Drill bits are available in many shapes, sizes, and sorts and may be used to bore holes in various materials. As a result, many home improvement shops devote an entire lane to drill bits.
There are a variety of drill bits available, and most of them can drill through more than one material; however, not all drill bits can drill into metal without overheating and breaking.
There are labels on drill bits that show the kind of material they are suitable for—because of this, locating drill bits made to drill metal is not challenging. Some drill bits are more suited to the job than others, and this is mainly determined by the type of metal you are drilling.
If you are working on a project that needs you to drill into metal, read about the aspects you should consider before hopping for the best drill bits for metal. This information is helpful if you are working on a project that requires you to drill through metal. The following sets of drill bits are superior to their competitors and will assist you in making holes in various metals.
How Drill Bits for Metal Different From Other Drill Bits?
Most metal-boring drill bits are constructed of high-speed steel (HSS). HSS is a robust alloy that can survive the heat and wear created by drilling metal. This is because HSS is a nickel-based material. Other types of drill bits, such as those composed of carbide or cobalt, are also capable of drilling metal; however, they are not as durable as HSS drill bits and are more likely to shatter.
Best Drill Bits for Metal
- 1. Chicago Latrobe 57714 150 Series High-Speed
- 2. DEWALT Cobalt Drill Bit Set
- 3. Craftsman 9-64085 Professional Cobalt Drill Bit Set
- 4. Drill America – KFD29J-PC 29 Piece Heavy Duty
- 5. 2/Pack Solid Carbide Drill Bit for Hardened Steel
- 6. Makita B-65399 Impact Gold 14 Pc
- 7. DEWALT Oxide Drill Bit Set
- 8. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Titanium Nitride
- Can a drill bit go through metal?
- Are there different drill bits for wood and metal?
- Can you use a regular drill bit for metal?
Our Top 8 Picks for the Best Drill Bits for Metal:
1. Chicago Latrobe 57714 150 Series High-Speed
Do you have considerably larger money to deal with than what we’ve spoken about so far, and do you want to invest in something quite powerful, right down to the casing itself? If this is the case, we have a sneaky notion that you could get along a little better with something similar to this tiered pack drill bit set from Chicago Latrobe.
These components come from a metal box outfitted with racks arranged by size. These racks fold forward and are engraved with the bits’ dimensions, making it exceedingly simple to locate the particular size you are searching for.
When used for drilling, the 29 bits are constructed of steel and coated with a long-lasting black oxide finish. This helps protect them from being cut by sharp metal edges. Each one has a standard point, and their lengths span from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, much like the previously described kit.
Product Features:
- This set of 29 jobber-length drill bits contains diameters ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, with increments of 1/64 inch.
- High-speed steel, sometimes known as HSS, is known for its extreme hardness and wear resistance.
- On ferrous material, a black oxide finish will promote chip and coolant flow while reducing the amount of wear on the bit.
- typical point with an angle of 118 degrees for use in a variety of drilling applications
- A jobber-length drill bit has a drilling depth that falls in the middle of the range, making it ideal for general-purpose drilling tasks.
| Cutting Angle String | 118 Degrees |
| Brand | Chicago Latrobe |
| Material | High-Speed Steel |
| Shank Type | Straight |
| Finish Type | Black Oxide |
- 29-piece set with a variety of component lengths.
- Includes a casing made of metal.
- The sharpness of the exercises is diminished to some degree.
2. DEWALT Cobalt Drill Bit Set
We believe you will likely like the price point and the quality combo of this drill bit set made available by DEWALT.
The fact that this particular kit only contains 14 pieces instead of over 20 makes us feel comfortable obtaining fewer sizes, particularly given that they are still within a good basic range.
The affordable price that comes with it also makes us feel okay obtaining fewer pieces. The structure of these bits, which is made of robust steel, as well as the strength and efficiency of the pilot point tips, are both deliberate design choices made to make them suitable for usage on hard metals.
Even when operating at the highest possible speed settings, the producers purposefully constructed the bases to ensure that they remained firmly grounded even under the most demanding conditions.
Product Features:
- The design of the patented bit-bar enables the simple removal of drill bits and their customizable positioning.
- The clear cover that comes with the DEWALT drill bit set enables you to assess the contents of the container quickly.
- The closure is made more secure by the clip latch.
| Item Dimensions | 8.75 x 1.74 x 8.75 inches |
| Brand | Dewalt |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Shank Type | Straight |
| Finish Type | Cobalt Alloy Steel |
- Very long-lasting 14-piece set.
- A good deal for a package of high-quality items.
- Hardened steel makes it more difficult for bits to pass through the material.
