Best HSS Drill Bits of 2026

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 10 Feb 2026

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HSS (High-Speed Steel) drill bits are essential tools for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson. These high-quality drill bits are designed to cut through a variety of materials with ease, including metal, wood, and plastic. They are made from a durable, heat-resistant steel that can withstand high temperatures and maintain their sharpness over time. Whether you're drilling holes for a DIY project, or carrying out precision work in a workshop or factory, HSS drill bits are a reliable and effective choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SALI 20-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 1
SALI 20-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SS SHOVAN 3PCS HSS Spiral Step Drill Set Cover #TOP 2
SS SHOVAN 3PCS HSS Spiral Step Drill Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Meccion 10pcs Cobalt Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 3
Meccion 10pcs Cobalt Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 8 HSS Drill Bits

SALI 20-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set

SALI
DEO06QMZ21
SALI 20-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set Cover
SALI Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20Pcs 3mm M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit Kit (HSS) Twist Drill Bits for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case

The SALI Cobalt Drill Bit Set offers a robust collection of 20 drill bits made from M35 high-speed steel, ensuring superior hardness and durability thanks to its 5% cobalt content. The fully ground spiral groove design enhances drilling efficiency by reducing friction and heat, allowing for a faster and cooler performance. With a 135° split point, you can enjoy precise drilling without the need for a centre punch, making your tasks easier and more accurate. The included rugged storage case keeps your bits organised, simplifying your project preparations.

What We Like
Durable M35 cobalt construction
Fast and efficient drilling
Precise without centre punch
Organised storage case

SS SHOVAN 3PCS HSS Spiral Step Drill Set

SDB-4R
SS SHOVAN 3PCS HSS Spiral Step Drill Set Cover
3PCS HSS Spiral Step Drill Bit Sets, SS SHOVAN 4-Flute Metal Drill Bits, 1/4" Hex Shank, Metric 4-32mm Cone Cutter, Hole Cutter for Sheet Metal, Plastic, Steel Plate

The SS SHOVAN Step Drill Bits are designed for efficient drilling with their upgraded four-flute spiral design, which helps prevent metal splatter and makes swarf removal easier. The 118° X type openings ensure quicker, smoother drilling, while the 1/4" hex shank eliminates slipping, making it ideal for various materials like plastic, metal, and wood. Crafted from durable titanium-coated HSS 4341 steel, these bits offer excellent wear and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity. Whether you're expanding holes or doing precision work, this set is a must-have for DIY enthusiasts.

What We Like
Efficient four-flute design
Quick and smooth drilling
Durable titanium coating
Versatile for multiple materials

Meccion 10pcs Cobalt Drill Bit Set

MHZdrillbit
Meccion 10pcs Cobalt Drill Bit Set Cover
Meccion HSS Cobalt Jobber Drill Bit 10pcs 1.5mm Twist Drill Bit for Drilling Stainless Steel and Metal

The Meccion Cobalt Drill Bits are crafted from 5% cobalt high-speed steel, ensuring professional-grade performance. With 135° self-centring tips, these drill bits provide precise drilling without the need for pre-punching, making your tasks quicker and easier. Their exceptional durability comes from high-temperature quenching, resulting in a hardness of HRC63-64, which means they withstand wear and tear effectively. Additionally, they are versatile enough to work on various materials, including metals and hard plastics, giving you the convenience of using one tool for multiple applications.

What We Like
Fast drilling results
Durable and wear-resistant
Works on various materials
No pre-drilling needed
Precision self-centring tips

Draper 10pcs HSS Drill Bit Set for Metal, Wood and Plastic

08818
Black
2.0 x 49mm
Draper 10pcs HSS Drill Bit Set for Metal, Wood and Plastic Cover
Draper 10pcs Black HSS Drill Bit, 2.0mm x 49mm- 08818 - for Metal, Wood and Plastic

The Draper HSS Drill Bit Set is designed for precision and versatility. Featuring a fully ground 135° split point, these bits ensure accurate centring, making your drilling tasks easier and more efficient. The black oxide coating provides durability and corrosion resistance, extending the lifespan of your tools. You won’t need a cooling agent while using these bits, allowing for smoother operations. They are suitable for various materials, including metal, wood, chipboard, and plastic, making them an excellent choice for different projects.

What We Like
Precise centring and accuracy
Durable black oxide coating
No cooling agent required
Versatile for multiple materials
Compatible with standard chucks

Rennie 3mm HSS-R Jobber Drill Bits Set

Rennie 3mm HSS-R Jobber Drill Bits Set Cover
Box Of 10 x 3mm HSS Jobber Drill Bits - Black Roll Forged HSS-R for Carbon + Alloy Steel, Plastics & Wood. DIN338 (3mm x 61mm)

The Rennie 3mm Drill Bits are designed for drilling through carbon and alloy steel, non-ferrous metals, plastics, and wood, giving you versatility for various materials. Using a cooling agent and drilling at slow speeds when working with metals helps protect the bit and improve performance. These bits are roll forged and made to the DIN338 standard, ensuring strong and reliable construction. The 118-degree split point means you get precise and clean starts, reducing walking and making your drilling easier and more accurate.

