10 Best Drill Bits of 2024 – Reviews & Buying Guide
Drill bits come in different forms and from different materials to fit each task they're designed for. Having a drill, therefore, is one thing, but having the right drill bit for the job, is another matter altogether.
There are so many reasons to choose the right drill bit, and this includes producing high-quality holes, avoiding broken bits and preserving your drill.
In this best drill bit review, you'll learn which drill bits are right for which projects and materials, and you'll also get a list of the top 10 drill bits to choose from.
Image | Product Name | Quantity | Size Range | Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeWalt DW1354 Drill Bit Set | 14 | 1/16 - 1/2 in | 4.6 | |
 | 2. DeWalt DW1587 Spade Drill Set | 6 | 3/8 - 1 in | 4.7 | |
 | 3. Black & Decker 15557 Drill Bit Set | 10 | 1/16 - 1/4 in | 4.0 | |
 | 4. Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt Drill Bits | 29 | 1/16 - 1/2 in | 4.4 | |
 | 5. Black & Decker BDA91109 Drill Bit Set | 109 | N/A | 4.3 | |
 | 6. Bosch TI0IM 9-Piece Drill Bit Set | 9 | 1/16 - 3/8 in | 4.2 | |
 | 7. Irwin 11135ZR Hanson Drill Bit Set | 35 | N/A | 4.0 | |
 | 8. Black & Decker 15-110 HSS Drill Bit Set | 10 | 1/16 - 1/4 in | 4.1 | |
 | 9. Neiko 10193A Step Drill Bit Set | 3 | 1/8 - 3/4 in | 4.5 | |
 | 10. Drill Hog 29PC Drill Bit Set | 29 | 1/16 - 1/2 in | 4.7 |
You can also read other product reviews such as drill bit for wood, cobalt drill bit set, drill bit sharpener.
10 Best Drill Bits - Reviews
#1. DeWalt DW1354 14-PC Titanium Brad Point Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
- Quantity: 143
- Material: Titanium
- Size range: 1/16 - 1/2 inch
- Application: Wood and metal
DeWalt offers this set of brad point drill bits for anyone who needs a high-quality drill bit set at a good price. They come coated with titanium and although they're not as tough as cobalt-coated bits, they still offer lots of value.
Titanium-coated bits last longer than ordinary steel bits, HSS bits, and even black oxide drill bits. In addition, they are brad point bits and so offer you more precision on both metal and wood.
There are 14 bits in the set, starting from a 1/16-inch sized bit, all the way to a 1/2-inch bit. All 14 bits come in a durable carrying case, which loads the bits on each side and includes a slide lock.
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#2. DeWalt DW1587 6-Piece Spade Drill Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
- Quantity: 6
- Material: Black oxide
- Size range: 3/8 - 1 inch
- Application: Wood
If you're working with wood, then you'll need to quickly drill large holes from time to time and there's no better bit for large wood holes than spade bits.
These bits are made from black oxide coated steel, and this is perfect because spade bits are specially designed for woodwork, which often doesn't need very tough metals.
Each of the 6 spade bits features dual, precision-ground cutting edges for maximum speed and performance delivery. Like the set above, DeWalt only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on this one as well.
The packaging is unimpressive though, and it doesn't come with a good carrying case, but it's priced really well and even comes with hex shanks for maximum torque delivery.
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#3. Black & Decker 15557 Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4 / 5)
- Quantity: 10
- Material: High-Speed Steel
- Size range: 1/16 - 1/4 inch
- Application: Wood, plastic, and metal
Coming from Black & Decker, this 10-piece 15557 set includes the range of most widely used drill bits, ranging from 1/16-inch to 1/4-inch sizes.
They are from high-speed steel and this makes them usable in a variety of situations, including on metal and at high speeds because HSS is much more resistant to heat than ordinary steel.
High-speed steel is also very affordable and you can see this from the price of this offer for a pack of 10. For storage, you get a bit bar, which allows you to easily store this set anywhere.
