Best Drill Bit for Metal 2020 | Buyers Guide & Reviews

If you are new to using a drill bit, it is easy to assume that all drill bits are suitable for any type of work. This, however, is not the case as there are different types of bits and screws specially designed for a wide range of individual and commercial purposes. 

A drill setup is not complete without drill bits. These tools are inarguably the soul of a good drill setup. They are worth having. 

Our review will provide you with only the best drill bits out there, while our buyer’s guide will equip you with helpful tips to ease your search for the best drill bit for metal. Keep reading to explore more about the best drill bit specifically designed for your metals.

Top 5 Drill Bits for Metal

1. DEWALT Drill Bit Set

This drill set features titanium heavy-duty pilot points that start once you come in contact with the drilling material. The set includes some commonly used bits with a wide range of wood and metal drilling appliances. DEWALT is tapered with web deliveries that help to increase the service life of the bits. This means despite how hard the wood or metal may feel there are low chances of breakage. 

It comes with an excellent carrying case that keeps your tools organized and ready for use at any given time.

Specifications:

• Dimension: 8.8 x 8.8 x 1.4 inches
• Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Color: Yellow
• Style: 14-Piece Drill Bit Set
• Finish: Titanium 
• Material: Metal
• Measurement system: Metric

2. DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set

This is another amazing set from DEWALT that is initiated in contact and gives out cleaner holes when drilling. It is made of titanium point which ensures that the set serves you for longer periods. 

The set has no spin shanks rather it has clip latch which ensures that the closing is secure at any given time. Tapered web helps in reducing the breakage probability hence the set lasts longer. Sizes included start from  1/16 inch up to 1/2 inch all enclosed in a hard plastic case that is easy to carry and use.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.05 pounds
• Dimension: 8.8 x 8.8 x 1.4 inches
• Color: Yellow 
• Style: 21-Piece Set
• Material: Titanium
• Warranty: 30-day money back

3. Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set

Are you looking for a high-speed drill set made of steel? Neiko 10193A is well known for its high drilling speed and durable nature. It has a titanium coating for an added capability when drilling holes in aluminum, plastic, stainless steel, copper, among others. 

It has a split point of 135 degrees that initiates the speed and prevents any walking when working. The dual flute design helps to clear chips with ease and faster hence a clean after work material. It also features three flatted shanks which securely fits into power tools chunks and removes slip with much ease.

Specifications:

• Size: Combined Sizes
• Style: 3-Piece Set
• Material: High-Speed Steel
• Weight: 4 ounces
• Dimension: 6 x 4 x 1 inches
• Cutting diameter: 0.125, 0.5 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with titanium finish

4. Makita B-65399 Impact Gold

This drill set is versatile in use and can be used to drill holes in plastic, wood, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, and cast iron among others. It has a higher rating of use in Hex ¼ inches impact drivers. 

All the drills are coated with Titanium nitride that lasts two times longer than other normal bits. Features 135° split point that speed up the starting and ensures there is less or no walking under operation. Unlike other drilling bits, these one has a higher accuracy and longer service life.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.05 pounds
• Item Dimension: 9.8 x 11 x 2 inches
• Finish: Titanium Nitride
• Style: 1 package quantity

5. COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set

Here comes a quality and reliable bit set with 5% cobalt steel for durable and excellent drilling adventure. COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set features a twist design with 135 degrees split point with clear chips and gold oxide finish which prevents the user from walking when using the bits. 

It has a wide use range and is more suitable for extremely hard metals like cast iron, stainless steel, titanium alloy and hard plastics. The 15 pcs drill bit comes with a portable hard and durable plastic case. It as well offers a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Specifications:

• Dimension: 7 x 5.1 x 2.4 inches
• Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Style: 15 pieces
• Material: Cobalt
• Flute type: Spiral
• Shrank type: Straight

Buying Guide: Drill Bit for Metal

If you have a drill, you should also have drill bits to complete it. This extremely valuable drilling tool comes in different designs, materials, and cut types to suit the strength requirement of the different materials you have to make holes in. In light of this, we have picked out the best drill bit for metal that will make your drilling a lot easier.

In this review, you will see some of the best drill bits for metal that top brands offer for your drilling solutions. We will like to help make your choice easier through this buying guide so that you will know what to look for and, in the end, get value for your money.

What Can Drill Bits Do?

Drill bits are basic cutting tools that come in handy when you need to remove material to create holes, usually rotational holes. The stronger your drill bit is, the more penetrative its power. Some bits can drill holes into softer materials, while some are designed for harder materials. Also, some are meant to drill smaller holes, while others drill larger holes. Your focus should, therefore, be on getting the bits that are most suitable for your work.

It can be quite frustrating to drill a hole through metal with a drill bit that just isn’t working right. You should not have to apply too much pressure to the bits to get the job done. If you have to apply more and more pressure just to make a hole, your drill bit is not sharp enough and needs to be changed. A dull drill bit does not only render your work pointless, but it also damages your drill.

