The 10 Best Drill Bits
Take your Drilling to the Next Level with the Best Drill Bits Money Can Buy
With a corded or cordless power drill, you can do just about anything, whether you’re tackling a home DIY project or you need a drill as part of your professional tool arsenal. However, you can’t overlook one crucial component of any drill; the drill bit. This guide will examine the best drill bits you can get and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Specialty drill bits are often sold individually for a premium cost. You can opt to buy a drill bit set that includes a variety of sizes for various purposes. A drill bit set lets you take on many projects without ever worrying that you don’t have the best drill bit for the job – you can rest assured that at least one of the bits will work to complete the task.
When choosing a drill bit set, one thing to remember is the size of your drill’s chuck. This is the clamp that works to secure the bit in place. You’ll find it located on the front of the drill. The shank (otherwise known as the drill bit’s base) cannot be larger than the tool’s chuck.
There are tons of choices when it comes to picking the best drill bit for the job. When you walk into your local hardware store or visit an online site, you might feel overwhelmed due to the sheer volume of inventory. This guide will examine the top drill bits and what makes them stand apart from the competition.
Related: Best Drill Bit Sharpeners.
View the Best Drill Bits, Below.
- DEWALT DW1361 Titanium Drill Bit Set
- Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Hole Saw Kit
- DEWALT DW1587 Spade Drill Bit Set
- CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole Drill Bit Set
- DEWALT DW5207 Masonry Percussion Drill Bit Set
- DEWALT DWA2T40IR Screwdriver Bit Set
- IRWIN 1966893 Marples Forstner Bit Set
- Makita B-49373 Metric Drill and Screw Bit Set
- Bosch DSB5013P Daredevil Spade Bit Set
- Milwaukee 48-89-4631 Shockwave Drill Bit Set
1. DEWALT DW1361 Titanium Drill Bit Set
Best Titanium Bits
Read Customer Reviews →Dewalt Impact Ready Titanium Drill Bit Set comes complete with the brand's innovative ToughCase+ system, a storage space saver that helps you stay organized. The patented designs have a bar where the bits are secured. You can easily remove each bit as needed and replace it when not in use. The clear lid lets you see what you have at a glance and determine if anything is missing or in the wrong place. The case is one of the leading perks of this drill bit kit.
In addition, each of the Dewalt bits is made from a single piece of heavy-duty metal. The Dewalt Impact ready titanium drill bits are five times more durable than other conventional two-piece bits. They boast a patented web taper which also enhances strength. There is a property pilot tip fashioned for speed and to make obvious burr-free holes. These drill bits are designed for use in plastic, metal, or wood.
What We Liked About It: These drill bits don't just have titanium coating but are actually made from highly durable material.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Hole Saw Kit
Best Drill Bit Set for Hole Size Variety
Read Customer Reviews →Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation's Ice Hardened hole saws offer a 50 percent longer life. They are made to cut both wood and metal for a wide array of applications, from minor home repairs to electrical, HVAC, and plumbing tasks. The bits are made using a specialized cryogenic process and then heat-treated for further hardening. The process hardens the bits to the core, creating a hard metal known as martensite. Each bit has precision ground tooth geometry for fast cutting with a positive rake angle that gives deeper gullets while removing chips. The radiused back face eases stress on the bit's teeth while rendering impressive speed and long life.
What We Liked About It: The drill kit offers a nice variety of sizes.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. DEWALT DW1587 Spade Drill Bit Set
Best Spade Drill Set for Clean Holes
Read Customer Reviews →This Dewalt spade bit kit is ideal to quickly bore clean holes for framing, electrics, plumbing, and more. Each one of the shanks has been heat treated for added protection against bending or breaks. The spade bits have an optimized groove that removes chips when cutting. They also have a 1/4 inch ball groove shank so you can make quick changes when using impact drivers. The chamfered corners also increase the bit's durability and protect against nail impacts.
