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Best Drill Bits Review

Best drill bits for metal and wood | Milwaukee vs Irwin

Posted on February 23, 2019October 8, 2020 by Aaron Barnett
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Checked and updated on October 8, 2020 by Aaron Barnett

Author intro

The best drill bits for metal are made from Cobalt and are made by Irwin, Milwaukee, and Dewalt. If you get the best drill bits for metal then they will also perform as wood drill bits as long as they don’t have a split point tip. Consider also making sure you have a range of all the different types of drill bits so you can transfer wear-and-tear onto cheaper bits when you can. 

There are 2 different philosophies for buying drill bits.

  1. Buy the cheapest drill bits in bulk as all bits eventually break
  2. Buy a quality set that won’t snap or blunt as easy but pair them with a drill bit sharper like the Drill Doctor 750X to get the longer life value from the drill bits
Table Of Contents show
Best metal drill Bits
Pair with drill bit sharpener
Best wood drill bits
Best hole saw kit
Best drill and impact driver set
Best step drill bit
Introduction
Before you buy a drill bit set…
When to use metal drill bits
How to quickly drill larger holes in wood
How to keep your drill bits sharp?
When to use a hole saw?
What brand makes the best drill driver bits?
Who uses drill bits?
Tips for drilling jobs
Comparing drill bit kits
Conclusion
Drill doctor 750x review
Fastest wood drilling bits
Milwaukee hole saw review
Milwaukee impact driver set
Step drill bit review

Best metal drill Bits

Best Metal cutting paste

TPP Cutting paste for drilling into metal

TPP Cutting paste for drilling into metal

  • Lubricates drill bits to avoid overheating keeping bits sharper for longer
  • The fairly large tin will last for many drilling jobs
  • The paste lasts longer than liquid-based cutting lubricants
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#1 Best drill bits

Cobalt TPP Hard M35 metal drill bits (29 pieces)

Cobalt TPP Hard M35 metal drill bits 29 peice

  • Heavy-duty imperial drill bits for both metal and wood
  • Can drill through even stainless steel
  • Can easily be sharpened with a drill doctor
  • None
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#2 Best Irwin drill bits

Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt M-35  (29 Pieces)

Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt M 35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set 29 Piece

  • Can easily drill through hard materials–even other drill bits
  • Split point lets you drill on contact with greater efficiency
  • Best cobalt bits for drilling stainless steel
  • Cuts fast and clean
  • Can drill through metals, wood, and plastic
  • Doesn’t have a hex or flatted shank
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#3 Best Milwaukee drill bits

Milwaukee kit tin Shockwave (29-Pieces)

Milwaukee 48 89 4632 Kit Tin Shockwave 29 Piece

  • Good edge retention
  • Secure hold with no slippage
  • Lasts long with proper lubrication and cooling
  • Good case
  • Not good with stainless steel
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#4 Best drill bit set for stainless steel

Dewalt  (29-Pieces)

DEWALT Drill Bit Set with Metal Index 29 Piece DW1969

  • Keeps steady when starting because of the tip
  • No catching when breaking through holes
  • Not very effective for wood and harder materials like thick metal
  • No case
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#5 Best Dewalt drill bits

Dewalt steel drill set (21 Pieces)

DEWALT DW1361 Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set 21 Piece

    • Best suited for aluminum, wood, and plastic
    • Cuts through plaster without chipping
    • Strong case
    • A mixture of tipped and no tipped bits
    • Drill bits tend to lose their edge quickly
    • Steel isn’t the highest quality
    • Not many drill bits
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#6 Best Drill America drill bit set

Drill America Cobalt steel drill bits (29 Pieces)

Drill America 29 Piece

  • Can drill through bolts and heavy steel sheets
  • Drills clean and precise holes
  • Doesn’t hold an edge for as long
  • A bit wobbly in use
  • Lifetime warranty is not real
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#7 Best steel and wood drill bits

Cobalt Drill Bit Set (29 Pieces)

29 Pc Cobalt Drill Bit Set M42 HSS 29pc USA

  • Made of high heat-treated cobalt
  • Has a 135° split point that reduces “walking”
  •  Tri-flat shank prevents chuck spinning
  •  Cuts through iron and steel
  •  Case is decent
  • Edge retention isn’t that great
  • Lifetime warranty is not real
  • Tend to break easily
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Pair with drill bit sharpener

