We Tested The Best Drill Bits, See Our Results

By Glenda Taylor, Mark Wolfe

Updated on Sep 4, 2024 8:44 AM EDT

Reviewed By Stephanie Cronk

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When one is assembling a tool kit for home improvement, maintenance, construction, and a wide variety of building and installing projects, one of the first items purchased is often a power drill, followed by an assortment of drill bits. These attachable cutting implements bore into surfaces, drilling a wide range of hole types and sizes. There’s a nearly endless supply of drill bits on the shelves of home improvement stores in different types, sizes, and material options—each suited to specific tasks—and a DIYer must know the appropriate one to use.

I recently tested eight offerings from leading tool manufacturers in a quest for the best drill bits available. I worked with bits designed for metal, wood, aluminum, concrete, tile, and more, so if you’re planning to upgrade your tool kit, perhaps my findings can help. My favorite was the Milwaukee 29-Pc Shockwave Red Helix Titanium Bit Set for their heavy-duty construction, high performance, and unique variable helix flute design.

Read on to find out more about the materials and design features used to construct high-quality drill bits, the different kinds of bits available, and how to find the type you need. Ahead, learn about the details of the best drill bits and how they performed in testing. But first, have a look at the picks.

With these key features in mind, I spent a week shopping for and testing the following picks. Read on to find out why I consider them to be the best drill bits around and how they performed in my workshop tests.

For everyday drilling, whether on the job or for DIY projects, a set of dependable all-purpose bits comes in handy. The Milwaukee Shockwave Red Helix drill bits were designed with drilling toughness in mind. The 29 bits are made of rugged, cost-effective, high-speed steel with a titanium oxide coating for improved wear resistance. A four-way cutting edge on the pilot-point tip delivers precise starts and smaller chips for faster, easier material removal and less heat buildup. To improve drilling speed, the variable width helix starts out at an aggressive 35-degree angle near the tip and ends at 15 degrees nearest the chuck. These bits feature hex shanks for fast, easy chucking in cordless drill/drivers or impact drivers.

While the Milwaukee Red Helix drill bits were priced higher than other titanium-coated bits I tested, they performed extremely well. The heavy-duty plastic carry case proved easy to open and close, even with gloved hands, and the bits were a breeze to find thanks to clearly legible size indexing. I also liked that the hex shanks made the bits compatible with all kinds of drills as well as impact drivers.

When drilling into wood, PVC, and aluminum, Milwaukee’s Quad Edge drill bit tips were both accurate and fast. I was also impressed with the clean, dust-free holes they drilled, due at least in part to the unique variable helix flute design that seemed to push debris up and away more easily than other bits.

What our tester says: “I found that during testing, these drill bits consistently penetrated exactly where they were positioned without skipping or traveling across smooth surfaces.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester & writer

Get the Milwaukee drill bits at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

With 300 pieces, this versatile Ryobi kit is ideal for DIYers on a budget who find themselves tackling a different project every weekend. It includes 125 drill bits plus hole saws, nut drivers, screwdriver bits, and much more. The drill bits are perfect for drilling wood, metal, plastic, and masonry, and the driving bits work with a wide range of fasteners. The kit comes in a durable hard plastic carry case for easy transport.

Right off the bat, I was impressed by the cost-to-value ratio of this kit. Ryobi is widely recognized as a reliable choice for home repair tools and accessories, but the price here is a better-than-average value. Most of the drill bits in the kit feature a basic straight-shank split-point design, with the exception of three hex-shank black-oxide bits, 10 spade bits, eight brad-point bits, and 11 carbide-tipped masonry bits. I shop tested a total of 14 bits from the kit: four black oxide, four titanium, two spade point, two brad point, and two carbide tipped.

