10 Best Bits for Drilling Steel (October 2026)

Steel punishes the wrong bit quickly. A plain high speed steel bit in stainless dulls after a few holes, a straight shank spins in the chuck once the torque climbs, and a bit without a split point wanders across the surface before it bites. The result is scorched tips, oval holes and a drawer full of snapped small sizes. Best Bits for Drilling Steel depend on three things: the alloy or coating on the flutes, the point geometry, and how the shank locks into your drill or impact driver.

The short answer: the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece suits most home and job-site users who drill mild steel, wood and plastic with one set. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt suits anyone drilling stainless steel or cast iron, and the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold suits those who work with an impact driver. The rest of the list covers other DEWALT sets, a five-piece impact set, a metric cobalt set, a fine-increment IRWIN set and a 230-piece bulk assortment.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece, with 16 sizes from 1/16 to 1/2 inch, a titanium nitride coating and a pilot point tip.
• Best for stainless steel: Bosch CO21B Cobalt, 8% cobalt M42 alloy with split points on bits 1/8 inch and larger and 3-flat shanks from 3/16 inch up.
• Best for impact drivers: Makita B-65399 Impact Gold, 14 impact-rated bits on a 1/4 inch hex shank with a 135 degree split point.
• Best for metric work: Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt, 1 mm to 10 mm in 0.5 mm steps in 8% cobalt M42 rated 68-70 HRC.

Best Bits for Drilling Steel Comparison (October 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Pieces	Material	Shank
1	DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece	Mixed shop work	21	Titanium nitride coated	Round
2	DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point	Chuck grip	14	High speed steel, gold coating	3-flat
3	DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece	Compact toolbox	14	Titanium nitride	Straight
4	Bosch CO21B Cobalt	Stainless steel	21	8% cobalt M42	3-flat
5	Makita B-65399 Impact Gold	Impact drivers	14	Titanium nitride	1/4 in. hex
6	Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece	Heavy-gauge pilot holes	5	Titanium nitride	Hex
7	DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt	Alloy and stainless	14	Cobalt alloy steel	Straight
8	Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium	Bulk restocking	230	High speed steel, titanium	Round
9	Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt	Metric hard metal	19	8% cobalt M42	Straight
10	IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt	Fine size steps	29	5% cobalt alloy steel	Not listed

1. DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece: Best Titanium Nitride Pilot Point Bit Set for Mixed Shop Work

• Pieces: 21 bits covering 16 sizes from 1/16 to 1/2 inch
• Coating: Titanium nitride
• Tip: Pilot point, starts on contact
• Shank: Round, with a no-spin design
• Case: Plastic case, about 1 pound loaded

Pros:

• The 16 sizes run from 1/16 to 1/2 inch, so one case covers tap drill holes, bolt holes and clearance holes.
• Doubles of the five smallest sizes (1/16 through 1/8 inch) offset the fact that small bits are the first to snap.
• The pilot point tip starts cleanly without a center punch on flat steel, plate and tube.
• The no-spin shank resists slipping in the chuck as torque rises on larger bits.

Cons:

• Titanium nitride over standard steel does not match the heat resistance of cobalt, so stainless and hardened stock wear it quickly.
• Durability is inconsistent: some sets last through heavy site use while others lose small bits early.
• A starter spur is reported only on sizes above 1/4 inch, so the smallest bits can wander on rough surfaces.

Best for: A homeowner or tradesperson who drills mostly mild steel, angle iron and tube alongside wood and plastic.

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The DW1361 earns first place for range and balance rather than a single standout spec. Sixteen sizes in 21 pieces is a more useful spread than the 14-piece DEWALT sets, and the pilot point handles the usual job of getting a clean start on flat stock. It also comes in a black and yellow version.

Against the Bosch CO21B Cobalt, the DEWALT gives up heat resistance but covers the same top size of 1/2 inch with more everyday flexibility for wood and plastic. If most of your work is stainless, cast iron or work-hardened plate, skip it and choose the Bosch. If you want the same pilot point family with a more compact case, the DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece is the alternative.

Expect it to perform well in mild steel and mixed materials, and treat harder tube as the limit. Use cutting oil and moderate speed, and it will handle most repair and fabrication jobs without a second set.

2. DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point: Best 3-Flat Split Point Bit Set for Chuck Grip on Larger Sizes

• Pieces: 14
• Tip: 135 degree split point
• Shank: 3-flat on sizes larger than 3/16 inch
• Material: High speed steel with a black and gold coating
• Size range: Not listed

Pros:

• The 135 degree split point reduces walking when starting on smooth steel.
• The 3-flat shank reduces spin-out in the chuck on every size above 3/16 inch.
• A tapered web is built to resist breakage in deeper holes.
• Size markings on the shank make it quick to pick the right bit from a loose pile.

Cons:

• The black and gold coating protects against rust and wear but does not add the heat resistance of cobalt.
• Some users report bits breaking in use, especially on the smaller sizes.
• The size list for the set is not specified, so check the case contents before assuming it fits your hole sizes.

Best for: A user with a keyed or keyless chuck that struggles to hold round shanks under load.

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The DWA1184 is the better pick than the DW1361 if chuck slip is your main frustration. Three flats on the larger shanks give the jaws something to grip, and the 135 degree split point helps on smooth surfaces where a conventional tip skates.

It is a good partner for general metal, wood and plastic, but it is not a stainless steel bit. Choose the DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt or the Bosch CO21B Cobalt for that. The unlisted size range is also a reason to prefer the DW1361 if you need a confirmed 1/16 to 1/2 inch spread.

3. DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece: Best Compact Pilot Point Bit Set for Toolbox Storage

• Pieces: 14 bits from 1/16 to 1/2 inch
• Coating: Titanium nitride
• Tip: Pilot point at 135 degrees
• Shank: Straight
• Weight: About 8 ounces

Pros:

• The 14 bits span 1/16 to 1/2 inch in a case that weighs about 8 ounces.
• The pilot point reduces walking and leaves cleaner, burr-reduced holes in steel.
• A clear lid and clip latch make it easy to see which sizes are missing.
• The connectable bit-bar design lets you move bits around and the case fits inside the Small and Medium ToughCase (sold separately).

Cons:

• The shank is straight, so larger bits can spin in the chuck more easily than the 3-flat DWA1184 Split Point.
• Durability reports are mixed, with some bits holding up for a long time and others breaking early.
• Titanium nitride is a poor match for stainless steel and other hard metals.

Best for: A toolbox or truck owner who wants a light set for mild steel, wood and plastic.

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The DW1354 is the lighter alternative to the DW1361. It drops seven pieces and some intermediate sizes, but keeps the same coating and pilot point tip and stays within the 1/16 to 1/2 inch range. The case is the reason to buy it: the clear lid and bit-bar layout are easier to scan than a typical hinged case.

Do not buy it for stainless or work-hardened plate. For that, the Bosch CO21B Cobalt is the correct step up. For heavy use where chuck slip matters, the 3-flat DWA1184 Split Point is a closer fit.

4. Bosch CO21B Cobalt: Best M42 Cobalt Bit Set for Stainless Steel

• Pieces: 21
• Material: M42 alloy with 8% cobalt
• Tip: Split point on bits 1/8 inch and larger, surface-hardened
• Shank: 3-flat on bits 3/16 inch and larger
• Materials: Stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, light-gauge metal, aluminum

Pros:

• The 8% cobalt M42 alloy is built for high heat, which is what kills ordinary bits in stainless steel.
• Split points on bits 1/8 inch and larger start without a center punch.
• The 3-flat shank on bits 3/16 inch and larger improves grip in the chuck.
• A thick web-helix design adds stability in tough materials.

Cons:

• Cobalt alloys are harder but more brittle, so a wobbling hand drill can snap the smallest sizes.
• Bits below 1/8 inch do not have the split point, so they need a center punch on smooth steel.
• No impact rating is listed, so it is not intended for impact drivers.

Best for: Someone drilling stainless steel, cast iron or titanium on a regular basis.

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The CO21B is the most direct upgrade from the DW1361 for tougher metal. Its 8% cobalt alloy and surface-hardened tip are the right match for stainless and cast iron, where a titanium nitride bit loses its edge. It also comes in a Solid Black version.

Against the IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt, the Bosch has the higher cobalt percentage, while the IRWIN offers finer size steps. The Bosch is a better choice for production-style drilling in stainless.