#1 Best drill doctor

Drill Doctor 750X drill bit sharpener

Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener

  • The diamond grinding wheel is very efficient and lasts a long time
  • Easy to get professional results with very little effort
  • Don’t worry about blunt drill bits any more
  • Sharpens 3/32″ – 3/4inch Drill Bits at 115° to 140°
  • Masonry, cobalt, and Tin-coated drill bits
  • Break fewer drill bits as you will keep them sharp
  • 180 and 100 grit diamond wheel
  • Needs a subtle touch to operate
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#2 Best drill bit sharpener

Drill Doctor DD500X

Drill Doctor DD500X 500x Drill Bit Sharpener

  • Don’t worry about blunt drill bits or breaking them because they are blunt
  • Can create split points from standard-point drill bits
  •  Sharpens 3/32″ to 1/2inch Drill Bits at 118° & 135°
  • 100 and 180 grit diamond wheels
  • Masonry, tin-coated and cobalt drill bits
  • May require repeated alignment to get edge right
  • Cant sharpen bigger bits
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Best wood drill bits

#1 Fastest timber drill bits

Irwin tools Speedbor max wood drilling bits

IRWIN Tools SPEEDBOR Max Wood Drilling Bits 6 Inch length 10 Piece 1801022

  • Very fast for timber drilling
  • Hexagon ends stop bits from slipping
  • Self-feeding tips make starting holes easy
  • Good range of sizes to work with
  • Suited for drill presses due to high torque
  • Tri-fluted shafts result in clean and precise holes
  • Zip could get clogged up with sawdust on a construction site
  • Not for Metal
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#2 Best spade drill bit

Irwin Speedbor 17-Piece

IRWIN Tools SPEEDBOR Blue Groove Pro Spade Bit Set with Storage Case 17 Piece 1792761

  • Hexagon shaped ends keep the bits from slipping
  • Really cheap must have – to use to protect your good drill bits in areas that might have nails
  • Best auger drill bits available
  • The case is easy to get bits in and out of
  • Very good for checking out timber instead of a router if its ruff work and not seen
  • None apart from “not for metal”
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Best hole saw kit

#1 Best Milwaukee hole saw kit

Milwaukee hole saw (28-Piece)

Milwaukee 49 22 4185 28 Piece

  • Doesn’t chew the edges of your holes
  • Enables you to cut a wide range of hole sizes
  • Cuts cleanly and smoothly in wood and metal
  • The case is built to last
  • Complete kit
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#2 Best Bosch hole saw kit

Bosch 25-piece master bi-metal hole saw kit

Bosch 25 Piece Master Bi Metal

  • A wide range of saws works with a variety of woods and metals
  •  8% cobalt alloy ensures longer life and better heat resistance
  • Reinforced shoulder increases strength
  • The case is pretty decent
  • Blades aren’t centered properly
  • Not fully stable in use
  • Not many hole saws
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#3 Best Dewalt hole saw kit

Dewalt 14-Piece Hole Saw Kit

DEWALT D180005 14 Piece Hole Saw Kit

  •   Can be used for plumbing, door lock installation, and electrical work
  • Can make pretty deep cuts
  • Reduced warping and thread stripping due to hardened backing plates
  • Box is decent
  • Cuts are a bit rough
  • Not many bits
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#4 Best wooden hole saw set

Hole saw kit, Eonlion 16 pieces

Hole Saw Kit EONLION 16 Pieces

  • Can cut a wide variety of hole sizes from small to very large
  • Very Cheap for timber use only
  • Cuts through softwood, plastic, PVC, and drywall
  • Box will break
  • Cannot cut metals
  • Not much depth can only cut thin materials
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Best drill and impact driver set

#1 Best impact driver set

Milwaukee impact drill and drive driver bit set (40-pieces)

Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Drill and Drive Driver Bit Set 40 SET

  • Very high-quality bits for the price
  • Has hex bits, and 2 socket bits
  • Comes with a good number of attachments
  • Wide variety of different-sized bits
  • Good case
  • Better if was space for more commonly used square drives
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#2 Best screw driving set

Irwin Impact driver bit set (33-pieces)

