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Best Drill Bits For Drilling Stainless Steel (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for high-quality drill bits for drilling stainless steel, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. The wrong drill bit quality or design can lead to frustration, damaged tools, and unsatisfactory results. Fortunately, with the right information and research, you can find the perfect drill bit for any job.

First, you'll want to consider the material of the drill bit. Look for a high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt steel composition for optimum strength, durability, and heat resistance. Next, consider the coating on the drill bit. Titanium nitride (TiN) or Black Oxide coatings can improve performance and increase the life of your bits. Additionally, the shape and design should match the type of drilling you'll be doing, such as deep holes or small diameter holes.

Are you tired of broken or dull drill bits? Do you need a reliable and efficient way to drill through stainless steel? Discover the top-rated drill bits on the market and take your projects to the next level. Learn more about the best materials, coatings, and designs for tackling the toughest stainless steel drilling tasks. Don't risk damaging your tools or compromising your results – trust in the power of high-quality drill bits!

10 Best Drill Bits For Drilling Stainless Steel

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This drill bit set is ideal for drilling through hardened metals, stainless steel, cast iron, wood, and plastic.
2
The product is ideal for drilling into hard metals, hardened stainless steel, and cast iron with its 21 HSS Cobalt drill bits.
3
The drill bits are ideal for drilling through a variety of metals such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and zinc alloy.
4
The drill bit is ideal for drilling holes in hard metals and stainless steel with 15 tiered steps.
5
Ideal for drilling through hard metals, hardened stainless steel, and cast iron.
6
This drill bit set is ideal for hard metals, hardened stainless steel and cast iron due to its cobalt construction and three flutes.
7
Ideal for drilling harder metals like chrome and stainless steel, with added cobalt for improved durability and long life.
8
This product is ideal for drilling holes in various materials including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, wood, and plastic.
9
Ideal for drilling various materials including stainless steel, aluminum, and wood with a high-speed steel metal drill bit kit.
10
Ideal for drilling through hard metals such as stainless steel, cast iron, as well as wood. Comes with indexed rose case.
This drill bit set is ideal for drilling through hardened metals, stainless steel, cast iron, wood, and plastic.
The product is ideal for drilling into hard metals, hardened stainless steel, and cast iron with its 21 HSS Cobalt drill bits.
The drill bits are ideal for drilling through a variety of metals such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and zinc alloy.
The drill bit is ideal for drilling holes in hard metals and stainless steel with 15 tiered steps.
Ideal for drilling through hard metals, hardened stainless steel, and cast iron.
This drill bit set is ideal for hard metals, hardened stainless steel and cast iron due to its cobalt construction and three flutes.
Ideal for drilling harder metals like chrome and stainless steel, with added cobalt for improved durability and long life.
This product is ideal for drilling holes in various materials including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, wood, and plastic.
Ideal for drilling various materials including stainless steel, aluminum, and wood with a high-speed steel metal drill bit kit.
Ideal for drilling through hard metals such as stainless steel, cast iron, as well as wood. Comes with indexed rose case.

1. Metal Master Drill Set – Comoware Cobalt

This 21-piece drill bit set is an excellent addition to any tool kit. The set includes sizes ranging from 1/16" to 3/8" to ensure that you have the perfect size for any job. The bits are made of durable HSS with 5% cobalt, providing higher heat and abrasion resistance for long-lasting use.

The drill bits have a precise 135° split point and twist design that prevents walking and clears chips and particles faster. This design ensures accurate drilling and a clean finish every time. The M35 cobalt HSS material is particularly successful in cutting through hard metals such as stainless steel, cast iron, high-temperature alloy, and titanium alloy. It can also be used for softer materials like hard plastics and woods.

The set comes with an organized holder that includes a size index for easy storage and organizing. The holder keeps the bits secure and easily accessible, ensuring that you can find the right size quickly when you need it. This drill bit set is professional and widely used by DIY enthusiasts, handymen, and professionals alike.

