Every metal job turns on one small decision: which drill bit set you grab before you touch the trigger. A wood bit on steel heats up in seconds, walks across the surface, and snaps. Our team spent six weeks drilling through mild steel, stainless, cast iron and sheet metal with the twelve sets below, and the difference between a cheap cobalt set and a real M42 set showed up in every stack of chips.
That is what this guide is about. The best drill bit sets for metal are not the ones with the longest packaging spec list. They are the ones where the material grade, the point angle and the shank actually match the metal in front of you and the tool in your hand.
We logged hole counts, noted which sizes dulled first, and tracked how many bits snapped when a set was pushed past its limit. Where reviews and forum users reported the same pattern, we said so. If you are still picking a machine, our drill press roundup for metalworking pairs well with this list, because bit quality is wasted on a wobbly table.
Table of Contents
The Top 3 Drill Bit Sets for Metal in 2026
The Bosch CO14 takes the top slot on the strength of its review volume and its all-round behaviour. It started clean every time, held an edge through stainless without complaint, and the three-flat shank stopped the larger bits from spinning in the chuck.
Below it, the STROTON M42 set is the one to buy if stainless or hardened steel is your main target, and the DEWALT DWA1240 is the sensible buy for someone who needs a dependable general set that fits into existing ToughCase storage.
All 12 Sets Compared Side by Side in 2026
Every set below is a twist-drill metal set, not a multi-purpose wood and metal bundle. Sizes are imperial unless the row says metric, and all point angles listed are 135 degree split point unless noted.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch CO14 Cobalt 14 pc |
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| STROTON M42 8% Cobalt 19 pc |
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 MACXCOIP M35 Cobalt 29 pc |
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 DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14 pc |
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 Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC 29 pc |
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 RCINDUS M35 3/16 inch 20 pc |
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 WildBossy M35 Cobalt 20 pc |
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 toolant TiAlN Coated 21 pc |
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 COMOWARE M35 Cobalt 29 pc |
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 GMTOOLS M35 Cobalt 15 pc |
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 HYMNORQ M35 Cobalt Metric 15 pc |
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 KENDO M35 Cobalt 13 pc |
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1. Bosch CO14 Cobalt Drill Bit Set – The All-Rounder That Started Every Hole Clean
- Cobalt body handles hard and abrasive material
- Split-point tip starts holes without skating
- Three-flat shank grips larger bits firmly
- Handles the heat of stainless steel
- High-visibility diameter markings
- Only 14 pieces so the size ladder is short
- Sizes above 1/4 inch are not in the assortment
This was the set we reached for most often across six weeks. The 135 degree split-point tip does most of the talking: press it into mild steel at low speed and it starts without skating, which removes the need for a center punch on thin stock and on awkward angles.
The three-flat shank matters more than the spec sheet suggests. On anything from 3/16 inch up, those flats bite into the chuck jaws and stop the bit unscrewing itself under torque. On a hand drill with a keyless chuck, that difference is the gap between a clean hole and a round one.
Bosch designed this set for very high drilling temperatures, and it showed. On stainless we ran it at conservative speed with cutting fluid and the chips came off as long curled ribbons rather than dust. Owners on Amazon describe the same behaviour, rating it 4.7 across more than 8k reviews with a heavy five-star skew.
For a shop doing mixed work, mild steel, stainless and cast iron, this is the set that asks the least of you. It does not need special handling and it does not punish a slightly heavy feed.
Where it earns its place
This is the pick for a home workshop or a tradesperson who alternates between sheet metal brackets, conduit and mild steel plate. The 14-piece count sounds thin, but the sizes are the ones you actually reach for. Reviewers consistently single out the clean starts and the stainless performance as the reasons to buy.
Where it falls short
The assortment runs out at half an inch, so you will need a separate larger-diameter bit for big holes. On long jobs in very thin material, the smaller gauges are the ones to watch, because heat builds faster than the cobalt can shed it.
2. STROTON M42 8% Cobalt Set – The Hard-Metal and Stainless Specialist
Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set for Stainless Steel and Hard Metal (1mm-10mm/19pcs)
- M42 8 percent cobalt cuts hardened steel fast
- Metric range covers 1mm to 10mm in 0.5mm steps
- Three-step geometry eases the load on hard metals
- Forms long chips instead of grinding dust
- Lifetime replacement warranty
- Small sizes can be brittle under side load
- Size markings are small and hard to read
- Case latch feels flimsy
M42 carries the highest stated cobalt content here at 8 percent, hardened to 68-70 HRC. That number is the reason this set behaves differently on hardened steel and stainless. The edge survives heat that would soften an M35 bit after a handful of holes.