What We Like
Suitable for multiple materials
Roll forged for strength
Meets DIN338 standard
118-degree split point
Black oxide coating

Meccion HSS Cobalt 10pcs 4mm Twist Drill Bits

MHZdrillbit
Meccion HSS Cobalt 10pcs 4mm Twist Drill Bits Cover
Meccion HSS Cobalt Jobber Drill Bit 10pcs 4.0mm Twist Drill Bit for Drilling Stainless Steel and Metal

The Meccion HSS Cobalt Drill Bits are crafted from 5% cobalt high-speed steel, providing you with professional-grade tools ideal for tough jobs. Their 135° self-centring tips make it easier to start drilling precisely without slipping. These drill bits are precision ground, allowing you to drill quickly and with less effort, even without pre-punching. Thanks to high-temperature quenching, they reach hardness levels up to HRC63-64, ensuring durability and wear resistance. Using cutting oil can extend their lifespan, making them a reliable choice for working with metals, stainless steel, cast iron, and more.

What We Like
Made from 5% cobalt high-speed steel
135° self-centring tips for accuracy
Fast drilling with low contact force
High hardness for durability
Suitable for various materials
#TOP 7

KASAFE M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit 3-13mm

KASAFE
M35 Step Drill (3-13)
Φ3-13
KASAFE M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit 3-13mm Cover
KASAFE M35 Cobalt HSS Step Drill Bit (3-13mm, 11-Step) for Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Copper & Aluminum, 1/4" Hex Shank

The KASAFE M35 Step Bit is crafted from premium M35 cobalt high-speed steel, giving you twice the hardness of standard bits. This means you can drill through tough metals like stainless steel and cast iron, as well as softer metals such as copper and aluminium, with less wear and longer bit life. Its 118° split point tip self-centres for precise hole starts without needing a pilot hole, saving you time and effort. The spiral flute design efficiently removes metal shavings, preventing clogs and helping you achieve clean, burr-free holes quickly. With 11 step sizes from 3 to 13mm, you can easily drill or enlarge holes without changing bits, making your work faster and more convenient.

What We Like
Twice hardness of standard bits
Self-centring 118° split point
Efficient metal shavings removal
11 sizes in one bit
Fits standard 1/4" hex shanks

UK Drills HSS Titanium Coated Jobber Bit

UK DRILLS THE PROFESSIONALS CHOICE
17.115.1
Unit
17.115.1
UK Drills HSS Titanium Coated Jobber Bit Cover
UK Drills - HSS Titanium Drill Bits - Fully Ground, Titanium Coated Tool Bit Jobber - To be used on Steel, Wood & Plastic - 11.5mm

The UK Drills Titanium Drill Bit is designed for durability and efficiency. Its titanium coating ensures it is hardwearing and resistant to heat, making it ideal for high-speed drilling into tough surfaces. This fully ground drill bit offers increased strength against challenging materials, allowing you to tackle various projects with ease. Compatible with electric drill machines, it can effortlessly handle steel, wood, plastic, and more, making it a versatile choice for both professional jobs and home DIY tasks.

What We Like
Durable titanium coating
Efficient for tough materials
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Ideal for professionals and DIY
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does HSS mean on a drill bit?

DRILL BIT MATERIALS High-Speed Steel (HSS) is a popular material good for drilling into soft steels as well as wood and plastic.

2. What drill bit is strongest?

Diamond Drill Bit Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) is one of the hardest drill bit material, which can be used on the toughest materials, such as glass and ceramic.

3. What is the difference between HSS and cobalt?

Cobalt drill bits are incredibly strong. They can be operated at much higher speeds than a standard HSS drill bit. The ability to withstand heat means that cobalt bits perform for long periods without cooling or the need for cutting fluid. They are most often used to cut through hardened and abrasive materials.

4. Can HSS drill bits be used for steel?

HSS or high-speed steel bits are made from carbon steel with the addition of other elements such as chrome and vanadium. This allows them to be used at high drilling speeds. HSS bits can be used to drill iron, steel and other metals such as brass, copper and aluminum alloy. They can also be used to drill plastic.

Editor's Notes

During our hss drill bit research, we found 306 hss drill bit products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,893 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hss drill bits list. We found that most customers choose hss drill bits with an average price of £7.88.

The hss drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hss drill bits, including SALI, ss shovan, Meccion, Draper, Rennie Tool Company.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.