IRWIN Tools 33 Piece Impact Series Fastener Driver Bit Set 1840315

  •  Forged steel construction ensures a secure fit and long life
  • Has 1 socket bit and good quality hex bits
  • Black oxide finish prevents corrosion
  • Comes with a nice storage case
  • It would be better if they allowed more space for commonly used square drives.
  • Fewer bits than the Milwaukee
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#3 Best Dewalt impact drill driver set

Dewalt DWA2T40IR impact ready, (40-pieces)

DEWALT DWA2T40IR IMPACT READY FlexTorq Screw Driving Set 40 Piece

  • FlexTorq feature allows up to 15° flex
  • Magnetic screw lock ensures a secure grip
  • Reduced wobbling
  • Good case
  • Has 3 sized hex bit’s
  • No socket hex bits
  • Bits aren’t as strong as others
  • The storage box is unnecessarily large
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#4 Best Makita drill driver set

Makita B-52370 impact gold torsion bit set (38 pieces)

Makita B 52370 Impact Gold Torsion Bit Set 38 Piece

  • Impact gold construction ensures longer life
  • Double-ended power bits make changing bits quick and easy
  • Mag Boost feature magnetizes any drive power bit
  • Tips wear down faster than expected
  • Difficult to get bits out of the case without tools
  • No hex bits
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Best step drill bit

#1 Best Milwaukee step drill

Milwaukee 48-89-9257 impact step drill bit set

Milwaukee 48-89-9257 Impact Step Dril Bit Set

 

  • Split point for easy start
  •  Enables you to cut different-sized holes without changing bits
  • Comes with a case
  • Well made heavy duty electricians step drill set
  • Impact driver ready
  • Expensive compared to the Dewalt set
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#2 Best Dewalt step drill set

Dewalt DWA1790IR 3-piece impact ready step drill set

DEWALT DWA1790IR 3 Piece IMPACT READY Step Drill Set

  • Good for drilling out metal studs
  • Split point tip for easy drilling
  • Impact driver ready
  • Repeated drilling in Stainless steel can make them dull
  • No storage case provided
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#3 Best step drill set

Tacklife PDH06A Step Drill Set

Tacklife PDH06A Step Dril Set

    • Variety of 50 sizes in 5
    • Comes with a case
    • Good quality for the price
    • Lower quality compared to the Dewalt or Milwaukee sets
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#4 Best step drill bits

CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Step Drill

CO Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole 50 Sizes Step Drill Bit Set

  • Cuts quickly and cleanly on soft and medium materials
  • You can drill different-sized holes without changing bits
  • Heavy-duty aluminum case with adequate protection
  • Not that effective with hard materials
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Introduction

Drill bits are useful for anyone who needs to do any kind of building, construction, repair, or DIY work. There are so many different drill attachments you can use in your Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee cordless hammer drill to drive screws and drill different sized holes in different building materials.

If you do a lot of drilling, you will probably be going through drill bits like crazy. It is worth spending for the best quality drill bits you can buy. Even though they are more expensive, they tend to last longer, so you won’t have to keep buying a new set every couple of weeks.

Don’t forget to get a good, sturdy case as well. In addition to keeping you from losing bits, they will also help you transport your equipment and make it easier for you to find the bits you need when you need them.

If you are going through a lot of bits you might want to get a drill doctor to resharpen your drill bits when they get blunt.

What to first consider

  • Strength. Your drill bits should be able to handle most any material with ease. Drill bits that can bore through brick, stone, concrete, and metal can just as easily bore through wood and plastic.
  • Durability. Carbide-tip drill bits are not only strong but will stay sharp for longer.
  • Size. You need to purchase drill bits in a variety of different sizes. This will enable you to drill holes that are sized appropriately for specific purposes.
  • Flexibility. Some degree of flexibility is actually desirable, as it will prevent breakage when you have to drill at an angle.

Metal drill bit in cordless drill

Before you buy a drill bit set…

Consider the brand?

Irwin and Milwaukee drill bits are among the best made and most reliable drill bits available. Most Irwin drill bits are ideally-suited for drilling into metal, and the best are even able to penetrate hardened steel fairly easily. The cobalt alloy construction is resistant to heat and abrasion, and retain their sharpness for a long time.

Milwaukee matrix carbide drill bits are equally durable, and they are especially resistant to impact. These drill bits are designed to absorb peak torques, which prevent them from wearing out too quickly.

Have you got bits that are durable enough?

