Power Tools

The Best Metalworking & Multipurpose Drill Bits

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Metalworking and multipurpose drill bits are essential for any DIYer or professional tackling projects involving metal, wood, or plastic. The right bit ensures clean, accurate holes and extends the life of your tools. Selecting a bit designed for your specific materials and drilling tasks will significantly improve efficiency and the quality of your finished work.

No. 1
Metric Cobalt Drill Bits Set 1.5-6.5mm 13PCS, M35 high speed steel, high hardness straight shank drill...
  • Exceptional Durability: Crafted with 5% Cobalt M35 HSS-CO material, ensuring outstanding wear resistance for long-term stability and reliability in high-intensity work.
  • Versatile Multi-Material Application: Designed not only for hard metals but also for tackling stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and aluminum, making it an ideal choice for a variety of work scenarios.
  • Professional-Grade Performance: More than just a set of drill bits, it's a professional-level drilling solution designed to tackle various challenges, ensuring efficient and accurate work results.
  • Outstanding Heat Resistance: Advanced heat resistance ensures superior performance even in high-temperature environments, guaranteeing excellent results across different working conditions.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: With 13 different specifications ranging from 1.5mm to 6.5mm, this drill bit set provides flexible options suitable for various engineering and project needs. The set's design ensures easy portability and convenient use and...
SaleNo. 2
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)
  • 135 Degree Split point tip design to help reduce walking
  • High Speed Steel to be used in plastic, wood, and metal
  • Tapered web design for extreme durability and resisting breakage
  • Black and gold coating to help prevent rust and wear
  • 3-Flats shank to reduce spin-out in the chuck on sizes larger than 3/16-in
  • Size markings on the drill bit shank for identifying sizes quickly
SaleNo. 3
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and...
  • Titanium Nitride Coating Pilot Point for Longer Life
  • Starts on contact for cleaner holes
  • No spin shanks
  • Tapered web provides greater durability to reduce breaking
  • Includes sizes from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch in a plastic tough case
  • Includes: 1/16' x 2, 5/64' x 2, 3/32' x 2, 7/64' x 2, 1/8' x 2, 9/64' x 1, 5/32' x 1, 11/64' x 1, 3/16' x 1, 13/64' x 1, 7/32' x 1, 15/64' x 1, 1/4 x 1, 5/16' x 1, 3/8' x 1, 1/2' x 1
No. 4
PLATINUMEDGE 140PC Multipurpose Drill Bits Set, 88PC Titanium Twist Drill Bits 26 Pc Masonry Drill Bits for...
  • All in One Set: This Multipurpose Drill Bit Set includes 88 titanium twist drill bits, 26 masonry drill bits, and 26 brad point bits, covering a wide range of drilling needs for various materials
  • Premium Material: Twist drill bit features 135° cutting point and titanium coating for rust prevention and extended life; high-speed steel masonry and brad point bits for strength and durability; ensure reliable performance for both professional and DIY
  • Widely Used: Suitable for wood, metal, cast iron, fiberglass, and more; masonry bits for brick and concrete; brad point bits for furniture making, doweling, cabinetry, and other woodworking applications
  • Easy Storage and Transport: Organized and protected in a plastic storage box; ideal for easy transport and quick access
  • Everyday Convenience: With a variety of bit options, this set is ideal for everyday tasks around the garage, workshop, and home, providing users with the necessary tools for various drilling projects
No. 5
6 Pack 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Titanium Coated Hss Twist Drills Bit, Twist Drill Bits Set Hex...
  • Comprehensive Set: Includes 6 side cutting drill bit in sizes 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, and 8mm, ensuring you have the right size for every task
  • Premium Quality: Made from high-speed steel with a titanium coating, these drill bits offer superior pointed and durability, extending their lifespan significantly
  • Optimized Design: The fully ground spiral groove design reduces friction and heat, allowing for faster and cooler drilling, while the straight shank prevents walking for precise starts
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Pointed center serrations improve chip evacuation, increasing overall drilling efficiency and making the process smoother and quicker
  • Versatile Applications: Ideal for drilling into wood, metal, plastic, and more, this set is perfect for a variety of projects, from DIY tasks to professional jobs