I liked this kit as an affordable and well-appointed starter set for home maintenance and DIY projects. Although the drill bits boast no upgraded materials or design features, they simply worked. Following basic drilling conventions, such as working slowly and lubricating the bit while drilling harder materials, each bit I tested drilled as expected. The thin diameter bits didn’t seem to be excessively flexible or susceptible to breakage. The thicker-diameter bits only skated slightly on the surface. (Tip: Use a punch or nail to mark the location and prevent skating.) When I attempted to drill too fast or applied excessive pressure, the tips tended to overheat. While the Ryobi kit may not be ideal for heavy-duty applications, for common household repair and maintenance projects, this kit could make an excellent buy.

Get the Ryobi drill bits at The Home Depot.

Some drilling applications highlight the importance of choosing the best bits. While materials like stainless steel and cast iron can destroy most drill bits, these Norseman M42 cobalt alloy bits are up to the task. The 8 percent cobalt alloy used in these bits gives them improved hot hardness for outstanding durability under tough drilling conditions. They keep a sharper edge longer than either titanium-oxide-coated HSS or M35 cobalt, and they can be sharpened many times over for an extremely long working life.

These jobber length bits feature 135-degree split points and straight shafts. Packed in a multitiered steel index case, the kit includes 115 drill bits in fractional sizes 3/64 inch to ½ inch, letter sizes A to Z, and wire sizes 1 to 60, with no skipped sizes. This is the ideal set for drilling hard metals or free machining stainless steel, titanium alloy, and abrasive plastics.

I tested the Norseman M42 cobalt bits in stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum, first using a benchtop drill press and again with a cordless drill/driver. Operation with the drill press was incredibly smooth. With only a few drops of oil to lubricate the bit, the split point easily penetrated on contact and left holes with crisp, clean edges. The metal chips were small and evenly sized—even with stainless steel, which with lesser bits can produce wiry edges or “bird nests” around the hole.

With the handheld drill, results were similar. I kept the drill at about half speed, applied a fair amount of force, and got nice clean results again. I was most impressed that with a simple (extremely well-made) split point, these bits did not skid on the surface at all during freehand drilling with no center punch. The price may be hard to justify for common wood, plastic, and soft-metal drilling, so I’d recommend these primarily for consistent use with hard metals.

Get the Norseman drill bits at Amazon, Bowers Tool Co., or Prime Tools.

Those who want to be ready for all kinds of drilling should be prepared with a set of bits that can be used on hard metals like cast iron, stainless steel, and titanium alloy. These Bosch M42 cobalt bits feature 8 percent cobalt-alloy construction for extreme heat resistance and a long working life in hard metals. They boast a thick web helix design for fast material removal and outstanding stability. The tip-hardened 135-degree split points allow for fast and smooth penetration, and 3-flat shanks improve grip and stability in the drill chuck.

I give the Bosch M42 cobalt drill bits a thumbs up for several reasons. First, they are made of premium alloy that can be resharpened many times for an extremely long working life. Also, the kit is compact and comes in a durable carry case, so it’s easy to leave in a tool bag for those times when users may need to drill metal. Finally, although the kit is compact, it includes the most important sizes for general drilling. If exacting precision is not required, they will probably do the job.

In my tests with a drill press and cordless drill, the bits performed well. I did experience a small amount of skating before penetration with the smaller bits, but the larger bits were more stable. It bears mentioning that the smallest bits (less than ⅛ inch) have flat shanks, but that was not a hindrance. Also, the ½-inch bit has a machined shank so that it fits into a ⅜-inch drill chuck. Really nice bits at a good price.

Get the Bosch cobalt drill bits at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Yes, cheap HSS drill bits can drill a soft metal like aluminum, but aluminum’s low melting point becomes problematic with HSS bits due to heat buildup with extended use. For the cleanest, most precise results, heat-resistant cobalt-alloy bits—such as those in this Irwin set—make the best choice.

The Irwin M35 cobalt metal index drill bit set includes 29 bits, from 1/16-inch to ½-inch sizes, in 1/64-inch increments. They are purpose-built for a long working life while drilling metal. The M35 alloy steel exhibits excellent heat and wear resistance for long-term drilling durability. Heavy-duty web construction and 135-degree split-point tips allow the bits to drill metal fast and efficiently. And the bits are easy to sharpen when needed for an even longer work life. This drill bit set is conveniently packaged in a rubber overmolded steel carry case with removable cartridges for easier transport.

