The Best Drill Bit Set For Metal That Will Work For Any Job – Great Buyer’s Guide

Working with metal is a tough job because not all drill bits and materials are strong enough to drill through it without being damaged.

But if you look specifically for drill bit sets that are made from tough cobalt then you will have bits that are powerful enough to drill through almost anything.

We have reviewed a few of the best drill bit sets for metals and hardened metals and picked out our favorites to create a concise list of top choices for you to look at.

These are all a bit different, but will all make drilling through metal a lot easier.

Drill Bit Sets For Metal Comparison Chart

3 Best Drill Bit Sets For Metal (as of April, 2024):

1. IRWIN 3018002 29-Piece Drill Bit Set For Metal – Best Cobalt Set for Aluminum, Good for Stainless Steel Too Review

This Irwin 3018002 29-Piece drill bit set is made from tough and sturdy material that will allow these bits to last a long time, even with drilling through metal.

This set can drill through aluminum and stainless steel without issues and contains all the bits you’ll need in one small package.

29 Pieces

This drill bit set includes 29 separate drill bits that will work for the job that you have. Each one offers a different size bit to work for multiple jobs and projects, and each is housed in its own place in a case to make the size you need easy to find.

Cobalt Build

This drill bill set is made from 5% cobalt which makes the bits better resistant to abrasion and heat. This keeps the drill bits more durable and long-lasting with better resistance to multiple types of damage over time.

Multiple Sizes

This Irwin drill bit set has many different sizes of bits in one set so you are able to do any size job or project.

Hard Shell Case Included

This drill bit set for hardened steel comes in a hard-shell case that holds all of the different sizes in the same place. There are three rows of drill bits that fold over into the case and each has a single spot made for each drill bit to keep them from getting damaged during transportation.

Main Features

• 29 Pieces
• M-35 Cobalt Steel
• Sizes Include 1/16″ to 1/2″ in 1/64″ Increments
• 135 Degree Split Point To Minimize Walk
• 5% Cobalt For Higher Heat & Abrasion Resistance
• Heavy Duty Web Construction For Strength & Durability
• Reduced Shank Above 3/8″
• Metal Case with Protective Rubber Shell
• Tap and Die Chart & Removable Bit Cartridges
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

2. IRWIN 316015 15-Piece Drill Bit Set For Metal – Alternative Cobalt Set for Aluminum for Home Use Review

This is another Irwin drill bit set that is an alternative choice to our top option and has 15 pieces in the set.

With a 135-degree split point tip and reduced shank for larger drill bits, you can finish any project with this set.

15 Pieces

This Irwin 316015 15-Piece drill bit set includes 15 different pieces that allow you to use each drill bit for the exact job you need at the moment and be able to get any household project finished. With each bit having its own place to store it, these 15 pieces all fit into the same case.

Cobalt Bits

These Irwin drill bits are made using cobalt to make each of them stronger and to give them a longer lifespan even after multiple sharpening’s. This will help your drill bit set last longer even with heavy use.

By the way, these drill bits can cut through the most hardened and thickest stainless steel surfaces.

135-Degree Split Point Tip

This will keep you from overexerting yourself and putting more force than necessary on the drill when in use.

Extra Hard For Tough Jobs

This drill bit set is specially constructed to be extra hard for the toughest jobs that you will need to do around your house. Whatever project that you need to finish that involves aluminum will be easier and the drill will sustain less wear.

Main Features

• 15 Pieces
• M-42 Cobalt Steel
• Sizes Include 1/16″(2), 5/64″, 3/32″(2), 7/64″, 1/8″(2), 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″
• 135 Degree Split Point To Minimize Walk
• 8% Cobalt For Higher Heat & Abrasion Resistance
• Heavy Duty Web Construction For Strength & Durability
• Reduced Shank Above 3/8″
• Durable Rubber-Sided Case for Added Impact Resistance
• Sliding Latch Design & Rubberized Grip Provides Added Security
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

How Fast are Cobalt Drill Bits? Metal Drill Bits (Irwin Set) Are they the Best Drill Bits For Metal?:

3. Norseman 44170 29-Piece Drill Bit Set For Hard Metal – Best Choice for Hardened Steel Review

This Norseman 44170 29-Piece drill bit set comes as a 29-piece choice that comes in a thermos-like package which is super easy to carry with you.

These drill bits are great to use on hardened steel and can stand up to hard metal better than other options.

