Stainless steel is known for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for many DIY projects and professional applications.
However, drilling through stainless steel can be challenging without the right tools. This blog post will explore the 5 best drill bits specifically designed for easily tackling stainless steel.
Whether you’re working on a home improvement project or tackling tough metal fabrication jobs, these drill bits are sure to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Let’s dive in and find the perfect drill bit for your stainless steel needs!
5 Best Drill Bit For Stainless Steel (2024) Summary
| Award | Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
|
DEWALT DW1361 | See on Amazon |
| Runner Up |
|
BOSCH CO14B | See on Amazon |
| Budget Friendly |
|
EZARC Carbide Hole Saw Kit | See on Amazon |
| Value For Money |
|
COMOWARE Drill Bits Set | See on Amazon |
| Best Durable |
|
HYMNORQ Cobalt HSS | See on Amazon |
5 Best Drill Bit For Stainless Steel (2024)
DEWALT DW1361
Best overall
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Size markings for easy identification
✓ Patented bit-bar design for effortless bit removal
✓ Versatile range of sizes from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Potential brittleness and breakage of smaller drill bits
The DEWALT DW1361 emerges as a premier drilling solution featuring a set of 21 titanium nitride-coated drill bits. Its standout features include a robust titanium nitride coating, which ensures prolonged bit life by offering exceptional wear resistance.
The pilot point design initiates drilling upon contact, delivering cleaner holes and minimizing bit breakage. The no-spin shank eliminates the frustration of bit spinning in the chuck and enhances stability and precision during drilling.
Moreover, the tapered web design enhances durability, reducing the risk of breakage, particularly with tough materials. Size markings on the bits aid in easy identification and selection, while the patented bit-bar design allows effortless bit removal and offers clear visibility through the lid.
With sizes ranging from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch, the DEWALT DW1361 set is a dependable and enduring choice for diverse drilling tasks.
However, there is one drawback: the titanium nitride coating, despite offering enhanced durability and longevity compared to black oxide coatings, tends to wear out relatively quickly when drilling through harder materials such as steel.
BOSCH CO14B
Runner Up
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Features a thick web helix design for fast material removal and stability
✓ Tip-hardened 135-degree split points for fast and smooth penetration
✓ Includes essential sizes for general drilling tasks
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Premium price point for higher-quality precision drill bits
The BOSCH CO14B cobalt drill bit set is a reliable companion for your toughest metal drilling tasks. Crafted with precision and durability in mind, these bits are designed to easily breeze through stainless steel and other hard metals.
With a cobalt alloy content ranging from 5% to 8%, these bits offer exceptional wear resistance and heat protection, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
The fully ground HSS construction guarantees superior surface quality, while the thick web-helix design facilitates swift material removal and provides added stability during drilling.
Equipped with two cutters and two flutes, these bits swiftly clear away chips, extending the bit’s lifetime and minimizing downtime.
From alloyed to non-alloyed steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and cast steel to acid—and heat-resistant steels, these bits effortlessly tackle a variety of materials.
However, the case, though sturdy, is made of inexpensive plastic, which poses a slight challenge when reinserting bits frequently.
Nonetheless, the BOSCH CO14B cobalt drill bit set remains a top choice for professionals seeking superior performance and extended lifespan in their drilling endeavors.
EZARC Carbide Hole Saw Kit
Budget Friendly
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Offers good value for the price
✓ Includes a spring to help push out the drilled material
✓ Durable carbide construction for a long lifespan
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ It may not be available.
The EZARC Carbide Hole Saw Kit is a top-notch set with three pieces. It features hole cutters with carbide tips and a pilot drill bit. It’s made specifically for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel, iron, aluminum, and alloys.
This kit stands out because of its carbide-tipped design, which makes it super durable and prevents teeth from breaking, even during tough jobs.
This set’s metal drilling hole cutter lasts over 10 times longer than a regular bi-metal hole saw when used for drilling hard metals.
One of its great features is how fast and precise it cuts. It can easily go through stainless steel, sheet metal, FRP, and wood. Plus, including a pilot drill bit helps with accurate positioning and stops the drill from wandering during use.
This set is versatile and perfect for many jobs like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC installations.
The EZARC Carbide Hole Saw Kit is a dependable and tough choice for drilling through hard metals and other challenging materials.
