Three of the Best Step Drill Bit That Will Drill A Hole Through Metal With Ease – Greatest Buyer’s Guide Included
If you are a handyman at your home and take care of many HVAC issues yourself, or you work with an electric or bench drill press for your job, you know that step drill bits can be a lifesaver when you need to drill a hole through metal.
The steps offer the chance to drill different sized holes with the same drill bit and save you time from having to change bits out more often.
However, not every step drill is built to last through tough jobs, or are made with the quality that you need to use it for your home repair project or job.
So, we’ve narrowed the choices down to the best three step drill bits and decided which one of these options is best for certain jobs, and which one is the best overall.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | CO-Z SDB-0000 Material: Titanium Quantity: 5 Size: 3/16" to 1/2" 6 Steps, 1/8" to 1/2" 13 Steps 1/4" to 3/4'' 9 Steps 1/4" to 1-3/8" 10 Steps 3/16" to 7/8" 12 Steps | |
 | Neiko 10193A Material: Titanium Quantity: 3 Size: 3/16" to 1/2" 6-Step 1/4" to 3/4" 9-Step 1/8" to 1/2" 13-Step | |
 | Tacklife PDH06A Material: Titanium & Steel Quantity: 5 Size: 3/16" to 1/2" 6 Steps 1/8" to 1/2" 13 Steps 1/4" to 3/4'' 9 Steps 1/4" to 1-3/8" 10 Steps 3/16" to 7/8" 12 Steps |
3 Best Step Drill Bits (as of January, 2025):
1. CO-Z SDB-0000 Step Drill Bits – Best Overall Option Review
This 5-piece CO-Z SDB-0000 step drill bit is a great choice for those who want the best of the best when it comes to drill bits.
These are well-made, durable, and usable for many different applications.
Coming in a pack with five pieces, this set offers 50 different drilling hole sizes with its step drill bit design.
Made From Cobalt Steel
These step drill bits are built out of tough cobalt steel and are built for maximum durability. They will last a long time even with heavy use and can be used for tough materials without being broken or damaged.
Different Sizes Available
Non-Walking Drill Tip
These step drill tips are non-walking options that drill smoothly and quickly into hardwood boards and aluminum or sheet metal. You should make sure that the board is thinner than the thickness of the drill bit.
Mark the Spot
Before drilling, it is recommended to always mark the spot that you will drill into. This will ensure that you drill into the right area and that you won’t move the drill away from that spot once the drill is running.
Comes In a Case
These CO-Z step drill bits come in a case that you can use for transporting your tools or storing them when they’re not in use. The case is built for metal for the exterior but the foam padding in the interior for keeping the tools in place.
Main Features
- Cobalt High Speed Steel & Titanium Coating
- X-Type Openings Designed
- Laser-Engraved Reference Marks
- Compatibility with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in Chuck Sizes
- Drills Holes of Various Sizes without changing bits
- Minimal Shocks and almost impossible to snap compared to conventional bits
- Smooth Hole Edges, perfect to drill holes for HVAC jobs
- Smoother & Rounder Holes
- Prevents Metal Scurf from flying around for improved safety
- Well-Organized Case
- Sizes:
3/16″ to 1/2″ 6 Steps (3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16″, 3/8”, 7/16”, 1/2”)
1/8″ to 1/2″ 13 Steps (1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16”, 7/32″, 1/4”, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8”, 13/32″, 7/16”, 15/32″, 1/2”)
1/4″ to 3/4” 9 Steps (1/4”, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″)
1/4″ to 1-3/8″ 10 Steps (1/4”, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″, 1-3/8″)
3/16″ to 7/8″ 12 Steps (1/4”, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″)
- Made from cobalt for maximum durability
- Different sizes are available in the five pieces
- Drill bits are non-walking for smoother holes
- Pre-drilling makes the drilling much more precise
- Comes in a metal case for storage and transport
2. Neiko 10193A Step Drill Bits – Best Budget Choice Review
These Neiko 10193A titanium step drill bits are a budget-friendly option that comes in three pieces that offer up to 28 different hole sizes to choose from.
Each piece can make 13 different hole sizes with each step making a bigger one.
Steel and Titanium Material
These Neiko step drill bits are made from rugged and sturdy steel with a titanium coating that will last a long time and ensure that your drill bits won’t break or crack under much force or pressure.
Even with high speeds, the titanium coating will stay on and allow for better drilling.
Two-Flute Design
These step drill bits come in a two-flute design that will clear away the shavings and chips quickly and gets rid of larger chunks of material so they don’t build up near the tip of the drill bit and affect the drilling capability.
135-Degree Split-Tip Point
Tri-Fitted Shank
These step drill bits have tri-platted shanks that allow it to fit properly into the chuck of a power tool for a better fit without falling out or unwanted movement. This eliminates the risk of slips during drilling so you don’t have any accidents.
Multiple Sizes
Each step drill bit in this set comes with multiple steps that each makes a different sized hole. This allows you to make multiple holes with the same drill bit without having to change between them to make a slightly bigger hole if needed.
