Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel – Buyer’s Guide

Drilling holes in stainless steel is a tricky affair.

If you happen to use the wrong drill bits, you risk damaging them for future work.

That’s why you will need the best drill bits for stainless steel.

Drill bits for metall are not made equal, even those designed to work with stainless steel and other hard and abrasive surfaces are distinct in their right.

Here, we look at the Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel 2024. These are durable bits that come in the correct shape to suit stainless steel drilling jobs.

Irwin Industrial Tools 316015 Cobalt Drill Bit Set, 15-Piece – Best Multipurpose Drill Bit for Stainless Steel

Do you plan on installing a stainless steel island and can’t get your hands on tough drill bits for the job?

Irwin Industrial Tools 316015 Cobalt Drill Set has you covered.

It offers you different sized drill bits that come in a set of fifteen drill bits to suit different job specifications.

Construction Design

These drill bits are cobalt alloys through and through.

This drill bit comes with a self-centering 135-degree drill point angle. It allows for fast drilling on stainless steel. This means you don’t have to spend a whole day when installing a filtered water faucet.

You will be glad that this set has different size drill bits which include two 1/16-inch drill bits, two 5/64”, two 7/64”, two 9/64”, one 3/32”, 1/8”, 3/16”, 5/32”, 5/16”, ¼,” and 3/8”.

The drill bit sizes are stamped on the metal so it will not be hard to pick which one you’d like to complete a particular job.

Performance

To be right on schedule and be able to complete jobs for your clients, these drill bit set will be of great help. Seeing that it features a cobalt alloy, you will not go wrong when your jobs are centered on installations and performing repairs.

With the split points, you can position the drill bits securely on the tool and get clean holes. This way, you won’t be dealing with lots of chips to clean.

Not to mention, these bits are heat resistant, so they will not leave any black marks on the surface. You should remember to bring along a lubricant for an even smoother job.

We like that these bits are a combination of small and large sizes which allow them to be of great use for a wide variety of tasks using the same set.

Better still, they do not need constant sharpening, and even when you do sharpen them, they will still retain their strength and functionality.

When it comes to caring for the Irwin Industrial Tools Cobalt Drill Bits, it is as easy as wiping them down with a lightly oiled rag. This procedure keeps them in good condition for a long time.

Considering the cash you will be paying to acquire this model; they are worth every penny.

DEWALT DW1263 Cobalt Pilot Point Drill Bit Set – Best Quality Drill Bits for Stainless Steel

DEWALT is well- known for constructing top-quality power tools.

The DEWALT DW1263 Drill Bit Set consists of industrial-grade drill bits that surpass our expectation in drill bits designed for boring holes into stainless steel.

Construction Design

These drill bits are engineered from cobalt alloy. They are precision cut to improve durability and allow using on many jobs.

With the pilot point tip, each drill bit reduces walking during startup which in turn translates into accurate holes and improved performance. This means you can work on highly precise jobs when installing metallic sinks or drilling clean holes when installing car seats.

Since the pilot points start on contact, you will be able to handle more jobs which gets you on the good graces of your customers. The sizes range from 1/16-inch to 3/8 inches.

You get a total of 14 bits which come in handy for the most common tasks whether at the workshop or home. You don’t need to go looking for an extra set when you have the DEWALT DW1263.

With this set, you also get an industrial-grade ABS case. It is a heavy-duty case to keep all your bits organized.

Performance

These cobalt drill bits are robust to offer fast cutting. They achieve a high torque which helps to drill holes through stainless steel effortlessly. The pilot tip allows you to drill relatively quicker than you could with models utilizing different designs.

You will like that they come sharp and ready to work of their package. This also indicates you will not need to sharpen them at least after handling the toughest jobs.

The best thing about these drill bits is that you don’t need to make holes in stages. The pilot point tip is all you need to take care of the first drilling stage as you use the drill bit size that best suits the task at hand.

For example, when you want to attach a skid plate to a jeep’s sub-frame, you will only be going through one drilling step using the bit you choose.

It enables you to drill holes at the right place, at the right angle, with the least amount of trouble.

Everything about these drill bits spells durability and high-performance. You can expect accurate holes and optimum life in drill bits only made by a top brand.

DEWALT DW1240 Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Drill Bit Set – Best Drill bits for Stainless Steel Bolts

DEWALT is without a doubt an influential brand.

It is no wonder why their drill bits are among the most sought in the industry.

With the DEWALT DW1240 model, you can count on their durability and effectiveness to bore through the most robust metals which in this case means stainless steel.

This set is a good pick if you are looking for versatile drill bits that are also useful when drilling into angle iron and I-beams.

Whichever needs that require the use of strong drill bits, you will never be disappointed with the DEWALT DW1240.

Design Features

What’s more, with these drill bits, you do not need to make a pilot hole. It saves you the drilling time so that you can work faster with less broken bits.

This is because these drill bits utilize cobalt alloy which is hard and heat resistant. You can sharpen these bits repeatedly and never have to lose their strength since they have uniform strength from the tip to the shank.

Looking at the sizes, this set follows through with the most common sizes just like with the DW1263. You can use drill bits from 1/16-inch to 3/8-inch. You also get their unique case which is not only sturdy, but it is also well-labeled for quick organization of your drill bits.

Performance

These drill bits are designed to handle the most demanding stainless steel jobs. They can withstand the heat generated from the drilling leaving behind only clean holes.

When it comes to removing stuck, broken bolts, these drill bits provide you with speed convenience as they can split the bolt and get it out in less time than anticipated.