The Irwin cobalt drill bits performed exceptionally well in my tests, using them to drill cast iron and stainless steel in addition to cast aluminum. I also appreciated that the larger bits are machined down at the shank to fit ⅜-inch drill chucks. The smooth shanks chucked securely into my drill press, but I had to double-check the grip in my cordless drill chuck.

The only weak points I noticed were in regard to the storage case, which features a sliding latch that sometimes becomes misaligned or sticks in place. The set is probably best for shop use only rather than carrying around in a tool box. The plastic cartridges that hold the bits in place are removable “for transport,” but the kit has no other carry case to insert the cartridge into. I did like that a tap and drill selection chart is included in the case, however. While the case could stand some improvement, the high-quality bits and moderate price point make this Irwin set worthwhile.

What our tester says: “I found that the tips drilled accurately with no walking on the metal surfaces, and they remained sharp, leaving clean edges on all of the test holes.”

Get the Irwin drill bits at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Drilling into masonry requires a hard, tough bit. Bosch Blue Granite masonry drill bits feature a heavy-duty build, with high-temperature-brazed diamond-ground carbide tips for accurate and aggressive drilling as well as milled U-flutes with deep-cut spirals for rapid dust removal. The softened smooth shanks offer a secure grip in the drill chuck. This set includes seven drill bits in five popular sizes: one ⅛ inch, two 5/32 inch, two 3/16 inch, one ¼ inch, and one ⅜ inch.

Masonry drill bits are often considered “throw-away” bits due to their short working life, but the Bosch Blue Granite bits proved to be more robust than average. I tested them in cinder block, brick, and poured concrete, using a cordless hammer drill, with and without pilot holes. In each case, the bits drilled quickly and produced clean, crisp-edged holes. I especially liked the ease with which the tips stayed on center when starting a hole.

On the cautionary side, I took care not to apply excessive force on the bits because the long bits tended to flex under pressure. After drilling three holes with each bit, the tips were beginning to show signs of wear, but they clearly could have drilled many more.

Get the Bosch Blue Granite drill bits at Amazon or The Home Depot.

When it comes to drilling brittle materials, a specially designed drill bit is required. These Diablo carbide-tipped tile and stone drill bits feature short shanks and spear-shaped carbide tips for fast starts, accurate holes, and a long working life. The multiground carbide tips allow for aggressive drilling into hard materials. They are built with a unique brazing and hardening process to withstand impacts. The four-piece set includes one each of ⅛-inch, 3/16-inch, ¼-inch, and 5/16-inch bits. The smooth shanks offer good grip in drill chucks.

I tested the Diablo tile and stone bits in ceramic tile, travertine tile, and glass tile, using water as a coolant. I had greater success in ceramic and travertine, and less success in glass until I figured out the right combination of speed and pressure required. Ultimately, the bits worked on all three surfaces.

The carbide tips did produce clean holes quickly and continued to work well after four test holes each. The 2-inch shafts were a bit shorter than I would have liked, although the short length may have allowed better control than a longer shaft. The carbide tips are spear shaped, but broader than other spear points, which may have contributed to our initial challenges drilling glass. Unfortunately the carry case is not very good: cheap plastic that looks like retail packaging, and it holds the bits too tightly.

Get the Diablo drill bits at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Titanium-nitride-coated drill bits have a hard surface that makes them a great choice for general-purpose drilling. DeWalt titanium nitride speed tip drill bits are machined from a single piece of metal for reliable performance in wood as well as steel, aluminum, plastic, and many other materials. The pilot point is designed for fast, accurate starts with less walking and burr-free holes. A patented web taper increases bit strength for high-torque drilling operations. This kit includes 21 bits in 16 sizes, from 1/16 inch to ½ inch, in a plastic tough case.

