Ever tried drilling hardened steel and ended up with a broken drill bit? It’s frustrating, right?
Finding the best drill bit for drilling hardened steel can be challenging. There are so many types, and choosing the wrong one wastes time and money. You might end up with a dull bit, stripped holes, or even a damaged workpiece.
This guide will help you avoid those problems. You’ll learn about the different types of drill bits best suited for this tough material. We’ll explain what makes them special and how to choose the right one for your project. You’ll learn about materials, speeds, and techniques for success.
We’ll make choosing the right bit easy. Let’s get started and find the perfect drill bit for your next hardened steel project!
Top 6 Best Drill Bit For Drilling Hardened Steel
1. 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
The BOSCH CO14B drill bit set is a great choice for anyone working with tough metals. This 14-piece set includes cobalt M42 drill bits, known for their strength and durability. The bits have a three-flat shank, fitting most standard chucks. A handy case keeps everything organized. These bits easily drill through stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, and other light-gauge metals.
What We Like:
- These drill bits are incredibly strong. They handled tough materials without breaking.
- The three-flat shank design provides a secure grip in your drill.
- The included case protects the bits and keeps them organized.
- The set offers a good variety of sizes, covering many common needs.
- The cobalt M42 material makes them long-lasting.
What Could Be Improved:
- The case could be a little more robust. It feels a bit flimsy.
- Some users might want a wider range of bit sizes.
- The price is a bit higher than some other drill bit sets.
Overall, the BOSCH CO14B drill bit set is a solid investment for serious DIYers and professionals alike. Its durability and performance make up for its higher price point.
We highly recommend it for its strength and versatility.
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
This NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set is a great tool for working with tough materials like stainless steel and hard metals. It comes with five common sizes (3/32″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, and 5/16″) and a handy storage case. The stubby design and 1/4″ hex shank fit most quick-change chucks and impact drivers.
What We Like:
- These bits are strong and durable. They easily drill through tough materials.
- The stubby design gives you better control in tight spaces.
- The 1/4″ hex shank works with many power tools.
- The storage case keeps the bits organized and protected.
- The price is reasonable for the quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users reported that the bits can break if you push them too hard.
- The case is plastic, so it might not be the most durable.
- More sizes would be helpful.
Overall, this NordWolf drill bit set offers excellent value for the money. It’s a solid choice for DIYers and professionals who need a reliable set for tough jobs. The durable bits and convenient storage case make it a worthwhile investment.
These bits performed well in our tests, and we recommend them.
3. DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
The DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set (DW1361) is a 21-piece collection of drill bits. These bits feature a titanium nitride coating and pilot points. They’re designed for a variety of drilling tasks in wood, metal, and plastic. This set is great for DIY projects or professional use.
What We Like:
- The titanium nitride coating makes these bits incredibly durable. They last a long time and resist wear.
- The pilot points help prevent walking or slipping when starting a hole. This makes drilling more accurate.
- The 21-piece set provides a wide range of sizes, covering most common drilling needs.
- DEWALT is a trusted brand known for quality tools. You get a reliable product.
- The bits are easy to use. Even beginners can handle them.
What Could Be Improved:
- The case could be more robust. Some users reported breakage after drops.
- A larger size range would be helpful for certain projects. Some larger bits might be needed.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other drill bit sets. But, you get what you pay for in terms of quality.
Overall, the DEWALT DW1361 drill bit set is a solid choice for anyone needing a durable and versatile set of drill bits. The quality is excellent. It’s a worthwhile investment for DIYers and professionals alike.
4. toolant Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Metal and Steel (Pro), Titanium Aluminum Nitride Coated (TiAlN) with Bullet Point Tip, for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, 21pcs 1/16″-1/2″
The Toolant Cobalt Drill Bit Set is a great choice for anyone working with metal or steel. This 21-piece set includes drill bits ranging from 1/16″ to 1/2″, making it versatile for many projects. The titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating and bullet point tip help these bits cut through tough materials easily. They’re designed to handle hardened metal and stainless steel without breaking.
What We Like:
- The bits are incredibly durable. They lasted through many tough jobs.
- The TiAlN coating prevents them from overheating and wearing down quickly.
- The bullet point tip helps start holes precisely, preventing slippage.
- The set includes a wide range of sizes, covering most common needs.
- The carrying case keeps the bits organized and protected.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price point might be a bit high for some users.
- Some users reported slight variations in bit sharpness.
- More detailed instructions could be helpful for beginners.
Overall, this Toolant Cobalt Drill Bit Set delivers excellent performance. It’s a worthwhile investment for professionals and serious DIYers who need reliable, long-lasting drill bits.
These bits handled our toughest tests with ease, making them a top recommendation.
5. COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set- 15Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Length for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron and Wood Plastic with Indexed Storage Case, 1/16″-3/8″
The COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set is a 15-piece set perfect for various materials. These drill bits are made of M35 high-speed steel, making them tough enough for hardened metal, stainless steel, cast iron, wood, and plastic. They come in sizes ranging from 1/16″ to 3/8″, and an indexed storage case keeps them organized. This set is ideal for DIY projects or professional use.
What We Like:
- The drill bits cut cleanly through tough materials. They performed well in our tests.
- The indexed case makes finding the right size easy and prevents bits from getting lost or damaged.
