Do you like taking on DIY projects around your household? If yes, then you have obviously used a drilling machine before.
Now, drills are pretty versatile instruments when it comes to any DIY household task. But they are only as good as the drill bit, and you need strong enough drill bits to cut through tough substances, such as stainless steel or metal.
As someone who enjoys doing DIY projects, I have often encountered issues where my drill couldn’t go through hardened stainless steel. So, I had to run to the stores to get a stronger one to continue with my work.
Such interruptions are annoying, and that is why I have put together this review-based guide to save you from these troubles. Hi again everyone! It’s Stacy Smith here, and here I present to you a list of the 5 best drill bits for metal and hardened stainless steel.
So, let’s get to it!
Top 5 Drill Bits For Metal And Hardened Stainless Steel
1. Stroton Metric M42
Drilling through stainless steel or metals requires the drill bit to be made from a stronger alloy so that it doesn’t break or chip. That’s why the Metric M42 is made from premium quality cobalt steel, which drills through any hard metal or steel with its red hardness.
Product Highlights
Stroton has spared no expense in making this drill bit tough enough to handle any material. It contains 8% of cobalt steel alloy, made from expensive, premium cobalt which provides superior resistance to heat, wear, and chipping.
On the Rockwell Hardness Scale, this drill bit scores around 68 to 70 HRC, which implies that it is quite sturdy. Its premium quality build also allows you to use it at higher speeds. Subsequently, it can withstand higher working temperatures of around 860 to 880 degrees Celsius.
In addition, this 135-degree split point drill bit comes with a unique 3-step design at the tip of the drill bit. This makes it 3 times more efficient in drilling through harder substances, such as hardened steel and metal. Furthermore, you get 19 pieces of drill bits, ranging from 1mm to 10mm diameters, which provides greater versatility.
What’s There To Like About It?
Since I do a lot of DIY projects around my household, a good and durable drill bit is essential for me. No wonder I found the Stroton Metric M42 to be so helpful!
I could use it to drill at relatively higher speeds of up to 1,000 RPM without any issues. In fact, it is comparatively more efficient than any other drill bits I have used before.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I can undoubtedly vouch for the quality and durability of the Stroton Metric M42 drill bits. However, considering that it has been manufactured from premium quality cobalt, its price is relatively higher than many other options available on the market. So, this might not be feasible if you are on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons of Stroton Metric M42
Pros
Cons
- Premium M42 8% Cobalt Steel ,68-70 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale) ,Usually Give the Best Heat,Wear and Chip Resistance and Long Tool Life.
- 3 Steps Design for Cutting through Stainless Steel,Hard Metals,Aluminum,Plastic.
- This Cobalt Drill Bit is Typically Capable of Running Three to Five Times Faster.Despite the Higher Price,the Cost Per Hole When Using Cobalt Drill Bit Will be the Lowest,Since It Can Produce So Many More Holes.
2. XLCMSY M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
The M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set is another durable set of drill bits manufactured by the brand XLCMSY. They are made using both premium quality cobalt steel and molybdenum for additional hardness.
Product Highlights
As mentioned, all the drill bits in the M35 set are made from 5% cobalt steel and molybdenum, which increases their hardness and durability. As such, they score roughly around 67 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, which makes the bits suitable for drilling through metals and hardened stainless steel.
The combination of molybdenum and cobalt steel enhances the lifespan of these drill bits ten times compared to other high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits. On that note, they have a gold surface coating, which protects them from rust and corrosion as well.
In addition, these drill bits are comparatively user-friendly, which can be attributed to their straight shank design. This design complements the lighter weight to provide faster and more efficient cutting, even at higher temperatures. Also, the 13 different 135-degree split point bits allow for greater precision when drilling harder metals and stainless steel.
What’s There To Like About It?
I found this drill bit set to be quite effective for cutting through any metal or hardened stainless steel surface quickly and without any issues. This is especially worth noting, considering its relatively affordable price.
