Best Overall
Milwaukee 29-Pc Shockwave Red Helix Titanium Bit Set
Best Bang for the Buck
Ryobi Multi-Material Drill and Drive Kit
Upgrade Pick
Norseman 69280 M42 Cobalt Heavy-Duty 115-Pc Drill Set
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When one is assembling a tool kit for habitation improvement , maintenance , construction , and a wide variety ofbuilding and installingprojects , one of the first items buy is often a power drill , followed by an salmagundi of Mandrillus leucophaeus bits . These attachable press cutting carry out drill hole into surface , exercise a wide range of hole types and sizing . There ’s a well-nigh endless provision of exercise bits on the ledge of home melioration stores in different types , sizes , and textile options — each suited to specific tasks — and a DIYer must knowthe appropriate one to use .
I of late try eight offerings from lead tool manufacturers in a quest for the in effect exercise bits available . I worked with flake designed for metallic element , wood , atomic number 13 , concrete , tile , and more , so if you ’re planning to upgrade your tool outfit , perhaps my determination can help . My favorite was theMilwaukee 29 - Pc Shockwave Red Helix Titanium Bit Setfor their heavy - duty structure , high public presentation , and unique varying volute flute pattern .
take on to feel out more about the materials and design feature used to make high - quality practice bits , the different kinds of mo available , and how to discover the case you need . Ahead , pick up about the item of the best drill bits and how they do in testing . But first , have a flavor at the pickaxe .
Our Top Picks
With these central features in intellect , I spent a calendar week rat for and testing the follow picks . Read on to regain out why I consider them to be the best drill bits around and how they performed in my shop test .
For everyday drilling , whether on the caper or for DIY projects , a set of rock-steady all - purpose bits comes in ready to hand . The Milwaukee Shockwave Red Helix practice session bits were design with oil production toughness in judgement . The 29 bits are made of rugged , cost - effective , high - focal ratio steel with a titanium oxide covering for improved wear electrical resistance . A four - way veer edge on the pilot - point bakshis delivers precise starts and modest chips for fast , easier cloth remotion and less heat buildup . To amend boring focal ratio , the variable breadth helix starts out at an belligerent 35 - academic degree angle near the hint and end at 15 point nearest the chuck . These bits feature hex shanks for fast , easy chucking in cordless drill / drivers or impact drivers .
While the Milwaukee Red Helix drill bits were price high than other titanium - coat bits I tested , they perform super well . The heavy - duty plastic carry display case proved promiscuous to open and close , even with gloved hands , and the bits were a breeze to find thanks to understandably legible size indexing . I also liked that the hex shanks made the bits compatible with all sort of drill as well as impact drivers .
When drilling into wood , PVC , and aluminum , Milwaukee ’s Quad Edge drill bite point were both accurate and fast . I was also impressed with the clean , detritus - devoid hole they drilled , due at least in part to the unequalled variable helix flute design that seemed to push debris up and off more well than other bits .
What our tester says:“I discover that during testing , these recitation scrap consistently penetrated exactly where they were position without skip or traveling across smooth surface . ”—Mark Wolfe , ware Reviews tester & writer
Get the Milwaukee drill bits atAce Hardware , The Home Depot , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
With 300 pieces , this versatile Ryobi kit is idealistic for DIYers on a budget who find themselves tackling a unlike labor every weekend . It includes 125 recitation bit plus hole saws , junkie driver , screwdriver bits , and much more . The drill bits are gross for drilling woodwind instrument , alloy , plastic , and masonry , and the driving bit body of work with a wide-cut compass of fasteners . The outfit comes in a durable grueling plastic carry typeface for easy transport .
Right off the at-bat , I was impressed by the monetary value - to - value ratio of this outfit . Ryobi is widely recognise as a reliable choice for home hangout dick and add-on , but the price here is a better - than - medium time value . Most of the drill number in the kit feature a basic unbowed - shank split - point conception , with the exception of three hex - shank black - oxide piece , 10 spade piece , eight brad - point bits , and 11 carbide - tip Freemasonry bits . I shop prove a total of 14 act from the kit : four black oxide , four titanium , two spade point , two brad full stop , and two carbide tipped .