If your work is mostly mild steel, wood and plastic, the cobalt cost is wasted and the DW1361 is a better match. If you drill with an impact driver, choose the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold instead.

5. Makita B-65399 Impact Gold: Best Impact-Rated Hex Shank Set for Impact Drivers

• Pieces: 14 bits from 1/16 to 1/2 inch
• Shank: 1/4 inch hex, impact rated
• Tip: 135 degree split point
• Coating: Titanium nitride, rated to last 2.5x longer than uncoated bits
• Materials: Ferrous and non-ferrous metal, wood, plastic, cast iron, stainless steel

Pros:

• The 1/4 inch hex shank locks into an impact driver and cannot slip like a round shank.
• The 135 degree split point reduces walking on smooth surfaces.
• Titanium nitride lasts about 2.5 times longer than uncoated bits.
• Sizes cover 1/16 to 1/2 inch, including a second 1/8 inch bit.

Cons:

• Titanium nitride is better than plain steel but not as heat-tolerant as cobalt in stainless steel.
• No manufacturer warranty is listed.
• Larger bits need a hex-shank-compatible chuck or an impact driver, so some drills cannot take them.

Best for: A user who drives and drills with the same impact driver and wants one tool for both.

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The Makita B-65399 is built around the hex shank. An impact driver delivers rotational hammering, and a round shank can slip under that load. The Makita's hex shank holds in a quick-release collet and keeps the bit aligned, which matters as much as the coating.

It covers more sizes than the Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece, which stops at 1/4 inch, so it is the better set for general steel work. For a bigger spread on a keyed chuck, the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece is the safer buy.

6. Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece: Best Five-Piece Impact Set for Heavy-Gauge Steel Pilot Holes

• Pieces: 5 (3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 and 1/4 inch)
• Coating: Titanium nitride
• Shank: Impact-rated hex
• Design: No-skate tip, long flutes
• Materials: Heavy-gauge and high-carbon steel, light-gauge metal, hardwood

Pros:

• The impact-rated hex shank is built for higher torque drill drivers.
• A no-skate tip gives accurate starts on steel.
• Long flutes are designed for effective material removal.
• Laser marking identifies each diameter clearly.

Cons:

• The set stops at 1/4 inch, so larger holes need another set.
• Only five bits means a broken size leaves a gap.
• The surface recommendation is metal only.

Best for: A user who needs the most common pilot hole sizes for heavy-gauge steel and wants a small case.

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The TI5IM is a specialist set. It is aimed at high-carbon and heavy-gauge steel, where its long flutes clear chips. Compared with the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold, it has fewer sizes but a design aimed specifically at steel.

It is the wrong choice if you need bolt-size holes or one set for the whole workshop. The Makita covers up to 1/2 inch, and the IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt offers 29 sizes in finer steps.

7. DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt: Best Cobalt Pilot Point Set for Alloy and Stainless Steel

• Pieces: 14
• Material: Cobalt alloy steel
• Tip: Pilot point at 135 degrees
• Shank: Straight
• Surfaces: Alloy steel, iron, stainless steel

Pros:

• Cobalt alloy steel handles stainless and alloy steel better than the coated sets in this list.
• The pilot point tip reduces walking on smooth surfaces.
• The clear lid and clip latch let you see contents at a glance.
• The connectable bit-bar case fits the Small and Medium ToughCase+ (sold separately).

Cons:

• The shank is straight, so grip on larger bits depends on the chuck.
• The size range of the set is not specified beyond a 3 mm minimum.
• It has fewer pieces than the 21-piece Bosch CO21B Cobalt.

Best for: A DEWALT-oriented user who wants a cobalt set that matches existing ToughCase storage.

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The DWA1240 is the cobalt option for DEWALT users. It shares the case design and pilot point of the DW1354 14-Piece but swaps the coating for a solid cobalt alloy, which is the right trade for stainless steel.

Against the Bosch CO21B Cobalt, it has fewer pieces and no 3-flat shank. Choose the Bosch if chuck slip is an issue, or the IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt if you need finer size steps.

8. Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium: Best High-Volume Titanium Assortment for Shop Restocking

• Pieces: 230
• Material: High speed steel with titanium coating
• Tip: 135 degree
• Size range: 3/64 to 1/2 inch
• Case: Plastic storage box

Pros:

• The 230 pieces include 32 bits at 3/64 inch and 30 each at 1/16, 5/64 and 3/32 inch, which are the sizes that break most.
• The 135 degree tip is designed to center itself and penetrate with less pressure.
• The titanium coating is intended to reduce heat build-up and rust.
• The sizes run from 3/64 to 1/2 inch in one box.

Cons:

• Its stated uses are wood, cast iron, aluminum alloy, plastic and fiberglass rather than steel specifically.
• Larger sizes come in single quantities, with just one each of 23/64, 3/8 and 1/2 inch.
• It is a poor match for stainless and hardened steel compared with cobalt sets.

Best for: A shop or workshop that breaks many small bits and wants a large supply.

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The Hurricane set is about quantity. With 230 pieces it is a restocking box, not a precision set, and it suits light steel, aluminum and plastic where small bits are consumed quickly.

It is the wrong buy for stainless or tough alloys. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt is the correct choice there, and the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece is a better single set for mild steel with a more refined tip.

9. Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt: Best Metric 8% Cobalt Set for Hard Metal

• Pieces: 19
• Sizes: 1 mm to 10 mm in 0.5 mm steps
• Material: M42 steel with 8% cobalt, 68-70 HRC
• Tip: 135 degree split point
• Shank: Straight

Pros:

• The 8% cobalt M42 alloy rated 68-70 HRC is designed for heat, wear and chip resistance.
• The 0.5 mm steps give precise clearance and tap drill sizes.
• The split point reduces walking on hard surfaces.
• It is intended for stainless steel, hard metals and aluminum.

Cons:

• The sizes are metric only and stop at 10 mm, so there is no 1/2 inch equivalent.
• The shank is straight, so it relies on the chuck for grip.
• The storage case is not described.

Best for: A machinist or fabricator working to metric dimensions in stainless or hard metal.

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The Stroton set matches the cobalt content of the Bosch CO21B Cobalt and adds metric sizing. If your drawings and fasteners are metric, the 0.5 mm steps are more useful than fractional inches.

For tougher stock, read our guide to the drill bit for drilling hardened steel before you commit, because hardness above this rating needs a different bit type.

Choose the Bosch if you need inch sizes or a 3-flat shank, and the IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt for fractional sizes in fine steps.

10. IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt: Best Fine-Increment Cobalt Set for Precise Hole Sizes

• Pieces: 29
• Sizes: 1/16 to 1/2 inch in 1/64 inch steps
• Material: 5% cobalt alloy steel (M35)
• Tip: 135 degree split point
• Case: Pro case, about 11.6 x 12.3 x 3.4 inches

Pros:

• The 1/64 inch steps give 29 sizes across the full 1/16 to 1/2 inch range.
• The 5% cobalt alloy provides higher heat and abrasion resistance than coated sets.
• The 135 degree split point minimizes walking.
• Heavy duty web construction adds strength and durability.

Cons:

• The cobalt content is lower than the 8% in the Bosch CO21B Cobalt and Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt.
• The shank style is not specified.
• The case is the largest in this list, which makes it less portable.

Best for: A machinist or fabricator who needs exact fractional sizes in alloy steel.

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The IRWIN set is the most complete fractional set in this list. Single steps of 1/64 inch let you match tap drill charts without rounding, which is the reason to buy it.

It is the wrong choice for field work or impact drivers, where the compact Makita B-65399 Impact Gold fits better. For the highest cobalt content, the Bosch CO21B is the stronger option.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Bit for Drilling Steel

The core trade-off is hardness against toughness. Cobalt bits resist heat in stainless and alloy steel but are more brittle, while coated high speed steel bits flex more and cost less to replace but dull faster in hard metal. Match the bit to the steel first, then to the drill.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Steel type: Mild steel suits coated bits, while stainless, cast iron and alloy steel call for cobalt.
• Drill type: Impact drivers need hex shanks, while keyed and keyless chucks accept round and 3-flat shanks.
• Hole sizes: Fractional, metric and small-diameter work each point to different sets.
• Starting surface: Smooth or curved steel needs a split point or pilot point to prevent walking.
• Portability: Case size and weight matter on a job site.