The materials from which the drill bits are made have a lot to do with their durability. Cobalt is an especially reliable and hardy material, and you will find that drill bits made from this material are extremely hard and long-lasting. Cobalt also dissipates heat quickly, which reduces the risk of overheating when drilling through metal.

Consider purchasing drill bits with a black oxide coating. These are very resistant to corrosion and will bore through most any material efficiently.

Titanium-coated drill bits are even more resistant to friction, and they stay sharp even with frequent use. For maximum longevity though, carbide-tipped drill bits are among the most durable you can buy.

Is the drill bit long enough?

The length of your drill bit will affect how efficient and how effective it is for specific tasks. Shorter drill bit’s tend to be stronger than long bits, and they are less likely to go off-center. However, they may not provide the depth needed for certain jobs.

Have you got a range of widths and sizes in a kit?

Size is an equally important factor. Drill bit size is usually measured in fractional inches, wire sizes, letter sizes, and metric decimal millimeters. It is a good idea to get drill bits in a few different sizes so you can drill holes of varying diameters.

Consider tip styles

Drill bits also come in different tip styles. Twist drill bits usually come with standard drill points, which are suitable for most general drilling tasks. You may also see twist drill bits with split drill points, which ensure more stable operation and better penetration.

Then there are V-point bits, which are used for drilling thru-holes in sheet metal, brad point bits, which are useful for drilling blind holes, fishtail bits, which are ideally suited for drilling at an angle, and taper point bits, which are used for drilling tapered holes.

Counter-bore drills come with tips that have flat blades that extend from the center to the outer edge. They may come fitted with outer spurs or “teeth” which help prevent chipping and splintering.

Countersink drill bits also have similar flat blades that extend from the center to the outer edge. These have angles that range from 60° to 120°.

What price point to expect

The best drill bits can be quite expensive, but spending on the cheapest bits is rarely a good idea. Cheap drill bits tend to break easily and lose their sharpness quickly, so you will have to buy new bits more frequently. Even if you have a drill bit sharpener, cheap bits will require more frequent sharpening and will become totally useless sooner or later.

Get the best drill bits you can buy, and you will get longer use out of them if you also sharpen them periodically.

Metal drill bit in CNC router

When to use metal drill bits

Metal drill bits are really the only serious choice, whether you are a hobbyist/DIY’er, or a professional builder/steelworker. Standard wood only drill-bits might work for wood, plastic, and softer metal, but they will be pretty much useless for anything else.

On the other hand, metal drill bits will work equally well for softer materials and steel, so you can use them for pretty much anything. There are a few different varieties of metal drill bits. The most popular are made of cobalt, giving them the ability to bore through aluminum and stainless steel.

There are also drill bits that have black oxide coatings. These are very durable, stay sharp for longer, and can bore through most any type of material.

Titanium-coated drill bits are also very durable and produce very little friction. For sheer strength and durability-though, carbide-tipped drill bits are the ones to beat. These stay sharp for much longer than any other type of drill bit and are ideally suited for drilling holes in tile and masonry.

Drilling hole into metal on lathe

Irwin drill bits vs Tpp Hard

The Irwin 3018002 is a 29 piece-set of heavy-duty drill bits, each designed to drill into the toughest materials. Made of 8% industrial-grade cobalt alloy, these drill bits can bore through-hardened still as if it was butter.

The set includes drill bits in various sizes, ranging from 1/16” to 1/2”. This gives you a good range of options in hole sizes, which is suitable for woodworking and even metal fabrication. It even comes with a rugged over-molded case made of rubber, which keeps your drill bits secure and organized.

best drill bits for stainless steel, Irwin Tools Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set, 29 Piece

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These TTP bits have excellent heat and abrasion-resistant properties and are equipped with tips that penetrate steel readily. You don’t even have to push very hard to penetrate the material, and the drill remains steady and centered on the drilling point.

Cobalt TPP Hard M35 metal drill bits 29 peice

 

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When to use a step drill instead

When you want to step up a hole to a bigger and large size a step drill can be used as a way to grow a hole in the metal and keeping a tidy centered finish. This is very useful when installing new hardware on aluminum doors and windows.

Milwaukee step drill bit

The Milwaukee 48-89-9257 Impact Step Drill Bit Set is a 3-piece set of high-speed steel drill bits that have a unique futuristic design. Made of Titanium-Aluminum-Nitrite, made to have 5X longer life than its competitors. The Rapid-Strike-Tip™ and dual spiral flute are made to also drill 2X as faster than its competitors.