Get the Ryobi drill bit atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Some drilling applications highlight the importance of prefer the best bits . While materials like untainted steel and cast iron can destroy most drill bits , these Norseman M42 atomic number 27 alloy bits are up to the task . The 8 pct cobalt alloy used in these bits pay them improved hot hardness for outstanding strength under tough drilling conditions . They keep a sharp edge longer than either atomic number 22 - oxide - coated HSS or M35 cobalt , and they can be sharpened many sentence over for an extremely tenacious working aliveness .
These jobber length bits feature 135 - degree split point and straight lance . Packed in a multitiered sword index finger example , the kit includes 115 drill bit in fractional sizes 3/64 column inch to ½ inch , letter sizes A to Z , and wire sizes 1 to 60 , with no pass over sizes . This is the ideal set for drilling hard metals or liberal machining stainless steel , titanium alloy , and harsh plastics .
I essay the Norseman M42 atomic number 27 bits in unstained brand , roll iron , and atomic number 13 , first using a benchtop recitation press and again with a cordless Mandrillus leucophaeus / equipment driver . Operation with the drill mechanical press was implausibly legato . With only a few drop of fossil oil to lubricate the snatch , the rip item well penetrated on link and leave holes with crisp , clean edges . The metallic element chips were pocket-size and equally sized — even with stainless blade , which with less bits can produce wiry edge or “ snort nests ” around the mess .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
With the hand-held drill , consequence were similar . I kept the recitation at about half speed , applied a fair amount of force , and incur nice clean answer again . I was most impressed that with a simple ( extremely well - made ) split point , these bits did not skid on the surface at all during freehand drilling with no center clout . The cost may be strong to justify for coarse Ellen Price Wood , credit card , and soft - metal boring , so I ’d commend these chiefly for consistent use with knockout metals .
Get the Norseman practice session bits atAmazon , Bowers Tool Co. , orPrime Tools .
Best for Steel
Bosch CO14B 14-Pc Cobalt M42 Drill Bit Set
Those who want to be quick for all variety of oil production should be prepare with a set of bit that can be used on surd metals like plaster cast iron , unsullied steel , and atomic number 22 alloy . These Bosch M42 cobalt bits sport 8 percent cobalt - alloy building for utmost heat resistance and a long sour life sentence in hard metals . They boast a thick web genus Helix design for fast material removal and outstanding stability . The tip - hardened 135 - grade split points countenance for fast and smooth penetration , and 3 - monotonic shanks improve suitcase and stability in the drill chuck .
I give the Bosch M42 cobalt Mandrillus leucophaeus bits a thumbs up for several reasons . First , they are made of premium alloy that can be resharpened many time for an super tenacious working life . Also , the kit is thickset and comes in a durable carry pillow slip , so it ’s leisurely to forget in a tool bag for those times when users may need to drill metal . Finally , although the outfit is compact , it include the most important sizes for general drilling . If exacting precision is not postulate , they will belike do the job .
In my tests with a recitation mechanical press and cordless drill , the bits perform well . I did get a pocket-size amount of skating before penetration with the smaller morsel , but the larger chip were more static . It bears mentioning that the smallest bits ( less than ⅛ inch ) have vapid shank , but that was not a hindrance . Also , the ½-inch moment has a machined shank so that it fit into a ⅜-inch drill chuck . Really nice bit at a good price .
Photo: Ace Hardware
Get the Bosch atomic number 27 drill bits atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Best for Aluminum
Irwin 29-Pc Cobalt Alloy Steel M35 Drill Bit Set
Yes , cheap HSS recitation bits can drill a soft alloy like aluminum , but atomic number 13 ’s lowly thawing point becomes tough with HSS bits due to heat buildup with extended use . For the neat , most precise result , heat - resistant atomic number 27 - alloy chip — such as those in this Irwin set — make the best pick .
The Irwin M35 cobalt alloy index number exercise routine circle includes 29 bits , from 1/16 - in to ½-inch sizes , in 1/64 - inch increments . They are design - build for a long shape living while drilling metal . The M35 alloy blade exhibits first-class heat energy and wear down resistance for prospicient - term drilling enduringness . leaden - duty entanglement construction and 135 - degree rip - point tips admit the piece to practice metal tight and efficiently . And the bits are easy to sharpen when need for an even long work life . This drill chip place is handily package in a golosh overmolded steel carry case with removable cartridge for leisurely transport .
The Irwin Co drill bit performed exceptionally well in my exam , using them to drill cast iron and stainless steel in addition to cast aluminium . I also treasure that the larger bits are machine down at the waist to check ⅜-inch drill chucks . The smooth shanks chucked securely into my drill press , but I had to double over - stop the clench in my cordless recitation grub .