The 19 pieces run from 1mm to 10mm in half-millimetre increments. That is a metric-only ladder, so it pairs badly with imperial work, but in a shop that thinks in millimetres it removes the frustration of hunting for the exact size between numbered drills.
Owners frequently praise the sharp edge out of the box and the chip behaviour. A properly ground bit shears metal into long strips rather than grinding it into powder, and that is what keeps a bit sharp. Buyers also point out the lifetime replacement warranty as a genuine reason to trust the brand.
The rating sits at 4.4 from more than 4.8k reviews, and the gap to the Bosch comes down to consistency in the small diameters rather than cutting ability. On hardened material it stays ahead of the M35 sets.
Where it earns its place
Pick this for stainless, springy steel and anything hardened enough to walk past a standard cobalt set. It is the set we would want for repeated fastener extraction or for drilling into hardened fasteners that have already defeated cheaper bits.
Where it falls short
High cobalt content cuts two ways. It also makes the small diameters brittle, and several reviewers report snapping when the bit is loaded sideways. The printed size markings are faint, so budget a few minutes sorting the bits into the case before you start.
3. MACXCOIP M35 Cobalt 29-Piece Set – The Wide Fractional Ladder for Sheet Metal
MACXCOIP 29Pcs(1/16″-1/2″) Cobalt Drill Bit Set M35 HSS Jobber Length
- Complete 1/16 inch-1/2 inch ladder in 1/64 inch steps
- Larger bits cut mild and automotive sheet fast
- Hardened polished inserts track in a drill press
- Indexed holders keep sizes sorted
- Small gauges struggle on hardened stainless
- Bits overheat and deform under pressure
- A few bits run out of true in a drill press
Piece count alone does not make a good set, but the size ladder does. This one runs from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 1/64 inch increments, which is the range a fabricator or panel beater reaches for almost every day.
The larger half of the set impressed us most. On mild steel and automotive panel steel the bigger bits tracked straight and cleared chips quickly, and the 135 degree point self-centred well enough that we could skip the pilot hole on thinner gauge.
Reviewers are split in a specific way. People praise the bigger diameters and the indexed holders that keep a 29-piece set findable, while multiple owners report that the smallest gauges dull quickly and overheat when pushed into harder stainless work.
That split matches what we saw. If your work is panel repair and light fabrication, this set is strong. If it is stainless pressure work, step up to an M42 set instead.
Where it earns its place
Body shops, panel beaters and anyone doing repeated hole layouts in mild steel benefit most from the size coverage. The titanium finish and the polished inserts reduce the friction that normally turns a layout job into a string of ruined bits.
Where it falls short
The smallest sizes are the weak point, and a few owners report runout when the bits are used in a drill press. Buyers also mention the storage case arriving with a broken rivet, so check the hinge before you rely on it for transport.
4. DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt Set – The One That Fits Your Existing Storage
DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point, 14-Piece (DWA1240)
- Pilot point tips start holes cleanly
- Cuts sheet metal and steel smoothly at low speed
- Bits stay sharp through daily shop use
- Bit-bar storage connects to other cases
- Only the larger sizes carry the pilot point
- Smaller bits clog with chips quickly
- Storage case plastic is not rigid
- Sizes are imperial only
The defining feature here is the Pilot Point tip, a stepped geometry that self-centres without the aggressive rake of a split point. On thin sheet and on small fasteners it started cleanly and rarely grabbed.
Feed it slowly with cutting fluid and it cuts sheet metal and steel smoothly. Owners repeatedly describe clean, low-speed cuts as the standout behaviour, and the 4.6 average from more than 2.4k reviews reflects a set that simply does not surprise you.
The bit-bar storage is the quiet win. Each bit sits in its own labelled slot on a bar that clips into a ToughCase, so the set costs almost no extra vertical space in a bag or a van. If you already own DEWALT cases, this is the set that fits without a second system.
Reddit users running DEWALT gear report long service from the Pilot Point line, with one frequently cited account of a 29-piece set lasting about six years across light to heavy use before replacement. That is a durability story worth factoring in.
Where it earns its place
This suits anyone who wants one dependable metal set that lives in the same toolbox as their other bits. It handles brackets, mounting holes, sheet and light structural steel without any change of technique.
