10 Best Drill Bits in 2026

With 5% cobalt alloy steel, these bits can handle the heat and abrasion of drilling stainless steel and other hard metals without losing their edge quickly. That’s the core reason this set belongs in a busy shop. The 135-degree split point starts a hole right where you punch it, which is a lifesaver when you’re working on a finished piece and can’t afford to mar the surface. It’s a comprehensive 29-piece kit that gives you a dedicated bit for nearly every job in metal, from tiny pilot holes up to a hefty half-inch.

The trade-off is the footprint. The case measures over a foot wide, so it’s not a set you’ll tuck into a compact tool bag; it’s meant for a workshop bench or a large mobile box. Compared to the more compact DEWALT High-Speed Steel set, the IRWIN M35 is built for tougher materials, not for portability. If your work regularly involves hardened metals, the cobalt content and the full size range justify the bench space it consumes.

A 135-degree split point tip bites into material immediately to reduce walking, which helps a user start holes accurately in plastic, wood, and metal. High-speed steel construction allows the bits to be used across those common materials. The black and gold coating helps prevent rust and wear, a practical benefit for storage in a garage or workshop. Its 3-flats shank reduces spin-out in the chuck on sizes larger than 3/16-inch, providing a more secure grip during use.

The trade-off is in scope and specialization. With 14 pieces, it covers the basics but can’t match the size range of a larger kit like the 29-piece IRWIN M35 Cobalt set. More importantly, these are high-speed steel bits, not cobalt. They’ll handle general purpose drilling perfectly, but for frequent work in stainless steel or cast iron, you’d want a set specifically formulated for those harder alloys. For the weekend warrior, however, this set hits the sweet spot of capable features at an accessible point.

This set is built for the shop tackling stainless steel, cast iron, or titanium regularly. It’s a premium choice for metalworkers who need reliable penetration and bit longevity.

The trade-off for this metal-focused performance is bulk. The round case is over 9 inches long and nearly 3 pounds full, which is substantial compared to a compact set like the DEWALT High-Speed Steel. That heft comes from the sturdy bits and a sturdy case, but it’s not the kit you’d casually toss into a small bag. For a mixed-material job site, the Bosch Mixed Drill Bit Set offers more versatility, but for dedicated metal fabrication, this Milwaukee set’s specialized design pays off.

The key feature is a 135-degree tip that bites into metal without walking. This self-centering action lets you skip the pilot hole and get straight to work. Combined with a finish that increases hardness and fights rust, the set is a solid, no-fuss choice for anyone regularly drilling through steel or iron. It’s built for the mechanic or fabricator who needs reliable penetration and a full range of sizes from 1/16″ up to 1/2″.

High-speed steel construction provides good wear resistance for most metal drilling tasks, though it is not specialized for the hardest alloys. The research mentions a different Drill America cobalt product, which adheres to the National Aerospace Standard 907 and can drill up to 30% faster than traditional M2 high-speed steel bits in hardened steel. For consistent work on materials like stainless or tool steel, a cobalt formula is often considered a wiser long-term investment.

The 8% cobalt M42 alloy is the key here, letting these bits handle the high heat of drilling stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium without immediately dulling. This makes them a go-to for mechanics, metal fabricators, or any DIYer regularly tackling hardened metals. The split points on bits over 1/8 inch mean you can start a hole without it walking, and the three-flat shank keeps the bit locked in place under heavy pressure. It’s a set built for a specific, demanding job.

Bosch built these bits around an M42 cobalt alloy containing 8% cobalt, which Bosch states delivers ten times the life of standard bits in tough metals. That upgraded material withstands high temperatures, so you can push them in stainless steel or cast iron without immediately burning up the cutting edge. The set focuses solely on metal, however, lacking bits for wood or masonry.

With a 1/4-inch hex shank, these bits lock solidly into an impact driver, transforming that tool into a capable drill for metal, wood, and plastic. Their titanium nitride coating lasts 2.5 times longer than non-coated bits, a clear advantage for extending bit life. This 14-piece set is designed for the user who primarily reaches for an impact driver and needs bits rated for its torque and concussive action.

You trade sheer volume of bits for a focused, durable kit. It excels as the drill bit set you keep in your impact driver’s bag, not the comprehensive index on your shop wall. The split-point geometry starts fast in metal, a real advantage over standard points that can skate around. The smaller selection, however, means you might not have the perfect size for every precise task.

These M42 cobalt bits use a stepped point geometry that bites in with minimal walking. This control is a real advantage when you’re trying to enlarge an existing hole without ruining its edges. That design is the key for clean, precise cutting, making this set a good fit for anyone who regularly needs to open up holes in acrylic, steel, or brass. It’s built for the shop hand who values a smooth finish over brute speed.

For general-purpose metal drilling where chuck size isn’t a constraint, these bits are hard to beat.

A key feature is the Pilot Point tip, which starts on contact to prevent the bit from skating across your workpiece. This provides cleaner holes, a clear advantage for tasks demanding accuracy from the initial touch. The titanium nitride coating also contributes to longer bit life compared to uncoated steel, meaning the set stays sharp through more use.

The set’s tapered web design provides greater durability to reduce breaking, a practical benefit when applying pressure in tough materials. Its no-spin shanks help keep bits securely gripped in a drill chuck. All 29 pieces from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch are organized in a tough case for storage and transport.

This 34-piece mixed set puts a capable bit for wood, metal, and masonry into one compact, portable case. It’s the right choice for a DIYer or homeowner who needs a single kit for common tasks around the house, from assembling furniture to hanging a shelf. The variety means you’re less likely to be caught without the right tool, and the tough case keeps everything organized in your drawer or toolbox. Bosch’s split-point tips help prevent walking on metal, and the driver bits are designed to grip screws better, reducing cam-out.

The trade-off for this convenience is specialization. For drilling only metal, a set like the IRWIN M35 Cobalt offers more focused performance and durability. Research also shows Pros turn to dedicated Bosch Daredevil bits for concrete or a separate glass and tile set for those fragile materials. Think of this Bosch MS4034 as a reliable first-line toolkit. When a specific project demands more, you’ll know exactly what to buy next.

Offering 230 bits from 3/64″ to 1/2″ means you’re unlikely to halt a project searching for a specific size. This wide selection, paired with the 135° split point that grips quickly to reduce skating, suits a workshop handling diverse jobs. The cobalt high-speed steel with a titanium coating is intended to reduce friction and heat for longer life in materials like wood, plastic, and soft metals.

Managing such a large assortment in a compact 7.2-inch tall case demands careful organization to locate a specific bit quickly. When compared to other cobalt sets like the 29-piece IRWIN M35, this GDLIN collection prioritizes extensive size coverage over the focused, smaller-kit convenience some professionals prefer. Its strength lies in breadth, providing a tool for many common tasks rather than specialized applications.