Pros

  • Comes in a range of sizes for versatility
  • Durable HSS with 5% cobalt for higher heat and abrasion resistance
  • Precise 135° split point and twist design for accurate drilling
  • M35 cobalt HSS material is suitable for cutting through hard metals and softer materials
  • Organized holder with size index for easy storage and organizing

2. Ultra-Hard Metal Drill Bit Set

The Lichamp three flute patent design drill bit is a unique and efficient tool for drilling. It is designed to clear chips and particles faster, providing a more efficient drilling experience. The 135-degree split point tip and twist design increases cutting speed with self-centering and prevents skating starts or walking. This drill bit set is made from industrial grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt, providing hardness for wear resistance and withstanding max 1100 degreeF. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty tough metal drilling, including hard abrasive alloy metal, hardened stainless steel, or cast iron. The set comes in a metal index case with a size chart for easy bit access and identification, and it includes drill bit sizes ranging from 1/16-inch to 3/8-inch in 1/64-inch increments.

The Lichamp three flute patent design drill bit set is perfect for those who need a reliable and efficient tool for heavy-duty metal drilling. Its unique design makes it faster and more efficient than traditional drill bits, while its high-speed steel and cobalt construction provides durability and wear resistance. The set also comes in a convenient metal index case, making it easy to access and identify the right bit for the job.

If you're looking for a drill bit set that can handle tough metal drilling, the Lichamp three flute patent design drill bit set is definitely worth considering. Its unique design and high-quality construction make it a reliable and efficient tool that can handle even the toughest jobs.

Pros

  • Unique three flute patent design for faster and more efficient drilling
  • Made from industrial grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt for durability and wear resistance
  • Ideal for heavy-duty tough metal drilling
  • Comes in a metal index case with a size chart for easy bit access and identification

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for non-metal drilling

3. Ultimate Metal Drilling Kit – 13pcs

The YG Cemented Carbide + Chrome Vanadium Steel drill bits are perfect for drilling tough metals, including heavy-duty abrasive alloy metal drilling on hardened steel. These twist drills are the category of cutting tools that should be used for this purpose. It is important to note that using high speed steel twist drills at high speeds is a common mistake. Machining speeds and feeds should be considered to find the correct speeds to run cutting tools against different types of metal.

The drill bits have chunks of carbide on the end which make easy work of even the hardest steel and allow users to use high rpms. In order to prevent the drill bit from losing its hardness and becoming ineffective, it is recommended to use HSS drills at low rpm with cooling fluid or lubricant. This can provide a large quantity of successful holes in metal. Additionally, the high toughness, abrasion resistance, and high-speed cutting for the high hardness make these drill bits a reliable choice for tough metal drilling.

This set includes 13 drill bits in various sizes ranging from 3mm to 15mm. It is important to note that during the process of opening holes, adding water for cooling is highly recommended to prevent overheating and prolong the life of the drill bits.

Pros

  • Ideal for drilling in tough metal, including heavy-duty abrasive alloy metal drilling on hardened steel
  • Chunks of carbide on the end make easy work of even the hardest steel
  • High toughness, abrasion resistance, and high-speed cutting for the high hardness
  • Set includes 13 drill bits in various sizes ranging from 3mm to 15mm

Cons

  • – May require the use of cooling fluid or lubricant to prevent overheating

4. Stroton 4-32mm Metric 6% Cobalt Step Drill Bit For Stainless Steel And Hard Metal (15 Steps)

The Premium M35 6% Cobalt Steel Step Drill Bit is a high-quality drilling tool that is designed for cutting through various materials, including stainless steel, iron plate, aluminum, ducts, wood, PVC, and plastic. This drill bit has a Rockwell Hardness Scale (HRC) of 66-69, which makes it highly resistant to heat, wear, and chips, thus providing a long tool life. The cutting edge of this drill bit is ground three times, which enhances its durability and performance.

With its high HRC and heat resistance, the Cobalt Steel Step Drill Bit is capable of running two to three times faster than other drill bits, which saves time and increases productivity. Although this drill bit may have a higher price than other drill bits, the cost per hole when using it will be the lowest, since it can produce so many more holes. The drill bit has 15 steps ranging from 4mm to 32mm, which makes it suitable for various drilling applications.

