10 Best Drill Bits for Metal and Steel (October 2026)

Drilling steel with the wrong bit goes badly in predictable ways. A plain high speed steel bit glazes over in stainless, a bit that skates across the surface leaves a scarred hole, and a hex-shank bit pushed into a standard chuck can slip when the torque rises. The right choice depends on the metal you cut most, the tool that spins the bit, and how many sizes you actually need, which is why the Best Drill Bits for Metal and Steel are not the same for a weekend repair as for daily fabrication.

The short answer: the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point suits most people who want one titanium-coated set for mild steel, wood and plastic, the DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece suits anyone who wants a 135-degree split point and a 3-flat shank at a lower piece count, and the Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece is the pick for stainless steel and cast iron. The rest of the list covers impact-rated sets, a cobalt alternative, a heavy-gauge steel set and two bulk kits for people who value quantity.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point, 21 titanium nitride coated bits from 1/16 to 1/2 in. in a hard case.
• Best for split-point accuracy: DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece, a 135-degree split point plus a 3-flat shank on sizes larger than 3/16 in.
• Best for stainless steel: Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece, an M42 alloy with 8% cobalt for stainless, cast iron and titanium.
• Best for impact drivers: Makita B-65399 Impact Gold, a 14-piece titanium set on a 1/4 in. impact-rated hex shank.

Best Drill Bits for Metal and Steel Comparison (October 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Pieces	Material or coating	Point style
1	DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point	General fabrication	21	Titanium nitride	Pilot point
2	DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece	Accurate starts	14	HSS, black and gold coating	135° split point
3	DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece	Compact case storage	14	Titanium nitride	Pilot point
4	Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece	Stainless and cast iron	21	Cobalt M42	Split point
5	Craftsman CMAM2214 Gold Oxide	Light home use	14	High carbon steel, gold oxide	Split point
6	Makita B-65399 Impact Gold	Impact driver drilling	14	Titanium nitride	135° split point
7	Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece	Heavy-gauge steel	5	Titanium nitride	No-skate tip
8	Amazon Basics 100-Piece Multi Bit Set	Mixed household tasks	100	Alloy steel	Not listed
9	DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14-Piece	Hard alloys	14	Cobalt alloy steel	Pilot point
10	Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium Set	Bulk small sizes	230	HSS, titanium coated	135° tip

1. DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point: Best Titanium Coated Pilot Point Set for Mixed Metal and Wood Work

• Pieces: 21 bits from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in.
• Coating: Titanium nitride
• Tip: Pilot Point, which starts on contact
• Weight: 16 ounces
• Case: Plastic hard case

Pros:

• The Pilot Point tip starts on contact, which keeps the bit from walking on smooth steel without a center punch.
• Sizes run from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in. with duplicates in the smallest sizes, the ones that break most often.
• The tapered web adds rigidity, which cuts down on snapped bits when drilling at an angle.
• The no-spin shanks hold in a standard chuck on the larger sizes.

Cons:

• Durability is mixed: some users go a long time without a break while others snap bits early.
• On harder steel tube the cut can start well and then drag, so it is not a stainless specialist.
• The titanium nitride coating is a surface layer, so resharpening removes it.

Best for: A homeowner or tradesperson who wants one set that handles mild steel, brass, wood and plastic in a single case.

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The DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point earns the top spot because it combines the widest practical size run in this list with a tip that behaves. The Pilot Point geometry bites immediately and produces cleaner holes than a plain twist tip. The set also comes in a black finish for anyone who prefers it, though the yellow titanium version is the one most commonly seen.

Its strength is breadth. Sixteen distinct sizes covers tapping drill sizes for common bolts, clearance holes for fasteners and the smaller pilot holes that precede larger bits. Compared with the DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece, you get more sizes and duplicates of the tiny bits, which are the first to break.

It is the wrong choice for stainless steel, titanium or work-hardened plate. Those jobs need the cobalt alloy in the Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece. It is also not designed for an impact driver, so use the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold if that is your main tool.

2. DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece: Best 3-Flat Shank Split Point Set for Accurate Starts

• Pieces: 14
• Material: High speed steel with black and gold coating
• Point: 135-degree split point
• Shank: 3-flat on sizes larger than 3/16 in.
• Flutes: 2, spiral

Pros:

• The 135-degree split point reduces walking, so holes land where you mark them.
• The 3-flat shank on bits larger than 3/16 in. resists spin-out in the chuck.
• Size markings on the shank make it quick to pick the right bit from the case.
• The black and gold coating helps resist rust and wear in a damp garage.

Cons:

• Some users report bits breaking in use, especially the smaller sizes.
• At 14 pieces it has fewer sizes than the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point.
• The coating is aimed at wear resistance, not high heat, so it is not a stainless-steel bit.

Best for: Someone who drills a lot of holes in sheet steel and plastic and wants a reliable split point without paying for cobalt.

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The DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece differs from the DW1361 mainly in shank design and tip. The 3-flat shank grips the chuck jaws more positively on larger sizes, which matters when a 3/8 in. bit stalls in thick mild steel. The 135-degree split point is also the geometry that lets the bit start without a punch mark.

It fits drill drivers and impact-style tools alike, and users note the bits seat securely in both. For repetitive work such as bracket and angle iron drilling, the size markings save time.

Choose something else when you need stainless or cast iron work. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece is the better match there. If you want to reduce the bit count and keep titanium coating, the DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece is the simpler alternative.

3. DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece: Best Clear-Lid Titanium Set for Tidy Storage

• Pieces: 14 bits from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in.
• Coating: Titanium nitride
• Tip: Pilot Point, 135 degrees
• Shank: Straight
• Weight: 8 ounces

Pros:

• The Pilot Point tip delivers burr-free holes and limits walking on metal.
• The patented web taper increases bit rigidity and reduces breakage.
• A clear lid and clip latch let you see sizes at a glance and keep the case closed.
• The bit-bar design allows easy removal and customizable placement, and the case connects with other DEWALT storage.

Cons:

• Durability is inconsistent, with some bits lasting and others breaking on the first day.
• It has seven fewer bits than the 21-piece DW1361, so the size steps are coarser.
• The straight shank gives less grip than the 3-flat shank on the DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece.

Best for: A toolbox owner who wants a compact, organized titanium set for metal, wood and plastic.

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The DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece is the storage-minded option. The bit-bar layout holds each bit in place and the small bulk storage size fits inside DEWALT ToughCase systems sold separately. At 8 ounces, it is lighter than the 21-piece set and easier to keep in a work bag.

Users like how it handles metal and say it cuts through steel without much effort, with the sharpness holding through repeated use. Drilling through studs is also quick. The straight shank means a standard chuck must be tightened well on the 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. sizes.

It is the wrong choice if you need stainless steel capability, where the DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14-Piece is the like-for-like step up in the same case style. If you want more sizes for the money, move up to the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point.

4. Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece: Best M42 Cobalt Set for Stainless Steel and Cast Iron

• Pieces: 21
• Material: Cobalt M42 with 8% cobalt alloy
• Point: Split point on bits 1/8 in. and larger, 135 degrees
• Shank: Three-flat on bits 3/16 in. and larger
• Suited to: Stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, light-gauge metal, aluminum

Pros:

• The 8% cobalt M42 alloy is rated for roughly 10x the life of standard bits and tolerates heat that dulls coated bits.
• Split points on 1/8 in. and larger remove the need for a center punch.
• The thick web-helix design adds stability in tough cuts.
• The three-flat shank on 3/16 in. and larger gives better grip in the chuck.

Cons:

• Cobalt is more brittle than coated HSS, so side loading or a wobbling drill can snap a small bit.
• Sizes from 1/16 to 1/4 in. are duplicated but the set does not go up to 1/2 in. as the DEWALT sets do. The full size run is not completely listed.
• It does not include a warranty beyond product defects.

Best for: A fabricator or maintenance technician who regularly drills stainless steel, cast iron or titanium.

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The Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece is the specialist of the list. Where the titanium nitride sets rely on a coating, this set is cobalt all the way through, so resharpening on a bench grinder keeps the cutting properties. It is also offered in a solid black version.