29 Pieces

This drill bit set comes in a set that includes 29 pieces and makes a large set. The drill bits come in different sizes to use for multiple kinds of jobs that are big or small for whatever project you are working on.

Multiple Options

This drill set offers different drill bit options for the set that comes in a multitude of sizes for different job sizes. The drill bits come in the range of 1/16-inch up to ½-inch for a wide choice of sizes to choose from.

Great Accuracy

This gives the drill bits the best construction for tough jobs and ones that leave little room for error.

Hi-Molybdenum Tool Steel Construction

These drill bits are made from hi-molybdenum tool steel which is extremely strong and durable so they will not sustain damage easily and will last a long time. These drill bits will be able to withstand consistent use for tough jobs and drill through hardened steel.

Main Features

• 29 Pieces
• 135-Degree Split Point
• 1/16 – 1/2 by 64ths – Ultra Dex
• Precision Ground Point
• Flutes, Body, Clearance & Drill Diameter for Ultimate Accuracy & Performance
• Special Hi-Molybdenum Tool Steel
• Finish Gold Oxide
• NAS 907B Heavy Duty Jobber
• Thermos Style Case

2 Reviews For Carbide Drill Bits

These next few reviews are a little bit different than the products that were just mentioned and are specifically-made and not meant to be used in hand drills or drill presses.

These drill bit sets are made for the hardest and most demanding materials and only to be employed for the biggest jobs.

1. CO-Z SDB-0000 5pcs – Best Alternative for Steel – Uni Bit Step Bit Review

These CO-Z SDB-0000 5pcs carbide bits are a great alternative to use for steel because of the heavy-duty construction and special design for bigger jobs.

The set offers 50 different sizes in one package with telescoping levels that make enlarging a small hole easy.

Cobalt Build

These drill bits are made out of mainly high-speed steel cobalt that makes drilling through tough materials easier. The cobalt is extremely durable and can be drilled over and over again with consistent drilling results.

Carbide Tips

Although these drill bits are mostly made from cobalt, the tips of these bits are made from highly-durable carbide.

Titanium Coating

These drill bits come with a titanium coating that allows them to last even longer and have an added layer of strength. The titanium coating also ensures that each of the drill bits will continue to look shiny and new even with consistent use.

Non-Walking Bits

These CO-Z drill bits provide smoother and faster drilling with no walking of bits and can drill through multiple materials. These step drill bits can drill through wood, steel, aluminum, and plastic board. Just make sure that the material is not as thick as the length of the drill.

Includes Case

These telescoping drill bits come in a convenient carrying case that allows you to transport these bits from place to place. The case is made out of aluminum and locks with a metal clasp in the middle. There is also a handle that makes carrying the case even easier.

Main Features

• 50 Different Sizes
• No Need for Pilot Hole
• Large bit with 3-Sided Shank
• Small Bits with Hex Shank
• Automatically Deburrs Holes as you Drill
• Non-Walking Drill Tip Provides Fast & Smooth Frills
• M2 Cobalt High Speed Steel
• Titanium Coating
• Compatibility with 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ Chuck Sizes
• Protective Padded Aluminum Case & Locks with Metal Clasp

2. DEWALT DW1956 16-Piece Set – Best Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point Review

This DeWalt DW1956 16-Piece drill bit set comes as a 16-piece option that gives you plenty of bits to choose from for each job.

These bits come with pilot points for easier drilling and are specially-designed to prevent the bits from locking up when breaking through material.

These are durable and reliable options.

Pilot Points

These DeWalt drill bits have a pilot point at the carbide tip of the bit that makes each hole that you drill cleaner and smoother. The tip also keeps the drill bit from locking up on breakthrough. This will allow the bits to last much longer.

No-Spin Shank

Offers Multiple Sizes

This drill bit set has multiple sizes of bits that range from 1/16-inch up to 11/64-inch bits that all have a split point tip.

This lets you have the sizes you need for multiple jobs and can use many different options throughout the same job or project easily. It also includes several sizes that come with a pilot point tip.

Organized By Size

These drill bits come in a pack with multiple sizes, and they are organized from the smallest to largest for easy sizing. This keeps that tips in place in their case and makes choosing the specific size you need for a certain job easy.

Case Included

This drill bit set includes a case in the price of purchase that holds all of the drill bits in one spot. The bits are organized inside the case, and the case itself is made from durable plastic and has a locking mechanism at the top to secure it shut.