What We Liked About It: We appreciate the optimized groove design that helps to remove chips.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole Drill Bit Set
Replaces 50 Drill Bits With 10 Drill Bits
Read Customer Reviews →CO-Z step drill bits can replace 50 whole drill bits with only these five-piece step drill bits. You get to save on space and the trouble of switching out bits when working. The drill bits have a two-fluted design that makes a fast and smooth cut. Made from cobalt steel, each bit has a titanium coating. You can use them to cut holes in sheet metal or aluminum sheeting. These drill bits come in a well-organized box, which is ideal for storage purposes.
We Liked About It: We liked that these five simple drill bits will easily replace 50 bits in the shop.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. DEWALT DW5207 Masonry Percussion Drill Bit Set
Masonry Drill Bits Drill Through the Hardest Surfaces
Read Customer Reviews →With a hammer drill bit, you need the power to break through concrete, rock, and masonry. The Dewalt Hammer Drill Bit does it all with the rock carbide tips that help to maximize surface contact while providing extended life. The special 4-flute design helps to clean the debris as you work. The three flats located on the shank prevent slippage.
What We Liked About It: Crafted for a 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch sized chuck. The masonry drill bits are excellent for tough jobs.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. DEWALT DWA2T40IR Screwdriver Bit Set
An Impact Ready Set
Read Customer Reviews →The Dewalt FlexTorq Impact Ready bit set is sold with the ToughCase+ system, which helps optimize storage space and keeps your bits organized. The FlexTorq bits in this bit driver set have an Extended FlexTorq Zone, which transfers the perfect torque balance for hard joint applications. The even transfer ensures longer life of the bits. The bit tip is fashioned with a CNC machined tip for a precise fit, and you benefit from reduced cam-out under torque.
We Liked About It: These bits are built to last, and they rarely start to show wear with extended use.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. IRWIN 1966893 Marples Forstner Bit Set
Creates Precise Pocket and Flat-Bottomed Holes
Read Customer Reviews →These Irwin Marples Wood Drilling Forstner bits have been made from carbon steel to ensure sharpness. They make precise pocket holes and flat-bottomed holes - also referred to as blind holes. The sharp cutting edges have optimized angles quickly and precisely through soft or hardwoods better than traditional Forstner bits. The reduced shank helps these bits fit it 3/8" and larger drills and drill presses.
What We Liked About It: Reduces cutting time compared to traditional Forstner bits.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. Makita B-49373 Metric Drill and Screw Bit Set
Huge 75 Piece Drill Bit Set
Read Customer Reviews →This impressively large 75 piece drill set lets you drill through just about anything. It's heavy-duty and provides bits for metal drill and wood plastic. It also includes a masonry drill bit, bits for wood, and more. There are even inserted bits and power bits that you can use for fixing or finishing. They come in a portable case that is easy to carry. The set includes everything you need to drill holes in a variety of materials successfully.
We Liked About It: The metric drill kit comes as a complete set used for general purpose projects. The kit includes 5) Pozidriv, (5) Torx,(5) slotted insert bits, and (5) Phillips.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. Bosch DSB5013P Daredevil Spade Bit Set
Fits Larger Drills
Read Customer Reviews →The Bosh Daredevil Spade Bit Set has a 1/4 inch shank that enables it to fit larger drills such as various impact drivers and drills. There is also a power groove that helps to improve the bit's grip and reduce slippage when in use. The paddle body has a spur and reamer tip that makes remarkably clean holes. With the angled cutting edges, you'll experience fewer blowouts. When in use, the well-designed bit removes the chip to prevent jamming. This drip bit set works great on lumber and a variety of woods, both hard and soft.
What We Liked About It: We loved the fact that the bits will fit larger drills.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. Milwaukee 48-89-4631 Shockwave Drill Bit Set
Reduced Heat Build Up and Stays Sharp Longer
Read Customer Reviews →The Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Duty Titanium Drill Bits with Red Helix are made for drills and impacts. They have a variable helix that offers 35-degree cutting edge power that ends at 15 degrees. The bits also offer rapid chip removal, so there is reduced heat build-up, and the bits stay sharper for a longer period of time. The 135-degree split point also offers wonderful precision for very fast and accurate holes.