Heat is the enemy in stainless, and the high-heat resistance here lets the bit keep an edge under sustained pressure. Use slow speed and cutting fluid. For truly hardened stock, a dedicated drill bit for drilling hardened steel is the better tool, because M42 is built for tough alloys rather than through-hardened tool steel.

It is the wrong pick for casual wood and plastic work, where it is overbuilt. The DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point covers that ground with a more forgiving feel.

5. Craftsman CMAM2214 Gold Oxide: Best Gold Oxide High Carbon Steel Set for Light Home Use

• Pieces: 14 bits from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in.
• Material: High carbon steel
• Coating: Gold oxide
• Point: Split point
• Weight: 8 ounces

Pros:

• The split point gives precise hole placement and clean, burr-free holes in wood, plastic and light metal.
• The gold oxide coating is corrosion resistant, which suits a damp garage.
• The case keeps the sizes organized and makes the right bit easy to find.
• Sizes cover common household needs from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in., with a duplicate 1/8 in.

Cons:

• Many users report the bits dull after only a few uses in tougher material.
• Drilling performance is inconsistent, with some noting the bits struggle to get through much material.
• High carbon steel with gold oxide is less heat resistant than the titanium and cobalt options above.

Best for: A homeowner drilling the occasional hole in thin mild steel, wood or plastic.

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The Craftsman CMAM2214 Gold Oxide is the light-duty option. It is well suited to a homeowner who wants a tidy set for shelves, brackets and mild steel, and some users have drilled mild steel with it successfully. It works with a drill or an impact driver.

Its limit is edge life. Where the DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece is built for repeated use in metal, the Craftsman set is better treated as a general household kit. For frequent steel drilling, move to a titanium or cobalt set.

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

• Pieces: 14 bits from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in.
• Coating: Titanium nitride, rated 2.5x longer life than non-coated bits
• Point: 135-degree split point
• Shank: 1/4 in. hex, impact rated
• Weight: 1.1 pounds

Pros:

• The impact rating means the bits are built for 1/4 in. hex impact drivers.
• The 135-degree split point speeds up starts and reduces walking.
• Titanium nitride coating is rated to last 2.5x longer than uncoated bits.
• It handles ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal, cast iron, stainless steel, wood and plastic.

Cons:

• No manufacturer warranty is specified.
• The 1/4 in. hex shank will not fit a standard keyed chuck without a quick-change adapter.
• It has fewer duplicates in the small sizes than the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point.

Best for: A contractor who drills mostly with an impact driver and wants metal-capable bits that fit its quick-release chuck.

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The Makita B-65399 Impact Gold is an impact-driver set first. A hex shank locks in a quick-change collet and resists the torque spikes that crack ordinary bits. The 14 sizes include a duplicate 1/8 in., the size that gets the most use.

Compared with the Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece, you trade a very small selection for a complete range of sizes. If you only need a few sizes for heavy-gauge steel, the Bosch is more focused. If you drill with a standard keyed chuck, take the DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece.

7. Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece: Best Impact-Rated 5-Piece Set for Heavy-Gauge Carbon Steel

• Pieces: 5 (3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 and 1/4 in.)
• Coating: Titanium nitride
• Shank: Impact-rated hex
• Tip: No-skate tip
• Weight: About 18 grams

Pros:

• The no-skate tip makes accurate starts on steel.
• It is designed for heavy-gauge and high-carbon steel.
• Long flutes help clear material from the hole.
• Laser marking clearly identifies each bit's diameter.

Cons:

• With only five sizes and a maximum of 1/4 in., it cannot handle larger holes.
• No sizes smaller than 3/32 in. are included.
• The number of flutes and some other specs are not listed.

Best for: A fabricator who needs a few small, tough bits for steel pilot holes and brackets.

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The Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece is the narrowest set here, but each of the five sizes is chosen for common steel work. The titanium coating cuts friction, and the impact-rated hex shank suits higher torque drill drivers. It is also the lightest, at about 18 grams.

Heavy-gauge plate leaves hot chips and a hot workpiece, so use welding gloves to handle it once the drill stops. For anything over 1/4 in., buy the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold instead.

