Best Hex-shank Drill Bits for Stainless Steel of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Hex-shank drill bits for stainless steel are high-quality cutting tools designed to make drilling through tough stainless steel a breeze. These drill bits feature a hexagonal shank that provides a secure grip in the chuck, reducing slippage and enhancing stability during use. They are made from durable materials that are capable of withstanding the high temperatures and friction generated by drilling through stainless steel. With their sharp and precise cutting edges, these drill bits can easily pierce through stainless steel without causing damage to the material or the bit itself.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

flintronic 7-Piece Spiral Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 1
flintronic 7-Piece Spiral Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bosch EXPERT Power Change Plus Pilot Drill Bit Cover #TOP 2
Bosch EXPERT Power Change Plus Pilot Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.7
VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 3
VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hex-shank Drill Bits for Stainless Steel

flintronic 7-Piece Spiral Drill Bit Set

F4EU-2853749
# 2 7pcs
7PCS Round Shank
flintronic 7-Piece Spiral Drill Bit Set Cover
flintronic Auger Bit, Set of 7-Piece Hex Drill Bits 230mm Set of Drill Bits in Spiral Stainless Steel with 6mm / 8mm / 10mm / 12mm / 14mm / 16mm/ 18mm Drill Bit

The flintronic Auger Bit Set includes seven different drill bits, each measuring 230mm in length and available in sizes from 6mm to 18mm. This variety allows you to select the perfect bit for your woodworking tasks. The round shank design ensures compatibility with numerous electric drills, making it versatile for various projects. Additionally, the precise positioning feature helps you achieve accurate drilling, enhancing your overall efficiency. Made from high-quality carbon steel, these bits are rustproof and durable, ensuring they stand the test of time for all your DIY endeavours.

What We Like
Versatile size options
Compatible with many drills
Accurate drilling capability
Durable, rustproof material
#TOP 2

Bosch EXPERT Power Change Plus Pilot Drill Bit

2608900503
Multicolor
Bosch EXPERT Power Change Plus Pilot Drill Bit Cover
Bosch 1x EXPERT Power Change Plus Sheet Metal Pilot Drill Bit (for Steel sheets, Stainless steel sheets, Ø 6 mm, Professional Accessory Rotary Drill/Drivers)

The Bosch EXPERT Pilot Drill Bit offers a Quick Change System, enhancing efficiency during use. This feature allows you to swiftly switch between tasks without wasting time. Designed for compatibility with the Bosch Power Change Plus keyless arbor, it ensures accuracy and robustness while drilling. The pilot drill is tailored to fit the PC Plus arbor, making it ideal for Expert Sheet Metal hole saws with a cutting depth of 5 mm. With this bit, you can achieve precise results in steel and stainless steel sheets.

What We Like
Efficient quick change system
Accurate and robust design
Compatible with various hole saws
Ideal for sheet metal drilling
#TOP 3

VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set

VACOBALT
5PCS(3/32"-5/16")
VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set Cover
VALYRIANTOOL 5PCS M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals & Cast Iron, with 1/4" Hex Shank for Quick Chucks & Impact Drivers

The VALYRIANTOOL Cobalt Drill Set features high-quality M35 cobalt steel, ensuring durability and a long lifespan for your drilling tasks. Designed with a stubby shape, these bits easily access hard-to-reach areas, making your work more efficient. The 135° split point allows for perfect self-centering, enabling you to drill quickly and accurately. With versatility in mind, these bits are suitable for various hard metals, including stainless steel and cast iron, providing you with the tools needed for multiple projects.

What We Like
Durable M35 cobalt steel
Stubby design for tight spaces
Self-centering 135° split point
Multi-purpose for various metals
Convenient storage packaging
#TOP 4

HARFINGTON 3pcs 5/64" Hex Shank Drill Bits Set

hta240302hh000569
5/64 Inches
HARFINGTON 3pcs 5/64" Hex Shank Drill Bits Set Cover
HARFINGTON 3pcs 5/64" Hex Shank Drill Bits 1/4" Titanium Drill Bits Set M35 High Speed Steel Twist Drill Bit 81mm Long Fully Ground for Wood, Stainless Steel, Metal, Plastic Plastic

The HARFINGTON Hex Shank Drill Bits are crafted from M35 cobalt high-speed steel, ensuring durability and sharpness. With a titanium coating, these bits offer enhanced hardness and wear resistance, making them a reliable choice for various materials. The 1/4" hex shank allows for quick bit changes, saving you time during projects. Additionally, the fully ground spiral groove design efficiently removes debris, reducing friction and heat while providing faster drilling, which can greatly improve your overall experience.

What We Like
Durable M35 cobalt steel
Titanium coating for wear resistance
Quick bit changes
Efficient debris removal
Compatible with various materials
#TOP 5

NordWolf 14-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Set

NordWolf
NW-24015
NordWolf 14-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Set Cover
NordWolf 14-Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel, Hard Metals & Cast Iron, Jobber Length with 1/4" Hex Shank, SAE Sizes 1/16" to 1/4" in Storage Case

The NordWolf Cobalt Drill Set features high-quality M35 cobalt steel drill bits, ensuring extra durability and longevity for your drilling tasks. The efficient 135° split point design allows for perfect self-centering and fast drilling, making your work easier and more precise. With a versatile 1/4-inch hex shank, these bits are compatible with standard and quick-change chucks, providing convenience during use. This set is perfect for drilling stainless steel and various hardened metals, giving you the flexibility to tackle different materials effortlessly.