The shanks are round and you can use the bits on wood, metal, and plastic, but not on masonry. Another disadvantage is that HSS bits don't last as long as titanium or cobalt bits.
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#4. Irwin Tools 3018002 29-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4.4 / 5)
- Quantity: 29 pieces
- Material: Cobalt
- Size range: 1/16 - 1/2 inch
- Application: Wood, metal, plastic
If you want a professional drill bit set and you really don't care about cost, then this offer from Irwin tools should catch your attention for some time because it offers you exactly that: a professional set.
Packaged in a strong and durable case, there are 29 drill bits starting from 1/16-inch and increasing in 1/64-inch increments up to the highest bit size of 1/2- inch.
Each of these drill bits gets made from 8-percent cobalt high-speed steel, giving you a highly tough, abrasion and heat-resistant drill bit that'll keep up its hard edge for a long time to come.
The bits have a 135-degree split point for cutting with less force and the case organizes the bits in 3 cartridges which are additionally removable for easy transportation.
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#5. Black & Decker 109-Piece Drill Bit Accessory Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4.3 / 5)
- Quantity: 109
- Material: Steel
- Size range: N/A
- Application: Everything
For more quantity than quality, here comes Black & Decker's 109-pc drill bit set. While they're definitely not the best drill bits in terms of strength, the set does offer you the chance to have it all.
You get a set of normal bits, then a set of brad point bits, and then a set of masonry bits. You also get all kinds of screwdriver and wrench bits, all beautifully packaged in a hard storage case.
If you keep away from tough metal and hardwoods, then this set will definitely last a long while, else you'll need something with a much tougher material build up.
This is one large and nice set that comes at a very affordable price and gives you full drill accessories at a go. You can use it for furniture, house installations and lots more.
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#6. Bosch TI9IM 9-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
- Quantity: 9 pieces
- Material: Titanium
- Size range: 1/16 - 3/8 inch
- Application: Metal, wood, PVC
Bosch makes you an offer that's hard to resist with this TI9IM drill bit set. It comes with highly accurate no-skate tips for accurate starts and features a long-flute design for effective material removal.
These bits will also last twice as longer than comparable bits. They will drill wood, metal, and PVC, with their titanium coat creating less friction and their long flutes improving material removal.
Bosch rates the shanks impact tough, enabling them to last longer with high-torque impact drills and drivers.
It's obvious that the Bosch brand is one of the best drill bit brands around, but although this set is on offer at a very attractive price, it would have been better if a 1/4-inch it was at least included.
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#7. Irwin Tools 11135ZR Hanson 35-Piece Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: (4 / 5)
- Quantity: 35 bits
- Material: Different materials
- Size range: 5/64 - 1/2 inch
- Application: Wood, metal, plastic, screws
This set is not for everyone because it's not your everyday drill bit set. It's a screw extractor and drill bit set, with 35 pieces designed to work together in extracting screws.
Irwin Tools also offers a 10-piece version but this 35-piece is the ultimate. You get 16 cobalt drills, tough enough to tackle all kinds of materials, plus the other extraction tools.
The plastic storage box includes a detailed chart on the lid with all the necessary steps for screw extraction, plus the exact sizes to use for each screw size.
This set will only be of value to you if you need a screw extractor, else the price may come across as too high.
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#8. Black & Decker 15-110 HSS 10-Piece Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4.1 / 5)
- Quantity: 10 bits
- Material: High-speed steel
- Size range: 1/16 - 1/4 inch
- Application: Wood, metal & plastic
From Black & Decker comes this high-quality drill bit set made from high-speed steel. If you're into woodworking with lighter woods, as well as drilling light metals like aluminum, then this set could be for you.
It comes with 10 popular bit sizes from 1/16 inch up to 1/4 inch, giving you a range of applications. You can use them on any material though, but keep in mind that although HSS might resist lots of heat, it's still not as tough as a cobalt drill bit.
Black & Decker also includes a handy bit bar to help in the organization and storage of the bits. You get a 2-year warranty on the set and it's very cheap and easy to replace.