Bit Material and Coating

High speed steel with a titanium nitride coating, as in the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece and Makita B-65399 Impact Gold, is the standard choice for mild steel, wood and plastic. The coating reduces friction and extends edge life. Cobalt sets such as the Bosch CO21B Cobalt, DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt and Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt resist the heat that builds up in stainless.

Heat also affects you. Hot chips and a warm bit can burn skin, so a pair of welding gloves is a sensible addition when drilling thick plate. Slow speed and cutting oil do more for bit life than any coating.

Shank Style and Drill Compatibility

Round shanks, as on the Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium, work in standard chucks but can slip under load. The DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point and Bosch CO21B Cobalt add three flats to improve grip on larger sizes. Hex shanks, as on the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold and Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece, are for impact drivers and compatible chucks.

If your drill has a hammer setting, such as a hammer drill, switch it to plain drilling mode for steel. Hammering action is for masonry and will damage a steel-cutting edge.

Point Geometry and Starting Accuracy

A split point or pilot point stops the bit walking on smooth steel. The DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece and DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece use a pilot point, while the IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt and Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt use a 135 degree split point. The 135 degree angle is flatter than a standard 118 degree tip, which helps it bite into hard surfaces.

Small bits are often the exception. On the Bosch CO21B Cobalt, the split point begins at 1/8 inch, so smaller bits still benefit from a center punch.

Set Size and Size Range

A broad range such as the 1/16 to 1/2 inch spread of the DEWALT DW1361 suits general use. A fine-increment set such as the IRWIN has 29 sizes in 1/64 inch steps for tap drill work. The Stroton set offers 0.5 mm steps from 1 to 10 mm for metric jobs.

Small sets like the Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece save space but leave gaps, and bulk sets like the Hurricane box suit workshops that break many small bits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bits for Drilling Steel

What Type of Drill Bit Is Best for Steel?

For mild steel, a titanium nitride coated bit with a split or pilot point works well, such as the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece. For stainless steel or alloy steel, cobalt is the better choice, such as the Bosch CO21B Cobalt. The right answer depends on how hard the metal is and how often you drill it.

Do I Need Cobalt Bits for Stainless Steel?

Yes, cobalt is strongly recommended because stainless work-hardens and generates heat that dulls coated bits quickly. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt and DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt are both intended for it. Use slow speed and steady pressure so the bit cuts rather than rubs.

Can I Use Impact-Rated Bits in a Regular Drill?

Impact-rated hex bits such as the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold need a chuck that accepts a 1/4 inch hex shank. Many keyless chucks do, but check yours first. If it does not, a round or 3-flat set like the DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point is the safer choice.

What Speed Should I Use for Drilling Steel?

Use a slow speed with firm, steady pressure and plenty of cutting oil. Larger bits need lower speeds than small ones. The Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt and other cobalt sets handle heat better, but they still last longer when run slowly.

How Do I Stop a Bit From Walking on Steel?

Choose a bit with a split or pilot point, such as the IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt or DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece. For the smallest sizes, tap a center punch first. A small pilot hole also helps before moving up to larger bits.

Is a Large Bit Assortment Worth Having?

A 230-piece box like the Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium is worth having if you break small bits frequently. It is less suited to precision steel work, where a fine-increment set like the IRWIN is more useful. A mid-size set such as the DEWALT DW1361 is enough for most people.

Final Verdict: Which Bit for Drilling Steel Should You Buy?

Best Bits for Drilling Steel for most buyers start with DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece: it offers 16 sizes from 1/16 to 1/2 inch, a titanium nitride coating and a pilot point tip in one case. Its main weakness is that titanium nitride does not match cobalt in stainless and hardened steel, and durability reports are mixed.

For alternatives by use case, the DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point suits those with chuck slip, and the DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece suits a compact toolbox. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt is the choice for stainless steel and cast iron. The Makita B-65399 Impact Gold is the pick for impact drivers.

The specialist picks cover narrower needs. The Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece gives a small impact-rated set for heavy-gauge steel pilot holes, and the DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt pairs cobalt with ToughCase storage. The Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium is a bulk restock, the Stroton 19-Piece Metric Cobalt is the metric choice, and the IRWIN 3018002 Cobalt offers the finest fractional steps. If you are still undecided, buy the DW1361 for mixed work, or the Bosch CO21B if most of your drilling is stainless.