Main Features

• For High-Performance Drilling in Metal & Wood
• Titanium Coating for Long Life
• Pilot Point Tips for clean, accurate holes
• No-Spin Shank Eliminates Spinning in the Chuck
• Easy-to-Read Size Markings
• Tapered Web for Greater Durability & Reduced Breaking
• Reduced Incidence of Lock-Up
• Heavy-Duty Plastic Case & Clip Latch for Secure Closing

Drill Bits For Metal Buyer’s Guide

Before you decide to buy a certain drill bit set for drilling into metal, there are a number of features that you should consider. With multiple options out there, you want to ensure that you purchase the set that will get your jobs done.

Here are some of the most important things to think about before making your final decision.

Drill Bit Materials

The kind of material that you choose for your drill bits can drastically change the effectiveness of the drill bit. With hard material like metal, there are few choices that will allow you the chance to drill a smooth hole through the material.

There are some bit materials that will work great for aluminum but will not drill through hardened steel. So, here are the main materials that you should consider and the differences of each option.

HSS

This term stands for high-speed steel. This means the drill bits are much more resistant to heat than other materials when drilling and are harder than some others as well. This allows HSS bits to be used against metal without heating up and sustaining damage.

Cobalt

Drill bits made from cobalt and tough and rugged. These drill bits can be used for harder materials and can stand up to high heats as well. Cobalt is strong and drill bits that are made from this material are tough enough to drill through titanium and stainless steel.

Carbide

Most drill bits are made with just a carbide tip, but you can also get some that are mostly made of carbide for a higher price.

Drill Bit Point Angle

The drill bit point angle makes a difference when you use different materials. The typical angle is 118 degrees. This means that both sides of the point are sharpened to a 59-degree angle to the middle point of the tip. This point angle is mainly used for softer materials like softer plastics and woods.

The usual point angle that is used for drilling into metal is 135 degrees because its better at handling harder materials. This type of point type will have a slightly varied shape with a less aggressive point and a large chisel.

Drill Point Lengths

The length of the drill point differs for bits that are used on different materials. With options that come with a 118-degree point, you can do a large number of softer material jobs and have a shorter length of drill point and still have a taper that filters the cut material away from the drilling area.

A flute is also made for the 135-degree drill points and helps to keep the viewing area clear of scraps of metal that have already been cut away. This angle offers a self-cleaning or sorts with the flute design actually tossing the scraps of metal away from the drill when they’re cut instead of having them gather together near the drill.

Drill Point Coatings

Each drill bit point has a coating of some kind to make the area stronger. This makes the point more durable and keeps it from breaking prematurely. There are a few different popular options, but the most common are titanium or black oxide coatings.

Titanium coatings are strong, but there are different options without that category. Titanium nitride and carbonitride and both good options, but the use of carbonitride will allow you to work with harder materials.

However, titanium nitride coatings offer good strength at a lower price. Also, the black oxide coating can handle friction better because they go through a heat treatment that reduces friction during drilling.

How to Drill Through Metals

Metal is a tough material to work with when you’re doing it for the first time. However, even though it may take a bit more time and effort, once you know how to get the job done, you will be able to finish many different metal drilling jobs.

Starting at a slow and steady pace and sticking to that will give you the best results. Also, the harder the metal is, the slower you want to go.

Pilot Holes

When working with drill bits, you have probably heard the term pilot hole before. This means that you will drill a hole before putting in a nail or screw. This ensures that you will not have to force the nail or screw into the material and keeps the insertion of the item easier.

For larger nails and screws, this process is important because you would likely not be able to get through the material without it.

FAQs

How do you know if a drill bit is for metal?

Most packaging for drill bits will tell you of their ability to be used for metal materials. However, if you are simply looking at one in front of you, you can tell by the flute at the drill point.

Drill bits for metal have a flute that will help keep the metal scraps that are being cut away from staying in the way of the drill bit while it’s working.

How do you drill through steel?

To drill through steel you’ll want to get a tough material like carbide for the tips. This will ensure that you will be able to cut through the hard material.

Then, with a slow and steady pace, you will begin drilling with medium pressure. The harder the steel, the slower you will go, so don’t be afraid to take your time.

Conclusion

Trying to find drill bits for metal can be a long process for those who don’t know what to look for, but with our buyer’s guide teaching you what you need to know, you can choose the best choice for you.

Whether you’re interested in the top option, or you want to research some choices on your own, you have the knowledge to make an informed decision and get the best drill bits for metal.