Besides, they are relatively easy to use, thanks to their practical design. So, my experience when using these drill bits was relatively hassle-free. On top of that, they are pretty heat resistant as well, due to which I could use them at higher speeds.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Despite being an efficient and durable drill bit set that comes at such a low price, I have placed it below the Stroton Metric M42. This is because it can cause quite a mess while drilling. It doesn’t remove the debris obtained after the drilling hole as effectively as the Stroton Metric M42, leading to some additional cleanup work.
Pros and Cons of XLCMSY M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Pros
Cons
- 【Heat Resistant】 This metric straight shank twist drill set is made of 5% cobalt high speed steel, adding molybdenum and cobalt to form a hardened alloy with a Rockwell hardness of 67, It is super heat resistant and wear resistance can cut hard metals quickly, suitable for drilling high hardness materials, up to 10 times life than ordinary HSS drill bits.
- 【Safe & Eco-friendly】 High speed steel with 5% cobalt, durable, safe and eco-friendly, providing longer tool life and reducing environmental pollution, It is a very practical and user-friendly drill bit for cutting through hardened material, golden surface treatment holds up lubricant better for smoother drilling.
- 【Lightweight & Durable】 Designed with a 135 degree split point, these metric drill bits are very lightweight, eliminating the need for a center punch, making cutting faster and less powerful, preventing walking and cutting stainless steel more precisely, thanks to its precision grinding inclined blade design, each bit ensures fast drilling with excellent chip removal.
3. Owl Tools M35 Cobalt Drill Bits
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For this review, I have considered the M35 Cobalt Drill Bits by the Owl Tools brand. At an affordable price, these drill bits are pretty efficient at drilling through stainless steel and hard metals.
Product Highlights
As the name suggests, the Owl Tools M35 cobalt drill bit set is made from 5% industrial-grade cobalt steel. Thus, it is strong enough to drill through most metals and stainless steel with relative ease.
These drill bits are capable of operating at high speeds and are, therefore, heat-resistant by design. The 135-degree split point design is complemented by grounded spiral grooves on the flute. Thus, it can easily drill through cast iron, bronze, titanium, aluminum, and hardened steel with greater precision.
The packaging includes 13 pieces of drill bits that come in a durable plastic case. And, as an added convenience, Owl Tools provides a lifetime guarantee for any issues or faulty drill bits. So, if there is any problem while using them, you can easily get replacement parts without any additional hassle.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of my friends had suggested this drill bit set to me, and so I decided to give it a spin. And I have to say; I’m glad that I did! This pack of 13 drill bits is quite effective for drilling through any metal or stainless steel surface.
They can cleanly cut through the metal without leaving behind a mess of metal flakes. Plus, I found the plastic case the drill bits came in to be quite durable for keeping my drill bits safe and organized.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One aspect that many users may find disappointing is that the drill bits are not very versatile. The 13 drill bits can only be used to drill holes between 1/4 and 1/16 inches wide. Both the Stroton Metric M42 and the XLCMSY M35 offer greater versatility, I have, therefore, placed this one below them.
Pros and Cons of Owl Tools M35 Cobalt Drill Bits
Pros
Cons
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4. BeHappy M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
The M35 Cobalt drill bit set is not only effective but also highly versatile. You can use these drill bits to drill holes of different sizes with greater precision without worrying about chipping issues.
Product Highlights
This drill bit set comes with 29 different drill bits that make it highly versatile. It can be used to drill between 1/2 inches and 1/16 inches. Furthermore, this M35 cobalt drill bit set comprises a 5% cobalt steel alloy, which provides sufficient hardness for drilling metals and hardened steel.
Besides, the drill bits are polished to make them sharp enough, and this sharpness remains for a long time. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, which makes them even more suitable for long-term usage.
In addition, they have a 135-degree split point nib design, along with twisted grooves on the flute. This eliminates the need for center punches and improves the precision of drilling. Moreover, the groove designs can efficiently clear out any debris from the drilling hole.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was pretty impressed with the versatility offered by the BeHappy M35 drill bit set. The 29 different drill bits can tackle any drilling task, which I found to be very convenient. Even after using them for several months, I did not notice any considerable wear, making it an excellent long-term investment.