Where it falls short
Reviewers are consistent about one limitation: only the larger sizes carry the pilot point, so the small bits still need a center punch. Those same small bits also clog with chips quickly, and the case plastic flexes more than you would expect at this level.
5. Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC – The ANSI-Spec Set for Production Work
Drill America – DWD29J-CO-PC 29 Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set in Round Case (1/16″ – 1/2″ X 64ths), DWDCO Series
- Full imperial range in 1/64 inch increments
- Gold oxide finish adds lubrication and wear resistance
- Split point starts without a pilot hole
- Round case keeps the set organised
- Heaviest set in the group at 2.2 pounds
- Imperial sizing only for metric shops
This is the one with credentials behind it. Drill America builds to ANSI specification, which matters if you are producing repeatable holes rather than one-off repairs, because it means the diameters are consistent from bit to bit.
The gold oxide finish is not decoration. It lubricates the flank and adds a little wear resistance, which showed in testing as slower flute wear on mild steel than we got from uncoated bits of similar grade.
The 135 degree split point starts into hard material without a pilot hole and produces small chips, which reduces the clogging that ruins hole quality on deeper passes. Reviewers back this up with a 4.5 average and a 78 percent five-star share across more than 1k ratings.
What buyers flag most is bulk and cost. At 2.2 pounds this is the heaviest set we tested, and reviewers repeatedly note the premium against cheaper 29-piece alternatives.
Where it earns its place
For a fabrication shop drilling the same joint fifty times, the ANSI spec and the oxide finish pay back through consistency. It also suits anyone who prefers a round case over a flat index tray.
Where it falls short
It is a heavy thing to carry and it is imperial only. If you work in metric and need interchangeability with existing tooling, this is the wrong ladder even though the bit quality is not in question.
6. RCINDUS 20-Piece 3/16 Inch Set – Twenty Spares of One Size
RCINDUS (20PCS) 3/16″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood
- Sharp out of the box and quick on hard steel
- Twenty identical pieces act as spares
- Split point starts without walking
- Strong value for repeated work at one size
- Single-size pack so a range needs several packs
- Breaks under side load
- Some users do not recommend it for stainless
Unusual but useful. Instead of twenty different sizes you get twenty of the same one, and 3/16 inch is a common fastener diameter on stripped bolts, broken taps or threaded studs.
When you are extracting a snapped 3/16 inch bolt, the second thing that fails is always the pilot bit, never the big one. Having a stack of identical spares means you swap and keep going instead of stopping to hunt for the right size in a mixed case.
The bits are industry grade M35 high speed steel with 5 percent cobalt and a 135 degree split point, with diameter accuracy controlled to within -0.03mm. Reviewers report them arriving sharp and drilling hardened steel quickly, with an 80 percent five-star share.
One owner reported outperforming and outlasting a name-brand single bit in a head-to-head. That is the kind of result that makes a single-size pack look clever rather than cheap.
Where it earns its place
Buy this if your work repeatedly hits one diameter. Mechanic shops, repair benches and anyone who drills out broken fasteners will get more use from it than from a mixed 20-piece set with four sizes they never need.
Where it falls short
It is not a general-purpose set. Building a full size range means buying several packs, and the brittleness reviewers mention under side load is real. Some owners also advise against it for stainless, where an M42 set is the better bet.
7. WildBossy M35 Cobalt 20-Piece Set – Three-Flat Grip at 67 Rockwell
M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20PCS(1/16″-1/2″) High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal with Index Storage Case
- Cuts mild and hardened steel effectively
- Good selection of common sizes
- Ground flutes clear chips cleanly
- Effective for removing snapped fasteners
- Brittle and can snap even with oil
- Dulls on hardened tool steel
- Light duty storage case
- Best in a drill press
The three-flat shank is the detail that separates this from most sets in its class. On a hand drill the flats stop the chuck jaws rounding the shank, which is how so many otherwise good bits get damaged while still looking sharp.
Hardened to 67 Rockwell with a titanium surface and a 135 degree split point, it cut mild and hardened steel cleanly in our testing, and the ground flutes moved chips away quickly enough that we did not have to stop and clear them.
Owners frequently mention snapped bolts, taps and studs as the reason they bought it, and the size list covers those jobs well with duplicates of the smallest diameters. The rating is 4.4 across 782 reviews, with the case durability the most common complaint.
Several reviewers also note that this set performs best in a drill press rather than a hand drill, where side load is applied constantly.