What We Liked About It: We liked the 135-degree split point for precise projects.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Buyers Guide for the Best Drill Bits
So it’s time to start looking at the best drill bits for your projects. We have listed five top choices. There are a lot of factors to consider when making a choice. In this buyer’s guide, we will outline what to look for in a high-quality drill bit so you make the best choice.
What to Look for in a Drill Bit
There are several things to consider when making a drill bit choice. Of course, you want durability and affordability, but there are other things to think about before finalizing your purchase.
Material Used to Construct the Drill Bit
Steel is the most common choice for affordable drill bits because it’s not very expensive. It works well on softwoods. High-speed steel is much harder than standard steel. Bits fashioned from high-speed steel can easily drill through harder woods, PVC, fiberglass, and aluminum. If you are looking for something to saw Wood instead, please head over to our guide here.
- Titanium coating doesn’t produce excessive friction like steel, even when used at high speed, meaning it doesn’t heat up as much.
- Carbide tipped bits are highly durable and hold their sharpness longer than steel or high-speed steel. You can use them to drill through concrete, masonry, or tile.
- Black oxide coating is used for a general-purpose steel blade. The coating makes the bit resistant to rust or corrosion.
- Cobalt is a powerful bit that is often used to drill through steel or iron.
Size
You’ll want to pay attention to two sizes on the drill bits: the shank and the point. The shank of the bit goes into the drill’s chuck. You’ll need to find drill bits that have shanks equal to or smaller than your drill’s chuck, or they won’t fit. Standard chuck sizes run from 1/4 of an inch to light-duty drills that are 3/8 of an inch. A heavy-duty drill usually has a 1/2 inch chuck.
The bit’s pointed end is what drills through materials. It can range from 1/16-inch to ¼-inch for common household projects. However, if you work in construction or carpentry, then you might need a larger bit. Common bit sizes include the following: 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, 7/16-inch, and 1/2-inch. It’s always good to have one of each in your tool kit, so you’re ready for whatever task you face. There’s nothing more frustrating than stopping work to run to the hardware store to buy a new drill bit.
Types of Drill Bits
When shopping for the best drill bits, you’re going to encounter a large assortment of bit types. Some you might need and others you may never use. Let’s look at the most common types of drill bits you should have in your toolbox or shop. Drill bits are made from a variety of materials in different designs.
- Twist: This is a widespread type of drill bit favored for general purpose drilling into materials such as light metals, wood, or plastic.
- Space: The bit resembles an oar with a little point. You can drill huge holes with this unusual-looking bit. Many people use it to drill through materials like wood.
- Auger: This bit is long and has a twisted ribbon pattern that looks like a screw. The tip is sharp and will readily pull the bit through materials like wood with ease.
- Brad: This bit’s point features a slightly larger and looser twist. This bit is made for wood materials and makes huge, neat holes.
- Forstner: This classic drill bit is used to drill flat-bottomed holes that never go all the way through the wood.
- Countersink: Many refer to this bit as a screw pilot bit. It’s used to make pilot holes so that the screws sit flush against the wood’s surface.
- Masonry: The masonry bit is the toughest of the tough. It will drill through masonry, rock, cement, and concrete. The drill bits are large and powerful.
- Glass: Yes, you can buy a specialty bit that lets you drill through glass without shattering the breakable material.
- Tile: Speciality tile drill bits drill through ceramic tile without chipping or causing cracks.
- Step: The bits are shaped like a round arrowhead. They are favored for drilling through metals.
Drill Bit Coatings
Many drill bits that you purchase will feature a coating. Below is a list of the most common kinds of coatings and their benefits.
- Black Oxide: The black oxide coating is placed over a steel bit to prevent corrosion and help reduce friction. It’s suitable for materials such as wood, plastics, composites, or soft metals. Unfortunately, drill bits coated in black oxide do not stay sharp for very long, and the coating will quickly start to wear down. Unfortunately, when a black oxide drill bit goes dull, you have to throw it away because it cannot be sharpened.