Equipped with powerful bits to match your equally powerful drill, you will work on your metals with so much pleasure.

What Factors Should You Put into Consideration?

Indeed, when it comes to the best drill bit for metal, there are many leading brands to choose from. The aim of searching for the best drill bit for metal is to choose a drill bit that is compatible with your needs as well as the type of metal you want to drill and its thickness.

To the inexperienced eye, all drill bits look the same, but in reality, they are not. It helps when you have some tips that will give you an idea of what to look for. Be on the lookout for the following factors if you want to have the best drill bit for metal.

Purpose

One major reason you are in search of the best drill bit for metal is that you have something you want to drill. Therefore, when looking for a drill bit, make sure it suits the purpose. What kind of material are you working with? What is the hole size you are looking to create? When you can answer these questions, it is easy to check out the diameter and finish of the bits you are buying.

Some materials require special bits that are only compatible with a particular type of drill. So, it will be wise to know the function of the drill and the kind of drill bit that works best with it. Your best drill bit should, at least, fit the standard drills.

Type

If you go to the marketplace in search of drill bits, you are likely to encounter so many types. It is important to specifically look for the type of drill that is suitable for metal. To avoid the element of surprise when you go shopping, we have summarized the best types of drill bits for metal for you.

Center and spotting drill bit

Also called Slocombe drill bits, center drill bits are used in making a conical indentation for mounting a lathe center at the end of the workpiece. Spotting drill bits, on the other hand, are meant for drilling a starting hole for a larger drill bit. Both tools are numbered from the smallest to the largest as 00 to 10.

Core drill bit

One form of core drill bits is the one that is used for enlarging an already existing hole. This bit is solid and can double the size of a hole. It looks like a reamer because it does not have a cutting point for starting a hole.

Another form is a hollow bit with a cylindrical shape that can cut holes with an annular cross-section while leaving the core of the material intact, usually removing it. Its main function is to get the core and not just make a hole.

Hole saw bit

This type of metal drill bit is well-known for its ability to cut the smoothest holes. It can achieve this by its design. Hole saw bits have a circular saw which cuts through while the drill feature firmly holds the teeth of the saw so that it does not move unnecessarily. Depending on the way they are made, this type of bit can cut through all manner of materials.

Split point bit

This is the best choice of the drill bit when you want to work with metals. It is beautifully crafted to help ensure that the drill is well balanced when working on hard materials. All the drilling points of this tool are very sharp to ensure you have a smoother cut. 

Twist bit

Twist bit, also called the Morse bit, is a versatile work tool that can be used on almost all materials but adapts better to metals. The downside of this bit is that using it can be a bit of a challenge because of its high speed, especially if you need precise drilling acts.

Material

Generally, bits can be made from different materials. Some are made from inexpensive, low carbon steel, while others are made from high-speed steel (HSS), titanium, or carbide.

Steel bits

Bits made from steel are budget-friendly and will have to be sharpened from time to time. They are great for softwood and are likely to quickly become dull or break if used on hardwood.

High-speed steel bits

The bits made from high-speed steel work best with metal, wood, and ceramic. HSS bits are very popular and reasonably priced. They are harder than steel bits and stay sharper for a longer time. Additionally, they are highly resistant to both heat and torsion.

Titanium coated bits

Titanium is a very durable material and will ensure your bits stay sharp for an extended period. They are pricier than HSS bits and can drill through thick metal.

Carbide tipped bits

One of the most robust bits is the carbide-tipped bit, which can easily go through any material, including stone. They are the highest quality of bits and are costlier than titanium coated bits. These bits are the most durable of all the bits and stay sharp the longest.

Cobalt bits

These special bits are made for drilling through stainless steel and any other metal. Cobalt bits can be used to dissipate the heat from any material that causes a heated build-up as a result of friction. Made with both HSS and cobalt, these bits feature a very flat, blunt tip. They remain sharp for a more extended period.

Price

What is your budget for the best drill bit? The amount of money you are willing to part with depends on the task you are buying the drill bit for. Some bits are made for specific functions hence, they are sold separately and can be pricy when bought as a set. There are also drill bits that come as a basic package with a few bits for regular drilling tasks. Professionals, however, prefer to go for the entire drill bit set. What you are willing to pay for depends on the quality of the bit and your budget.

So, if what you need is just a few sizes for your work, you may want to get just those sizes instead of spending on a set that has sizes you may never use.

Safety Tips

When using your drills, wear working gloves, a dust mask, safety eyewear, hearing protection, and other safety gadgets recommended when utilizing power tools.

Did You Know?

The coating of your drill bits will determine how protected it will be from water damage and corrosion.

Expert’s Tip

To prevent overheating or burn out while drilling through metal, make sure the tip of your drill bit is properly lubricated then place a piece of wood under it. This will also help to extend the bit’s lifespan.