Pros

  • Made of Premium M35 6% Cobalt Steel with 66-69 HRC, which provides excellent heat, wear, and chip resistance
  • Grinding the cutting edge three times enhances its durability and performance
  • Capable of running two to three times faster than other drill bits, which saves time and increases productivity
  • Suitable for cutting through various materials such as stainless steel, iron plate, aluminum, ducts, wood, PVC, and plastic
  • Has 15 steps ranging from 4mm to 32mm, suitable for various drilling applications

Cons

  • – Higher price than other drill bits

5. Ultimate Hard Metal Drill Bits

The Lichamp three flute patent design drill bit is a unique product that clears chips and particles faster than traditional drill bits, providing you with a more efficient drilling experience. Its 135-degree split point tip and twist design increase cutting speed with self-centering and prevent skating starts or walking. It is made from industrial grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt that provides hardness for wear resistance and can withstand a maximum of 1100 degreeF. This makes it ideal for drilling in heavy-duty tough metal, including hard abrasive alloy metal, hardened stainless steel or cast iron. The drill bit has a round straight shank and comes with five packs of 1/2-inch diameter HSS drill bits with a well-organized clear PS case.

The Lichamp three flute patent design drill bit is perfect for those looking for a durable and efficient drilling experience. Its unique design allows it to clear chips and particles faster, making drilling a breeze. The drill bit's industrial grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt ensures that it can withstand the toughest drilling conditions, making it ideal for heavy-duty drilling. Its 135-degree split point tip and twist design make it easy to use with self-centering and prevent skating starts or walking. The drill bit's round straight shank and well-organized clear PS case make it easy to store and transport, ensuring that you always have it on hand for your drilling needs.

Pros

  • Unique three flute patent design clears chips and particles faster
  • Made from industrial grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt for wear resistance
  • Can withstand a maximum of 1100 degreeF
  • Ideal for drilling in heavy-duty tough metal, including hard abrasive alloy metal, hardened stainless steel or cast iron
  • 135-degree split point tip and twist design increase cutting speed with self-centering and prevent skating starts or walking
  • Comes with a well-organized clear PS case for easy storage and transport

6. Powerbits: 13 Cobalt Drills For Hard Metals

Experience efficient drilling with Lichamp's three flute patent design drill bit, which clears chips and particles at a faster rate. The unique 3x flute design is proven to provide a more efficient drilling experience. The 135-degree split point tip & twist design increases cutting speed with self-centering, preventing skating starts or walking. Smoothly drill without any hassle!

Made from industrial grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt, this drill bit is designed to withstand a maximum of 1100 degreeF. The 4x lifespan material provides hardness for wear resistance, making it durable and long-lasting. It is an ideal tool for drilling in heavy-duty tough metal, including hard abrasive alloy metal, hardened stainless steel or cast iron.

The 13PCS drill bit set comes with a metal index case with a size chart for easy bit access and identification. The set includes drill bit sizes from 1/16-inch to 1/4-inch in 1/64-inch increments. This multiple application drill bit set is perfect for both home and professional use.

Pros

  • Efficient drilling experience with a unique 3x flute design
  • Long-lasting and durable due to industrial grade M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt
  • Ideal for heavy-duty tough metal, including hard abrasive alloy metal, hardened stainless steel or cast iron
  • Smoothly drill with 135-degree split point tip & twist design

7. Hard Metal Master: Cobalt Drill Kit

The metal drilling process has been made effortless with the introduction of the new metal drilling bits. These bits are designed to drill through metals, including harder alloys, with ease and efficiency. The cobalt-infused construction of these bits provides high-temperature resistance, making them durable and long-lasting.

The tungsten and molybdenum-based construction of these bits ensures superior hardness, adding to their longevity. Their 135-degree split point design enables the entire bit point to act as one long cutting edge, ensuring precision and accuracy. The heavy-duty flute design of these bits ensures the removal of debris and prevents clogging, making them ideal for use in heavy-duty applications.

Pros

  • Effortless and efficient drilling through metals, including harder alloys.
  • High-temperature resistance due to cobalt-infused construction.
  • Superior hardness due to tungsten and molybdenum-based construction.
  • 135-degree split point design ensures precision and accuracy.
  • Heavy-duty flute design prevents clogging and ensures debris removal.