What We Like
Durable cobalt steel construction
Efficient self-centering design
Compatible with various chucks
Versatile for multiple materials
Easy storage with size imprints
#TOP 6

VALYRIANTOOL M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit

VACOBALT
1/2"(1PC)
VALYRIANTOOL M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Cover
VALYRIANTOOL 1/2" M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hard Metals & Cast Iron, with 1/4" Hex Shank for Quick Chucks & Impact Drivers

The VALYRIANTOOL Stubby Drill Bit is crafted from high-quality M35 cobalt steel, ensuring exceptional durability and a long lifespan. Its stubby size, measuring just 2-5/16 inches overall, allows you to access hard-to-reach areas with ease. Featuring an efficient 135° split point design, this drill bit provides perfect self-centering and fast drilling, making your tasks quicker and simpler. The integrated hex shank is compatible with standard and quick change chucks, giving you versatility with various drills and impact drivers.

What We Like
Durable M35 cobalt steel
Compact for tight spaces
Fast self-centering design
Compatible with various tools
#TOP 7

NordWolf M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit

NordWolf
NordWolf-1732-M35Cobalt
17/32 in
NordWolf M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Cover
NordWolf 17/32" M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hard Metals & Cast Iron, with 5/16" Hex Shank for Quick Chucks & Impact Drivers

The NordWolf Stubby Drill Bit is crafted from M35 Cobalt alloy steel, ensuring exceptional performance and durability for your drilling tasks. Its stubby length of just 2.36 inches allows you to easily access tight spaces that standard bits struggle with. Featuring a 135° split point, this drill bit offers perfect self-centering, making it easier for you to achieve precise holes quickly. Additionally, its integrated hex shank is compatible with standard and quick change chucks, providing you with convenience and efficiency while working with various drills and impact drivers.

What We Like
High-quality Cobalt alloy steel
Compact size for tight spaces
Quick self-centering design
Compatible with various chucks
#TOP 8

HARFINGTON 10mm Titanium Drill Bits Set

hta240127hh000634
10MM
HARFINGTON 10mm Titanium Drill Bits Set Cover
HARFINGTON 3pcs 1/4" Hex Shank Drill Bits 10mm Titanium Drill Bits Set M35 High Speed Steel Twist Drill Bit 133mm Long Fully Ground for Wood, Stainless Steel, Metal, Plastic Plastic

The HARFINGTON Drill Bits offer a robust solution for various DIY projects and home maintenance tasks. With a diameter of 10mm and a length of 133mm, these bits are made from M35 cobalt high-speed steel, ensuring sharp edges and durability. The titanium coating enhances hardness and wear resistance, allowing for prolonged use. The 1/4-inch hex shank enables quick bit changes, making your work more efficient. Additionally, the fully ground spiral groove design helps remove debris easily and reduces friction, facilitating faster drilling.

What We Like
Durable M35 cobalt steel
Titanium coating for longer life
Quick bit changes
Efficient debris removal
Accurate drilling
#TOP 9

NordWolf Cobalt Step Drill Bit for Hard Metals

NordWolf
NW-24003
NordWolf Cobalt Step Drill Bit for Hard Metals Cover
NordWolf Cobalt Step Drill Bit, Four Spiral Flute, 3/16"-1-3/8"(19 Step Sizes), Impact Ready 7/16" hex Shank Unibit Step Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper and Hard Metals

The NordWolf Cobalt Step Drill offers exceptional durability and precision for drilling through various materials, including stainless steel and aluminium. Its M35 Cobalt HSS construction ensures that you can reliably enlarge holes without compromising accuracy. The four spiral flutes enable faster and smoother drilling, making your tasks more efficient. With a 135° split point design, you’ll experience perfect self-centering, which is particularly useful when working on rounded surfaces.

What We Like
Durable M35 Cobalt HSS
Four spiral flutes for efficiency
Self-centering split point design
Impact ready hex shank
Titanium coating for longevity
#TOP 10

4pcs Stainless Steel SDS Plus Screwdriver Bit Holders

Gndie/Ba3527
4pcs Stainless Steel SDS Plus Screwdriver Bit Holders Cover
4pcs 1/4 3/8 1/2 Inch Stainless Steel SDS Plus Shank Screwdriver Bit Holder Hex and Square Wrench Adapter Extension SDS Bit Holder Black for Screwdriver

The Hilitand SDS Plus Bit Holders are crafted from durable S2 alloy steel, ensuring maximum longevity for your tools. With one hex socket and three square adapters in various sizes, you can easily tackle a range of tasks. The universal SDS plus shank design allows compatibility with most electric screwdrivers and drills, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit. The unique ball detent feature enables quick connection and disconnection, providing stability while you work.

What We Like
Durable S2 alloy steel
Multiple size options
Universal compatibility
Quick connect/disconnect feature
Compact and portable
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best type of drill bit for stainless steel?

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.

2. Do you need a special drill bit to drill stainless steel?

You need special bits for stainless steel because those bits are usually made out of durable construction such as high-speed steel, titanium nitride, and cobalt. It will also have to withstand the drilling (the wear) and the extreme heat from drilling whereas regular bits probably won't be able to handle it.

3. What are hex shank drill bits for?

A hex shank drill bit will be used in conjunction with a drill press. A hex shank drill bit is a cutting device designed for use with a drill, drill press, or other rotating instrument.

Editor's Notes

During our hex-shank drill bit for stainless steel research, we found 47 hex-shank drill bit for stainless steel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,006 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hex-shank drill bits for stainless steel list. We found that most customers choose hex-shank drill bits for stainless steel with an average price of £13.63.

The hex-shank drill bits for stainless steel are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hex-shank drill bits for stainless steel, including flintronic, Bosch, VALYRIANTOOL, HARFINGTON, NordWolf. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,256 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.