These drill bits are tough enough for electricians. The Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) coating further enhances edge retention and ensures the long life of the bits.

The unique design of the Milwaukee step drill bits enables you to drill a wide variety of differently-sized holes, even with a fairly modest number of tools. The shanks are compatible with chucks and impact drivers. So you have a great deal of flexibility with regard to the drills that you will use with them.

The drill bits have non-walking tips that help you keep them centered when drilling on slick and glossy surfaces such as steel and aluminum sheets. These drill bits are also equally effective on plastic, and a variety of other materials, although the material should be thinner than the height of each step on the drill bits.

Milwaukee 48-89-9257 Impact Step Dril Bit Set

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How to quickly drill larger holes in wood

Auger bits look pretty much like twist bits, with the main difference being a large flute that clears out wood or metal chips from the drill hole. They also have screw tips that help keep the drill bit centered.

Like spade bits, auger bits are best suited for wood and soft materials. They do make cleaner and smoother holes than spade bits and don’t end as much torque to operate.

If you are in the market for auger bits, look into the Irwin brand. They are inexpensive, very versatile, and their performance is flawless. They will also keep you from damaging your more expensive drill bits.

For quick and easy drilling into wood, consider purchasing a set of High-Speed Steel (HSS) bits. These will drill into a wide variety of materials including wood, PVC, fiberglass, and even aluminum.

Irwin’s Speedbor Max set offers high performance and precision in an affordably-priced set. It consists of ten 6” long drill bits in sizes ranging from ½” to 1 ¼”. Three of the bits are fitted with three cutting spurs that enable you to drill holes faster and cleaner, with reduced risk of a breakout. This design also ensures a longer drilling life.

The drill bits have full screw-point tips that enable self-feeding, making drilling faster and more efficient. They also have a tapered tri-flute design that helps eject chips faster and reduces incidences of binding.

Speedbor Max drill bits have ¼” quick-change shanks that prevent slipping when used with standard chucks. These bits are compatible with all ¼” quick-change chucks on the market, and they can be used in impact drills as well.

The Irwin speed bore drill bits will save the wear and tear on your drill as they will instantly drill through timber like butter.

IRWIN Tools SPEEDBOR Max Wood Drilling Bits, 6-Inch length, 10-Piece

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A cheaper option is the Irwin Speedbor set of 16 spade bits plus a canvas case. The bits range in size from ¼” to 1 ½”, giving you a wide range of options for drilling holes of various sizes.

The Speedbor bits are designed for durability and enhanced cutting performance. They feature a patented “Blue-Groove” design that clears away chips from the drilling surface as you are working, improving speed, and enhancing efficiency.

The bits also have shanks that are 25% larger than that of other brands’ drill bits. This makes them a lot more resistant to heavy use and helps increase their usable life. They also have thicker cutting edges for better performance and double cutting spurs that help you drill cleaner holes in any material.

Irwin spade bits are a cheaper also-must-have as they let you drill and bore-holes for checkouts in timber framing for cables, pipes and wires quicker than setting up any Makita or Bosch wood router.

IRWIN Tools SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove Pro Spade Bit Set with Storage Case, 17-Piece

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How to keep your drill bits sharp?

No matter how strong and durable your drill bits are, they will get dull at some point, particularly if you often work with steel or other hard materials.

You can use an ordinary bench grinder for sharpening, but something like a Drill Doctor is a more convenient and fail-proof solution. The best models can sharpen pretty much any type of drill bit, and they are very easy-to-use even without prior experience.

Sharpening your drill bits will spare you the expense of having to buy a new set of drill bits every time yours wear out. Over time, you can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing a bit sharpener.

TPP Cut It drilling paste and lubricant

What tool to use to sharpen drill bits?

The Drill Doctor 750X can save you a great deal of time and money when your drill bits inevitably get dull. A convenient and effective solution that will save you the expense of having to purchase new drill bits every few weeks, the Drill Doctor is quick and simple to use, yet provides professional quality results.

The 750X accommodates a wide range of drill bit sizes, ranging from 3/32” to 3/4”. Ideally-suited for sharpening frequently used bits, it can also restore the edge on even broken bits that you otherwise might have thrown away.

