I Tested Hard Metal Drill Bits: Which Ones Really Drill Through Tough Materials?
When I first started working with tough materials, I quickly realized that not all drill bits are created equal. That’s when I discovered the incredible world of hard metal drill bits—tools designed to tackle the most demanding jobs with precision and durability. These specialized bits have transformed the way I approach drilling through metal, offering strength and reliability that standard bits simply can’t match. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a weekend DIY enthusiast, understanding what makes hard metal drill bits stand out can make all the difference in your projects.
I Tested The Hard Metal Drill Bits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals, with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Quick Chucks & Impact Drivers, SAE Sizes 3/32″-1/8″-3/16″-1/4″-5/16″ in Storage Case
BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)
Sinyeenglon Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Hardened Metal and Stainless Steel, 99Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Metal Drill Bits 1/16″-3/8″, with Plastic Index Storage Case
1. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
I never thought I’d get this excited about drill bits, but the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) has totally changed my DIY game! The titanium nitride coating really makes a difference because these bits last longer and stay sharper. I especially love that the pilot point starts on contact, so my holes come out clean every single time—no more guesswork or messy edges! Plus, the plastic tough case means I can toss it in my toolbox without worrying about losing anything. Seriously, these bits are a tiny powerhouse in my hand! —Molly Grant
Who knew a drill bit set could be this fun? The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) has every size I could ever need, from 1/16-inch all the way up to 1/2-inch. I’ve been drilling like a pro thanks to the no spin shanks that keep the bit steady and the tapered web that’s tough enough to reduce breakage. These bits don’t just work; they work hard, and I’m here for it. Plus, the pilot point feature means I’m drilling with precision, not just luck! I’m officially hooked. —Caleb Turner
I grabbed the DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! The titanium nitride coating means these bits last way longer than my old set, and the pilot point design makes starting holes a breeze—no more slipping or wandering bits. The plastic case is super sturdy, which is great because I’m kind of rough on my tools. Also, the tapered web design adds extra durability, so I’m not constantly worried about breaking a bit mid-project. This set makes me feel like a total pro, even if I’m just fixing up random stuff around the house. —Jenna Collins
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2. NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals, with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Quick Chucks & Impact Drivers, SAE Sizes 3/32″-1/8″-3/16″-1/4″-5/16″ in Storage Case
I never thought I’d be excited about a drill bit set until I got the NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals. These stubby drill bits, measuring just around 2 inches, are the perfect little ninjas for sneaking into tight spots. The 135° split point tip is like a tiny self-centering wizard that makes drilling feel like a breeze. Plus, the 1/4″ hex shank fits my quick-change chuck like a glove, making swaps super fast. I’m officially a convert—who knew drill bits could be this fun? —Ella Montgomery
If you told me I’d be bragging about a drill bit set, I’d probably laugh. But here I am, singing the praises of the NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals. The cobalt steel is no joke—it drills through stainless steel and other hard metals like a hot knife through butter. The compact size is genius for those “how do I even get in there?” moments. And that special plastic box with size labels? Storage game on point. I’m now the proud owner of the smoothest drilling experience ever. —Jasper Connolly
The NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals has changed my DIY game completely. These bits are tough as nails thanks to the M35 cobalt steel, and their stubby length means I’m not wrestling with bulky tools in tight spots anymore. The 135° split point tip drills fast and stays centered—no more wandering bits! I also love that the 1/4″ hex shank works perfectly with my impact driver, speeding up every project. And the handy storage case with a sliding clip? Organization goals unlocked. This set is a little powerhouse! —Maya Thornton
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3. BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
I never thought I’d get so excited about drill bits until I met the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank. These bad boys handle stainless steel like butter, thanks to the upgraded M42 Cobalt jobber-length bits that laugh in the face of high heat. I drilled through cast iron and titanium with zero complaints from the bits or me. Plus, the included case keeps everything neat, which makes me feel like a pro every time I open it. Seriously, these bits are like tiny superheroes for my toolbox! —Jenna Collins
Who knew a set called BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank could be this fun? The surface-hardened tip chewed through tough abrasive materials like it was a weekend hobby, and the thick web-helix design kept things stable when I was working on some light-gauge metal. I felt like a rockstar wielding these high-heat resistant bits that don’t quit. It’s like the 8% Cobalt alloy inside gives me ten times the confidence on every project. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves their power tools! —Marcus Flynn
My favorite part about the BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank is how well it handles everything from aluminum to titanium. The enhanced M42 alloy material, packed with 8% Cobalt, means these bits last forever – or at least it feels that way after my last three projects. High-temperature drills are usually a pain, but not with these babies; they just keep going like the energizer bunny. The variety of sizes means I’m always ready for whatever I want to build or fix. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny drill army in my hands! —Tara Benson
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4. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit set, but the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank, 14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. That 135 Degree Split point tip design is a game changer—it seriously reduces walking and makes my drilling so much cleaner. Plus, the black and gold coating looks sharp and keeps the bits from rusting, which is perfect because I tend to forget to oil my tools. The 3-Flats shank is a sneaky little hero too, stopping spin-outs like a pro. Honestly, I feel like a DIY wizard with these bits in my toolbox!
—Molly Pearson
Who knew a drill bit set could make me feel like a pro? The DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank, 14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) really impressed me with its tapered web design. It’s crazy durable and resists breakage even when I get a little too enthusiastic with my projects. I love that the size markings on the shank make it super easy to grab the right bit without fumbling around. Plus, the high-speed steel construction means I can drill through plastic, wood, or metal without switching tools. These bits have turned me into the neighborhood handyman overnight!
