6 Best Drill Bit Set For Metal | 5% Cobalt vs TiN Coatings

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This is the set that gets recommended by machinists who also punch holes in wood and plastic. The DW1369 uses DEWALT’s Pilot Point tip geometry — a notched cutting edge that starts on contact without center-punching — applied across 29 fractional sizes from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch. The titanium nitride coating reduces heat buildup at the cutting lip, which keeps the edge sharp longer when drilling through mild steel and aluminum. The included metal storage box is sturdy enough to mount on a shop wall, so bits stay organized and protected from rust.

What separates this from smaller DEWALT sets is the full 29-piece range. You get every 64th increment up to 1/2-inch, which means less need to reach for an index when you need an odd size. The web is tapered near the shank to prevent snapping under aggressive feed, and the no-spin shank design locks into three-jaw chucks without slipping. For drilling thin sheet metal or using the bit as a counterbore, the Pilot Point self-centers cleanly without skating.

The only trade-off is that the newer cases use painted size markings that can rub off over time, unlike the old stamped-metal inserts. But the bits themselves hold an edge through dozens of holes in 1/4-inch steel plate when used with cutting oil. For anyone wanting a single set that covers metal, wood, and plastic without bouncing between indexes, this is the tier to beat.

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If you regularly drill through stainless steel, hardened bolts, or cast iron, the M35 cobalt alloy in this BeHappy set is the proper choice. The 5% cobalt addition raises the red-hardness threshold substantially — the bit edge stays hard even when the friction temperature climbs past 900°F, which is exactly what happens when the rotational speed and feed rate are correct for 304 stainless. The 135° split-point tip reduces the thrust required to start the cut, which means less pressure on the drill and less risk of the bit wandering off a center punch mark.

The set covers 29 fractional sizes in jobber length, which is the standard length for general metalwork — long enough to reach through a 2×4 but short enough to resist flexing. The amber surface finish is a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion better than bare HSS. Reviewers note that these bits produce long, continuous chips when drilling mild steel at the correct speed, which is the textbook sign of a properly ground cutting edge and adequate cobalt content.

One caveat is that cobalt bits are more brittle than HSS — they will snap under excessive side load or if you try to open a hole by wiggling the drill. You must use a steady feed and proper RPM. The included plastic case has individual slots that hold each bit securely, though some users add a foam liner to prevent smaller bits from rattling loose during transport.

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This is the entry point into DEWALT’s Pilot Point system without committing to the full 29-piece price. The DW1361 includes 21 bits from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch, with the same TiN coating and tapered web as the larger set. The key difference is that the range gaps are wider — you get every common size but skip some of the intermediate 64th increments. For most home workshop jobs and light fabrication work, that’s sufficient coverage.

The Pilot Point tip here is the same design that makes the premium set so effective. It starts cutting on contact without a center punch, which is especially useful when drilling into round stock or thin gauge sheet metal where a punch would distort the surface. The TiN coating gives the flutes a gold appearance and reduces friction, though the coating on smaller bits (below 1/8-inch) can wear through faster because the edge radius is so thin. Multiple verified reviews mention these bits remain sharp longer than any uncoated HSS set they have owned, with one user describing them as “the sharpest and best lasting bits I’ve had” for everyday use.

One limitation is that the 1/2-inch bit is the largest included — if you need 9/16-inch or larger, you will need to buy individually. The plastic case is functional but not as durable as the metal box on the premium set. For the user who drills metal a few times a month and wants reliable performance without over-spending, this set delivers the same cutting geometry as the flagship model at a significant reduction in price.

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Milwaukee’s Shockwave line is built for impact drivers, and the 48-89-4630 kit uses a hex shank that locks directly into 1/4-inch quick-change chucks without needing an adapter. This makes it ideal for users who run an impact driver as their primary drilling tool on job sites where speed of bit changes matters. The TiN coating and 135° split-point are present, but the defining feature is the 3-flute design — an unusual geometry that reduces friction and helps clear chips faster in softer metals and wood.

The 15-piece selection covers the most common sizes from 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch, plus a few smaller bits. Because these are shorter than standard jobber bits (they are designed for impact driver use), they are stiffer and less likely to flex under high torque. This stiffness is a real advantage when drilling through thin steel studs or electrical boxes where precision matters. Many users report that these bits outperform their cobalt sets on mild steel because the hex shank eliminates any chuck slippage.

The main drawback is the limited size range — there is no 1/16-inch or 1/2-inch bit, which means you will need a separate set for very small or large holes. Also, the hex shank prevents using these bits in a drill press collet. For the mobile technician or electrician who needs a compact, grab-and-go set that fits in a pouch, this Milwaukee kit offers unmatched convenience and impact-rated durability.

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CaRoller’s 29-piece set brings full fractional coverage in a color-coded black-and-gold finish that indicates a dual-layer surface treatment: a black oxide base with a bronze/amber top coat. This combination provides moderate corrosion resistance and reduces friction during drilling. All 29 bits feature a 135° split-point grind, which is unusual at this price point — most budget sets in this range use a simpler 118° conventional point that walks on metal.

The material is W4 high-speed steel, which sits above standard M2 HSS in terms of toughness but below M35 cobalt in heat resistance. For drilling mild steel, aluminum, brass, and plastics, this set delivers clean holes without excessive burring. One verified reviewer specifically noted drilling 1/8-inch stainless steel plate on a drill press at 300 RPM with cutting oil, producing 8-inch spiral chips — a strong indicator that the grinding geometry is precise and the edge hold is adequate for occasional stainless work.

The case is a sturdy plastic index with molded size labels below each slot. The slots are tight, which keeps bits secure but can make reinsertion difficult if a bit suffers chuck damage.

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Users working with metric fasteners and European equipment often need precise 0.5mm increments that fractional sets cannot supply. This WildBossy set delivers 19 bits from 1mm to 10mm in exact 0.5mm steps, all made from M35 cobalt steel with a gold oxide surface finish. The 135° split-point is present on every bit, and the straight shank fits standard 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch chucks without slipping.

The M35 alloy is the same material used in premium sets — the 5% cobalt content provides the heat resistance needed for stainless steel and hardened alloys. At its price tier, getting solid M35 bits with a proper split-point grind is unusual; most budget-priced metric sets use plain HSS with a 118° point that would struggle on a 10mm hole in 304 stainless. Multiple verified users confirm the bits are sharp, drill cleanly through steel and plastic, and hold up well for 3D printing and light metal fabrication projects.

The main concern from reviewers is the possibility that some bits may be cobalt-coated rather than solid M35, though no mechanical failure has been reported. The case is a basic black plastic holder that works but offers less protection than the molded index from CaRoller. For anyone who needs metric sizes for automotive, European machinery, or precision work, this set provides real cobalt content at a price that makes it a low-risk buy — and the 1mm to 10mm range covers the vast majority of metric drilling needs.