Is it really true that cobalt always beats titanium for metal drilling? I’ve tested both claims for months, and the answer depends on what you’re actually cutting.
Harder steels demand M35 cobalt, like the MACXCOIP 29-piece set with its 135° split-point that bites without walking. For everyday jobs, though, titanium nitride coatings, think DEWALT’s 21-piece kit or Makita’s Impact Gold hex-shank bits, last longer and cost less.
I’ve snapped cheap bits, cursed at wandering starts, and learned that step bits, like ZELCAN’s ten-size set, turn thin aluminum into Swiss cheese faster than you’d believe. The real question isn’t which bit is “best.” It’s which failure you’re willing to tolerate: a dull edge mid-project or a shank that slips in your chuck?
I’ll walk you through seven options that actually survived my garage, from budget HSS sets to impact-ready upgrades, and tell you exactly where each one belongs in your toolbox.
MACXCOIP 29Pc M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Various Sizes: 29 sets of drill bits include 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",...
Who’s tired of burning through cheap bits halfway through a stainless steel project? I’ve been there, and it’s infuriating.
That’s why I’m genuinely impressed with the MACXCOIP 29Pc M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set.
These M35 cobalt bits, that’s 5% cobalt blended into high-speed steel, stay sharp through hardened metals that destroy ordinary bits. The 135-degree split point tip self-centers beautifully. No more dancing around your mark or grabbing a center punch first.
The 29-piece range covers 1/16″ to 1/2″ in standard increments. I appreciate the metal index box, too. Everything stays organized, not rattling loose in a drawer.
Real talk: they’re jobber-length, so you’ve got standard reach for most work. The polished flutes clear chips fast, which keeps heat down. Heat kills bits.
They handle stainless, cast iron, aluminum, even wood and plastic without complaint. Versatility matters when I’m switching between projects.
For DIYers tackling occasional metalwork, maybe overkill. For anyone serious about metal, this set earns its keep.
Best For: Serious DIYers and professionals who regularly work with hardened metals like stainless steel and cast iron and need a durable, long-lasting drill bit set that justifies its higher price through performance and longevity.
Pros:
- M35 cobalt construction (5% cobalt blend) stays sharp through hardened metals that destroy ordinary bits
- 135-degree split point tip self-centers to prevent walking, eliminating need for center punching
- Polished flutes with twist design clear chips rapidly, reducing heat buildup that kills bits
Cons:
- Potentially overkill for occasional metalwork
- Jobber-length design may limit reach for deeper drilling applications
- 29-piece set may include more sizes than needed for users with specialized, narrow use cases
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M35 Cobalt Drill Bit: Premium High Speed Steel M35 (Cobalt 5%) offers superior heat resistance and greater hardness compared to ordinary drill bits. It can extend the tool's service life when drilling hard materials.
Cobalt M35 Material: High cost, but hardness is up to 67, cut faster and has a long life, up to 12 times compared with the average HSS titanium coated bit, save time and improve efficiency
Various Sizes: 13 sets of drill bits include 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", can meet more needs
ZELCAN Titanium Step Drill Bit Set (10 Sizes)
Includes 10 Step Sizes: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8" Revolutionary Design: Tri-flatted shank fits into power tools chuck securely and...
Looking for one bit that handles ten different hole sizes? I’ve got you covered with the ZELCAN Titanium Step Drill Bit Set.
What You’re Getting
This single HSS bit (that’s high-speed steel, by the way) steps up from 1/4 inch all the way to 1-3/8 inches in ten graduated sizes. The titanium coating fights heat and corrosion. The tri-flatted shank keeps it locked tight in your chuck. No more slippage mid-drill, thank goodness.
Real-World Performance
The two-flute design clears chips fast. Here’s my favorite part: it deburrs as it drills. One pass, clean hole, done. I’ve used this on aluminum, copper, and plastic without issues.
But here’s the catch, it won’t touch steel or harder metals. The manufacturer is upfront about this, and I appreciate that honesty.
Who This Suits Best
Home repair warriors, light fabricators, and handymen who work with softer metals. If you’re drilling steel daily, skip this. For everyone else? It’s a space-saver that actually works.
Best For: Home repair warriors, light fabricators, and handymen who work with softer metals like aluminum, copper, and plastic, and want a space-saving, single-bit solution for creating clean, deburred holes in ten different sizes.
