Best Drill Bits for Metal (2026)
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Drilling metal comes down to matching bit material to metal hardness: solid cobalt for stainless and hardened steel, titanium-coated HSS for light-gauge work. We compared real sets on heat resistance, tip design, and value.
A metal-drilling workhorse: solid M35 cobalt (not just a coating) means the hardness goes all the way through, making it the pick for stainless, angle iron, and other hard metals that eat cheaper bits.
- Metal
- Stainless steel
- Hard metals
Pros
- Cobalt alloy runs cooler and holds an edge in stainless and hardened steel far better than plain HSS
- Pilot Point split tip starts on contact and stops walking, so you skip the center-punch step
- Bits can be resharpened multiple times, unlike coated bits that lose their edge once the coating wears
Cons
- More brittle than HSS - the tips can snap if you flex the bit or drill at an angle
- Set stops at 3/8 in, so you need a separate solution for larger holes
- Costs roughly double a titanium-coated set of the same piece count
The best-value general set for a DIY drawer: titanium coating adds bite and life over bare HSS at a low price, covering wood, plastic, and occasional light metal jobs.
- Wood
- Plastic
- Light metal
Pros
- Cheap, versatile all-rounder that handles wood, plastic and thin metal in one household set
- Split-point tips give no-skate starts and clean holes without a pilot punch
- 3-flat shank on larger bits grips in a keyless chuck and resists spinning
Cons
- The TiN coating is only surface-deep - once it wears off, the bit dulls fast in metal
- Not suited to stainless or hardened steel where a true cobalt bit is needed
- Includes only one of each larger size, so a snapped 1/2 in leaves a gap
Still deciding? Compare them
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of drill bit is best for stainless steel?
- A solid cobalt (M35) bit like the DeWalt DWA1240. Cobalt is hard all the way through and runs cooler, so it keeps cutting stainless where a titanium-coated HSS bit quickly overheats and dulls.
- Are titanium-coated bits good for metal?
- For light-gauge steel, aluminum and occasional use, yes - the coating adds bite and life over bare HSS. But the coating is surface-deep, so for hard or stainless steel a through-hardened cobalt bit lasts far longer.
- How do I keep drill bits from overheating in metal?
- Run at a slower speed with steady pressure, use cutting oil, and back the bit out to clear chips. Heat is what kills metal bits; low RPM plus lubrication preserves the cutting edge.