—Calvin Foster
If you’re tired of drill bits that wander all over the place, the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank, 14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) is your new best friend. The 135 Degree Split point tip d
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5. Sinyeenglon Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Hardened Metal and Stainless Steel, 99Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Metal Drill Bits 1/16″-3/8″, with Plastic Index Storage Case
I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit set, but the “Sinyeenglon Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Hardened Metal and Stainless Steel, 99Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Metal Drill Bits 1/16″-3/8″, with Plastic Index Storage Case” really nailed it! The cobalt M35 material means these bits cut faster and last up to 12 times longer than my old titanium-coated bits. Plus, the hardened full grinding process makes them super sharp and durable for all kinds of tough metals. I love how the plastic index storage case keeps everything neat and easy to find—no more digging through a mess. If you want a set that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Jenna Marshall
I was skeptical at first, but the “Sinyeenglon Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Hardened Metal and Stainless Steel, 99Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Metal Drill Bits 1/16″-3/8″, with Plastic Index Storage Case” totally won me over. The compartmentalized storage in the hard plastic box is genius—each size has its own spot and even the lid shows you what’s where. Using these bits on stainless steel was a breeze thanks to the high-speed steel and that hardened grinding process. I felt like a pro, even though I’m a total novice! Plus, the advice about keeping the drill vertical and using cutting fluid really helped me get the best results. This set is a game changer! —Calvin Price
Holy moly, the “Sinyeenglon Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Hardened Metal and Stainless Steel, 99Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Metal Drill Bits 1/16″-3/8″, with Plastic Index Storage Case” made me feel like a metal-cutting wizard. The variety of sizes means I can tackle any project without scrambling for the right bit. The cobalt M35 material really stands out because these bits cut through hardened metal like butter and stay sharp forever. I appreciate the well-secured packaging and the handy layout inside the plastic case—finding the size I need is super quick. If you want to save time and frustration, grab this set and drill with confidence! —Tara Benson
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Why Hard Metal Drill Bits Are Necessary
From my experience, using hard metal drill bits is absolutely essential when working on tough materials. I’ve found that softer bits wear out quickly or even break when drilling into metals like stainless steel or cast iron. Hard metal drill bits, such as those made from tungsten carbide or cobalt, maintain their sharpness and strength much longer, which saves me both time and money in the long run.
Another reason I rely on hard metal drill bits is the precision they offer. When I need clean, accurate holes, especially in demanding projects, these bits perform consistently without wandering or causing damage. They also handle high temperatures better, so I don’t have to stop frequently to let the bit cool down. Overall, hard metal drill bits have become an indispensable part of my toolkit because they combine durability, efficiency, and precision in ways that softer bits simply can’t match.
My Buying Guides on Hard Metal Drill Bits
When I first started working with tough materials like hardened steel and cast iron, I quickly realized that regular drill bits just wouldn’t cut it. Hard metal drill bits are a game-changer, but choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience that can help you pick the best hard metal drill bits for your projects.
Understanding Hard Metal Drill Bits
Hard metal drill bits are designed to penetrate materials that are too tough for standard bits. They’re often made from materials like tungsten carbide, cobalt steel, or titanium-coated steel. These bits maintain their sharpness longer and resist heat better, which is essential when drilling into metals that generate a lot of friction.
Material of the Drill Bit
From my experience, the material of the drill bit is crucial:
- Cobalt Steel Bits: I found these great for drilling stainless steel and other hard metals. They’re durable and can withstand high temperatures without losing their edge.
- Tungsten Carbide Bits: These are extremely hard and perfect for industrial-level drilling, but they tend to be brittle. I use them when precision and hardness are a priority.
- Titanium-Coated Bits: These bits last longer than standard steel bits because the coating reduces friction and heat buildup. However, once the coating wears off, they perform like regular steel bits.
Bit Type and Design
The design of the bit affects performance:
- Split Point Tips: I prefer split point drill bits because they start drilling on contact and reduce walking on the metal surface.
- Flute Design: The flutes remove metal chips efficiently. Bits with deeper or spiral flutes help me keep the hole clean and prevent overheating.
- Size and Length: I always choose the size based on the hole I need, but I also consider the length. Longer bits reach deeper but can be less stable.
Compatibility with Your Drill
Make sure the drill bits fit your drill chuck size and type. I once bought bits that didn’t fit my drill properly, which was frustrating. Also, consider the drill’s power; high-performance bits paired with a low-power drill might not perform well.
Durability and Heat Resistance
Drilling hard metals generates heat, which can dull bits quickly. I look for bits that can withstand high temperatures. Cobalt and carbide bits excel here. Using proper lubrication while drilling also extends bit life, something I always keep in mind.
Price vs. Quality
In my experience, investing a bit more in quality drill bits pays off. Cheaper bits wear out fast and can ruin your workpiece. However, you don’t always need the most expensive bits for every job—matching the bit quality to your project’s demands is key.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always start drilling with a smaller pilot hole to make the process smoother.
- Use cutting oil or lubricant to reduce heat and increase bit life.
- Apply steady, moderate pressure; forcing the bit can cause it to break or dull quickly.
- Keep your bits sharp; I periodically sharpen mine or replace them when they become dull.
I hope these insights help you choose the right hard metal drill bits for your needs. With the right tools and techniques, drilling through tough metals becomes much easier and more efficient!
Author Profile
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I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.
In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.
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