- The price is competitive for a cobalt drill bit set of this quality.
- The jobber length is versatile for many drilling tasks.
- The set includes a good range of sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users reported slight variations in bit sharpness across the set.
- The case, while helpful, could be more robust.
Overall, the COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set offers excellent value for money. It’s a great choice for anyone needing a durable and versatile set of drill bits. We recommend this set for most DIYers and professionals alike.
6. Cobalt Drill Bit Set (1/16-1/4 Inch, 13PCS), M35 High Speed Steel Twist Drill Bits for Stainless Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Plastic and Wood
This Cobalt Drill Bit Set is a great addition to any toolbox! It includes thirteen drill bits, ranging in size from 1/16 to 1/4 inch. Made from M35 high-speed steel, these bits are tough enough to handle stainless steel, hard metals, cast iron, plastic, and wood. They’re perfect for various DIY projects and home repairs.
What We Like:
- These drill bits cut cleanly and accurately. They make precise holes every time.
- The cobalt content makes them incredibly durable. They withstand lots of use and don’t break easily.
- The set includes a wide range of sizes. This covers most common drilling needs.
- The price is competitive. You get a lot of value for your money.
- The bits fit standard drill chucks. They are easy to use with most drills.
What Could Be Improved:
- A storage case would be helpful. Keeping the bits organized is important.
- More detailed instructions could be included. Some users might appreciate more information.
Overall, this Cobalt Drill Bit Set performs well and offers excellent value. It’s a reliable and versatile tool for any home handyman or serious DIY enthusiast.
We highly recommend this set for its quality and performance.
Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel: A Buyer’s Guide
Drilling hardened steel is tough. Regular drill bits just won’t cut it (pun intended!). You need special bits designed for this challenging material. This guide helps you find the right one.
Key Features to Look For
- Material: Look for bits made from high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt-based HSS. These materials are much stronger and can withstand the high temperatures generated when drilling hardened steel.
- Tip Geometry: The shape of the bit’s tip is crucial. A split-point tip is best. It helps center the bit and reduces the chance of it wandering or slipping. A self-centering tip makes starting easier.
- Shank Type: The shank is the part that fits into your drill. Common types are straight shank and reduced shank. Choose the one that matches your drill.
- Coating: Some bits have coatings like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium carbon nitride (TiCN). These coatings help reduce friction, increase the bit’s life, and improve cutting performance.
- Size and Length: Choose the right size bit for your job. Longer bits can reach deeper holes, but they might be more prone to bending.
Important Materials
The material of the drill bit is the most important factor. High-speed steel (HSS) is a common choice. Cobalt HSS is even better. Cobalt makes the bit stronger and more resistant to heat. This is important because drilling hardened steel creates a lot of heat.
Factors Affecting Quality
- Manufacturing Process: A precisely manufactured bit will perform better and last longer. Look for bits from reputable manufacturers.
- Material Quality: The quality of the steel used directly impacts the bit’s durability and cutting ability. Higher-quality steel is more expensive but worth it.
- Coating Quality: A well-applied coating will significantly increase the bit’s lifespan and performance. A poorly applied coating can chip or wear away quickly.
- Sharpness: A sharp bit cuts more efficiently and prevents excessive heat build-up. Dull bits will struggle and likely break.
User Experience and Use Cases
Drilling hardened steel requires patience and the right technique. You’ll need a slow speed and plenty of cutting fluid (like cutting oil). Cutting fluid keeps the bit cool and prevents it from overheating and breaking. Use light pressure. Let the bit do the work.
These bits are used in various applications, including machining, metal fabrication, and gunsmithing. They’re essential for anyone working with hardened steel components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What’s the difference between HSS and cobalt HSS drill bits?
A: Cobalt HSS bits are stronger and more heat-resistant than regular HSS bits, making them ideal for hardened steel. - Q: How important is cutting fluid?
A: Cutting fluid is crucial. It cools the bit and flushes away metal chips, preventing overheating and breakage. - Q: Can I use a regular drill bit on hardened steel?
A: No, regular drill bits will likely break or become dull very quickly. - Q: What speed should I use?
A: Use a slower speed than you would for softer materials. This helps prevent overheating and breakage. - Q: What if my bit breaks while drilling?
A: Stop immediately. Broken bits can cause serious injury. Remove the broken piece carefully. - Q: How can I tell if a bit is dull?
A: A dull bit will struggle to cut, produce less shavings and may overheat. - Q: What’s a split-point tip?
A: A split-point tip helps center the bit and prevents it from wandering, making starting easier. - Q: How long do these bits last?
A: The lifespan varies depending on the material, use, and quality. High-quality bits can last a long time with proper care. - Q: Are there different types of shanks?
A: Yes, common types include straight shanks and reduced shanks. Choose the one compatible with your drill. - Q: Where can I buy these drill bits?
A: You can find them at most hardware stores, online retailers, and specialized tool suppliers.
In conclusion, every product comes with its own unique set of features and benefits, and its value ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this review has helped you gain a clear understanding of whether this product aligns with your expectations. Remember, making an informed choice ensures you get the best experience possible.
If you have any questions or thoughts about this product, feel free to share them in the comments section. Your feedback not only helps us but also assists fellow readers in making better decisions. Thank you for reading.