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10 Best Drill Bits For Metal 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Milwaukee 48-89-9224 Step Bit 6-Piece Set (#1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)

The Milwaukee 48-89-9224 Step Bit 6-Piece Set is designed for drilling metals like steel, aluminum, brass, and copper, making it a solid option for metalworking tasks. Made from durable alloy steel with a black oxide finish, these bits resist wear and corrosion, helping them last longer. The set includes six step bits with sizes #1, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9, which cover a useful range of hole diameters.

These step bits feature a taper point and dual flute design, which helps with smooth drilling and efficient chip removal, reducing heat buildup during use. The straight shank fits most standard drills, and the bits are easy to handle, which is great if you’re not experienced with specialized tools. Step bits are generally best for drilling thin metal sheets rather than thick metal, so if you need to drill heavy or thick metal often, this might not be the perfect choice.

The black oxide coating provides good durability but may not perform as well as more advanced coatings like titanium nitride for very heavy-duty use. This set offers strong durability, ease of use, and a practical range of sizes, making it well suited for hobbyists or light to medium metal drilling projects.

#2

Drill America 29 Piece Cobalt Stepped Point Drill Bit Set in Round Case w/Gold Oxide Finish for Drilling Acrylic, Steel, Hard Metals, Sizes 1/16" to 1/2" x 64ths, GSC Series ZMGSC29J-PC

Rating
9.4
Material
Coating
Point Angle

Most important from
203 reviews

Material
These cobalt step drill bits excel at drilling through hard metals, combining durability with efficient cutting performance.
Coating
The bits maintain sharpness longer due to their cobalt construction and gold oxide finish, which also helps reduce heat buildup.
Point Angle
The 135-degree split point design ensures quick, precise starts without the bit wandering off the mark.
Size
While the bits are jobber length, which suits most applications, those needing extra-long bits might find this limiting.

The Drill America 29 Piece Cobalt Stepped Point Drill Bit Set is a solid choice for anyone needing to drill through metal and other tough materials like acrylic and brass. Made from cobalt, these bits are tougher and last longer than standard steel bits, especially when working with hard metals. The gold oxide finish helps reduce heat buildup, which means the bits stay sharper and cut more efficiently. The 135-degree split point is designed to start drilling quickly without wandering, making it easier to get precise holes.

The set includes a wide range of sizes from 1/16" up to 1/2", covering most common drilling needs in metalworking. The 3-flat shank design on larger bits prevents slipping in the drill chuck, although smaller bits have round shanks which might not grip as securely. One minor downside is that these bits are jobber length, which is standard but not ideal if you need extra-long bits for deeper holes. Also, since they are made in China, quality control might vary slightly, but Drill America has a good reputation.

This set comes in a convenient round case for organization and portability, making it useful for both hobbyists and professionals who often work with metal. For those who regularly drill various hole sizes in hard metals and want durable bits that stay sharp longer, this set is worth considering.

Rating
9.4
Material
Coating
Point Angle

Most important from
203 reviews

Material
These cobalt step drill bits excel at drilling through hard metals, combining durability with efficient cutting performance.
Coating
The bits maintain sharpness longer due to their cobalt construction and gold oxide finish, which also helps reduce heat buildup.
Point Angle
The 135-degree split point design ensures quick, precise starts without the bit wandering off the mark.
Size
While the bits are jobber length, which suits most applications, those needing extra-long bits might find this limiting.
#3

Norseman 22903 1/16 in. - 1/2 in. Super Premium Black and Gold Oxide Hi-Molybdenum Steel Drill Bit Set, 29-Piece, grey

Rating
9.1
Material
Point Angle
Size

Most important from
307 reviews

Material
The bits are well-made, built to last through many uses without dulling quickly.
Point Angle
These drill bits deliver burr-free holes on the first pass, showcasing their precision and sharpness.
Size
A single common size bit can be tested first to confirm the fast, clean drilling experience before committing to the full set.

The Norseman 22903 drill bit set is designed mainly for metalworking, making it a good match for those needing reliable bits for sheet metal, hard steel, acrylic, and brass. The bits are made from hi-molybdenum steel, known for strength and durability when drilling through tough materials. Their gold oxide coating helps reduce heat buildup, extending the life of the bits compared to standard ones.

With a point angle of 135 degrees, these bits are self-centering and suited for precise drilling, which is especially helpful on metal surfaces. The 3-flat shank design helps the bits stay firmly in the drill chuck to prevent slipping. The set includes 29 sizes ranging from 1/16 inch up to 1/2 inch, covering a broad variety of hole sizes for different projects.

While the gold oxide coating improves durability, it is not as tough as some higher-end coatings like titanium nitride. These bits might not perform as well for very heavy-duty or high-speed industrial tasks where specialized bits are required. For most home and light professional metalworking needs, this set provides good value, durability, and precision with a comprehensive size selection.

Rating
9.1
Material
Point Angle
Size

Most important from
307 reviews

Material
The bits are well-made, built to last through many uses without dulling quickly.
Point Angle
These drill bits deliver burr-free holes on the first pass, showcasing their precision and sharpness.
Size
A single common size bit can be tested first to confirm the fast, clean drilling experience before committing to the full set.

Buying Guide for the Best Drill Bits For Metal

Choosing the right drill bit for metal can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your work. The right drill bit will ensure clean, precise holes and reduce the risk of damage to both the bit and the material. When selecting a drill bit for metal, consider the type of metal you are working with, the size of the holes you need, and the specific features of the drill bits available. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and achieve the best results for your project.
MaterialThe material of the drill bit is crucial because it determines the bit's durability and effectiveness in cutting through metal. Common materials include high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, and carbide. HSS bits are suitable for softer metals like aluminum and brass. Cobalt bits are more durable and can handle harder metals like stainless steel. Carbide bits are the hardest and can cut through the toughest metals but are also more brittle. Choose the material based on the hardness of the metal you are drilling.
CoatingCoatings on drill bits enhance their performance and longevity. Titanium nitride (TiN) coating increases the bit's hardness and reduces friction, making it suitable for drilling through harder metals. Black oxide coating provides corrosion resistance and increases the bit's lifespan, ideal for general-purpose drilling. Cobalt bits often come with no additional coating as the material itself is highly durable. Select a coating that matches the demands of your project and the type of metal you are working with.
Point AngleThe point angle of a drill bit affects its cutting efficiency and the quality of the hole. Common point angles are 118 degrees and 135 degrees. A 118-degree point angle is suitable for softer metals and general-purpose drilling, providing a good balance between cutting speed and control. A 135-degree point angle is better for harder metals, as it reduces walking and allows for more precise drilling. Choose the point angle based on the hardness of the metal and the precision required for your project.
SizeDrill bit size is determined by the diameter of the bit and the depth of the hole you need to drill. Sizes range from very small (fractions of an inch) to large (several inches). For precise work, use a bit that matches the exact diameter of the hole you need. For larger holes, you may need to start with a smaller pilot hole and gradually increase the size. Consider the thickness of the metal and the required hole size to select the appropriate drill bit size.
Flute DesignThe flute design of a drill bit affects chip removal and heat dissipation. Standard flutes are suitable for general-purpose drilling and provide a good balance of chip removal and strength. Parabolic flutes are designed for deep hole drilling and offer better chip removal, reducing the risk of clogging. Choose a flute design that matches the depth of the holes you need to drill and the type of metal you are working with to ensure efficient drilling and prevent bit damage.

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