolts, and stainless steel. They’re designed with a 135-degree split point so they start drilling the instant they’re set in motion, eliminating any skidding or walking across the material and allowing for faster, cleaner results. They come in a case that makes it really easy to find exactly the one you’re looking for. And here’s the kicker, not only are they made in the USA, but they also come with a lifetime warranty.

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Irwin Titanium Nitride 29pc

For some of the hardest metal drill bits around, check out the Irwin Titanium Nitride 29-piece set. These bits are coated in titanium so they last longer and have a cutting edge that stays sharper, longer. Why? Because the titanium reduces friction and is able to tolerate higher heat, keeping the edge sharp and intact. Get this the can actually last 6 times longer than a normal drill bit in the same conditions. The split-point prevents walking and gets drilling immediately which leads to neater, more precise results. That’s not all, these bits can be used to cut wood or plastic but are especially suited for hard and abrasive metals using stationary drill presses or portable drills. This set comes in a rubber-molded case that includes a tap and drill selection reference chart.

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Irwin Tools Multi-Material Set

These heavy metal drill bits from Irwin Tools are a great choice for an inexpensive set of bits that are still a really great addition to your tool collection. This 10-piece set features carbide tips and a unique diamond-ground 4-face design for less walking and clean, precise holes. That’s not all, these bits are also really fast and efficient at removing dust and preventing any clogging. Why? Because of their multi-material design that helps reduce friction and resistance which makes the whole process fast and smooth. Plus, it also helps extend the life of the bit and can actually help the battery in the drill last a little longer, too. These bits are made for use with a wide variety of materials, including brick, tile, marble, and, of course, metal.

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Bosch Impact Drill Bit Set

Next up in our list are the best metal drill bits if you’re just looking for something pretty simple. This set from Bosch includes 9 different bits in some of the most popular and most widely used sizes. They’re designed using Bosch’s Impact Tough design. What does that mean? Get this: they’re ¼-inch screwdriver bits that are designed to work better and last longer than the bits commonly used with a standard impact drill. With no-skate tips for quick and accurate starts, they’re tough enough for hardwood, heavy and light-gauge metals, and even high-carbon steel. To help with material removal, these bits have a long flute which provides better clearance. Plus, they have a titanium cooling shield that creates less friction and helps to extend the life of each bit.

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Craftsman 100 pc Kit

Last but certainly not least are these high-quality metal drill bits from Craftsman. This is a pretty impressive kit that includes 100 different pieces in all. It has just about every bit you could need for household and DIY projects, including driving bits, power bits, insert bits, and, of course, drill bits. You might be thinking that this is a little more than what you need but just about every common bit is included in this kit. That’s not all, they even come perfectly organized in a handy carrying case so it’s really easy to find just the bit you’re looking for. These bits are made of hardened alloy steel for long-lasting durability. That’s not all, they’re even tough enough to drill through metal as well as wood, plastic, and masonry.

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About the Author

Samantha Dewitt

Expert Researcher and Writer

Samantha Dewitt is a lead researcher and writer for GeekWrapped, writing under a pen name. She gets excited about pet, baby, and science products and has over 12 years of experience.

Best Metal Drill Bits

Top 10 Buying Guide

Our Recommendations

Cobalt Drill Bit Set

Dewalt Titanium Pilot Point

How to Choose the Best Metal Drill Bit

Top 10 Products

Cobalt Drill Bit Set

Dewalt Titanium Pilot Point

Irwin Hanson Spiral 10 pc Set

Irwin Hanson 1135ZR 35-pc Set

Irwin Industrial Cobalt Set

Drill Hog 21 pc Set

Irwin Titanium Nitride 29pc

Irwin Tools Multi-Material Set

Bosch Impact Drill Bit Set

Craftsman 100 pc Kit

About the Author

TOP PICK

Cobalt Drill Bit Set