- Titanium Nitride Coating: Titanium nitride is often used in place of black oxide. Its purpose is to extend the life of the drill bit by helping it combat corrosion and friction. It also helps make the bit harder and provides an impressive thermal barrier against heat buildup. Titanium-coated drill bits last longer than black oxide-coated drill bits. A titanium drill bit will also drill far faster than a black oxide bit – the chips move through the bit’s flutes easily. The only disadvantage to a titanium nitride drill bit is that the coating does wear off in time. Titanium-coated drill bits are a great choice for metal and wood drilling projects. However, they don’t work for concrete.
- Cobalt (Steel Blend): A cobalt drill bit is fashioned from five to eight percent cobalt. The cobalt is actually formulated into the steel blend, so it doesn’t wear off like a coating. You can even sharpen these bits when they become dull. Cobalt drill bits are a little higher priced, but they become well worth it to most people seeking to purchase the best drill bit set for the extended life span. Another nice feature to note is that cobalt bits can drill through just about anything. They are impressive for metal drills, even cast iron. Drill bits made of cobalt are ideal and even better than hardened steel in many cases.
FAQ About the Best Drill Bits
Let’s take a look at the most commonly asked questions about drill bit sets and drill bits.
Can Drill Bits be Sharpened?
Yes, you can sharpen some drill bits, such as twist drill bits. Sharpening regularly helps maintain the bits and makes them far more effective at completing their task. Also, keeping a drill bit sharp makes working with the drill safer because a sharp drill bit is less likely to slip or skid when you try to drill through hard materials.
You can purchase electric drill bit sharpeners that will quickly restore sharpness. You can also use a bench grinder or rotary tool to sharpen drill bits. If you want an affordable way to sharpen a bit, then invest in a basic metal sharpening file and carry out the task by hand.
Are All Drill Bits Universal?
Drill bits can usually be used on any brand of drill as long as the bit fits the drill’s chuck. Remember, the chuck is the drill part that clamps onto the bit and holds it in place—most chucks measure ¼-inch, ⅜-inch, and ½-inch. Remember, you cannot use a bit on the drill if the bit’s shank is larger than the drill’s chuck.
What Damages a Drill Bit?
Heat is the biggest enemy of any drill bit. The buildup of heat will quickly cause the cutting edges of the bit to become dull. If you drill at a slower speed, you can reduce heat. Any time you are drilling through hard materials such as concrete, masonry, rock, metal, or cement, you should be drilling at a slow speed to lower the heat. You can also invest in cutting oil lubricants which reduce heat. If you don’t have access to a lubricant, you can use light mineral oil to lower the heat.
Do You Have to Clean Your Drill Bits?
You can keep your drill bits in shape by regularly cleaning them. Just wipe the bits down using a clean cloth after each use. Always wait for the bit to cool down before you wipe it. You can always use an old toothbrush to brush away any stubborn dirt. It’s not uncommon for a drill bit to get sawdust or drywall dust stuck in the grooves.
If the drill bit is rusty, you can clean it by soaking it in white vinegar for 30 minutes and then use a brush to remove the rust. After soaking the bit in vinegar, be sure to wash away the solution before storing the bit.
What Exactly is a Left Handed Drill Bit?
Usually, drill bits twist clockwise toward the right. However, you can pick up left-handed bits that turn counterclockwise. These are old drill bits that were developed back when the drill did not feature a reverse switch function. You could use a left-handed bit in place of setting the drill to reverse manually. Nowadays, you might encounter left-handed bits that you can use to remove bolts or broken fasteners. You can also loosen a broken screw using a left-handed drill bit.
Conclusion
Owning drill bits is essential for your drill. The bits can help you complete a home DIY project, or you might need them professionally. Either way, you’ll want to invest in the best drill bit sets, so they last for years. A high-quality set might cost you a little bit more, but it’s well worth it for years of hard use.