10 Best Drill Bits For Acrylic in 2026

A 135-degree stepped split point is the key feature for drilling acrylic without chipping or grabbing. This geometry, combined with a cobalt build, allows the bit to start cleanly and cut smoothly through brittle plastics and hard metals alike. The 29-piece range covers nearly every incremental size from 1/16″ to 1/2″, making it a complete foundational set for precise hole enlargement or new projects.

These bits have a jobber length and a 3-flat shank on most sizes to prevent spinning in the chuck, which provides secure handling for typical sheet and plate work. The gold oxide finish is part of the GSC series design. Since 1923, Drill America has specialized in industrial cutting tools, which includes their full line of drills, taps, and reamers.

The brad point tip is the key feature here. It grabs the acrylic surface on contact, preventing the bit from skating across the material before the hole starts. That self-centering action means you get a clean, precise entry hole exactly where you want it, which is critical for visible projects like display cases or signage. This set is a strong pick for woodworkers who also drill acrylic occasionally. The same bits that handle hardwood and plywood will leave a clean, crack-free hole in plastic sheets without needing a separate specialty set.

These bits are fundamentally designed for wood, with a brad point for self-centering on that material. Their performance on acrylic is a secondary benefit, not a primary design goal like the Viking Drill & Tool set which is engineered specifically for chip-free acrylic work. For the hybrid workshop tackling mixed materials, the KODIVEX set delivers the burr-free holes claimed and eliminates guesswork when starting a drill.

A 1/4-inch drill bit precision-engineered for plastic means you can drill acrylic and polycarbonate without the stress fractures and ugly chips that ruin expensive sheet stock. This is the bit you grab when a standard metal bit is about to turn your clear plastic project into a spiderweb. Its specially ground cutting geometry minimizes friction, so you get clean, chip-free holes ideal for display cases, signage, or enclosures. It’s built for the fabricator or serious hobbyist who needs predictable, clean results in thermoplastics without needing coolant.

The trade-off is its singular focus. You’re buying one specific size. For a project requiring multiple hole sizes, you’d be changing bits constantly, where a dedicated set like the Drill America Cobalt Stepped Point collection would be more efficient. But for repeat production work or a critical one-off job where a perfect 1/4-inch hole is paramount, this specialized tool eliminates the guesswork. It does one job exceptionally well, which is precisely why it stands out in a drawer full of general-purpose bits.

A 60-degree precision-ground point defines this set, designed specifically to avoid chipping acrylic for a cleaner hole. This focus makes it a solution for tasks like drilling plexiglass where edge quality matters. The product is branded as ‘Magnum Super Premium,’ and its one-and-a-half-pound weight indicates a substantial tool set.

This specialized geometry is a one-trick pony, however. If your work involves drilling into wood or metal on the same project, you’ll need to switch to a different bit. For a more versatile option that can handle acrylic alongside other materials, consider the stepped-point geometry of the **Drill America GSC Cobalt set**, which uses a different approach to reduce grabbing in plastic.

Covering 31 distinct step sizes across three bits, this set is built for projects demanding multiple, clean holes of varying diameters. The titanium nitride coating and high-speed steel construction are noted for durability and strength, while the spiral flutes help pull debris out to prevent cracking. It’s a logical choice for fabricators or serious DIYers assembling displays, enclosures, or signage where hole size consistency is critical from one piece to the next.

A minor inconvenience is the need to switch between the three bits to access the full spectrum of sizes, which can interrupt workflow. For dedicated, repeated drilling of the same small-diameter holes in acrylic, a specialized chip-free set might be considered. But for sheer versatility across a single material or mixed-material project, this set covers a wide range with a familiar, durable step-bit format.

The 135-degree split point tip is the key feature here, as it bites into acrylic without skating across the surface, giving you a clean, controlled start every time. This makes the bit ideal for anyone who’s struggled with cracking or chipping when drilling plastic, especially on rounded or uneven pieces. The cobalt construction also helps manage heat, which is critical for preventing melted edges in acrylic.

This is a single 3/16″ bit, so it lacks the multiple diameter options found in a set like the NEIKO Step Drill Bit Set. The 3-flat shank creates an extra secure hold in your chuck for stable operation. It is designed for use in a wide range of materials, including acrylics, steel, metal, and brass.

A stepped point design makes these bits four times sharper than traditional ones, which is the key to clean, controlled drilling in acrylic. That sharpness, combined with a titanium coating that generates less friction for a longer life, helps maintain performance. This 15-piece set from 1/16″ to 3/8″ covers a solid range of common hole sizes, and the three-flat shank on bits 3/16″ and larger locks securely in a chuck to prevent slipping. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss set built for the DIYer or hobbyist who needs predictable results on multiple materials without switching tools.

Capacity is the main limitation; you’re capped at a 3/8″ hole, so projects requiring larger diameters will need a different bit. Unlike a dedicated chip-free acrylic set, the YOUGFIN set takes a more generalist approach. Its strength is being a sharp, durable multi-material set that handles iron, stainless steel, wood, plastic, and acrylic, as stated. For most workshop tasks involving acrylic sheets alongside metal or wood, it’s a reliable and affordable workhorse.

A 135-degree split point tip bites immediately to reduce walking, a real advantage when starting on slick surfaces like acrylic. This DEWALT set is a practical choice for workshops drilling plastic, wood, and metal. Its high-speed steel and tapered web design aim for durability and resistance to breakage. The 3-flats shank on larger bits helps prevent spin-out in the chuck, providing a more secure grip under higher torque.

The compromise is the absence of a geometry made for chip-free exits in acrylic. This is a durable general-purpose set focused on clean hole starts, not a specialized chip-free acrylic bit. For a mixed-material shop where acrylic is drilled occasionally, these bits are reliable. If the goal is flawless acrylic work, a dedicated plastic bit is the better choice.

The M35 cobalt construction provides superior hot hardness, which helps the bits maintain their edge during high-speed drilling. This material offers enhanced wear resistance and good toughness, making it suitable for demanding materials like steel and cast iron. A titanium coating adds heat resistance and anti-rust properties, while the three-flat shank is designed for an enhanced grip and stability in the chuck.

Its stepped point tip allows one drill bit to create different hole sizes without needing a pilot hole for accuracy, which can streamline work on sheet metal. The set is listed as ideal for steel, cast iron, aluminum, brass, and acrylics to drill smooth and precise holes. Compared to a dedicated brad point set like the KODIVEX, which is designed for wood, this set trades material-specific geometry for versatility across metals and plastics.

The Amana Tool HSS Plastic Drill Bit is sold as a five-pack, which provides multiple replacements for a single, frequently used size. Amana Tool positions itself as an industry leader with over 40 years of focus on professional-grade solutions for manufacturers and fabricators. This suggests the bit is intended for users who prioritize a consistent supply of a dedicated tool over a versatile set for various materials.

The clear trade-off is its singular focus. You get a premium tool for one specific job in one specific size. For a professional building displays or cabinets, this is an asset, you reach for the right tool without compromise. For a home workshop tackling varied projects, a set like the KODIVEX Brad Point or Drill America Cobalt Stepped Point offers more flexibility across materials and hole sizes. The Amana bit assumes you already know exactly what size hole you need to drill, day in and day out.