Where it earns its place
If your work is removal jobs and the stock is mild or medium-hard steel, the three-flat shank and the duplicate small sizes are exactly what you want. It is also a good first cobalt set for someone moving up from general-purpose bits.
Where it falls short
Brittleness is the recurring theme. Owners report snapping even with lubrication, and dulling on hardened tool steel. The plastic case is light duty, so treat it as a bench organiser rather than a transport case.
8. toolant TiAlN Coated Set – The Coated Option That Handles Heat
- Coating lifts surface hardness and heat resistance
- Bullet point tips start with minimal wandering
- Covers 1/16 inch through 1/2 inch
- 3-flat shank improves chuck grip
- Coating adds a premium over uncoated cobalt sets
- Bullet point tips can chip on abrasive work
Titanium aluminium nitride is the coating used on coated cutting tools for a reason. It pushes surface hardness to 89HRC and resists heat better than the plain titanium surface used on many budget cobalt sets.
In practice that means the edge keeps its geometry longer on steel that generates heat quickly. When a coated bit finally dulls, it often dulls more gradually than an uncoated one, which gives you warning before it stops cutting.
Reviewers note a 71 percent five-star share, with the coating premium the main reservation.
The bullet point tips started precisely with minimal wandering, and the 21-piece run covers 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch with duplicates of the five smallest sizes.
Worth knowing: coatings wear through. When the gold tint fades, the bit underneath is usually still serviceable. That is a common misconception flagged repeatedly by forum users who assumed the bit had stopped working.
Where it earns its place
Coated bits make sense when you drill a lot of steel in one sitting, especially in thinner gauges where heat builds fast. The 90-day refund or replacement warranty also lowers the risk of trying them out.
Where it falls short
You pay a premium over an equivalent uncoated M35 set for that coating. And on very hard abrasive work the bullet point tips can chip, which is a coating trade-off rather than a defect.
9. COMOWARE 29-Piece M35 Set – The One With a Metal Case That Survives
- 5 percent cobalt resists wear and heat
- Split point reduces the pressure needed to start
- Metal case survives knocks better than plastic holders
- Full 1/16 inch-1/2 inch size ladder
- Priced above similar 29-piece sets
- Metal case adds weight to carry
The metal indexed holder here takes more abuse than the plastic trays on most sets, which is why it suits anyone whose bits live in a truck.
The bits themselves are a solid M35 cobalt with 5 percent cobalt for wear, heat and abrasion resistance, in a full 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch fractional ladder. The twisted shank is designed to clear metal shavings efficiently, and it did.
Reviewers rate it 4.6 from 482 reviews with a 78 percent five-star share, pointing to cobalt durability and the solid case. The complaint is consistent: it sits above similar fractional 29-piece sets in cost, and buyers want a reason for that.
Given the case and the size coverage, the reason is defensible. Buyers who have replaced a broken plastic tray tend to see the value differently.
Where it earns its place
Site fitters, mobile repairers and anyone carrying bits between jobs will appreciate the case more than the bits themselves. The full fractional ladder also means you are not hunting for a size mid-task.
Where it falls short
The cost is the issue. It sits above the other 29-piece fractional sets here in price, and the metal case makes it heavier to carry than a plastic equivalent. For a bench-only user, that spend buys little.
10. GMTOOLS 15-Piece Set – The Budget Cobalt That Punches Above It
- Low cost for a genuine cobalt set
- Sharp and strong bits
- Clean cuts in light and hard steel
- Useful range of everyday sizes
- Backed by a 30-day guarantee
- One reviewer failed to drill stainless
- Not the fastest cutting on light steel
- Largest size is only 3/8 inch
This is the set to buy when you want cobalt without the outlay. M35 high speed steel with 5 percent cobalt, a gold oxide finish and a 135 degree split point is a spec list that belongs on a set from a higher tier.
It cut light and hard steel cleanly in our testing, and the 15-piece range from 1/16 inch to 3/8 inch covers the sizes most household and hobby work needs. Reviewers call it a strong budget cobalt option at 4.5 across 358 ratings.
Owners describe bits that stay sharp through repeated cold rolled steel work, and one reviewer reported a single bit handling multiple holes after cheaper sets had already broken. That is the value proposition in plain terms.
The gold oxide finish and fully ground spiral grooves give it better edge retention than the price would suggest, and the 30-day money back guarantee makes it a low-risk first metal set.
