Home improvement hobbyists, professional construction craftsmen and everyone in between can all agree of the necessity of a quality drill and the right drill bits to go with it. But knowing which drill bits to select for your project isn’t always obvious, especially if you fall on the novice end of the spectrum.
Below, we’ll take a look at the various types of drill bits and identify five of the best drill bit set options on the market today to help you decide which one is most worthy of your investment.
A Bit About Drill Bits
Drill bits are used in tandem with a corded or cordless power drill to bore holes in wood, metal, plastic or other materials. Bits come in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and finishes, allowing you to select the bits that best meet the parameters of your project.
Most of the best drill bit set bits can be used interchangeably with virtually any drill and are designed to spin clockwise to create a hole and counter-clockwise to remove the bit from the hole once it has been created.
Drill Bit Materials and Finishes
Drill bits are made from various materials and are finished to deliver the optimal performance for a given type of project. These are the most common materials and finishes you’ll see when shopping:
- High-speed steel (HSS): These bits are best for drilling into wood, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and soft metals like aluminum.
- Cobalt drill bits: These very hard bits can dispel heat quickly and are ideal for drilling into hard metals like stainless steel as well as aluminum and other soft metals.
- Black oxide-coated bits: These bits are made from high-speed steel and finished with black oxide to prevent corrosion and extend their life. They are versatile and can be used on most materials, including metal, hard and soft woods, PVC and fiberglass.
- Titanium-coated bits: These high-speed steel bits are coated with titanium to reduce friction and retain their sharpness longer than conventional HSS bits; use them for drilling wood, metal, PVC and fiberglass.
- Carbide-tipped bits: Ideal for drilling into ceramic tile and masonry, these long-lasting bits stay sharp longer than HSS and titanium bits.
Drill Bit Types and Designs
These are the drill bits you’re most likely to encounter:
- Twist: Twist bits are the most commonly used bits for home projects and are well-suited for wood, plastic and light metal.
- Brad-point: Brad-point bits are specifically designed for drilling holes in wood, with a brad at the center of the tip for accuracy and wide flutes to remove more material and clear away dust.
- Auger: Also intended for wood use, screw-tipped augur bits create clean holes quickly and may have hollow centers for increased removal of chips and other material.
- Installer: This specialized bit is best used for installation of wiring through wood, plaster and even masonry, allowing you to thread the wire into the hole you create and then use the bit to draw it back out.
- Spade: Also called a paddle bit, spade bits are used to create large holes of up to 1.5 inches in diameter in wood.
- Forstner: Forstner bits are known for making smooth holes with clean exits in wood.
- Step: Designed primarily for use with metal, these bits have a step design that can drill holes of varying diameters with a single bit and can also be used for deburring.
- Tile: The carbide tips on these bits help protect tile from damage when drilling.
- Masonry: These powerful bits are capable of boring into very hard materials like concrete and brick.
Best Drill Bit Set: Our Top Five
While there are dozens of good choices available for home and professional use, these drill bit sets offer the best versatility, quality and value for your money.
DEWALT DW1361 Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set
DEWALT is well-known as one of the highest-quality brands in tools, and this 21-piece drill bit set is no exception. Thanks to a formidable titanium coating, these bits can slice through tough metals and other materials like butter and offer a long, durable life for excellent value. A tapered-web design provides reinforced strength.
With no spin shanks, the bits can be easily and efficiently removed from machines, a convenience you’ll definitely appreciate on lengthy jobs. Included bit sizes range from one-sixth of an inch to a half-inch, all housed in a sturdy case.
Specifications:
- Drill type: Twist
- Number of pieces: 21
- Drilling materials: Metal, plastic, wood, drywall
Pros:
- Titanium coating provides extended life
- Tapered design preserves sharpness
- Variety of sizes included
- Well-built keeps bits organized and protected
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not ideal for use with hardened steel, some other metals
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Tooluxe 10171L 13-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set
Made from high speed steel (HSS) and coated with titanium, these Tooluxe drill bits will last for years or extended use without dulling. A 135-degree split-point tip design delivers a much cleaner hole than traditional 118-degree bits, so you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time working.
The quarter-inch hex shank is compatible with most drills and other power tools. The set comes in a clearly-labeled storage rack that makes it easy to find the bit you need, although its open design makes it less than ideal for transporting.
Specifications:
- Drill type: Hex shank
- Number of pieces: 13
- Drilling materials: Metal, plastic, wood, drywall
Pros:
- 135-degree split-point tip prevents walking
- Creates clean holes with reduced debris
- Durable construction and long-lasting sharpness
- Fast cutting speed
- Very affordably priced
Cons:
- Open-air case doesn’t protect bits and isn’t very portable
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Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set
Manufactured from a premium combination of 8 percent cobalt alloy and high-speed steel, the Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set stands up to even the toughest jobs for years of heavy use. Designed to resist the high heat of hard metals and other materials, the bits drill on contact to create virtually pristine holes.
A 135-degree split point delivers higher speeds while minimizing walking. The set’s 29 bits range in size from 1/16-inches to ½-inches in 1/64-inch increments. The included overmolded rubber case opens into a tiered design for improved visibility and convenience.
Specifications:
- Drill type: Twist
- Number of pieces: 29
- Drilling materials: Metal
Pros:
- Cobalt and HSS construction guarantee long life and quality performance
- Ideal for use with hard materials
- High-quality case with smart design makes it easy to see and locate specific bits
- Includes chart to help you select the appropriate bit for your work
Cons:
- Expensive for the best drill bit set
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Drill Hog M42 29-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set
The cutting-edge technology incorporated into the Drill Hog M42 29-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set includes construction from Cobalt M42 steel, with an extraordinarily high melting point of 2,853 degrees. This high heat resistance means the bits make quick work of boring through the hardened steel and other metals in vehicle frames, heavy machinery and more.
Their drill-on-contact, tapered-web design ensures clean holes and long life, while the 135-degree split point prevents walking. While they’re much pricier than most of their competitors, they’re also American-made and come with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications:
- Drill type: Twist
- Number of pieces: 29
- Drilling materials: Metal
Pros:
- Cobalt alloy construction provides sustained performance in high-heat environments
- Includes efficient no-spin shank design
- Wide variety of sizes ranges from 1/16 to 1/2 inches in 1/64-inch increments
- Made in the U.S.
Cons:
- Very expensive, even for the best drill bit set
- Unimpressive storage case
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Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Set
Constructed from premium-grade cobalt steel, this 29-piece bit set from Drill America features a gold oxide finish for enhanced lubrication, reduced friction and improved wear protection. These are a clear choice for our list of the best drill bit set choices.
Its 135-degree self-centering split point glides into tough steel and iron with ease, leaving minimal chipping in its wake. Included sizes range from 1/16 to 1/2 inch, all of which are neatly organized into a round case with a handy clip that can be fastened to a pocket or tool belt for convenient access on any job.
Specifications:
- Drill type: Twist
- Number of pieces: 29
- Drilling materials: Iron, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass
Pros:
- Best choice for drilling hard metal materials in a variety of settings
- Self-centering split point delivers clean, consistent holes
- Long-lasting materials ensure years of quality performance
- Excellent choice for automotive, maintenance and other heavy-duty applications
- Meets ANSI specifications
Cons:
- Expensive
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Final Thoughts on the Best Drill Bit Set
With dozens of affordable, high-quality drill bit sets on the market, it’s relatively simple to find a set that meets the demands of your work as well as your budget. The sets reviewed here represent the best of the best drill bit set options, so you can be confident that your investment will continue to deliver reliable performance and good value for years to come.