I could have easily flipped a coin and awarded the DeWalt titanium-coated bits Best Overall due to the competitive bit quality, price, and performance. I liked that this kit includes several duplicates in case of lost or broken pieces, but since it doesn’t have as large a selection as the Milwaukee set, I placed it here.

In my tests with wood, PVC, and aluminum, these bits made fast, accurate, clean holes every time. After drilling four holes each, the bits were still in great shape. I liked the 3-flat shanks for quick, secure chucking in the cordless drill, and the clear carry case made it easy to see what I was grabbing from the tool bag. A really nice, reliable set of all-purpose drill bits.

Get the DeWalt drill bits at Amazon, Acme Tools, or The Home Depot.

To kick off this project, I spent 20 hours researching drills and drill bits for common household repairs, maintenance, and DIY projects and learning about best drilling practices. Then I began searching the most reputable tool brands to find the best drill bit designs and materials available. After reviewing more than 50 drill bit sets, I selected our top picks based on functionality, size combinations, cost, and availability.

I tested the picks in a workshop using a benchtop drill press with a keyed chuck and a cordless drill driver with a keyless chuck. Test materials included wood, PVC, and aluminum for titanium-coated high-speed steel bits; cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum for cobalt alloy bits; brick, cinder block, and poured concrete for masonry bits; and ceramic, travertine, and glass tiles for carbide-tipped tile bits.

After noting the physical characteristics of each bit set, I selected four different drill bits from each set. Following best practices for each bit type, drill type, and material type, I drilled three holes with each bit in every selected test material. I noted accuracy of hole placement and any movement of the bit prior to surface penetration, drilling speed, chip or “drill dust” consistency, and cleanliness of the holes at the entry and exit points.

The best drill bits penetrated surfaces quickly, drilled aggressively, and stayed sharp throughout the testing process.

When choosing a high-quality drill bit, the main factors to consider include the type and size of the bit as well as the material that needs to be drilled.

In the United States, standard drill bits are most often sized in fractional 1/64-inch increments, commonly ranging from 1/16 inch up to 1 inch. Those needing a larger hole can opt for a spade bit or hole-saw bit. Bit size may also be labeled in millimeters and decimals, but don’t worry about trying to figure out which sizes are equivalent: Conversion charts are posted everywhere bits are sold, and they can be found online as well.

While all drill bits are made from metal, some types of metal are better than others for drilling holes in different types of material.

Now that you’ve learned more about buying the best drill bits, you may have a few lingering questions. Ahead, find out more about owning and caring for these handy tools.

Most good-quality drill bits are made of high-speed steel. Often these bits are coated with black oxide or titanium nitride for improved wear resistance. Hard materials like masonry, tile, or glass require the use of specially designed tips with embedded carbide or diamond. High-quality bits for drilling hard metals are often made of cobalt alloy steel.

While there are many specific design features that can improve drilling operation for different needs, the basic classifications include twist-drill, counterbore, countersink, flat-bottom boring, and specialty drill bits.

Drill bits are not universal. Brands are not important, but the size of the drill bit’s shank must be compatible with the drill’s chuck. For instance, many cordless drills are made with a ⅜-inch chuck, so a bit with a ½-inch shank would not be compatible. Torque is also important to consider. Larger bits require more torque from a more powerful drill to work properly, but thinner bits must be specially designed to work with high torque drills to avoid damage.

Clean bits work more efficiently and last longer than those left dirty. To clean drill bits, wash them with soapy water and a plastic bristle brush. Especially dirty bits may be allowed to soak in a 1:1 solution of water and liquid laundry soap. Rinse bits well after cleaning, then dry them with a rag. Apply a drop of lightweight machine oil to prevent rust.

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

Mark Wolfe is a writer, product tester, and avid DIYer who lives in an older home with a long to-do list of maintenance tasks. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his house, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about all kinds of tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor-living goods.

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.

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