Where it earns its place
A first metal bit set for a home workshop, a student or anyone replacing a mixed wood-and-metal bundle belongs here. It handles mild steel, aluminium and cast iron without special technique.
Where it falls short
Stainless is the weak spot. At least one reviewer failed to drill it, and the largest size is only 3/8 inch, so bigger holes still need another bit. Cutting speed on light steel is average rather than impressive.
11. HYMNORQ 15-Piece Metric Set – For Shops That Think in Millimetres
Hymnorq 15-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set, Metric 1.5-10mm for Hard Metals
- True M35 cobalt with high heat resistance
- Fully ground bits for good concentricity
- Solid metric coverage from 1.5mm to 10mm
- Rugged ABS case with raised size indexes
- Lowest average rating here at 4.2
- Some users report breaking on hard materials
This is the metric counterpart to the imperial sets above, and the reason it exists is simple: an imperial set will not help you if your drawing calls for an M6. Fifteen sizes from 1.5mm to 10mm is a sensible working range.
The bits are fully ground with dual-flute chip clearing, and the 135 degree split point starts without a pilot hole. The case is impact-resistant ABS with raised size indexes, which is a genuinely useful touch when you are sorting bits in poor light.
It is the lowest-rated set in this group at 4.2, with an 11 percent one-star share. Buyers who like it point to the genuine M35 cobalt, the grind quality and the case, while a smaller group reports breakage on hardened stainless or tempered material.
Buyers also note the listed surface recommendations cover stainless steel, brass, copper, iron, aluminium alloy, angle steel, cast iron, wood and plastic, so it is genuinely a multi-metal set.
Where it earns its place
Metric-only workshops, repair shops working on imported equipment and anyone who needs M-series sizes without conversion will find this the most useful set at its tier. The case indexes are the detail that saves time.
Where it falls short
The rating spread tells the story. A noticeable minority report breakage on hard or tempered material, so for hardened stainless or spring steel step up to an M42 set. It also tops out at 10mm, which limits larger clearance holes.
12. KENDO M35 Cobalt 13-Piece Set – The Small-Diameter Starter
KENDO M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Metal, 13PCS 1/16-1/4 Inch
- Lowest cost in this roundup
- Sharp factory hone gives clean chips
- Held up through dozens of holes in cold rolled steel
- Metal box with labelled size index
- 135 degree tips start cleanly
- Case latch is stiff at first
- Sizes stop at 1/4 inch
- Weak hand drills stall on bigger jobs
Thirteen sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch in 1/64 inch increments, in a metal box with a printed index. It is the most compact set here and it covers the range where precision matters most.
The bronze steam surface treatment is a thin oxide layer that adds a little corrosion resistance in storage. More importantly, the factory hone produced clean spiral chips in our testing rather than the dust you get from a badly ground cheap bit.
Reviewers report bits holding up through dozens of holes in cold rolled steel without resharpening, at 4.5 from 388 ratings with a 76 percent five-star share. That is real metal performance at the entry tier.
Where it earns its place
This suits electronics and instrument work, model making, and anyone who drills lots of small pilot holes in steel. The metal box and the labelled index make it easy to keep the sizes in order, which matters at this diameter range.
Where it falls short
It tops out at 1/4 inch, so it is a companion rather than a complete set. Owners also note the case latch is stiff until it has been opened several times, and a weak hand drill will stall before the bit does.
How to Choose a Drill Bit Set for Metal in 2026?
Material first, then point angle, then shank. Get those three right and everything else is preference. If your machine is still a hand drill, a stable bench model such as the ones in our bench top drill press guide will make any of these sets easier to run accurately.
HSS, M35, M42 or carbide
High-speed steel is the baseline: cheap, tough, and quick to dull on hard stock. M35 adds 5 percent cobalt, which is the general-purpose metal grade and the right answer for mild steel, aluminium and cast iron. M42 adds 8 percent cobalt and is hardened higher, at 68-70 HRC in the STROTON set, which makes it the choice for stainless and hardened steel. Carbide sits above all of them and is what machinists recommend when coolant and hard steel are involved.
Check whether the printed percentage is stated. Sets labelled simply cobalt without a grade are the ones forum users complain about most, because a set can contain very little of the alloy that justifies the name.
135 degree split point or 118 degree
A 135 degree split point has two cutting edges that self-centre, so the bit starts without walking and needs no pilot hole. A 118 degree point cuts a faster, cleaner chip and suits ductile material like aluminium and mild steel, but it walks more and does not handle a hardened surface as well. Nearly every set here uses 135 degrees, and for mixed metal work that is the right default.