8. Amazon Basics 100-Piece Multi Bit Set: Best Alloy Steel Multi Bit Kit for Mixed Household Tasks

• Pieces: 100, including 52 bits, 8 nut sockets, a magnetic bit holder and 4 hole saws
• Material: Alloy steel with quenching treatment
• Shank: Straight
• Weight: About 4 pounds
• Case: Plastic case with clear lid

Pros:

• It is a full drill and driver kit with 52 bits, 8 nut sockets and 4 hole saws.
• Alloy steel with quenching treatment makes the bits wear-resistant.
• A magnetic bit holder is included.
• The sturdy plastic case provides designated slots and easy transport.

Cons:

• Bits can break under rough use.
• Bits can fall out of their slots in the case.
• It is a general kit, not a metal-specific drill bit set, and the point style is not listed.

Best for: A DIY user who wants one box with drill bits, drivers and sockets for repairs around the house.

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The Amazon Basics 100-Piece Multi Bit Set is the broadest. Most of the count is drivers and sockets, so its drill bit selection is smaller than it sounds. It suits household jobs and light drilling of a metal box.

Check the shank style before using an extender or adapter, because straight shanks do not fit every accessory. For regular steel drilling, a dedicated set such as the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point is the better tool.

9. DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14-Piece: Best Pilot Point Cobalt Set for Hard Alloys

• Pieces: 14
• Material: Cobalt alloy steel
• Point: Pilot Point, 135 degrees
• Shank: Straight
• Weight: 362 grams

Pros:

• Cobalt alloy steel handles stainless steel, alloy steel and iron.
• The Pilot Point tip starts accurately without a punch.
• The clear lid and bit-bar design make sizes easy to find.
• The case is connectable with other DEWALT storage.

Cons:

• The specific size range is not listed.
• The straight shank has less chuck grip than a 3-flat shank.
• Cobalt is brittle, so small bits can snap with side load.

Best for: A user who wants cobalt performance in the DEWALT case system.

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The DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14-Piece is the alternative to the Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece. You get the same bit-bar case as the DW1354, with a minimum bore of 3 millimeters. The Bosch set offers more pieces and a documented 8% cobalt M42 alloy.

If you drill stainless only occasionally, the DEWALT set is a compact way to carry cobalt. For a wider range of sizes, choose the Bosch.

10. Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium Set: Best Bulk Titanium Coated HSS Kit for Small Sizes

• Pieces: 230, from 3/64 in. to 1/2 in.
• Material: High speed steel, titanium coated
• Tip: 135-degree
• Shank: Round
• Case: Plastic storage box

Pros:

• It includes 32 pieces of 3/64 in. and 30 each of 1/16, 5/64 and 3/32 in., so broken small bits are easy to replace.
• Titanium coating helps prevent rust and reduces heat buildup.
• The 135-degree fast cutting point centers automatically.
• Listed uses include wood, cast iron, aluminum alloy, plastic and fiberglass.

Cons:

• Most of the count is small sizes, with only one each of 3/8 in. and 1/2 in.
• Steel is only listed in the specs, so it is a lower-confidence choice for stainless.
• The point style listing is inconsistent.

Best for: A hobbyist or electronics builder who breaks small bits and wants a deep supply.

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The Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium Set is a volume purchase. Those 30-piece counts of the small sizes are the point, and the box is larger than any other set in this list. It is the better answer when you break a 1/16 in. bit weekly.

Its drawback is that it is not a heavy-duty steel set. For repeatable results in steel use the DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Drill Bit for Metal and Steel

The core trade-off is hardness against brittleness. Cobalt bits cut hard alloys but chip more easily, while coated high speed steel is tougher and cheaper but wears faster in stainless.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Metal type: Mild steel suits titanium nitride, while stainless and cast iron call for cobalt.
• Tool: An impact driver needs an impact-rated hex shank, and a keyed chuck wants a round or 3-flat shank.
• Hole sizes: Check the largest and smallest sizes you need against each set's range.
• Volume: Daily drilling favors a cobalt or titanium set over a basic kit.
• Storage: A case with a latch and labeled slots keeps sizes together on a job site.