Main Features
- Classic High Speed Steel & Titanium Coated
- Two-Flute Design for Faster & Smoother Cutting
- Automatically Deburrs Holes as you Drill
- Tri-Flatted Shank
- Laser Engraved Sizes
- Increased Cutting Speed
- 135 degrees Split Point Tip
- Sizes:
3/16″ to 1/2″ 6-Step Bit (3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″)
1/4″ to 3/4″ 9-Step Bit (1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″)
1/8″ to 1/2″ 13-Step Bit (1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 13/32″, 7/16″, 15/32″, 1/2″)
- Made from steel with a titanium coating
- Has a two-flute design for clearing away shavings
- Has a 135-degree split-tip point
- Has a tri-fitted shank for better chuck fitting
- Offers multiple sizes with each drill bit in set
3. Tacklife PDH06A Step Drill Bits – Best Value For the Price Option Review
This Tacklife PDH06A step drill bit set has six different pieces included with five drill bits and one automatic center punch tool.
These tools come in a metal case with a soft inner material that holds each tool in place and keeps them from getting damaged during transport.
Many Sizes in One
These step drill bits have multiple steps on each tool and can make different sized holes with the same drill bit. If you make a small hole and need to enlarge it, you can do so without changing the drill bit and taking up more time.
Center Punch Tool Included
This attaches to the drill so that it makes an automatic punch in the material for an easy way to make a small hole when you need something smaller than the other drill bits.
Includes an Aluminum Case
This step drill bit set includes the aluminum protective case that they come in and is great for storing the tools and taking them with you from job to job.
Via: @tacklifetools
With the protective case keeping the tools in their place, the tools will not risk getting damaged while taking them to a new job site or home.
Three-Sided Shank
These step drill bits have a three-sided shank that helps to prevent slipping of the drill while in use. The shank fits securely into the chuck of the drill so that it is snug and tight and won’t fall out even when a lot of pressure is applied.
Double Cutting Blades
These step drill bits have double cutting blades that operate smoothly and quickly to provide you with a better hole. The blades are sharp and durable with the strength to cut through metal, aluminum, and many other materials.
Customer Service
After your purchase of this step drill bit set, you will have access to the Tacklife customer service team that will take care of any aftercare questions and concerns. You can also contact them if you need any repairs or replacements.
Note:
Check the concentricity of the spindle and spring chuck and the clamping force of spring chuck, for the concentricity may cause the drill bit broken and make drill hole too large.
Main Features
- High Speed Steel & Titanium Coating
- X-type Openings Design
- Double Cutting Blades Design
- 3-Sided Shank
- Laser Marking
- Automatic Center Punch & High Strike
- Adjustable Cap regulates striking force
- Brass body has a deeply knurled surface for nonslip control
- Sizes:
3/16″ to 1/2″ 6 Steps (3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16″, 3/8”, 7/16”, 1/2”)
1/8″ to 1/2″ 13 Steps (1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16”, 7/32″, 1/4”, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8”, 13/32″, 7/16”, 15/32″, 1/2”)
1/4″ to 3/4” 9 Steps (1/4”, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″)
1/4″ to 1-3/8″ 10 Steps (1/4”, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″, 1-3/8″)
3/16″ to 7/8″ 12 Steps (1/4”, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″)
- Drill bits offer many sizes of holes in the same set
- The stet includes an automatic center punch tool
- Purchase includes an aluminum case
- Tools have a three-sided shank for better chuck fit
- Double cutting blades make smoother holes
- Includes customer service support
Buyer Guide
Trying to search for the right step drill bit can be a long journey, but knowing what to look for in a good choice will cut down the time you spend looking for what you need. Here are a couple of things you should consider before making the final purchase.
Best Materials
There are some cheap options out there that will be made from inferior materials that will make for a cheap price tag but won’t be worth the money, and will likely not be able to finish the job at hand correctly.
However, if you look for high-quality materials as your main option, then you will get tools that are worth the price you pay for them.
Materials like cobalt and steel will ensure that you have high-quality drill bits that will last longer and be able to handle whatever job you need to do.
Price Tag
The higher the price tag, the better the product, doesn’t always apply to products. If you want a good quality product, you want to make sure that the customer reviews of the tool are positive and don’t come with a ton of negative reviews.
Even with a product that claims to be a premium choice with lots of features and a high price, you could be getting duped. Or, you may likely be paying for the brand name.
If the reviews show an average amount of positive reviews that suggest that the product is well worth the money, then you can feel safer knowing that you can purchase it and get what you’re paying for.
FAQs
What is the advantage of using a step drill bit?
An advantage of using a step drill bit is that you can use just one drill bit to make multiple sized holes.
You don’t have to change the drill bit in order to do more than one hole for a project, and you can easily make changes to smaller holes to enlarge them with the same tool.
Tacklife PDH06A Classic Titanium Step Cone Drill Bit Set & Automatic Center Punch:
Can you sharpen a step drill bit?
Yes, a step drill bits tip and flute can be sharpened to keep the drilling from getting dull and unusable. You can use a bench grinder with a special attachment tool to sharpen these drill bits.
Conclusion
Step drill bits can be used for many different purposes, and finding the best one for the project or job that you need to finish shouldn’t be too tough.
With the great options that we have chosen for our list, you can get the best choice without needing to do any more shopping on your own.
Also, if you would like to look for an alternative to these options, you can use our buyer’s guide to search for a tool that you think will work best for you and the projects that you will be doing in the future.