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#9. Neiko 10193A Titanium-Coated HSS Step Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
- Quantity: 3 step bits
- Material: Titanium & HSS
- Size range: 1/8 - 3/4 inch
- Application: Metal and plastic
If you've got to drill metals from time to time, then you can hardly find better bits than these step bits. Each one comes with many steps to make 28 steps in total, which correspond to 28 different hole sizes you can drill.
The smallest hole you can drill is 1/8 inch, while the largest hole is 3/4 inch wide. Two of the three drills come with a 1/4-inch shank while the third comes with a 3/8-inch shank.
Made from high-speed steel and coated with titanium, these bits can effectively resist high-temperature applications, as well as last for a very long time.
Each bit comes with a double flute design to enable particles to escape more easily. The tips feature a 135-degree split point for more efficient cutting and reduced bit walking.
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#10. Drill Hog 29-Pc M42 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Editor's Rating: (4.7 / 5)
- Quantity: 29 pieces
- Material: Cobalt
- Size range: 1/16 - 1/2 inch
- Application: Wood, plastic, and metal
Better than any steel or carbide drill bit, this bit set offers you high-quality cobalt bits with the strength to drill through anything, including stainless steel, struck frames, spring steel, and so much more.
The M42 cobalt steel will melt only from 2,853 degrees, so there's no need to worry about the heat while drilling. The 29 pieces include every size between 1/16 and 1/2 inch, in 1/64-inch increments.
For the tips, Drill Dog made them 135 degrees to prevent walking and keep up a high level of accuracy. The shanks also feature tri-flat shapes to prevent spinning and deliver maximum torque.
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Knowing Your Drill Bits
Different drill bits are for different purposes, so it's important that you can easily recognize each kind and to as well, know how best to work with it.
Following are different drilling situations and the ideal drill bits for them:
#1. Masonry Bits
For drilling into materials such as stones, bricks, and concrete, masonry bits are what you need. A masonry bit is usually designed for use with a hammer drill, to make the process easier.
Their tips are usually made from extra-hard materials to help the bits withstand the pressure of drilling into masonry. Tungsten carbide is a popular extra-tough material for making the best concrete drill bit tips.
You can identify a masonry bit by its twisted looking flutes, plus two or more prominent and strong cutting edges at the tip. They can come with a round shank or with an SDS shank, which is usually better.
#2. Wood Bits
For drilling into wood, there are three major types of bits you can use. These are auger bits, flat bits, and brad point bits. Each type has its advantages, as well as its disadvantages.
- Auger Bits. These kinds of wood bits get used in drilling large and deep holes into wood. You can identify an auger bit from the screw at its tip and from the shape of its flutes.
The auger flute features a helical screw blade which both helps to cut the wood and to transport it out of the hole being drilled. You need a powerful drill and good hands to handle auger drill bits. - Flat/Spade Bits. Referred to both as flat or spade bits, these bits get used in drilling very wide holes. They feature a pilot point tip to start the hole, plus a wider spade body to bore the larger hole.
- Brad Point Bits. You can identify a brad point bit by the fine point in the middle of its end, with two sharp spurs on either side of the point. These two features give the brad point bit both a unique look and functionality at the same time.
Brad point bits get used in drilling small and clean holes. The point drills into the wood first and prevents the drill from slipping, while the edges prevent the middle from splintering the wood by first cutting in, creating a clean hole, thereby.
#3. Metal Bits
For drilling into metal, you'll be best served with an HSS (High-Speed Steel) bit coated with cobalt. There are also step bits and titanium-coated steel bits.
High-Speed Steel gets manufactured by combining carbon steel with other elements like vanadium and chrome to produce a very strong steel that can withstand high temperatures, and hence the name High-Speed Steel because high temperatures arise during high-speed drills.
You can use an HSS bit to drill wood and plastic materials, but keep in mind that the opposite is not advisable. That is, you can't drill metal with a wood bit because you'll definitely damage something.