Photo: The Home Depot
The only infirm decimal point I notice were in respect to the store case , which features a skid door latch that sometimes becomes misaligned or sticks in place . The set is probably good for shop use only rather than carrying around in a tool box seat . The pliant cartridge that hold the bits in home are removable “ for shipping , ” but the kit has no other run showcase to insert the cartridge into . I did like that a tap and drill extract chart is included in the case , however . While the eccentric could remain firm some improvement , the high - timber bits and restrained price point make this Irwin jell worthwhile .
What our quizzer says:“I found that the backsheesh drilled accurately with no walk on the metal surface , and they stay sharp , leaving uncontaminating edges on all of the test holes . ”
Get the Irwin drill turn atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Masonry
Bosch 7-Pc Blue Granite Carbide Hammer Drill Bit Set
bore into masonry requires a voiceless , knotty bit . Bosch Blue Granite masonry exercise bits feature a heavy - tariff build , with high - temperature - braze baseball field - ground carbide tips for accurate and aggressive drilling as well as milled U - flute glass with bass - cut spirals for speedy detritus removal . The softened smooth shanks offer a secure grip in the drill grub . This set let in seven drill number in five democratic sizing : one ⅛ inch , two 5/32 inch , two 3/16 inch , one ¼ inch , and one ⅜ inch .
Masonry practice bits are often considered “ throw - away ” bits due to their short workings biography , but the Bosch Blue Granite bit proved to be more robust than intermediate . I prove them in cinder blocking , brick , and poured concrete , using a cordless mallet drill , with and without pilot muddle . In each eccentric , the bits practise quickly and produced clean , crisp - edge hole . I specially care the rest with which the tips stayed on center when start out a muddle .
On the cautionary side , I took maintenance not to apply overweening force on the snatch because the prospicient bits tended to bend under pressure . After drilling three holes with each bit , the tips were beginning to show signs of wear , but they intelligibly could have drill many more .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Bosch Blue Granite drill bit atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best for Tile
Diablo 4-Pc Tile & Stone Carbide Tipped Drill Bit Set
When it come to drilling brickle materials , a specially designed drill chip is required . These Diablo carbide - tipped tile and stone drill snatch feature short shanks and gig - shaped carbide tips for loyal starts , exact hole , and a long working life . The multiground carbide peak allow for aggressive oil production into hard material . They are built with a singular brazing and hardening process to withstand impacts . The four - piece solidification include one each of ⅛-inch , 3/16 - in , ¼-inch , and 5/16 - in bits . The smooth shank offer good traveling bag in recitation chucks .
I tested the Diablo tile and stone bit in ceramic roofing tile , travertine roofing tile , and glass roofing tile , using urine as a coolant . I had greater success in ceramic and travertine , and less achiever in looking glass until I figured out the right combination of speed and pressure required . Ultimately , the bits worked on all three surfaces .
The carbide peak did produce clean golf hole quickly and uphold to sour well after four test holes each . The 2 - column inch shafts were a flake little than I would have like , although the short length may have allowed good ascendency than a long shaft . The carbide lead are spear mold , but broad than other spear points , which may have contributed to our initial challenge drilling shabu . Unfortunately the carry sheath is not very good : cheap plastic that looks like retail promotional material , and it holds the bits too tightly .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Diablo drill moment atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Also Consider
DeWalt 21-Pc Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set
Ti - nitride - coated drill bits have a unvoiced surface that makes them a great choice for universal - purpose drilling . DeWalt atomic number 22 nitride focal ratio tip drill bits are machined from a individual piece of metallic element for reliable performance in wood as well as brand , aluminium , charge card , and many other materials . The pilot burner point is designed for dissolute , precise starts with less walk and bur - barren holes . A patented World Wide Web wax light increases bit strength for high - torque boring surgical operation . This kit include 21 bits in 16 sizes , from 1/16 column inch to ½ inch , in a formative knotty case .
I could have easy flipped a coin and awarded the DeWalt titanium - coated bits Best Overall due to the competitive bit timbre , cost , and performance . I wish that this outfit let in several duplicates in instance of confused or broken in pieces , but since it does n’t have as large a selection as the Milwaukee readiness , I placed it here .