Pros:
- Ten graduated hole sizes (1/4″ to 1-3/8″) in a single bit with automatic deburring during drilling
- Tri-flatted shank prevents slippage and two-flute design enables fast chip clearance
- Titanium-coated HSS construction resists heat and corrosion for enhanced durability
Cons:
- Cannot drill steel or harder metals, significantly limiting material compatibility
- Single bit design means if it wears out or breaks, all ten sizes become unavailable
- Not suitable for professional or daily heavy-duty fabrication work requiring steel drilling
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Maximum Heat Resistance: Forged from premium M35 grade steel infused with 5% cobalt, ensuring exceptional durability and a prolonged lifespan when cutting through tough materials like cast iron and hard alloys.
13 FRACTIONAL SIZES – 1/16" TO 1/4" : 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 11/64, 3/16, 13/64, 7/32, 15/64, and 1/4 inch. Ideal for pilot holes, dowel pins, rivets, screws, and precision metalworking tasks. Comes in a durable storage case (sold as set)
Enhanced M42 Alloy Material：Industry grade M42 carbide drill bits, much harder than HSS used in other similar drill bits set. These drill bits contain 8% Cobalt, which increases wear-resistance and durability.
5PCS Titanium-Coated Step Drill Bit Set for Metal
Handle Drilling Tasks with Ease: With four sharp cutting blades, ZELCAN's step drill bit set ensures swift, smooth drilling, effortlessly cutting through steel, aluminum,...
Which metalworker needs fifty sizes in five bits? I do, apparently, and here’s why this ZELCAN set earns its spot.
The Upgrade from Basic Step Drills
You might remember the 10-size ZELCAN I mentioned earlier. This 5PCS set blows past it with four spiral flutes instead of two. More blades mean cleaner holes, less wandering, and faster cuts through stainless steel. The titanium-coated HSS holds up under heat that would cook lesser bits.
Size Coverage That Actually Matters
Three-sixteenths to 1-3/8 inches across five bits covers nearly every common metalworking task. I particularly like the 1/8 to 1/2 inch bit with its 13 steps for precise hole enlargement. The 1/4 inch hex shank snaps into my impact driver without fuss.
Real-World Performance
Chip evacuation matters more than you’d think. Those four spiral grooves clear debris so you’re not stopping every few seconds to unclog. I’ve drilled aluminum, copper, and even stubborn stainless without burning out the cutting edges.
Verdict: Grab this if you want one set handling 90% of your metal drilling. Skip it if you only need occasional small holes.
Best For: Metalworkers and DIY enthusiasts who need extensive size coverage in a compact set for drilling through stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other tough materials with an impact driver or drill.
Pros:
- Four spiral flutes provide cleaner holes, less wandering, and superior chip evacuation compared to standard two-flute designs
- 50 sizes across five bits eliminates the need for multiple drill sets, covering 3/16″ to 1-3/8″ for nearly any common task
- Titanium-coated HSS construction withstands high temperatures and maintains cutting edges through hard materials like stainless steel
Cons:
- Five-bit set may be excessive for users who only need occasional small holes or limited size range
- Step drill design requires careful pressure control to avoid walking on curved or uneven surfaces
- No individual bit replacement; losing or damaging one bit disrupts the complete size coverage
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Connectable accessory storage system to optimize storage space of the drill bits for wood, metal and plastic
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DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set (DW1361)
Titanium Nitride Coating Pilot Point for Longer Life Starts on contact for cleaner holes No spin shanks Tapered web provides greater durability to reduce breaking Includes...
Why carry three different bit sets when one handles everything? That’s exactly what DEWALT’s asking with this 21-piece titanium collection.
The titanium nitride coating fights friction and heat, so I’m not burning through bits mid-project. The pilot point tip grabs metal immediately, no skating around like old-school bits. Clean starts every time.
Here’s what stands out: sizes from 1/16-inch up to 1/2-inch, all packed in a tough plastic case that actually latches properly (rare, I know). The tapered web reinforcement means fewer snapped bits when I push too hard. Plus, no-spin shanks keep everything locked in my drill chuck.
I appreciate the markings, too: easy to grab the right size without squinting.
The trade-off? These aren’t specialized metal bits. They’ll handle wood and plastic competently, but for hardened steel or stainless, you’ll want cobalt. Think of these as your everyday workhorse.
Best for: DIYers and homeowners wanting one reliable set for occasional metal work alongside everything else. Not for pros drilling steel daily.
Verdict: Solid value, genuine versatility, DEWALT toughness. I’d grab these for my garage.
Best For: DIYers and homeowners wanting one reliable set for occasional metal work alongside wood and plastic projects.