8. Multi-Material Step Drill Bit For Precise Holes

The M2 HSS Step Bit is a high-performance tool that can easily cut clean holes with greater ease compared to average step bits. The M2 HSS Step Bit is made of 50% more Tungsten and 150% more Molybdenum, which improves its durability. It also undergoes a vacuum heat treatment and nitride surface hardening treatment, which further enhances its performance. The polished steps and size highlights of the Non-stop Step Bit allow you to see the target hole size while drilling, eliminating the need to stop and check in the middle of the drilling process. This feature saves you time and effort. The high-accuracy CNC processing and optimized design details make drilling with this tool easy, fast, and clean, outperforming average step bits on the market. The M2 HSS Step Bit is a heavy-duty tool that can cut holes in various materials, including stainless steel, hardened metal, mild steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, plastic, and wood, up to 12ga /2.7mm thickness for stainless steel. It comes with six marked sizes, including 1/4", 7/8", 1-1/8", 1-7/32", 1-1/4", and 1-3/8", eliminating the need to buy a kit and saving you time and effort in changing bits.

Pros

  • Made of M2 HSS, which improves durability and performance
  • Polished steps and size highlights allow you to see target hole size during drilling
  • Easy, fast, and clean drilling
  • Can cut holes in various materials, including stainless steel, hardened metal, mild steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, plastic, and wood
  • Comes with six marked sizes, eliminating the need to buy a kit and saving time and effort in changing bits

9. Kseibi Industrial Step Drill Bits Set!

The KSEIBI Step Drill Bits are a reliable and versatile tool for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike. With their jam-free performance and dual-flute design, these bits are optimized for cordless drills running at high speed, delivering up to 2X faster hole times, up to 4X longer life, and up to 50% more holes per battery charge than the competition.

Constructed with high-speed steel and black oxide M2 material, these bits offer superior strength and wear resistance, making them ideal for drilling through metal, stainless steel, plastic, and other materials. The tapered design ensures precise and accurate drilling every time, while the 1/4 inch impact shank provides a secure and stable connection to your power tools.

The KSEIBI Step Drill Bits are a versatile drill bit with a stepped design that enables it to function as a unibit or stepdown bit, providing efficiency and convenience for a range of drilling needs. Its spiral flute design with different steps provides smooth and efficient drilling through a range of thicknesses without the need for multiple bits, making it a go-to tool for any project.

Pros

  • Jam-free performance with dual-flute design
  • Up to 2X faster hole times, up to 4X longer life, and up to 50% more holes per battery charge
  • Constructed with high-speed steel and black oxide M2 material for superior strength and wear resistance
  • Tapered design ensures precise and accurate drilling every time
  • 1/4 inch impact shank provides a secure and stable connection to your power tools
  • Versatile drill bit with a stepped design that enables it to function as a unibit or stepdown bit
  • Spiral flute design with different steps provides smooth and efficient drilling through a range of thicknesses

10. Behappy 29-Pc Cobalt Drill Bit Set.

This drill bit set comes with 29 different sizes, including 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 11/64", 3/16", 13/64", 7/32", 15/64", 1/4", 17/64", 9/32", 19/64", 5/16", 21/64", 11/32", 23/64", 3/8", 25/64", 13/32", 27/64", 7/16", 29/64", 15/32", and 31/64". Made of M35 cobalt, this drill bit set is perfect for drilling hard materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, super alloys, titanium alloys, rigid plastics, and wood. The 135 degrees point nib and twist design improve cutting speed, self-centering, prevent walking, and speed up the removal of debris and particles. The HSS cobalt drill set is suitable for hardened steel and has excellent cutting performance. The blades are hardened and polished to improve sharpness, and precise cutting does not shake. The drill bits are stored in a portable rose case that is made with German craftsmanship, providing better quality and appearance than traditional iron boxes. This drill bit set is suitable for most brands on the market and comes with reliable quality and considerate service. Contact the seller if you have any questions or concerns.

Pros

  • Includes 29 different sizes for all your drilling needs
  • M35 cobalt is perfect for drilling hard materials
  • 135 degrees point nib and twist design improve cutting speed and prevent walking
  • HSS cobalt drill set is suitable for hardened steel and has excellent cutting performance
  • Blades are hardened and polished to improve sharpness and prevent shaking
  • Comes with a portable rose case made with German craftsmanship
  • Suitable for most brands on the market
  • Reliable quality and considerate service from the seller

Best Drill Bits For Drilling Stainless Steel FAQs

Can regular drill bits be used for drilling stainless steel, or do I need specialized ones?