What’s more, the 29 drill bits come neatly organized in a plastic case. So, I didn’t need to worry about misplacing them, which ultimately made them easy to store.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Without a doubt, these drill bits are pretty durable and versatile and can drill through most hard metals and steel. However, there is one aspect that makes it an inferior choice compared to the Owl Tools M35 drill bits. It takes quite some time to cut through hardened steel or titanium alloys, which can be an inconvenience.
Pros and Cons of BeHappy M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Pros
Cons
- 【Drill Bit Set】: 29 sets of drill bits includes 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 11/64", 3/16", 13/64", 7/32", 15/64", 1/4", 17/64", 9/32", 19/64", 5/16", 21/64", 11/32", 23/64", 3/8", 25/64", 13/32", 27/64", 7/16", 29/64", 15/32", 31/64", 1/2". This 29 PCS M35 twist drill bit set meets all your needs
- 【Features of M35 Cobalt】: M35 cobalt drill bit set can effectively drill rigid and high-tensile strength materials. The drill bit is especially suitable for cutting hard metals, such as stainless steel, cast iron, super alloys, titanium alloys, rigid plastics, and wood. It can also be used in soft materials
- 【135 Degrees Point】: Cobalt drill bit set can be effectively used for most hard and soft objects, 135 degrees point nib and twist design, improve cutting speed, self-centering, prevent walking, and speed up the removal of debris and particles
5. Lichamp HSS Cobalt Drill Bits Set
If you want an all-in-one drilling solution for your DIY projects, then you can consider the Lichamp HSS cobalt drill bits set. Not only is it highly versatile, but it is also effective for drilling through the hardest materials with minimal effort.
Product Highlights
The 29 drill bits included in this set come in sizes ranging from 1/2 inches to 1/16 inches. Furthermore, the 5% cobalt steel alloy provides sufficient hardness to cut through any metal or hardened stainless steel. So, you can use these drill bits across multiple usage scenarios.
On top of that, they come with a unique, patented three flute design, which enhances the precision and cutting speeds. The cutting speed is further enhanced owing to the 135-degree split point design. It also provides a cleaner cut by effectively removing flakes and other debris from the drilling hole.
The high-speed, industrial-grade M35 steel is relatively resistant to rust and corrosion. Besides, the cobalt steel alloy provides sufficient wear resistance so that it can be used for a long time. It can withstand relatively high temperatures of up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit as well.
What’s There To Like About It?
These drill bits are not only durable and effective but are also pretty easy to use. I have more than one drilling machine, and thanks to the standard straight shank design, these drill bits easily fit into all of them.
While using them, I noticed that they are self-centering, which helped me to drill with extreme precision and little to no mess. Moreover, the plastic case comes with indexed racks and size charts, due to which I found the drill bits easy to organize.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The Lichamp HSS drill bit set comes with a significant trade-off, which is its hefty price tag. In fact, this is the most expensive drill bit set on my list. So, it is not a very feasible option for those on a strict budget. Instead, the BeHappy Cobalt M35 drill bit set provides similar functionality at a much lower price. That’s why I have placed it lower on my list.
Pros and Cons of Lichamp HSS Cobalt Drill Bits Set
Pros
Cons
- M35 Cobalt Steel for Durability: Made from HSS M35 with 5% cobalt, offering enhanced hardness, heat resistance, and wear, ideal for medium to hard metals like cast iron and mild steel
- 3-Flute Design for Faster Chip Removal: The patented 3-flute design clears chips 150% faster, reducing heat buildup and improving efficiency, especially in softer metals and alloys
- Best for Tougher Metals with Proper Technique: Ideal for mild steel, cast iron, and alloys. For stainless steel (up to 3mm thick), use slow speeds and light pressure. Smaller bits perform best on materials 1-2mm thick for optimal results
Buyers Guide
And that was my list of the 5 best drill bits for metal and hardened stainless steel. So, after going through each review, have you decided on which one is the best for you yet?