The 750X is so versatile and powerful that it can sharpen most any type of drill bit. From high-speed steel bits to cobalt bits, and even masonry and titanium-tip bits, the Drill Doctor does it all with consistently excellent results.

Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener

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When to use a hole saw?

Ever wondered how builders and woodworkers drill perfectly round and smooth holes in wood? In most cases, they probably used a hole saw for the job. These are cylindrical blades with a rigid cutting-edge that work pretty much like a rotating saw. When attached to a typical drill, they can be used to create knob holes indoors or cut holes for wiring.

Like drill bits, hole saws come in a variety of sizes. The larger the diameter of your hole saw is, the larger the holes you will be able to cut. Most hole saws have a pilot bit that helps keep the blade centered.

Milwaukee hole saw kit

The Milwaukee 49-22-4185 set consists of 22 hole saws, three drill bits, and three arbors. The hole saws are made of ice-hardened steel that makes them last 50% longer than similar products. They also have the strength and durability to cut through wood and even metal, which makes them an excellent choice for electrical, plumbing, HVAC installation, and various other and maintenance and repair tasks.

The cryogenic hardening process is a large part of what makes the Milwaukee hole saws so durable. Unlike heat-treated saws whose coatings tend to wear out quickly, these are actually strong to the core due to the unique manufacturing process. The Matrix II bi-metal construction further ensures durability and long life, and the cutting-edge has a precision-ground geometry that makes cutting tasks quick and easy.

Milwaukee 28-Piece hole saw kit

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What brand makes the best drill driver bits?

The Milwaukee Shockwave 48-32-4006 is a huge 40-piece set of drill bits that should cover you for most any need. Whether you need to drill 3/16” screw holes or you need to rout out wire holes for an electrical system, there is sure to be something in this set for you.

The Shockwave drill bits have a unique geometric design that absorbs impact, reducing wear-and-tear on your drill, and reducing shock to your hands and arms. This not only prevents damage to your drill but lets you work for longer periods as well.

The Shockwave drill bits are made of heat-treated steel, which gives them the strength to cut through even the toughest materials. This also ensures that the sharp edge is retained for longer periods, and minimizes the risk of breakage.

Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Drill and Drive Driver Bit Set 40 SET

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Who uses drill bits?

Builders

Builders, typically use countersink bits to create conical holes. These enable the screwing in of fastener heads that are flush with the surrounding surface. These types of bits also create an angled hole that matches the shape of the screw head.

This prevents splitting when the screw is tightened.

Steel Fabricators

Steel fabricators, often use twist bits to drill into metal. They may also use countersink bits to create holes that allow screws to sit flush with the surface of the surrounding metal.

For drilling into sheet metal, steel fabricators usually use step bits. These have a stepped design that allows the user to drill holes of different diameters without having to change drill bits.

Diy’ers

DIY’ers will find plenty of uses for brad point bits, which are especially useful for drilling into wood. These types of bits can drill very cleanly, and they are able to drill holes with very smooth edges and flat bottoms due to their sharp cutting points.

They also have center spurs that aid in positioning and keep the drill centered.

Plumbers

May also use twist bits for drilling into metal when they need to attach fixtures to plumbing systems. More frequently, they use masonry bits that can efficiently cut through brick, mortar, stone, and concrete.

Carbide-tip masonry drill bits are especially useful for this purpose, particularly those with deep fluting.

Electrician’s

Electricians use for fast speed drilling, timber auger bits, which they can use to drill holes for pass-through wiring. These are especially for cases wherein the wiring has to be concealed.

And running wires through walls is a common repetitive task drilling needs to be quick and fast.

Tips for drilling jobs

The importance of using the right equipment can’t be stressed enough. As mentioned previously, you will get better overall results by using metal drill bits. These are the only ones that will bore through steel and other metals effectively, and they are just as effective on wood, plastic, and fiberglass.

Safety equipment is just as important as the drill bits you will be using. Goggles, gloves, and even overalls and footwear will protect you from the metal and wood chips and sawdust that will come flying out every time you push the drill in.

Make sure your bit is sharp before starting. Dull drill bits aren’t only ineffective; they can also jam up and break and be a safety hazard.

Avoid overheating your drill and drill bits. When working with steel, use a lubricant such as CRC and keep your speed fairly low, this will reduce the likelihood of your bits breaking.

Did you also know you can drill square holes in wood using a mortiser drill bit? Read my square hole drill bit review for more info.