3. Craftsman 9-64085 Professional Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Have you already looked at quite a few different drill bit sets that have details that you’d find helpful, but you haven’t been able to commit to buying any of the sizes ranges that you’ve seen, so you’d want to do a little more browsing before making a purchase? Then in addition to that, we would also recommend giving this metal-friendly drill bit kit from Craftsman a thorough inspection.
There are 21 drill bits included in this kit, which is housed in a robust and lockable flat plastic box. As opposed to being manufactured from titanium or coated steel, these bits are made from cobalt, another hard metal capable of resisting drilling via other metals, even at the fastest speeds.
The sizes vary from 1/16 inch to 3/8 inch, and the points on each are meant to decrease “walking,” which is when the drill bit hops over the surface of the metal a little before cutting into it. Because of this, you will achieve higher precision and more steady experience.
Product Features:
- Drill bit sizes ranging from 1/16 to 3/8 inches.
- Includes a carrying case made of polypropylene.
- Developed for use in heavy-duty applications across all types of metals, including hard metals.
- A split point that drills on impact, doing away with the need for “walking.”
- Excellent for use in stationary devices such as drill presses.
- 21-piece drill bit at a fair price.
- Sturdy set that compels most customers to purchase a second set some years later.
- It’s possible that not all drill bit sizes will be used.
4. Drill America – KFD29J-PC 29 Piece Heavy Duty
Are you still interested in long-lasting metal parts containing at least 20 individual pieces, but you’re unsure whether or not a large, flat box similar to the one you saw earlier is actually what you require?
It’s possible that what you’re searching for is an alternative equivalent to what you saw earlier, but since you have a larger budget, you aren’t feeling quite as firmly bound to the requirement for a discount. In either case, we strongly recommend that you look into the kits that Drill America offers.
This space-saving cylindrical casing accommodates even more parts than the flat one you saw earlier, which is remarkable considering that this kit has 29 individual components. The bits themselves are jobber length and come in sizes ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, with 1/64 inch increases between each size category.
They are constructed out of high-speed steel that has been purposefully intended to withstand wear and tear even when used on the highest power settings available on your drill. In addition to helping to prevent corrosion over time, its black and gold oxide finish looks excellent.
Product Features:
- High-speed steel, sometimes known as HSS, is known for its extreme hardness and wear resistance.
- The drill bit’s corrosion resistance is increased along with its hardness thanks to the black and gold oxide treatment.
- The self-centering 135-degree split point can pierce rigid material without needing a pilot hole. It also creates little chips, which helps to prevent clogging.
- Included in the purchase is a clear plastic storage case.
| Cutting Angle String | 135 Degrees |
| Brand | Drill America |
| Material | High Speed Steel |
| Shank Type | Round |
| Finish Type | Black and Gold Oxide |
- The drill bits included in the package are heavy-duty and high-speed steel.
- Included with a carrying or storage case.
- An expensive set.
5. 2/Pack Solid Carbide Drill Bit for Hardened Steel
This carbide drill bit makes quick work of whatever metal it encounters. It is of aeronautical grade and can be cut in wet and dry environments. These two drill bits have a 118-degree, four-facet point on the tip to minimize wandering and maximize precision.
Copper, aviation metal, alloy steel, stainless steel, titanium, and carbon steel can be cut with this bit. It is so sharp that it can even cut through glass. On the Rockwell Hardness Scale, this bit registers a value of 91.3, indicating that it is constructed of tungsten carbide.
Carbide drill bits are more resistant to heat than carbide-tipped kinds and are significantly more durable. A diamond stone may also be used to sharpen these pieces, which can be done several times.
Product Features:
- Solid carbide drill bits with several applications offer superior stiffness compared to high-speed steel bits.
- It can withstand extremely high temperatures and functions well in high-speed applications.
- Drill wander is reduced to a minimum, and hole sizes are maintained precisely using a point angle of 18 degrees with four facets.
| Cutting Angle String | 118 Degrees |
| Cutting Diameter | 0.25 Inches |
| Material | Carbide |
| Shank Type | Straight |
| Finish Type | Uncoated |
- It is resistant to heat.
- Aerospace quality.
- On the Rockwell Hardness Scale, it has a score of 91.3.
- Can be sharpened an unlimited number of times.
- Extremely fragile in nature.
- Dulls fast.
6. Makita B-65399 Impact Gold 14 Pc
Makita claims that by applying titanium nitride coating to these drill bits, they will have a lifespan that is 2.5 times longer than that of drill bits that do not have the layer. This set features a split-point tip with a 135-degree angle like the DeWALT black oxide drill bits. This helps prevent the bit from sliding when drilling and speeds up the cutting process.
