Drill Bits - Metal
Metal Drill Bits
Metal drill bits are ground with sharper points and harder steel to cut sheet, plate, and tube without wandering. The Diablo Metal Demon line leads this collection, sold by size from 1/16 to 1/2 inch and in 15 and 29-piece sets for mild, hardened, and stainless steel. Bosch adds 21-piece cobalt, titanium-coated, and black oxide sets. Irwin offers a titanium nitride set, and Irwin and DeWALT supply metal countersinks. DeWALT carbide metal cutting hole saws are also here.
What to Look For
- Coating and alloy. Black oxide suits mild steel. Titanium coating adds wear resistance. Cobalt holds its edge in stainless and hardened steel.
- Single bits or sets. Single sizes replace the bits you wear out most. Sets cover a full range.
- Speed. Run larger bits slower. Use cutting oil on steel to cut heat.
- Deburring. A countersink cleans hole edges and seats flat-head screws.
Shop metal drill bits at The Tool Nut, an authorized dealer since 1994, with free shipping on most orders and rewards points on every purchase.
Drill Bits - Metal FAQ
Cobalt or titanium drill bits?
Titanium-coated bits are a good general choice for mild steel, wood, and plastic. Cobalt bits keep their hardness through the whole bit, so they last longer in stainless and hardened steel and can be resharpened.
How do I drill a large hole in steel?
Drill a small pilot hole first, then step up in size. For holes larger than about 1/2 inch, use a metal cutting hole saw or, for thick plate, a mag drill with an annular cutter.