TPP drilling lubricant

Comparing drill bit kits

 TPP Hard M35

Cobalt TPP Hard M35 metal drill bits 29 peice

Irwin Tools 3018002

best drill bits for stainless steel, Irwin Tools Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set, 29 Piece

Irwin Fast Timber Drill Bits

IRWIN Tools SPEEDBOR Max Wood Drilling Bits, 6-Inch length, 10-Piece

Irwin Timber Spade Drill Bits

IRWIN Tools SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove Pro Spade Bit Set with Storage Case, 17-Piece

Milwaukee Holesaw Kit 49-22-4185

Milwaukee  28-Piece hole saw kit

Milwaukee Impact Driver Set

Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Drill and Drive Driver Bit Set (40 SET)

Milwaukee 48-89-9257

Milwaukee 48-89-9257 Impact Step Dril Bit Set

CHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICE
Pieces2929101728403
Tip styleTwist Drill BitsTwist Drill BitsTwist Speed DrillSpade Drill BitsHole SawScrew Driver BitsStep Drill
MaterialCobaltCobaltMetalSteelStainless SteelSteelTitanium Aluminum Nitride
Sizes1/16” - 1/2” x 1/64”1/16”-1/2”7/16 - 1, 3/80.125” - 1.5”3/4" - 4-3/4"3/16" - 2”1/8" - 1/2"
CasePlasticRubberCanvasCanvasPlasticPlasticPlastic

Conclusion

It’s important that you have all the drill bits you will need ready to go at a moment’s notice so a simple drill bit isn’t holding you back from your workload. As you can see here and below here are the best drill bit sets, for drilling both metal and wood.

ake sure that the drill you are using operates with power and consistency, with a chuck that doesn’t require any tools when changing drill bits. If you need a new cordless drill check my review here.

Irwin HSS Cobalt Drill bits

Metal drill bit review

Pros:

  • Drills with great efficiency
  • Can effectively drill stainless steel
  • The quality case for transport
  • Can drill all metals, wood, fiberglass, and plastic 
  • Lasts longer than other drill bits

Cons:

  • Don’t have a hex shank

#1 Best metal and stainless steel drill bits

Cobalt TPP Hard M35 metal drill bits 29 peice

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

Drill doctor 750x review

Pros:

  • Accommodates a wide range of drill bit sizes
  • Stop breaking your drill bits because they are too blunt
  • 100 and 180 grit diamond sharpening wheel
  • Works with most any drill bit material, even titanium-tip drill bits
  • Has an industrial-strength diamond sharpening wheel good for 200+ sharpening’s
  • Keep sharp 3/32″ – 3/4″  drill bits at 115° to 140°

Cons:

  • Requires a subtle touch

 #1 Best drill bit sharpener

Drill Doctor 750X Drill Bit Sharpener

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

Fastest wood drilling bits

Pros:

  • Cuts really clean and precise holes in wood
  • Good range of drill bit sizes for a 10-piece set
  • Clears out chips effectively for better performance
  • Suitable for drill presses and cordless drills

Cons:

  • Strong grab can move you if you’re not careful

#1 For fast timber drilling 

IRWIN Tools SPEEDBOR Max Wood Drilling Bits 6 Inch length 10 Piece 1801022

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

Milwaukee hole saw review

Pros:

  • The set comes with a wide range of hole saw sizes
  • Cuts very cleanly without ragged edges
  • Best overall kit available

#1 Best wood and metal hole saw kit

Milwaukee 49 22 4185 28 Piece

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

Milwaukee impact driver set

Pros:

  • Noticeably higher quality than Bosch or comparable brands
  • A wide range of drill bits available

#1 Best drill driver set

Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Drill and Drive Driver Bit Set 40 SET

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

Step drill bit review

Pros:

  • Allows you to drill holes to different sizes without changing bits
  • Very effective at reducing impact shock
  • Virtually unbreakable
  • Cuts very smoothly and cleanly

#1 Best step drill set

Milwaukee 48-89-9257 Impact Step Dril Bit Set

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

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Aaron Barnett at BangingToolbox
Aaron Barnett

My name is Aaron, and welcome to Bangingtoolbox.

As a qualified builder and DIY’er, my goal with Banging Toolbox is to provide the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet for my readers.

I’m here to show people how to start DIY, and to help qualified professionals take building to the next level.

Feel free to have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.

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