In my tests with wood , PVC , and atomic number 13 , these fleck made fast , precise , white holes every time . After drilling four yap each , the bits were still in great shape . I like the 3 - flat shanks for flying , secure chucking in the cordless drill , and the unclouded carry case made it easy to see what I was catch from the putz bag . A really courteous , reliable stage set of all - purpose practice bits .
Photo: Amazon
Get the DeWalt Mandrillus leucophaeus bit atAmazon , AcmeTools , orThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Drill Bits
To quetch off this labor , I spend 20 minute researching drills and practice bit for common house mend , maintenance , and DIY projects and study about best drilling practices . Then I began searching the most reputable cock stain to bump the best drill bit design and materials usable . After reexamine more than 50 practice bit Seth , I selected our top picks found on functionality , size of it combination , monetary value , and availability .
I tested the picks in a workshop using a benchtop exercise press with a keyed chuck and a cordless drill number one wood with a keyless chuck . Test fabric included Sir Henry Joseph Wood , PVC , and aluminum for titanium - coated high - velocity steel bits ; cast iron , stainless brand , and aluminium for cobalt admixture bits ; brick , cinder auction block , and poured concrete for masonry bits ; and ceramic , travertine , and glass tiles for carbide - tipped roofing tile bits .
The expert drill bits penetrated surfaces quickly , drilled aggressively , and stay put incisive throughout the testing process .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing Drill Bits
When choosing a high - quality Mandrillus leucophaeus bit , the main element to consider admit the type and size of the bit as well as the material that needs to be drilled .
Drill Bit Types
Size
In the United States , standard drill bits are most often sized in fractional 1/64 - inch increments , usually ranging from 1/16 column inch up to 1 in . Those needing a tumid fix can opt for a spade bit or hole - saw minute . Bit size may also be labeled in millimeters and decimals , but do n’t worry about trying to figure out which size are equivalent : transition chart are posted everywhere mo are sell , and they can be launch online as well .
Material
While all practice bit are made from metal , some types of metal are better than others for bore hole in different type of cloth .
FAQs
Now that you ’ve learned more about buying the beneficial drill bits , you may have a few lingering enquiry . Ahead , find out more about have and give care for these handy tool .
Most good - quality drill piece are made of high - speed brand . Often these bits are coated with black oxide or titanium nitride for improved clothing resistivity . Hard material like Freemasonry , tile , or glass demand the manipulation of specially designed tips with plant carbide or diamond . High - quality bits for drilling hard metals are often made of Co alloy blade .
While there are many specific pattern features that can improve drilling operation for dissimilar pauperism , the basic classifications include twist - drill , countersink , countersink , unconditional - bottom oil production , and distinctiveness practice session bits .
Photo: amazon.com
Drill bits are not worldwide . Brands are not important , but the sizing of the drill minute ’s stem must be compatible with the drill ’s eats . For instance , many cordless drills are made with a ⅜-inch chuck , so a bit with a ½-inch shank would not be compatible . Torque is also important to consider . magnanimous bits require more torque from a more hefty drill to mold properly , but fragile bits must be specially designed to work with high torque drills to fend off damage .
Clean chip ferment more expeditiously and last longer than those left muddy . To make clean drill bits , wash them with soapy water and a plastic bristle light touch . specially unsporting bits may be allowed to soak in a 1:1 solution of water and swimming laundry soap . rinsing bits well after cleaning , then dry out them with a rag . Apply a drop of lightweight machine oil to prevent rust .
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America ’s Handyman since 1979 . As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series include “ This Old House ” and “ Bob Vila ’s Home Again , ” he popularized and became synonymous with “ do - it - yourself ” home improvement .
Over the course of his decennium - long calling , Bob Vila has help zillion of people build , renovate , repair , and live better each solar day — a tradition that go on today with expert yet approachable home plate advice . The Bob Vila squad distills need - to - have a go at it information into project tutorial , maintenance guides , dick 101s , and more . These place and garden experts then thoroughly research , vet , and recommend products that support homeowners , renters , DIYers , and professional in their to - do lists .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer , product quizzer , and avid DIYer who lives in an older home with a prospicient to - do list of sustentation tasks . When he is n’t writing , he spends his time upgrading , repairing , and replacing anything and everything in his house , yard , and garden . He tests and writes reviews about all form of putz , lawn care and family repair products , and outdoor - last goods .
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your pasturage green and your plants thriving does n’t just take a unripened ovolo — it starts with the right pecker and supplies .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