Regular drill bits can be used for drilling stainless steel, but it is recommended to use specialized ones for best results. Stainless steel is a hard metal that can cause regular drill bits to wear out quickly and become dull. This can lead to slower drilling speeds, and the risk of damaging the material being drilled.

Specialized drill bits for stainless steel are made of high-speed steel or cobalt, which are harder and more durable than regular steel. They also have a sharper point and steeper flute angle, allowing them to cut through the hard metal more effectively.

Using a specialized drill bit for stainless steel can also reduce the risk of overheating and causing the material to warp or crack. It's important to use the right drill bit for the job to ensure that the drilling process is efficient and effective, and that the material being drilled is not damaged.

How do I choose the right size drill bit for drilling stainless steel?

When it comes to drilling stainless steel, choosing the right size of drill bit is crucial to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the drilling process. The first thing you need to consider is the thickness of the stainless steel that you want to drill. The size of the drill bit should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole you want to create. This is because if the drill bit is too big, it may cause the stainless steel to warp or distort during the drilling process.

It is also important to use a high-quality drill bit made specifically for drilling stainless steel. These bits are typically made of high-speed steel or cobalt and are designed to withstand the hardness and toughness of stainless steel.

Another factor to consider is the type of drill you will be using. A cordless drill with a high torque setting is recommended as it will provide the necessary power to drill through the stainless steel.

Lastly, it is important to take your time and use a steady hand when drilling stainless steel. Applying too much pressure or using a dull drill bit can cause the metal to overheat and damage the drill bit. By following these tips, you can choose the right size drill bit and successfully drill through stainless steel with ease.

What is the difference between cobalt and carbide drill bits for drilling stainless steel?

Cobalt and carbide drill bits are both commonly used for drilling through tough materials like stainless steel. However, there are some key differences between these two types of drill bits.

Cobalt drill bits are made from a high-speed steel that contains cobalt. This makes them much harder and more heat-resistant than regular steel drill bits, which can quickly dull or overheat when drilling through hard materials. Cobalt drill bits are also more flexible than carbide drill bits, allowing them to bend slightly without breaking.

Carbide drill bits, on the other hand, are made from a much harder material called tungsten carbide. This makes them even more durable and heat-resistant than cobalt drill bits, making them ideal for drilling through extremely hard materials like stainless steel. However, carbide drill bits are also more brittle than cobalt drill bits, which means they are more likely to break if they encounter any resistance during drilling.

In summary, if you are drilling through tough materials like stainless steel, both cobalt and carbide drill bits can be effective. However, if you need to drill through extremely hard or abrasive materials, carbide drill bits may be the better choice due to their increased durability and heat resistance.

What is the proper technique for drilling through stainless steel with a drill bit?

When drilling through stainless steel, it's important to use the proper technique to avoid damaging the material or the drill bit. Here are some tips to ensure a successful drilling process:

1. Use the right drill bit: Stainless steel requires a high-speed steel or cobalt drill bit. These types of bits have a higher resistance to heat and can withstand the hard surface of stainless steel.

2. Lubricate the drill bit: Using a lubricant such as cutting oil or mineral oil will help to reduce heat and friction during the drilling process. This will also help to extend the life of the drill bit.

3. Use a slow speed: Start the drill at a slow speed and gradually increase it as you go. This will help to prevent the drill bit from overheating and breaking.

4. Apply consistent pressure: Apply steady and consistent pressure to the drill as you drill through the stainless steel. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can cause the drill to slip or break.

Following these tips will help to ensure a successful drilling process through stainless steel. Remember to take your time and be patient, as rushing can lead to mistakes and damage to the material or drill bit.

What type of drill bit is best for drilling through stainless steel?

When it comes to drilling through stainless steel, it is important to have the right drill bit for the job. Stainless steel is a tough and durable material that requires a drill bit that can withstand its hardness and resistance. The best type of drill bit for drilling through stainless steel is a cobalt drill bit. Cobalt drill bits are made from high-speed steel and cobalt, which makes them strong, durable, and resistant to heat. They have a high red hardness and can drill through tough materials, including stainless steel. Carbide drill bits are also a good option for drilling through stainless steel, but they are more brittle and can break more easily than cobalt drill bits. To get the best results, it is important to use a drill bit with a sharp point and to use lubricant to help reduce heat and friction. With the right drill bit and technique, drilling through stainless steel can be a breeze.

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