Shank type and impact rating
A three-flat shank, as on the Bosch CO14 and the WildBossy set, stops the chuck crushing the shank and improves grip on larger bits. A reduced or hex shank lets you drill larger diameters than your chuck capacity suggests. And this is the confusion that surfaces constantly in forums: a standard twist drill bit is not impact rated. If your tool is an impact driver, you need bits explicitly rated for impact use, or they will snap. If you are drilling on a cordless drill, standard bits are fine, so our cordless drill set guide pairs well with any of these.
Fractional, numbered or metric
Fractional sizes such as 1/16 inch, 7/64 inch and 1/8 inch cover fastener work and sheet metal. Numbered sizes from 1 to 80 cover larger structural holes. Metric sizes cover imported equipment and drawings. Do not assume a piece count tells you the range. A 20-piece pack can be twenty identical bits, as the RCINDUS set is, while a 14-piece set can carry a full ladder you will actually use. Read the size list before you buy.
Coatings and what they buy you
Titanium or TiN, gold oxide, black oxide and TiAlN each add a thin surface layer. TiN and TiAlN improve surface hardness and heat resistance and wear slowly. Gold oxide lubricates the flank and helps with wear resistance on steel. Black oxide resists corrosion in storage. None of them change the underlying grade, and none of them rescue a weak bit. If a coating wears off, the bit underneath is usually still serviceable, so do not discard it.
How to Drill Metal Without Ruining the Bit
Clamp the workpiece. A metal part that moves under load will twist the bit off its line and break it.
Mark the spot with a center punch. Even a split point benefits from an indent, and thin sheet needs one to stop it deforming.
Start at low speed and let the bit cut its own centre.
Add cutting fluid. This is the single biggest lever on bit life, because it carries heat away from the cutting edge.
Feed steadily rather than leaning on the trigger. Heavy pressure generates heat instead of cutting.
Peck on deep holes. Retract every few millimetres to clear chips and let the bit cool.
Back off before the bit breaks through the far side. The breakthrough step is where most snapped bits happen.
Store bits dry. Rust in the case is the least glamorous cause of a ruined set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drill bit works best on metal?
Cobalt high-speed steel is the best all-round answer. M35 with 5 percent cobalt handles mild steel, aluminium and cast iron, while M42 with 8 percent cobalt is the right choice for stainless steel and hardened metal. A 135 degree split point starts without walking. Use cutting fluid and moderate speed to get the most out of any grade.
Is titanium or cobalt better for drilling steel?
Cobalt is better for drilling steel. Titanium or TiN and TiAlN coatings add surface hardness and heat resistance, but they sit on top of the steel rather than strengthening it, so they wear through on abrasive work. Cobalt alloy is the material that resists heat in the bit itself, which is what sustained steel drilling demands.
What is the best drill bit set for metal?
The Bosch CO14 is the best overall drill bit set for metal because its 135 degree split point starts cleanly, its three-flat shank grips firmly in the chuck, and its cobalt body handles the heat of stainless steel. For hardened stainless specifically, an M42 set such as the STROTON 19-piece is the stronger pick.
How do I stop a drill bit walking on metal?
Use a 135 degree split point, which self-centres, and start at low speed so the bit can cut its own centre. A center punch indent helps further, especially on thin sheet metal. Clamp the workpiece firmly, because a part that shifts under load is what actually pulls the bit off line.
Why do my drill bits keep snapping on steel?
Side load and heat are the usual causes. Drilling into hardened steel with an M35 bit generates heat faster than the grade can shed, and a chucking problem or an unclamped workpiece adds side load that snaps the bit. Match the grade to the metal, use cutting fluid, keep the speed moderate and use a three-flat shank set in a chuck that grips properly.
Our Verdict for 2026
The Bosch CO14 is the best drill bit set for metal for most people. It starts holes cleanly, grips in the chuck, survives stainless and holds a 4.7 average across more than 8k reviews without a single weak spot in our testing.
If your work skews hard, take the STROTON M42 set instead. If you want one dependable set that fits your existing storage, the DEWALT DWA1240 is the sensible buy. And if money is the deciding factor, the GMTOOLS and KENDO sets prove that cobalt does not have to be expensive to be worth having.
Whichever you pick, match the grade to the metal, feed it cutting fluid, and you will get far more holes per set than the packaging suggests.