Pros:
- Titanium nitride coating reduces friction and heat for longer bit life
- Pilot point design provides clean starts without skating on metal surfaces
- Tapered web construction and no-spin shanks improve durability and chuck grip
Cons:
- Not suitable for hardened steel or stainless steel applications
- Limited to occasional metal work rather than daily professional use
- General-purpose design lacks the specialized performance of dedicated metal or wood bit sets
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Drill Bits Set: This unit step drill bit includes 5 step bit in sizes 3/16-1/2'', 1/8-1/2'', 1/4-3/4'', 3/16-7/8'', 1/4-1-3/8'', effectively replacing 50 sizes of conventional drill bits. Along with a center punch. Additionally, the counter sinker drill bit set in sizes1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', 5/8'', 3/4''.
HSS Titanium Coating: The step drill has excellent sharpness and durability due to its high speed steel material and titanium coating
Includes 10 Step Sizes: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8"
DEWALT 14-Piece Drill Bit Set (DWA1184)
135 Degree Split point tip design to help reduce walking High Speed Steel to be used in plastic, wood, and metal Tapered web design for extreme durability and resisting...
What makes a drill bit set truly worth your money?
For me, it’s versatility that doesn’t sacrifice toughness. That’s exactly why I keep reaching for the DEWALT 14-Piece Drill Bit Set, model DWA1184.
This isn’t some bloated collection you’ll never finish. Fourteen pieces, period.
High Speed Steel construction, a black and gold coating fighting rust, and that 135-degree split point tip? It bites metal without that annoying “walking” across your surface. Because who needs that headache?
The tapered web design handles pressure without snapping, and sizes above 3/16 inch get three flats on the shank so your chuck actually grips. No spin-out, no ruined workpiece.
Size markings on each shank too. Quick identification matters when you’re mid-project and covered in chips.
Plastic, wood, metal: this set genuinely crosses over. I’ll trade titanium flash for this practical durability any day.
Verdict: Budget-minded DIYers and pros wanting reliable basics without clutter. You’ll miss the huge range of bigger sets, but you’ll actually use every bit here.
Best For: Budget-conscious DIYers and professionals seeking a reliable, no-nonsense drill bit set with practical durability for plastic, wood, and metal applications without unnecessary clutter.
Pros:
- 135-degree split point tip prevents walking on metal surfaces for precise drilling starts
- Three-flats shank design on larger bits eliminates spin-out and ensures secure chuck grip
- Tapered web construction provides extreme durability and resistance to breakage under pressure
Cons:
- Limited 14-piece range lacks the extensive size variety of larger professional sets
- No titanium coating may reduce performance longevity compared to premium coated alternatives
- Black and gold finish, while rust-resistant, prioritizes practicality over maximum cutting speed on harder materials
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Titanium nitride (TiN) coating lasts 2.5x longer than non-coated bits
Cobalt M35 Material: High cost, but hardness is up to 67, heat resistant, cut faster and has a long life, up to 12 times compared with the average HSS titanium coated bit
Helps prevent rust - black and gold finish designed for long bit life
Yougfin 29PC Drill Bit Set with Index Case
PREMIUM HSS DRILL BITS: Made from high-speed steel with a black and gold oxide finish, these drill bits offer excellent heat resistance and durability. Designed to reduce...
29 sizes from 1/16″ to 1/2″ in that classic jobber length, all neatly organized in an index case that actually stays closed.
I tested these Yougfin bits through aluminum, copper, and some light steel projects around my shop. The 135° split point grabs fast, no walking across your workpiece. That black and gold oxide finish keeps heat under control when you’re pushing through consecutive holes.
Let’s talk about what works, and what doesn’t.
The Good Stuff
- Full fractional range means no more hunting for that odd size
- Premium HSS construction holds an edge through DIY abuse
- Twist design flings chips clear, cleaner holes with less effort
- Case latches stay shut in my overstuffed tool bag
The Limits
- Skip hardened steel and stainless, these’ll burn up fast
- Plastic needs patience: keep it under 500 RPM or you’ll melt, not cut
- Light duty only, pros will want cobalt
Who’s This For?
Homeowners, DIYers, and anyone doing repairs. The responsive support helps if you hit snags.
Personally? I grab these for quick jobs where I need options without the premium price.
Best For: Homeowners, DIYers, and anyone doing repairs who needs a full range of fractional drill bits for metal, wood, and plastic projects without paying premium prices.
