Best Steel Drill Bits of 2026

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 10 Feb 2026

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Steel drill bits are essential tools for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson. These drill bits are made from high-quality steel and are designed to cut through a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. With a sharp, pointed tip and a sturdy, durable construction, steel drill bits are perfect for drilling precise holes, creating pilot holes for screws, or enlarging existing holes. Whether you're working on a small DIY project or a large construction job, steel drill bits are a reliable and versatile tool that are sure to get the job done.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SS SHOVAN 3PCS HSS Spiral Step Drill Set Cover #TOP 1
SS SHOVAN 3PCS HSS Spiral Step Drill Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
KASAFE M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit 3-13mm Cover #TOP 2
KASAFE M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit 3-13mm
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Misuyue 8% Cobalt HSS Metal Drill Bit Set 4mm Cover #TOP 3
Misuyue 8% Cobalt HSS Metal Drill Bit Set 4mm
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 9 Steel Drill Bits

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
#TOP 2

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

Misuyue 8% Cobalt HSS Metal Drill Bit Set 4mm

Misuyue
Y47-ZT 4mm 2pc
Misuyue 8% Cobalt HSS Metal Drill Bit Set 4mm Cover
Misuyue 8% Cobalt Drill Bits, Metal Drill Bit Set 4mm, HSS M42 Carbide Twist Drill Bit for Metal Stainless Hard Steel Aluminum, Wood Drill Bits (2pcs)

The Misuyue Cobalt Drill Bits feature precise 135° self-centring tips that prevent the bit from wandering, ensuring accurate drilling and faster chip clearance. Made from high-speed steel M42 with 8% cobalt, these bits offer superior heat and wear resistance, allowing you to cut through tough metals more efficiently. The sharp edge provides quick drilling with minimal effort, perfect for hardened materials without needing pre-drilling. Additionally, the durable gold titanium coating reduces friction and corrosion, making your drilling smoother and extending the bit's lifespan.

What We Like
Self-centring tips for accuracy
High-speed steel M42 with cobalt
Sharp edges for easy drilling
Titanium coating for durability

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
#TOP 5

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
#TOP 6

STROTON M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit Set

Cobalt-15s-(4-32mm)
4-32 millimeters
STROTON M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit Set Cover
STROTON Metric M35 Cobalt Step Drill Bit for Stainless Steel and Hard Metal (4-32mm/15 steps)

The STROTON Cobalt Step Drill Bit offers exceptional durability, thanks to its premium M35 cobalt steel construction, which provides excellent heat, wear, and chip resistance. You will appreciate the three-times ground cutting edge, designed to effortlessly cut through various materials, including stainless steel and wood. This drill bit operates two to three times faster than standard options, making it an efficient choice. Although it comes at a higher price, its ability to produce more holes means lower cost per hole for you.

What We Like
High durability and tool life
Fast cutting through multiple materials
Cost-effective over time
Multiple size options available

Gunpla 13-Piece Carbon Steel Drill Bits Set

#041322
grey
Gunpla 13-Piece Carbon Steel Drill Bits Set Cover
Gunpla 13 Pieces Spade Drill Bits Set 6-32mm, Carbon Steel Heavy Duty Hex Shank Paddle Bit Tools Woodworking Drilling Flat Bits Blades Kit with Storage Pouch for Plywood Plastics Chipboard Cuts

The Gunpla Drill Bits Set is a comprehensive 13-piece collection crafted from high-quality carbon steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear. The sharp cutting edges allow you to penetrate wood quickly, making your drilling tasks more efficient. With a hex shank design, these bits fit securely into power tools, preventing slips during use. This versatile kit is perfect for woodworkers, electricians, and plumbers, providing the tools you need for various projects, all neatly stored in a convenient pouch.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel construction
Sharp cutting edges
Secure hex shank design
Versatile for multiple applications
Convenient storage pouch included
#TOP 8

Dormer 19-Piece HSS Jobber Drill Bit Set

A087201
A087201
Dormer 19-Piece HSS Jobber Drill Bit Set Cover
Dormer A087201 HSS High Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit Set with 118 Degree Tin Tipped Split Point, Set of 19

The Dormer HSS Jobber Drill Bits set offers impressive features that enhance your drilling experience. The 118-degree split point helps you achieve self-centering, reducing the force needed when drilling by hand. With a titanium nitride coating, these bits have an extended service life, making them ideal for tougher materials. You'll also appreciate the improved accuracy, resulting in cleaner holes and a superior finish. This versatile tool can be used across various handheld and machine applications, ensuring it meets your diverse drilling needs.

What We Like
Self-centering split point
Titanium nitride coating
Improved accuracy
Premium HSS material
Versatile for various applications

Meccion 5pcs 5.0mm Cobalt HSS Jobber Drill Bits

MHZdrillbit
5.0mm x 86mm x 5pcs
Meccion 5pcs 5.0mm Cobalt HSS Jobber Drill Bits Cover
Meccion HSS Cobalt Jobber Drill Bit 5pcs 5.0mm Twist Drill Bit for Drilling Stainless Steel and Metal

The Meccion Cobalt Drill Bits are crafted from 5% cobalt high-speed steel, ensuring strong and precise drilling with their 135° self-centring tips. This feature helps you start drilling accurately without slipping. Their precision-ground design means you can drill quickly and with less effort, avoiding the need for pre-punching holes. These bits are highly durable, thanks to high-temperature quenching which gives them a hardness up to HRC63-64. Using cutting oil will help you extend their lifespan, making them a reliable choice for working with stainless steel, metal, and other tough materials.

What We Like
Made with 5% cobalt steel
135° self-centring tips
Fast, low-force drilling
High hardness and durability
Suitable for various materials
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best drill bit to drill through steel?

Clearly, the best drill bits for hardened metal or steel come with a cobalt blend. These cobalt drill bits use an alloy including 5%–8% cobalt. This cobalt makes up part of the steel blend, so the hardness of the bit doesn't wear off with a coating (like titanium bits).

2. What kind of bit will drill through hardened steel?

Go to a hardware or home improvement store for a cobalt bit that is designed specifically for drilling through steel. You want a cobalt bit, as it's a type of high-speed steel (HSS) that has more cobalt in it and is strong enough to cut through hardened steel.

3. What are the strongest metal drill bits?

Cobalt (HSCO) is considered an upgrade from HSS because it includes 5-8% Cobalt blended into the base material. This is a great option for drilling into harder steel as well as stainless steel grades. Carbide (Carb) is the hardest and most brittle of the drill bit materials.

Editor's Notes

During our steel drill bit research, we found 306 steel drill bit products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,652 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel drill bits list. We found that most customers choose steel drill bits with an average price of £9.13.

The steel drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel drill bits, including ss shovan, KASAFE, Misuyue, SALI, Meccion.

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.