Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel | Top 5 Sets

Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel | Top 5 Sets

When it comes to drilling through any hardened steel, you need to know what you’re doing to avoid compounding the work. Additionally, there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to finding the best drill bits for hardened steel. When you delve in without the necessary know-how, you might end up making tons of mistakes and getting discouraged before you ever start.

With that in mind, we’re going to teach you about the best drill bits for hardened steel, so you can avoid unnecessary frustration. Since there are numerous drill bits in the market, this guide will serve as a review page to help you choose the ideal tool — and when you work with the right tool, your job gets a whole lot easier.

In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Picks

05/17/2024 01:47 pm GMT Lasso Brag

Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel

Drill America KFDRSD Series Killer

First on our list is a Drill America set, optimally designed to burrow through any stainless and hardened steel. To maintain its sharpness and effectiveness, the manufactures polished it with black and gold oxide to ensure a smooth experience.

Even though the color design of this drill bit is a little dull, it’s still one of best drill bits thanks to its straight cut 135-degree point tip. With this impressive feature, the hole should come out smooth and clean, making your project a breeze thanks to this reliable and versatile bit.

This Drill America set is one of the best drill bits in the market, and certainly worth your money.

Things We Liked

  • It has durable high-speed steel (HSS) construction
  • One-inch diameter
  • Comes with a black and gold oxide finish
  • Best for stainless and hardened steel drilling
  • The flutes remove debris when running in an anticlockwise motion

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Sometimes, the pipes may not be smooth
  • It is not as durable as some other bits

Drill America M35 Cobalt Drill Bit

The second spot for the best drill bits for hardened steel belongs to the Drill America M35 set. It is one of the top bits when it comes to drilling through hardened steel. One of the top features in this set is the cobalt components, making it an excellent choice.

This kit comes with is about 29 bits, with diverse sizes that are properly organized and identified in the plastic case. The bits are manufactured with cobalt, then finished with a gold oxide to give it a tasteful appearance.

With the gold oxide, the bits can work through any steel smoothly and without issue. Additionally, it also protects the bits from wearing off over time. When it comes to price, this tool offers value compared to numerous drill bits in the market. Based on the countless positive reviews, this is one of the best drill bit sets in the market for hardened steel.

Things We Liked

  • Comes with different sized bits for different sized holes
  • Organized and clearly labeled set
  • Gold oxide finish
  • Meets ANSI standards

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Honestly, we really like this set

Dewalt DWA 1240

DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point, 14-Piece (DWA1240)
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What are the things you look for when buying a drill bit? No doubt, it is the performance. In that case, we’ve got the ideal package in the Dewalt DWA 1240.

The kit comes in a neat and compelling protective case, making for better organization and accessibility thanks to the labeled slots. Just like numerous of its counterparts, the material used in its production is a robust industrial cobalt, which allows the bit to burrow through hardened steel swiftly and quickly.

Overall, it is an excellent option for straightforward work at home, or perhaps complex jobs in your shop.

Things We Liked

  • It comes with a robust, protective case
  • Comes in different sizes for numerous tasks
  • Doesn’t require high pressure
  • Higher heat and abrasion resistance

Things We Didn’t Like

  • When you apply too much pressure, you might end up breaking small bits
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty metals

Drill America KFD29J-PC KFD

If you’ve been using bits from Drill America, you won’t need further explanation of what it can do. When in contact with steel or metal, this tool becomes an incredible beast ready to burrow through anything. With 29 bits in the set, you’ll be able to tackle any project

Just like numerous of its counterparts, the manufacturers made this set with durable high-speed steel and a black and gold oxide finish. Thanks to the careful design, these bits can work on most metals and are super durable.

Many users regard this tool as one of the best drill bits for hardened steel, and the reasons are quite evident. To put this set over the top, it comes in a nice plastic container that can be easily attached to a belt. No doubt, this makes it super convenient for work.

Things We Liked

  • Durable high-speed steel construction
  • 29 size options
  • Back and gold oxide finish
  • The set comes with a belt strap for smooth and easy attachment

What We Didn’t Like

  • The case often feels flimsy
  • The bits can fail to drill through some thicker steel
  • Some of the bits, especially the smaller ones can crack under pressure

Chicago Latrobe 550 Series

Wrapping up our review is the Chicago Latrobe 550 Series, known to be one of the best drilling bits in the market with incredible durability. Although we wish it came with more size options, you’ll be getting high-quality bits.

Like numerous drill bits in the market, the material used in making this drill bit is cobalt, which ensures a smooth and fast job. Furthermore, it reduces rust and ware and tare while in use and when it comes to accuracy, this drill bit is not lacking. The 135-degree point ensures that you drill on target, including primeval holes every time.

Things We Liked

  • Comes with a durable cobalt steel construction
  • Reliable 135 degree point
  • 13 size options
  • Ranges between 1/10 and 1/4 inch bits

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Limited size options
  • Small bits might break under pressure

Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel

best drill bits for hardened steel

Material

One of the first things to check before buying a drill bit is the material it’s made out of. The more resilient the material, the better the performance of the drill bit over time. The materials used would determine the performance and quality of the drill bits. Ideally, you’ll want to look for a bit made of cobalt

Cobalt

When it comes to versatility, this is, no doubt, the most popular choice. With this, drilling through mild metal, tool steel, hardened steel becomes easy making it a must have.

Drill Point Length and Angle

Regarding the design of the drill bit, you have to ensure that the drill point length is ideal for the project you’re working on. For example, a short drill bit is best for small holes, while a longer bit is more ideal for a bigger hole

Drilling FAQ

  1. How is the drill bit used?
    • All you have to do is put it into the chink and constrict the arm around it. Once it’s nice and tight, you’re good to go!
  2. How to sharpen a drill bit?
    • A bit can be sharpened with a metal sharpener. Simply hold the end of the bit on the grinder and allow it to do its job.
  3. How do I remove a broken drill bit?
    • Let’s face it, sometimes bits break after they’ve been used for a while. If you find yourself with a broken bit, simply use some type of tweezers to grab hold of it and pull it out of your drill (or the wall). If it isn’t coming out easily, try gently twisting it and it’ll likely pop right out.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best drill bits for hardened steel, the sets mentioned above rank among the best. While all of the bit sets have perks, you’ll likely want to select a set with your project in mind. If you need to drill different sized holes, you’ll likely want a set with a variety of bit sizes. However, if you’re looking to do a project that doesn’t require a variety of hole sizes, you may want a set that has less options but more durability.