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Stainless steel is everywhere, and it’s only a matter of time before it shows up in a project. An alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium and available in several grades, stainless steel is popular due to its low maintenance, high shine, and resistance to staining and rusting. However, the durability that makes stainless steel so popular also makes it difficult to drill with standard drill bits.
Drill bits designed to work on softer materials, such as wood, won’t do against stainless steel. Fortunately, manufacturers have specially designed special drill bits capable of drilling through even the hardest stainless steels. Manufacturers use more than one method to create these ultra-hard bits, and they each have advantages and disadvantages. This guide explores the different qualities of these specific types of drill bits and reviews some of the best stainless steel drill bits available today.
- BEST OVERALL: IRWIN drill bit set, M35 cobalt steel, 29 pieces
- BEST FOR THE MONEY: Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set
- BEST IMPROVEMENT: 230 Piece Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set
- THE MOST SUSTAINABLE: Hymnorq Metric M35 Cobalt Steel
- BEST FOR HOBBYISTS: Bosch CO14B 14 pieces. Cobalt M42 drill set
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What to consider when choosing the best drill bits for stainless steel
Not all drills achieve the same results. To identify the best drill bits for stainless steel, it is essential to know characteristics such as material, coating, frequency of use and drill bit number. Read on to learn the factors to consider when looking for the best drill bits for your projects involving stainless steel.
Equipment
Stainless steel is an extremely hard material. Low carbon steel bits, such as those used to drill wood, do not work when applied to stainless steel. Therefore, a drill bit for use with stainless steel must actually be harder than the steel itself. One way manufacturers achieve this toughness is to infuse materials that aid in penetration and protect against overheating.
Carbide is one such material found in drill bits for stainless steel. Titanium and tungsten carbide are almost as hard as diamond, making them ideal for penetrating steel. these
Carbide infused drill bits are a great option for drilling in stainless steel.
Infusing drill bits with cobalt is another way manufacturers achieve ultra-hard drill bits. High speed steel, also known as HSS, is the most common drill bit for metal applications. Cobalt bits are an extension of HSS bits. They incorporate an element containing between 5 and 8% cobalt which makes the bit harder than a typical HSS bit and is therefore suitable for precision drilling in stainless steel and other hard materials.
coating
Many manufacturers supplement construction materials like drill bits with metallic coatings. These coatings promote penetration and protection of the bit. Black oxide coatings reduce friction and heat, an important consideration when drilling metals. Black oxide also protects against corrosion and water, keeping drill bits functional longer.
Titanium Nitride (TiN) protects high-speed drills. Distinguished by their golden color, TiN coated bits are ideal for high-speed drills. The coating has the added benefit of being ultra-durable, making it excellent value for money for consumers who want high-frequency use.
Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) is probably the most durable metal coating available. TiCN bits are blue-gray in color. Their coating makes them incredibly hard-wearing and able to withstand high-speed, high-frequency use.
Drill number
Due to its hardness, stainless steel is an unforgiving building material. Usually there is only one chance to get the perfect borehole. Another crucial consideration when buying drill bits for stainless steel is the number or size of the drill bit.
Wick numbers are related to wire gauge size. The larger the number of bits, the smaller the diameter of the resulting hole. For example, a number 80 drill bit creates a hole with a diameter of 0.0135 inch. As the diameter increases, the number of bits decreases. For example, a number 1 drill bit has a diameter of 0.2280 inch.
Considering the size of the holes you need to drill in your stainless steel is key to choosing the best drill bits for your stainless steel job.
Working frequency
Drilling through metal at high speeds creates excessive friction and heat. The extra stress on standard drill bits tends to wear them out quickly. People who intend to drill stainless steel frequently should be sure to purchase bits that are designed with longevity in mind.
In addition to ultra-hard materials and protective coatings, drill bit users looking for longevity should ensure that the bit can be sharpened. While carbide or cobalt infused bits retain their sharpness longer than a standard bit, investing in a lifetime set often means resharpening dull bits over time.
Our top picks
The market is flooded with quality options for drilling stainless steel. Our top picks are based on their ability to effectively pierce stainless steel, in addition to their durability, construction, and accuracy. Read on for some of the best drill bits for stainless steel to make sure they’re the perfect fit for your next project.
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This professional quality 29 piece drill bit set from Irwin Tools covers a multitude of applications. The bit circumference extends from 0.0625 inch to 0.5 inch in 0.0156 inch increments. The bits themselves are heat and abrasion resistant, thanks to their industrial grade high speed steel cobalt alloy construction. For ease of penetration, these bits feature 135 degree split tips. In addition to making these bits suitable for ultra-hard materials like steel, the quality materials of construction ensure longevity.
A rubber-reinforced carrying case protects the bits from accidental drops and makes it easy to organize and transport. These drill bits work well on stainless steel and last a long time.
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For the precision metalworker with budget considerations, Neiko packs a lot of punch into a 3-piece drill bit set.
The enlarged design of these drill bits means that a steady hand can make precision holes in hardened metals like stainless steel between 0.125 inch and 0.75 inch by scrolling the drill bits. The 135 degree split point tip begins to drill on contact, reducing friction, pressure and heat. These bits are made of high speed steel with a titanium nitride coating for easy penetration and protection against heat and high rotation.
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This Hurricane set includes 230 drill bits. Bits are coated with titanium nitride for added protection against heat and wear. In addition to stainless steel, they work well on aluminum, zinc, wood, and other materials; 135 degree split point tips provide easier penetration and less force needed to break through. The plastic storage box allows for convenient organization and storage of so many drill bits.
The set drills holes in sizes from 0.0469 inch to 0.5 inch and includes several spare parts for each bit. The spiral flute eliminates chips while drilling and the split point tip aids penetration and keeps heat at lower levels. While this set is a solid choice for people who need a versatile drill bit set for home use, it’s actually ideal for a larger workshop environment with industrial needs.
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These heavy duty drill bits from Hymnorq guarantee precision drilling through super hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum etc. Manufactured from M35 cobalt steel, they boast up to 12 times the typical life of standard high speed steel drill bits.
This 13-piece metric set covers holes from 1.5 millimeters to 6.5 millimeters in diameter. The 135-degree slotted head and quick-cut points center first, then penetrate with less pressure to reduce friction and heat. A plastic case maximizes the efficiency and storage of this drill bit set. With proper care and storage, these bits are likely to outlast the toughest materials.
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For the hobbyist who works with hardened materials, from stainless steel to cast iron to titanium and more, but doesn’t need a more comprehensive industrial set, this 14-piece drill bit set from Bosch offers functionality and performance.
Made from M42 high speed steel and cobalt alloy, these bits, which span circumferences between 0.1719 inch and 0.5 inch, achieve high levels of resistance against hardened materials. The quality also ensures increased longevity, up to 10 times the life of standard drill bits, which is complemented by a convenient carrying and storage case. This set is compact with surface-hardened tips designed to penetrate stainless steel, and the quality construction ensures years of service for even the most dedicated enthusiast.
FAQs about your new stainless steel drill bits
Do you still have lingering questions about drill bits for stainless steel? Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions to help you choose the best drill bits for your project.
How to sharpen drill bits for stainless steel?
Take a look at our guide to sharpening drill bits for ideas.
How long do drill bits for stainless steel last?
Although drill bits for stainless steel are stronger, they are also made from more durable materials. Regularly maintained and properly stored, these types of drill bits can last a lifetime.
How do you remove a broken drill bit from metal or steel?
This operation requires tapping or drilling the center of the bit and removing it with a tap and die set.