#4. Glass & Tile Bits
You can identify these bits by their spear-shaped heads, which have earned them the name “spearhead bits”. They are usually made from tungsten carbide and suitable for drilling both glass and tiles.
Always use them at low speeds and apply water to the glass if possible. It's also better to keep the glass on a flat and soft surface for support.
#5. Specialty Bits
In addition to the above four major types of bits, you'll also find a host of specialty bits, which usually come with a single purpose. Such bits include the Forstner bit for drilling shallow holes in wood and the hole saw for drilling wider holes in wood.
Another interesting bit is the step bit. This bit gets used on wood, plastic, and soft metals. It comes with lots of steps in a stair-like way, which also correspond to how wide you want to make the hole. You simply push down on your drill to widen a hole with the next and larger step.
How to Buy the Best Drill Bits
You can see how varied drill bits are and that your choice of a bit depends on what you plan to do with it. You should also know by now that the wrong bit choice can cause you a lot of problems.
In order to choose the best drill bits, therefore, you'll need to focus on the following important aspects:
#1. Your Main Purpose
Believe it or not, your main purpose for buying a drill bit will help you to figure out to a large extent, the exact type of bit you need to buy. This refers to whether you're working on wood, metal, or masonry.
In addition to knowing the best kind of tip and flute to get, you may also need to get a stronger drill or to get a bit with non-standard shank for maximum power delivery, especially when working with masonry.
#2. Drill Bit Material
A good knowledge of drill bit materials and their characteristics is important when working with drills because it enables you to work with maximum efficiency. Following are the most popular drill bit materials and their best uses:
- Steel Bits. Steel bits are generally used on softwood. The advantage of using steel bits is their low price, while their disadvantage is that they'll quickly go dull or even break when used on harder materials like hardwood.
- High-Speed Steel Bits. HSS bits are slightly tougher than normal steel bits, so they stay sharp longer. In addition, they're also more resistant to heat than normal steel, so they are usually used on a variety of materials including metals.
- Black Oxide Bits. HSS bits coated with black oxide get used on all kinds of materials, including hardwood and metals. The black oxide coating is inexpensive, heat-resistant, and it protects the steel and makes it last longer than normal HSS bits.
- Titanium Bits. These are HSS bits coated with titanium. They cost a little more than HSS bits, but they can stay sharper for up to 6 times longer.
- Carbide-tipped Bits. These stay sharp longer than steel, HSS and titanium bits. They also cost a little more. Their strength makes them ideal for drilling masonry.
- Cobalt Bits. The main feature of cobalt bits is their exceptional heat resistance and toughness. This makes them the go-to bits when you need to drill through extremely strong materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and others.
#3. Drill Bit Shank
A shank is the part of a drill bit that goes into your drill's chuck. There are three major types of shanks and they each have their advantages and disadvantages.
The round shank is good because it provides more accuracy, while the hex shank is good because it enables the drill chuck to grip it more tightly and deliver more torque.
The third type of shanks is the SDS shank. This comes designed for use with hammer drills. It does not need tightening but can deliver maximum thrust for better efficiency.
#4. Size of Set
You probably will be needing your drill bit from time to time, so it pays to think a bit about the future. Many manufacturers offer different quantities of the same bits as a set. Consider buying a larger set, which will give you more options down the line.
#5. Quality & Warranty
You'll find everything from a short 30-day guarantee to a lifetime warranty, depending on the manufacturer. Longer warranties are often given for higher quality products, which also cost more, as a result.
Although any set of bits with a longer warranty gets more points for being more valuable, the final choice remains yours, on how much extra you're willing to pay for quality and manufacturer warranty.
Conclusion
We've come to the end of this drill bit review and you've seen the different drill bit sets available and their different prices as well.
So, whether you're in search of a top drill bit or a low-cost budget option, you should know how important a drill bit's material is by now, so you don't have the wrong expectations.
In the end, though, the last choice is yours to make between a costly and long-lasting drill bit set and a cheaper one made from a lesser tough blend of steel.
Last Updated on February 13, 2020 by Tom Bradly