SaleNo. 6
Cobalt Drill Bit Set 10PCS, 3/64"~11/64" M35 Cobalt Drill Bits for Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and...
  • 【High quality material】The M35 cobalt drill bit is made from cobalt(5%) High Speed Steel, increases the wear and heat resistance of drill bit, and are fully grounded for a precision drilling diameter.
  • 【Fast and efficient】Fully Grinding Processing makes the surface of drill bit smoother, the friction can be reduced and the cutting speed is faster. Double helix chip removal groove to prevent walk-off and faster chip and particle removal.
  • 【Long lasting use】Improve much higher heat resistance because of cobalt steel's high red hardness, provide strong durable performance compared to typical hss drill bits.
  • 【Popular Sizes】The metal drill bit set includes sizes: 3/64"(1mm), 1/16"(1.5mm), 5/64"(2mm), 3/32"(2.5mm), 7/64"( 2.8mm), 7/60"(3mm), 1/8"(3.2mm), 9/64"(3.5mm), 5/32"(4mm), 11/64"(4.2mm), Meet most of your different needs.
  • 【Upgrade design】Suitable for drilling stainless steel and various hardened metals such as cutting stainless steel,cast iron, copper etc. All drill bits come with one piece 1/4-inch hex shank compatible with standard and quick change chucks drivers and...
No. 8
COMOWARE 15Pcs Drill Bit Set (1/16"-3/8"), M35 HSS Twist Drill Bits, Jobber Length, Straight Shank, Metal...
  • M35 Cobalt HSS Drill Bit Set - Made of high-speed steel with 5% cobalt for superior wear, heat & abrasion resistance. These cobalt drill bits for hardened steel deliver longer lifespan in stainless steel, cast iron & hard alloys versus standard HSS.
  • Set Includes - The set includes 15Pcs (1/16"- 3/8") Cobalt Drill Bits, This cobalt drill bit also includes the drill bit holder with size index for easy storage and organizing.
  • 135° Split Point HSS Drill Bits - This drill bits set feature self-centering 135° quick-cut tips for effortless penetration with minimal pressure. The twisted shank design efficiently clears metal shavings, making them ideal for materials.
  • Professional & Widely Use - This cobalt drill bit excels in drilling stainless steel, copper, cast iron, aluminum alloy, plastic and wood. Engineered for precision, these drill bits deliver unmatched durability across metalworking applications.
  • 15 Sizes Included: 1/16" 2pc,5/64" 1pc ,3/32" 2pc,7/64" 1pc,1/8" 2pc ,9/64" 1pc, 5/32" 1pc, 3/16" 1pc, 7/32" 1pc, 1/4" 1pc, 5/16" 1pc, 3/8" 1pc.
No. 9
BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Included Case - M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for...
  • Enhanced M42 Alloy Material: These drill bits for metal contain an 8% cobalt alloy that delivers 10x life vs. Standard bits
  • Cobalt M42 Drill Bit: Provides upgraded M42 cobalt drill bits, jobber-length bits designed for durability, high heat resistance and Hardened surface for stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, light-gauge metal and aluminum
  • Surface-hardened Tip: The Cobalt drill bits for hardened steel penetrate tough, abrasive materials
  • High-heat Resistant Bits: This drill bit set for metal withstands high-temperature applications for extended periods of time
  • Thick Web-helix Design: The BOSCH drill bit set features a thick web-helix design that provides additional stability in tough applications
  • Includes: A versatile drill bit for metal assortment featuring 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2" sizes
No. 10
3mm Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Extremely Heat Resistant Twist Drill Bit of 10pcs with Straight Shank to Cut...
  • Cobalt Steel - Manufactured From M35 5% Cobalt Steel, With Molybdenum And Cobalt Added To Creates A Hardened Alloy, Measuring Rockwell Hardness Up To 65, For Much Faster Cutting And Extra Longer Life Span, With Up To 10 Times When Compared with an Average...
  • HSS Titanium Coating - Classic HSS Construction With Titanium Coating For Capability And Durability. The Cutting Edge Is Hardened And Honed For Sharpness.
  • Flutes Form - 2 Flutes Form Helps Clear Chips And Debris Away From The Bit, Decreasing Friction And Heat For A Faster, Cooler Drilling Process, Chatter-Free Design With Staggered Cutting Teeth Ensure The Precise Countersinking And Hole Smooth Clean.
  • Straight Shank And 135° Point Angle - Straight Shank For Standard Drill Chucks And Collet Chuck To Hold Firmly, Assuring Accurate Centering; Helical Flute For Swarf To Easily Get Out; Ideal For General Purpose Drilling Applications.
  • For Metalworking - Particularly Successful In Cutting Through Hard Metals(Hardness Less Than Hrc38°) Such As Stainless Steel And Cast Iron, Although They Can Be Used For Softer Materials Like Copper And Aluminium, Too. Not For Hardened Steel And High...

Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Metalworking & Multipurpose Drill Bits

Understanding Drill Bit Materials

  • High-Speed Steel (HSS): A common and affordable choice, HSS bits offer good durability and heat resistance, making them suitable for drilling into various metals, wood, and plastics.
  • Cobalt: An alloy of steel with cobalt, these bits are harder and more heat-resistant than HSS, ideal for drilling into tougher metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened steel.
  • Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coating: Applied to HSS or cobalt bits, this gold-colored coating further enhances hardness, reduces friction, and increases wear resistance, extending bit life, especially in demanding applications.
  • Carbide: Extremely hard and brittle, carbide bits are best suited for very hard materials and high-volume drilling where extreme durability is required.

Types of Drill Bit Tips and Flutes

  • Split Point Tip: These tips start drilling immediately on contact, preventing 'walking' or wandering, which is crucial for precision. They are common on HSS and cobalt bits.
  • Standard Twist Flutes: The most common design, suitable for general-purpose drilling in wood, metal, and plastics.
  • Step Bits: Designed for drilling clean holes in thin materials like sheet metal, these bits create multiple hole sizes with a single bit.
  • Masonry Bits: While not for metal, they are often included in multipurpose sets for drilling into brick and concrete.

Choosing the Right Bit for Your Material

  • Soft Metals (Aluminum, Brass): HSS bits, possibly with a TiN coating, work well. Ensure adequate lubrication.
  • Medium Metals (Steel, Iron): Cobalt or HSS bits with TiN coating are recommended for better heat resistance and durability.
  • Hard Metals (Stainless Steel, Hardened Steel): Cobalt bits are essential due to their superior hardness and heat resistance.
  • Wood and Plastics: Standard HSS bits are usually sufficient. For very hard plastics or woods, a coated bit can improve performance.

Key Features to Consider

  • Shank Type: Most bits have a round shank with flats or a hex shank for better grip in the drill chuck.
  • Bit Length: Longer bits are useful for reaching deep holes, but can be less rigid and more prone to breakage.
  • Set vs. Individual Bits: Multipurpose sets offer versatility, while individual bits allow you to buy replacements for frequently used sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HSS and cobalt drill bits?
HSS (High-Speed Steel) is a standard material offering good durability for general use. Cobalt bits are an alloy of HSS and cobalt, making them significantly harder and more heat-resistant, which is crucial for drilling into tougher metals.
When should I use a titanium nitride (TiN) coated drill bit?
TiN coating enhances the hardness and heat resistance of the underlying drill bit material, typically HSS or cobalt. Use TiN-coated bits for drilling into harder metals or for prolonged use where heat buildup is a concern.
What does 'split point' mean on a drill bit?
A split point tip is designed to start drilling immediately upon contact with the material, preventing the bit from 'walking' or wandering. This feature is excellent for precise hole placement, especially on metal surfaces.
Are multipurpose drill bit sets worth the investment?
Multipurpose sets are often a good value if you frequently switch between different materials like wood, metal, and plastic. They provide a range of sizes and types, offering convenience for various common tasks.
How can I extend the life of my drill bits?
Proper usage is key. Ensure you are using the correct bit for the material, maintain appropriate drill speed, and use cutting fluid or lubricant, especially when drilling metal. Avoid excessive force.
Can I use metal drill bits for wood?
Yes, most metal drill bits, especially standard HSS ones, can be used for drilling into wood and plastics. However, specialized wood bits often provide cleaner holes and faster drilling in wood.