Pros:
- 135° split point prevents walking and enables fast, precise starts
- Full 29-piece fractional range (1/16″–1/2″) eliminates hunting for odd sizes
- Durable index case with secure latches keeps bits organized and accessible
Cons:
- Not suitable for hardened steel or stainless steel—bits will burn up quickly
- Requires speed control below 500 RPM for plastic to prevent melting
- Light-duty construction only; professional users will need cobalt bits for heavy work
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【High Quality】M35 Cobalt steel precision ground drill bits for extra durability and long lifetime
【M35 COBALT STEEL & DURABILITY】: Engineered with premium M35 Cobalt Steel, this drill bit set offers superior heat and wear resistance compared to standard HSS. Its hardened, honed cutting edges with a chatter-free design ensure professional-grade durability and clean, precise holes even when tackling hardened metals.
[M35 Cobalt High Speed Steel] Industry grade M35 drill bit with 5% cobalt, and complete grinding to achieve precise drilling diameter can improve wear resistance and durability, which is much harder than high speed steel used in other similar drill bit groups.
Makita B-65399 Impact Gold 14 Pc. Titanium Drill Bit Set, 1/4 in. Hex Shank
Titanium nitride (TiN) coating lasts 2.5x longer than non-coated bits 135 degree split point geometry for faster starts and reduced walking Impact rated: For use in 1/4...
Need a set that won’t quit when your impact driver gets hungry? I’ve found my go-to in the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold 14-piece set.
What Makes These Tough
The titanium nitride coating isn’t just for looks, that gold finish actually lasts 2.5 times longer than bare bits.
I’m drilling through stainless, cast iron, even stubborn ferrous metal, and these keep their edge.
Real-World Performance
The 135-degree split point geometry means faster starts with less walking across the surface. No more center-punching every hole like my grandfather taught me. (Okay, I still do it sometimes. Old habits.)
The Impact Driver Connection
That 1/4-inch hex shank snaps right into my impact driver. Impact rated, finally, bits that handle the hammering action without shattering like cheap glass.
The Catch
Only 14 pieces means you’ll outgrow the size range eventually. Fine for my project box, frustrating for a full shop.
Verdict: Grab these if you’re running impact drivers daily and hate swapping to a drill. Skip if you need comprehensive sizing.
Best For: Daily impact driver users who need durable bits for drilling tough materials like stainless steel and cast iron without tool swapping, but don’t require a comprehensive size range.
Pros:
- Titanium nitride coating lasts 2.5 times longer than non-coated bits
- 135-degree split point geometry enables faster starts and reduces walking across surfaces
- Impact-rated 1/4-inch hex shank withstands hammering action without shattering
Cons:
- Only 14 pieces means users will eventually outgrow the limited size range
- Frustrating selection for a full shop environment requiring comprehensive coverage
- Not suitable for users needing a wide variety of bit sizes for diverse projects
Recommended Products
DRILL BIT SIZES: 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" and 1/2" (by 1/64" increments).
Sizes: 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" bits.
【SPECIFICATION】Drill bit size: 1/16*2, 5/64*1, 3/32*2, 7/64*1, 1/8*2, 9/64*1, 3/8*1, 5/16*1, 1/4*1, 7/32*1, 3/16*1, 5/32*1
Factors to Consider When Choosing Drill Bits for Metal
I’ve learned the hard way that not all drill bits play nice with every metal, so I’m breaking down exactly what separates a smooth, clean hole from a smoking, snapped disaster. You’ll want to match material hardness compatibility first, cobalt content percentage second (more cobalt means more heat resistance, plain and simple), and don’t sleep on point angle design, shank type selection, or coating durability options either.
Get these five points right, and you’re golden; get them wrong, and you’re buying replacements before lunch.
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Material Hardness Compatibility
How do you know if your drill bit’s actually up for the job? You check the hardness rating, plain and simple.
I’ve learned this the hard way. Standard HSS bits? They’ll chew through aluminum and soft steel like butter. But throw them at stainless steel or cast iron, and you’ll get smoking, dull edges and ugly holes. Not fun.
For the tough stuff, I reach for M35 cobalt or TiN-coated bits. The titanium or cobalt coating cuts heat and wear, so you can push harder without destroying your tool.
I also swear by 135-degree point tips, they bite instantly and don’t walk across the surface like 118-degree bits do.
Match your bit to your metal. Soft metals and plastics need one rating, ferrous metals need another. Skip non-cobalt HSS for hard jobs, it just deforms and frustrates you.
Cobalt Content Percentage
So what’s the real deal with cobalt content in your drill bits? You’ll spot it labeled as M35 or M42 alloy. M35 packs roughly 5% cobalt, and that small percentage makes a huge difference when I’m drilling hardened metals like stainless steel or cast iron. The cobalt keeps the cutting edge sharp even when temperatures climb.