Bit Material and Coating

Titanium nitride is a hard surface layer that cuts friction, as on the DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece and Makita B-65399 Impact Gold. It extends life in mild steel but wears away when you resharpen. Gold oxide, as on the Craftsman CMAM2214 Gold Oxide, mainly resists corrosion and light wear.

Cobalt is mixed into the steel itself, so it carries heat through the whole bit. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece uses 8% cobalt, and the DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14-Piece uses a cobalt alloy steel. Choose cobalt for stainless steel, cast iron and titanium.

Point Style and Starting Accuracy

A split point has a notch at the tip that grips metal on contact, so the bit does not wander. The DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece and Bosch CO21B use it. DEWALT's Pilot Point on the DW1361, DW1354 and DWA1240 serves the same purpose.

A 135-degree angle is flatter than the classic 118 degrees and cuts harder materials with less walking. Every set that lists an angle here uses it. For thin sheet, a sharp start matters more than speed.

Shank Type and Drill Compatibility

A 3-flat shank has three flat faces that stop the chuck from slipping, as on the DEWALT DWA1184 and Bosch CO21B. A 1/4 in. hex shank, as on the Makita B-65399 and Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece, locks into quick-change collets and survives impact. A straight shank, as on the DEWALT DWA1240, needs a firm chuck.

Keep a hammer drill in plain drill mode for metal, because the percussion action is meant for masonry and will damage a metal-cutting bit. Match the shank to your chuck before you buy.

Set Size and Case Quality

The Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium Set and Amazon Basics 100-Piece Multi Bit Set offer the most pieces, but a smaller set often has better sizes. The DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point gives you 21 bits from 1/16 to 1/2 in. in a hard case.

A good case holds every bit in a labeled slot. Clear lids, clip latches and connectable storage, as on the DEWALT DW1354, make it easier to spot a missing size.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drill Bits for Metal and Steel

What Is the Best Drill Bit for Stainless Steel?

Cobalt is the standard answer. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece uses an M42 alloy with 8% cobalt and lists stainless steel as a target. The DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14-Piece is a smaller alternative.

Are Titanium Drill Bits Good for Steel?

Titanium nitride coated bits work well on mild steel and other common metals. The DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point and Makita B-65399 Impact Gold are examples. They are not as heat tolerant as cobalt for stainless steel.

Can I Use a Drill Bit Set in an Impact Driver?

Only if the bits are impact rated and have a hex shank. The Makita B-65399 Impact Gold and Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece are built for that. Standard round-shank sets can crack under impact.

Do I Need a Center Punch With These Bits?

Not with a split point or Pilot Point. The DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece and Bosch CO21B start without skating. A punch still helps on very smooth or curved surfaces.

What Size Drill Bits Do I Need for Metal?

A set from 1/16 to 1/2 in. covers most work. The DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece and Craftsman CMAM2214 Gold Oxide span that range. The Bosch TI5IM stops at 1/4 in.

Is a Big Multi-Piece Kit Worth It?

It depends on the mix. The Amazon Basics 100-Piece Multi Bit Set includes drivers, sockets and hole saws alongside 52 bits. The Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium Set is mostly small drill bits.

Final Verdict: Which Drill Bit for Metal and Steel Should You Buy?

Best Drill Bits for Metal and Steel for most home and shop users start with DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Pilot Point: 21 titanium nitride coated bits from 1/16 to 1/2 in., a tip that starts on contact and a hard case. Its main weakness is mixed durability, and it is not built for stainless.

For alternatives, the DEWALT DWA1184 Split Point 14-Piece suits keyed chucks and accurate starts, and the DEWALT DW1354 Titanium 14-Piece suits tidy storage. The Bosch CO21B Cobalt M42 21-Piece is the pick for stainless and cast iron, with the DEWALT DWA1240 Cobalt 14-Piece as a compact cobalt option. Impact driver users should choose the Makita B-65399 Impact Gold.

The specialist picks cover narrow needs. The Bosch TI5IM Impact 5-Piece is for small holes in heavy-gauge steel, the Hurricane 230-Piece Titanium Set is for people who break small bits, and the Amazon Basics 100-Piece Multi Bit Set is a general household kit. If you are still undecided, buy the DEWALT DW1361 and add a cobalt set later if stainless becomes a regular job.