Its durable carbide design, long lifespan, and ability to make quick and precise cuts make it a go-to option for serious drilling tasks. Plus, the range of sizes in the set adds to its versatility, making it useful for many jobs.
COMOWARE Drill Bits Set
Value For Money
REASONS TO BUY
✓ No specialty-sized drill bits are needed.
✓ Can drill, tap, and countersink in a single operation.
✓ Convenient for quick tasks and portable tool kits.
✓ Speeds up the process for certain applications.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ It may not be as precise as using separate tools.
✗ Requires proper care and usage to avoid issues like breakage or reduced lifespan.
The COMOWARE Drill Bits Set makes drilling tasks easier and more efficient. It offers a reliable solution for various materials like metal, wood, plastic, and more.
Crafted from high-speed steel, these drill bits ensure durability and strength, while their premium titanium finish adds surface hardness and resistance against heat and friction. With sharp, enduring cutting edges, users can rely on these bits for long-lasting performance.
Featuring a 135-degree split point tip, these drill bits minimize wandering, ensuring precise drilling from the get-go.
Their straight shank design aids in accurate centering, while the parabolic flute form eliminates chatter and vibration, resulting in smoother drilling experiences.
The set includes 21 titanium-coated twist drill bits, ranging from 1/16" to 1/2", catering to various project needs and materials such as metal, steel, wood, PVC, and aluminum.
Convenience is key with this set, as it comes neatly organized in a storage case, allowing users to easily access and identify the right size for the task.
Whether DIY projects, repairs, or professional work, these drill bits offer versatility and reliability, making them a valuable addition to any toolkit.
HYMNORQ Cobalt HSS
Best Durable
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Durable and holds up well, especially for drilling metal
✓ Good quality and heat-resistant construction
✓ Suitable for drilling in stainless steel, cast iron, and other hard materials
✓ Made with M35 grade cobalt steel alloy for improved heat resistance and durability
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Limited Bit Variety: Only 2 pieces.
This set includes only two drill bits. If you need more, check out the similar IRWIN Drill Bit Set, which has more drill bits.
These drill bits are made from M35 cobalt steel with added molybdenum, making them strong and durable.
They have a Rockwell hardness of up to 67, which means they can cut quickly and last a long time—up to twelve times longer than regular HSS drill bits.
The 135° quick-cut pilot split points help them start drilling fast without slipping or wandering, and the straight shank makes them easy to hold securely in standard drill chucks.
This set includes two 12mm diameter drill bits that meet German DIN338 standards. They come in a plastic bag and a flat paper box.
These bits work well for cutting hard metals like stainless steel and cast iron and can handle softer materials like copper and aluminum. But they’re not suitable for drilling into hardened steel or high-carbon steel. You might need to adjust the drill’s speed to get the best results if drilling into tough materials.
These drill bits have drawbacks, including the limited quantity in the set, which might not be enough for some projects.
How to Choose the Best Drill Bit For Stainless Steel
When selecting the best drill bit for stainless steel, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:
- Material: Drill bits for stainless steel are typically made from high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt steel, or carbide. Solid carbide drill bits are preferred for their precision and longevity when drilling through stainless steel.
- Type of Drill Bit: Cobalt drill bits are harder and more durable than regular steel bits, making them ideal for drilling through tough stainless steel surfaces. They are preferred for their ability to drill precise holes into tougher steel and softer stainless steel materials.
- Size and Precision: Choose a drill bit specifically designed for drilling through stainless steel and slightly smaller than the desired hole size for better control and to prevent damage to the material. Starting with a pilot hole before drilling the final hole is recommended for accuracy and to reduce the risk of damaging the stainless steel.
- Speed and Pressure: Set your drill to a low-speed setting to control heat generation and reduce the risk of damaging the tools. Apply steady and consistent pressure while drilling, avoiding excessive force that can cause the drill bit to wander or break. Allowing the drill bit to gradually cut through the stainless steel with steady pressure is crucial for successful drilling.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the right drill bits for stainless steel is crucial for achieving precise, clean, and efficient drilling results.
With the wide range of options available on the market, it’s essential to consider factors such as material composition, coating, and bit geometry to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Whether drilling through thin sheets or thick plates of stainless steel, investing in high-quality drill bits will save you time, effort, and frustration in the long run. We hope this guide