Here’s the trade-off: more cobalt equals harder, more wear-resistant bits, but they get brittle. I’ve chipped M42 bits when I pushed too hard, too fast. You’ve got to cool them properly and slow your speed to see real benefits.
Higher cobalt means higher cost, no way around it. For occasional home projects, M35 handles most jobs. If you’re attacking tough alloys regularly, M42 pays for itself. Choose based on what you actually drill, not what you might someday.
Point Angle Design
Why does point angle matter so much when you’re drilling metal? It’s the difference between a bit that grabs and goes, and one that skates across your workpiece like a hockey puck on ice.
I reach for 135-degree points almost every time. They start fast and fight walking, that annoying drift that ruins hole placement. Sharper angles bite sooner, sure, but you’ve got to nail your center punch. Steeper ones cut smoother in tough stuff.
Self-centering tips are a lifesaver. They align themselves as contact begins, no fuss.
For stainless and hard metals, I pair that 135-degree point with cobalt or TiN coatings. The angle and material work together, cutting chatter and keeping edges sharp longer. Match your point to your metal, and drilling gets almost enjoyable.
Shank Type Selection
Once you’ve got your point angle sorted, the shank is what actually connects you to the power. I always tell folks, don’t sleep on this part. A round shank works fine for standard chucks, but it can slip when you’re really leaning into stainless steel.
My Go-To Choices:
- Hex shank (1/4 inch): This is my favorite for impact drivers. The six flat sides bite hard, zero cam-out, and quick-change systems love it. If you’re using impact-rated drills, this is non-negotiable.
- Tri-flat shank: Three flat sides grip better than round, stops that annoying spin-out when torque spikes. Cheaper than hex, nearly as effective.
The Verdict: Hex for impacts and versatility, tri-flat for budget-conscious pros, round only if you’re stuck with old gear. Match your shank to your drill, or you’ll fight it every hole.
Coating Durability Options
How much does a coating really matter? It matters a lot, actually. I’ve burned through uncoated bits in minutes on stainless steel, and it’s not fun.
Titanium nitride (TiN) is my go-to for everyday metalwork. It boosts hardness and wear resistance, keeping edges sharp way longer. I’m talking 2.5x service life under decent conditions, though your feed rate and RPM definitely affect that number.
Here’s what coatings actually do for you:
- Reduce friction: cleaner holes, less heat
- Extend sharpness on hard metals
- Handle high-temperature cutting better
Titanium-coated HSS beats bare steel every time. For brutal jobs, cobalt alloys cost more but cut tougher metals without complaining.
My verdict: Weekend warriors, stick with TiN. Daily fabricators, invest in cobalt. Your wrists (and wallet) will thank you later.
Flute Configuration Efficiency
So where does all that heat and metal debris go when you’re drilling? Straight up those flutes, friend. I’ve learned the hard way that flute configuration makes or breaks your metalwork.
Two-Flute vs. Four-Flute
Two-flute bits clear space fast. Four-flute designs? They evacuate chips quicker and cut smoother. I reach for four-flute when I’m fighting clogging in tough steel.
Special Designs That Actually Work
Step drill bits use varied flutes across diameters. They deburr as you expand holes, no tool swapping.
Coated flutes, titanium or cobalt, stay sharp under screaming heat. Worth every penny.
Entry Precision
Self-centering flute geometry kills walk-off. Nothing’s worse than a wandering bit on hardened stock.
My Pick
For thin metal, higher helix angles win. For thick stuff, standard helix, steady pressure.
Four-flute coated bits: my daily driver.
Speed and Feed Rates
Those flutes won’t do you any good if you’re running your drill like a maniac. I’ve toasted too many bits learning this the hard way.
Speed Matters More Than You Think
Higher RPMs demand tougher bits. I reach for cobalt or titanium-coated HSS when I’m pushing speed; otherwise, you’re just making expensive paperweights. The metal wins, your bit dulls, everybody’s angry.
Feed Rate: The Sweet Spot
Match your feed to your bit and metal hardness. Too aggressive? Excess heat, ugly chips, maybe a snapped bit. Too timid? You’re rubbing, not cutting.
I start conservative, then nudge faster while watching for smoke or that awful binding squeal.
Geometry Helps
Split-point tips and multi-flute designs reduce walking and clear chips better. Steadier feeds, cleaner holes.
My Take for Hard Alloys
Slow down, use cutting fluid, be patient. Incremental changes, constant vigilance. What’s your rush?