When drilling through stainless steel surfaces, most people are happy that you won’t be spending time cleaning shavings. The drill bit will offer you accurate drilling which allows you to make holes faster.

They are very handy if you are working on an electric project that needs precision. You will also love that since there is no walking, painted surfaces will not be scratched.

This model strives to give you the ultimate performance by giving drill bits that are built to last. They are precise, fast, and reliable. Which other feature would you be looking for in the best drill bits for stainless steel?

Bosch CO2135 Cobalt Drill Bit – Strongest Drill Bit for Stainless Steel

The Bosch CO2135 is perhaps the most sought drill bit for heavy duty drilling.

It is suitable for hard materials that can take a toll on your shoulder if you are using a heavy drill without any results in the surface you intend to make holes.

Design Features

Due to its high heat resistance, it opens possibilities for using it with other hard metals like cast iron, high-carbon steel, titanium, and light gauge metals. This drill bit is available in full shank jobber length.

It is short in that it gives you accurate holes and you can use it in tight spaces as it allows for simple maneuvers.

Performance

Bosch is always on point with their power tools. The CO2135 can penetrate hard metal with less effort. It is a 1/8inch size but it available in other sizes from 1/16-inch to 7/64-inch, all at low prices per piece.

You will notice that the tip angle is 135-degrees. This reduces chances of walking which gets it working right away upon contact.

With this drill bit, you are guaranteed clean and accurate holes. It has a chip breaker which facilitates less heat built up especially when coupled with good drilling oil. This model ensures that you can get more work done by drilling more holes in less time.

Migiwata Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Drill Set – Best Cheap Drill Bits for Hardened Stainless Steel

The Migiwata Metric Cobalt Drill Set is your go-to model if you are looking for an industrial grade drill bit at a cheap price.

These bits perform with excellence at boring holes in hardened steel and other strong alloys like cast iron.

Design Features

They open up possibilities for using them in tough applications where titanium and black oxide bits would be a waste.

The drill point is 135-degrees meaning you have no chance at walking as the drill bit starts boring right away. The small angle eliminates the need of having a center punch since these bits are self-centering.

This indicates how fast you can complete jobs and be on your way to get more work done every single day.

You will get a robust plastic casing which provides secure and organized storage for your drill bits in the toolbox.

Performance

These drill bits penetrate easily through hardened stainless steel. Each bit can give you clean holes with less effort which results in a fixed size hole. You can work with precision especially when installing stuff that will not give you a second chance to perfect the job.

You have a collection of different sized drill bits from 1.5mm to 6.5mm. These drill bits are applicable in many professional settings. They can also be used for DIY tasks which give you an advantage as they are the only bits you will need to purchase if you are always working with stainless steel.

This model makes it to the top recommendation not only because it can drill through stainless steel, but because it lasts in excellent condition. They are heat resistant since they prevent blackening and dulling of the bits.

The Migiwata Metric M35 drill bits are a sure pick for cheap and reliable drill bits for stainless steel.

Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel – Buyer’s Guide

The type of drill bit you choose to use when drilling stainless steel dictates how the job will go. There’s no humor in having a scratched surface that will leave ugly marks on the sink you are trying to install.

Here are the major considerations you need to make when Buying Drill Bits for Stainless Steel Drilling.

The material of the Drill Bits

Titanium bits are HSS bits with a titanium coating. They are harder than HSS, but they do not last a long time. This is because the coating wears off with time and it will wear completely if you sharpen the drill bit.

Cobalt drill bits are alloys of steel. They contain either 5% cobalt or 8% cobalt. Adding cobalt into steel increases its strength significantly which also makes it more heat resistant.

Being heat resistant is vital since heat is produced because of the friction when drilling holes on hard metal. As such, the high temperature can damage the steel surface or the drill bit making it useless for future jobs.

A 5% cobalt alloy is known as a 35-grade cobalt drill bit while an 8% cobalt alloy is a 42-grade drill bit.

Drill Point Angle

The design of your drill bit determines if it can work with stainless steel. They are two common angles. The 135-degree drill bits are considered to be flatter and are an excellent choice when drilling stainless steel and other harder materials.

118-degree drill bits are used with soft materials because they have a steep point.

Bit Size

This is the diameter of the drill bit. Small diameters indicate they are good for boring small holes. They start at 1/16 inch to 1/14 inch. These are drill bits that are applicable in most workshops and for DIY jobs at home.

For larger holes, you will need to look for drill bits with the sizes from 5/16 to 7/16, 3/8, and ½ inches.

Flute Design

Since you will not be using these drills to bore holes in wood, drill bits with a small flute design will be applicable. This is because you will not be removing too much waste from the hole.

A small flute carries a 30-degree angle. They allow cutting the chips tightly and also allow for easy removal, and they let the coolant or lubricant flow into the edge.

Shank Design

This is the tail end part that is held by the drill’s chuck. It can be round, hex, or an SDS (slotted drive system). Round shanks provide you with a simplified way of securing the drill bit to the chuck.

Hex shanks are flat. They give you greater torque by allowing a more secure grip of the bit to the drill.

SDS shanks, on the other hand, are used with a hammer drill. It is usually a spring-loaded chuck that does not need any fastening. The drill moves forward and backward following the hammering motion. The slots and flattened areas of the shank allow it to be steady on the chuck.

Conclusion

You cannot do without a good drill bit when dealing with stainless steel. We have researched the models that we have picked today before presenting them to you. These drill bits explore a cobalt alloy construction which is the strongest material for the Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel.

Choose a smooth time by using these drill bits.