If your answer is a yes, then that’s great! But if your answer is no, then I completely understand. If you are somewhat inexperienced in doing DIY activities, then it is easy to become confused by different technical aspects of such things.
Buying a drill bit is not just about picking up any item that catches your eye. It would be best if you made an informed decision so that you don’t end up wasting your hard-earned money.
That’s why I have taken the trouble to prepare this brief buyer’s guide that describes some of the crucial factors to consider before making a purchase. I hope that you will be able to decide after going through this section.
1. Hardness
If you are drilling through hard materials, such as metals and stainless steel, then your drill bit obviously needs to be hard. If they are not hard enough, they may easily break or chip.
The hardness of drill bits is measured on the Rockwell Hardness Scale. There are different scales available, but for drill bits, the most commonly used is the Hardness Rockwell C (HRC) scale.
So, before you purchase a drill bit, determine its score on the HRC scale. That will give you a pretty good idea about the hardness of the drill bit. And by extension, it will demonstrate the effectiveness of the drill bit in cutting through metals and stainless steel.
2. Drill Bit Material
The effectiveness of a drill bit is determined by the materials used to make it. These materials need to be strong and durable enough so that they can work under high temperatures without wear.
In that regard, the most common drill bit materials are cobalt, HSS, or carbide. Some of them may include a combination of the above or an alloy, such as cobalt steel.
Additionally, they may have other materials like molybdenum, titanium, or others to enhance the durability and hardness of the drill bit. Most drill bits also have an outer coating of bronze, gold, or another metal to prevent corrosion and rusting.
So, determine what your bit is made of before you make the purchase. For cutting through hard metals, you should typically go for a set made of cobalt steel or HSS since they can easily drill metals and steel surfaces.
3. Diameter
The diameter of the drill bit determines the width of the hole that can be drilled. Depending on the type of work you are doing, you may be required to drill a small or a large hole.
In that regard, most drill bit sets come with multiple drill bits of different diameters, which provide high levels of versatility. So, before you make a purchase, make sure to consider this aspect.
4. Price
The price is definitely a major deciding factor if you are looking to buy a drill bit strong enough for cutting metals and stainless steel.
Since drill bits for cutting metals need to be strong enough, they should be made of more durable materials, which are relatively expensive. As a result, the prices of these drill bits are higher.
And if there are any other types of materials used, it may add to the total expense. However, that may not always be necessary, and if you do not use drills extensively, you can settle for the most basic ones.
Apart from that, the number of drill bits in a set determines the price. The more drill bits there are, the higher the price, and vice versa. So, choose a set based on your usage and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, the answer to this question is no. This is because a drill only accepts drill bits that have a particular shaft length. So, any bit with a shorter shaft will not fit.
However, many drill bits today come with a long enough shaft that can be equipped across different drills. But even then, you should consult the instruction manual of your tool before using them.
While it is not absolutely necessary to do so, cleaning your drill bits after use is a good practice. You can wash them with a bit of lubricating fluid and wipe off any residue with a soft cloth or a brush.
If required, you can sharpen your drill bits from time to time using a bench grinder. This will extend their lifespan by a margin. However, since most drill bits today have a long enough lifespan, it is not mandatory; as such, most DIYers do not bother about it.
My Final Recommendation
And with that, I have reached the end of this informative review-based guide. I hope that you found it enlightening and an enjoyable read. And I also hope that after reading it, you have been able to make up your mind.
But before calling it a day, let me share my favorites from the above list. The Stroton Metric M42 offers the greatest versatility, durability, and effectiveness, which makes it my top pick overall. However, for a more affordable option with almost similar functionalities, I prefer either the XLCMSY M35 cobalt drill bit set or the No products found. cobalt drill bits.
With that out of my way, it’s time for me to sign off. Take care until next time, folks!