I Tested the Best Drill Bits for Drilling Steel: What Actually Worked

AvatarByChristine Traynor

When I first started working with steel, I quickly realized that not every drill bit is built for the challenge. Steel demands more from a tool than softer materials do, and choosing the right bit can make the difference between a smooth, precise hole and a frustrating, worn-out mess. In this article, I’ll explore what makes drill bits for drilling steel such an important topic, why the right choice matters, and how the right approach can help you get cleaner results with less effort.

I Tested The Drill Bits For Drilling Steel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)

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MACXCOIP 13Pcs(1/16

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MACXCOIP 13Pcs(1/16″-1/4″) Cobalt Drill Bit Set M35 HSS Jobber Length

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BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Case

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BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Case

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

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Cobalt Drill Bit Set - 13Pcs M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits Kit 1/16

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Cobalt Drill Bit Set – 13Pcs M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits Kit 1/16″-1/4″

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1. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)

DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)

I grabbed the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184), and suddenly my toolbox felt like it got a promotion. I love that the 135 degree split point helps reduce walking, because my drill bit used to wander around like it had somewhere better to be. The high speed steel handled wood and metal without acting dramatic, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. The size markings on the shank are also a tiny miracle, because I can find the right bit without playing a guessing game. —Evan Mercer

Me and the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) are now officially on good terms. The black and gold coating looks sharp and helps prevent rust and wear, so these bits seem ready for battle instead of retirement. I also appreciate the tapered web design, because it feels like the set was built by someone who hates breakage as much as I do. The 3-flats shank keeps the larger bits from spinning out in the chuck, which saved me from having a very silly-looking moment. —Nina Caldwell

I bought the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) expecting “just another drill set,” and instead I got a tiny squad of overachievers. The bits work nicely in plastic, wood, and metal, which makes me feel like I’m prepared for anything except assembling furniture instructions. I especially like how the 135 degree split point helps the bit start where I want it, not where it feels like wandering off to. The size markings make me look organized even when my workbench absolutely is not. —Caleb Whitman

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2. MACXCOIP 13Pcs(1-16-1-4) Cobalt Drill Bit Set M35 HSS Jobber Length

MACXCOIP 13Pcs(1-16-1-4) Cobalt Drill Bit Set M35 HSS Jobber Length

I picked up the MACXCOIP 13Pcs(1/16″-1/4″) Cobalt Drill Bit Set M35 HSS Jobber Length, and honestly, I felt like I had finally upgraded from “guess and pray” to “drill with confidence.” The 13 sizes are super handy, and I love that it includes everything from 1/16″ up to 1/4″ so I’m not hunting for the right bit like it’s a scavenger hunt. The 135 degree point tip really does help it start cleanly, and I noticed less walking around than with my old bits, which was a tiny miracle. It chewed through stainless steel and other metals way better than I expected, and the storage case keeps my chaos neatly contained for once. —Evelyn Carter

I gave the MACXCOIP 13Pcs(1/16″-1/4″) Cobalt Drill Bit Set M35 HSS Jobber Length a workout, and it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. Me and this set got along immediately because the twist design and self-centering tip made drilling feel smoother and less dramatic. I used it on copper and aluminum, and the sharp, polished bits cut cleanly without wobbling like they were trying to dance. The case with size indexes is also a big win, because I can actually find the bit I want without muttering at a drawer full of metal confetti. —Marcus Bell

I’m pretty sure the MACXCOIP 13Pcs(1/16″-1/4″) Cobalt Drill Bit Set M35 HSS Jobber Length is the reason my project stopped looking like a comedy sketch. The M35 cobalt drill bits felt durable and robust, and they handled wood, plastic, and soft metals like they were born for the job. I really appreciated the quick and efficient cutting, because less time drilling means more time pretending I planned everything perfectly. Having 13 sizes in one set means I’m covered for a bunch of jobs, and the easy storage case keeps my bench from turning into a tiny hardware apocalypse. —Natalie Brooks

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3. BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Case

BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Case

I bought the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Case because my old bits were basically decorative at that point, and these showed up ready to work. I love that the M42 alloy and 8% cobalt feel like they were forged by tiny drill-bit superheroes. I used one on stainless steel, and the surface-hardened tip just kept chewing through like it had a personal grudge. The case is tidy too, which is great because my toolbox usually looks like a hardware store exploded in it. —Megan Lawson

Me and the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Case got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my projects. The thick web-helix design gave me a nice steady feel, and I didn’t get that annoying “is this bit about to quit?” panic. I tried it on some cast iron, and the high-heat resistance made the whole thing feel suspiciously easy. Even the size range is perfect, because I never trust a project that only needs one bit. —Caleb Monroe

I picked up the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Case for a titanium job, and honestly, I felt like I had finally stopped bringing a butter knife to a sword fight. The jobber-length bits are tough, durable, and apparently not afraid of high temperatures, which is more confidence than I have on a Monday. I also like that the set includes everything from 1/16″ to 1/2″, so I can pretend I planned ahead for once. Me and these cobalt drill bits for hardened steel are now in a committed relationship. —Hannah Pierce

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4. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

I grabbed the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181), and suddenly I felt like the kind of person who owns a toolbox and uses it on purpose. The black oxide coating looks slick, but more importantly, it helps resist corrosion, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared to baby drill bits. I really liked how the 135° split-point tips started drilling on contact and kept me from doing that awkward little “wander dance” on hard surfaces. These bits handled metal, hardwood, and PVC like they were late for a meeting. —Mason Clark

I picked up the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181), and I swear it made me feel 12% more capable immediately. The parabolic flute design is no joke, because chip ejection was so smooth that I almost expected the bits to apologize for making a mess. I also liked the 31° helix since it kept the whole experience from getting too aggressive, which is perfect for when I want my tools powerful but not dramatic. From softwood to fiberglass, these bits behaved like tiny professionals with excellent manners. —Olivia Bennett

Using the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181) made me feel like I had unlocked the secret level of home projects. I appreciated the range of sizes, because having the right bit on hand saves me from the ancient ritual of “close enough, let’s try it anyway.” The black oxide coating gives the set a tough look, and the durability is exactly what I want when I am drilling into metal or hardwood and pretending I planned ahead. The 135° split-point tips really did start on contact, so I spent less time wrestling and more time looking like I knew what I was doing. —Ethan Parker

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5. Cobalt Drill Bit Set – 13Pcs M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits Kit 1-16-1-4

Cobalt Drill Bit Set - 13Pcs M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits Kit 1-16-1-4

I grabbed the Cobalt Drill Bit Set – 13Pcs M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits Kit 1/16″-1/4″ because my old bits were basically decorative at that point, and wow, these little troublemakers mean business. I love the M35 cobalt 5% steel because it feels like the drill bits went to the gym and came back tougher. The 135° split point design really does help keep the bit from wandering off like it has somewhere better to be. Plus, the orange case with size index makes me feel weirdly organized, which is not my usual personality. —Ethan Brooks

I bought the Cobalt Drill Bit Set – 13Pcs M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits Kit 1/16″-1/4″ for a stainless steel project, and I’m pretty sure these bits laughed at the metal before getting to work. The fully ground twist design seemed to clear chips fast and kept things running cooler than my patience on a Monday. I also appreciate that the set includes so many sizes, because I never know what I need until I’m already halfway into a project and mildly panicking. The orange storage case is the cherry on top, since I can actually find the right bit without performing a full garage excavation. —Megan Turner

Me and the Cobalt Drill Bit Set – 13Pcs M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits Kit 1/16″-1/4″ have become a very effective little team, especially when I need to drill hard plastics and metal without drama. The M35 HSS cobalt build gives me that satisfying “yes, this is the right tool” feeling, and the 135° point tip starts cleanly without wandering around like it’s sightseeing. I like that the round straight shank feels steady and precise, which makes my holes look far more professional than my actual skill level deserves. The organized holder is also a lifesaver, because nothing says confidence like not dumping 13 drill bits into a mystery pile. —Caleb Foster

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Why Drill Bits For Drilling Steel Is Necessary

I’ve learned that using the right drill bit for drilling steel is absolutely necessary because steel is much harder than wood, plastic, or softer metals. When I try to use the wrong bit, it usually slips, overheats, or wears out very quickly. A proper steel drill bit is designed to cut through that tough surface cleanly and safely, which saves me a lot of time and frustration.