This set’s impact drivers may be fitted with the hex shank to better grip the socket. This drill bit set enjoys the challenge of gnawing through hard surfaces such as cast iron, stainless steel, and any other material you choose to name.
Because the sizes span from 0.015 inches to 0.50 inches, it is a flexible set that can accommodate the majority of hole sizes.
Product Features:
- Titanium nitride, often known as TiN coating, has a lifespan that is 2.5 times longer than uncoated parts.
- 135-degree split point geometry allows for quicker starts and less walking overall.
- Rating of impact: For impact drivers with a hex socket measuring 1/4 inch.
| Cutting Angle String | 135 Degrees |
| Brand | Makita |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Shank Type | Hex |
| Finish Type | Titanium |
- As a protective layer, titanium nitride is applied.
- Full complement of 14 pieces.
- Shank with a hex head.
- A splintered point at 135 degrees.
- The pieces are shaky.
- Lacking satisfactory construction.
7. DEWALT Oxide Drill Bit Set
Due to the oxide covering, the drill bits in this set from DeWALT are durable and resistant to wear from friction and heat. Also, it aids in the prevention of rust. The package includes 20 pieces, so you should be able to choose a drill bit that is appropriate for your needs.
The bits’ 135-degree split-point tips eliminate wandering and facilitate precise metal cutting. Furthermore, the drill bits’ strength is improved by using a parabolic flute design. Each drill bit costs only a little more than a dollar because of the set’s low pricing.
The first two positions on the review are held by DeWALT drill bits, and deservedly so. They are well-liked because of their efficiency.
Product Features:
- The 135-degree split point on wood, metal, and plastic drill bits is made to minimize the need to reposition the bit during use.
- The High-Speed Steel in the DEWALT set of drill bits allows it to be utilized with various materials, including plastic, wood, and metal.
- Drill bit breakage is minimized thanks to the web’s tapered design.
- The coating’s black and gold color scheme protects it against corrosion and damage.
- The chuck spin-out is minimized because of the 3-flat shank.
- Drill bits with easily identifiable size marks on the shank.
- The added wear protection provided by the black oxide coating is appreciated.
- Boost your bit’s durability with this parabola-shaped flute.
- The 135-degree split-point design makes you less likely to slip or fall while walking.
- Includes a sturdy case for storing components separately.
- A sliding soft-grip lock ensures the case’s safe closure.
- 20-piece set.
- Coating made of black oxide.
- Pointed at a splintered 135 degrees.
- Parabolic flutes.
- Made in China.
- Build quality concerns were raised.
8. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Titanium Nitride
Are you the type of person who adores a high-quality product and always seems to lean toward products with a higher price point, even though you’re working with a more limited budget than your taste typically permits you to do so?
If so, you might want to consider the following options. If this is the case, we are prepared to wager that you have mastered the art of finding sales just as well as we have. Because of this, we were excited when we came across this incredible drill bit set from DEWALT that is now on sale for literally half its original price.
Titanium, a material known for its strength, is used in the construction of these drill bits so that they can endure the stress of drilling through metal. This box comes with 21 different bit sizes in a plastic case that snugly holds them in place using foam and a hinged snapping cover.
As a result, the likelihood of you misplacing one of the sizes is significantly reduced. The kit offers various conventional sizes but is also fantastic for dense plastic and solid wood projects.
Product Features:
- Method for storing connected accessories, aiming to maximize the space available for storing drill bits designed for wood, metal, and plastic.
- The drill bits have a patented bit-bar design, which enables the simple removal of bits and the customized positioning of those bits.
- A clear top makes it possible to see the contents quickly and easily.
- The DEWALT drill bit set has a clip latch included for the safe sealing of the packaging.
- Ideal for organizing miscellaneous bits and pieces, the Small Bulk Storage size is designed to fit inside the Small and Medium ToughCase plus (each offered separately).
- The patented web taper enhances the bit’s stiffness, reducing the likelihood that the bit will break.
- The patented PILOT POINT tip provides speed and clean, burr-free holes, which reduce bit wandering.
| Item Dimensions | 8.75 x 8.75 x 1.38 inches |
| Brand | DEWALT |
| Material | Titanium Nitride Coated |
| Shank Type | Straight |
| Finish Type | Titanium Nitride |
- There are 21 with a titanium coating included in the set.
- Drills may be used with various materials, including plastics, wood, and metal.
- Drills of a more compact size tend to wear out more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Conclusion:
We hope this article has helped you better understand the different types of drill bits available and how they can be used for drilling metal. We believe that the best drill bit for metal is the one that fits your needs and allows you to complete the job at hand as efficiently as possible. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which bit is right for you, but we hope that our guide has given you a good starting point.