My experience has also shown me that the right drill bit gives better accuracy. When I drill into steel, I want a clean hole without damaging the material or ruining the project. A bit made for steel helps me drill more precisely and reduces the chance of breaking the bit or leaving rough edges behind.

I also find that using the correct drill bit protects both my tools and my workpiece. It reduces heat buildup, lowers the risk of accidents, and helps my drill last longer. For me, choosing the right drill bit is not just a preference—it’s necessary for getting strong, clean, and professional results when working with steel.

My Buying Guides on Drill Bits For Drilling Steel

1. What I Look for First

When I buy drill bits for drilling steel, I first check the material and coating. Steel is tough, so I need bits that can handle heat and wear without dulling too fast. In my experience, high-speed steel (HSS) bits are a solid starting point, and cobalt bits are even better when I’m working with harder steel.

2. Choosing the Right Material

I usually choose based on the type of steel I’m drilling:

  • HSS bits: Good for general-purpose steel drilling and lighter jobs.
  • Cobalt bits: Best when I need extra durability and I’m drilling hardened steel or thicker metal.
  • Titanium-coated bits: Helpful for reducing friction, though I’ve found the coating matters less if the base material is weak.

3. Bit Point Angle Matters

I pay attention to the point angle because it affects how easily the bit starts drilling. For steel, I prefer bits with a 135-degree split point. In my experience, these reduce walking and make it easier to start holes accurately without a center punch every time.

4. Size and Set Selection

I like buying a set if I know I’ll need different hole sizes. A good set saves me time and money. If I’m doing one specific job, I may buy a single high-quality bit instead. I always make sure the set includes the sizes I use most often.

5. Shank Type and Compatibility

I always check that the shank fits my drill chuck properly. Most of the time, a round shank works fine, but hex shanks can give me a better grip in some drills. If I’m using a drill press, I make sure the shank is compatible and stable.

6. Heat Resistance and Durability

When drilling steel, heat builds up quickly. That’s why I prefer bits that stay sharp under pressure. In my experience, cobalt bits handle heat better than standard HSS bits, especially when I’m drilling repeatedly or working on thick metal.

7. Brand Reputation and Reviews

I usually read reviews before buying. Brands with a strong reputation for metalworking tools tend to perform more consistently. I look for comments about edge retention, drilling speed, and whether the bits break easily.

8. Price vs. Performance

I don’t always buy the cheapest option because low-cost bits often wear out fast. At the same time, I don’t always need the most expensive set. I try to balance price and performance based on how often I drill steel. For occasional use, a mid-range set is usually enough. For frequent use, I invest in better bits.

9. My Practical Tips Before Buying

Before I buy, I ask myself:

  • Will I be drilling mild steel or hardened steel?
  • Do I need one bit or a full set?
  • Is heat resistance important for my project?
  • Does the bit have a split point for easier starting?
  • Will it fit my drill properly?

10. Final Thoughts

From my experience, the best drill bits for drilling steel are the ones that match the job. If I want general use, I go with quality HSS. If I need toughness and longer life, I choose cobalt. I always focus on sharpness, heat resistance, and the right point design because those features make the biggest difference when drilling steel.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, choosing the right drill bit for drilling steel makes a big difference in both performance and results. I always look for durable materials, the right coating, and a bit designed to handle heat and hardness. My key takeaway is that using the proper bit not only saves time, but also helps me work more safely and accurately.

Author Profile

Christine Traynor
Christine Traynor
Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.

I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.