Best Short Length Bits of 2026

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Short Length Bits are a type of drill bits that are designed to be shorter than standard bits, making them perfect for drilling in tight spaces or where overhead clearance is limited. These bits come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including flat, Phillips, and hex, and are made from high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, Short Length Bits can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Chicago Latrobe 159 High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Pack Cover #TOP 1
Chicago Latrobe 159 High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 2
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Chicago Latrobe 69885 High-Speed Steel Drill Set Cover #TOP 3
Chicago Latrobe 69885 High-Speed Steel Drill Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 5 Short Length Bits

#TOP 1

Chicago Latrobe 159 High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Pack

Chicago-Latrobe
49225
25/64"
Chicago Latrobe 159 High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Pack Cover
Chicago Latrobe 159 High-Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit, Black Oxide Finish, Round Shank, 135 Degree Split Point, 25/64" Size (Pack of 6)

The Chicago Latrobe Drill Bits are crafted to aerospace standards, ensuring precision and reliability for your drilling tasks. Made from premium high-speed steel, these bits offer excellent durability and performance. The 135-degree P3 split point design centres itself automatically, making it easier for you to start drilling with less effort and reduced thrust. Additionally, the shorter flute and overall length give the bit greater rigidity, helping to minimise deflection when you apply heavy feed rates, so you achieve cleaner and more accurate holes.

What We Like
High-quality aerospace specifications
Durable high-speed steel material
Self-centring split point
Reduced deflection with rigidity
#TOP 2

Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Drill Bit Set

Chicago-Latrobe
69889
Black,Gray
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Drill Bit Set Cover
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series High-Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit Set In Metal Case, Black Oxide Finish, 135 Degree Split Point, Inch, 15-piece, 1/16" - 1/2" in 1/32" increments

The Chicago Latrobe Drill Bit Set features 15 short length drill bits ranging from 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/32" increments, making it versatile for various tasks. Crafted from high-speed steel, these bits offer exceptional hardness and wear resistance, ensuring longevity during use. The black oxide finish not only reduces wear but also enhances chip and coolant flow when working with ferrous materials. Additionally, the self-centering 135-degree split point allows you to penetrate hard materials without needing a pilot hole, making your projects quicker and more efficient.

What We Like
Versatile size range
High-speed steel durability
Reduces wear and clogging
No pilot hole needed
Increased strength and rigidity
#TOP 3

Chicago Latrobe 69885 High-Speed Steel Drill Set

Chicago-Latrobe
69885
#60 - #1
Chicago Latrobe 69885 High-Speed Steel Drill Set Cover
Chicago Latrobe 69885 159 Series High-Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit Set In Metal Case, Black Oxide Finish, 135 Degree Split Point, Wire Size, 60-piece, 60 - #1

The Chicago Latrobe 69885 Drill Bits offer a set of 60 short length drill bits, covering wire gauge sizes #60 through #1, ideal for various precise drilling tasks. Made from high-speed steel, these bits provide excellent hardness and wear resistance, so you can expect durability. The black oxide finish reduces wear further and helps chip and coolant flow smoothly when working with ferrous materials, making your drilling more efficient. The self-centering 135-degree split point allows you to drill into hard materials without needing a pilot hole, producing small chips that reduce clogging for a cleaner job.

What We Like
Comprehensive size range
Durable high-speed steel
Wear-reducing black oxide finish
Self-centering split point
Strong, thick web design
#TOP 4

Precision Twist R41 High Speed Steel Drill Bit

Precision Twist R41 High Speed Steel Drill Bit Cover
Precision Twist R41 High Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Round Shank, Spiral Flute, 118 Degree Point Angle, 32 (Pack of 12)

The Precision Twist R41 Drill Bit features a short-length design, providing enhanced rigidity and strength, making it ideal for demanding drilling tasks. With its 118-degree point angle, it is suited for general drilling applications, allowing you to tackle a variety of projects with ease. The round shank design ensures compatibility with a range of tool-holding systems, offering versatility in use. Additionally, the uncoated (bright) finish allows you to work with a wide range of materials, making this drill bit a practical choice for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson.

What We Like
Enhanced rigidity and strength
Suitable for general drilling
Versatile round shank design
Compatible with various materials
#TOP 5

Chicago Latrobe 759 Carbide Short Drill Bit

Chicago-Latrobe
78708
3/16 in
Chicago Latrobe 759 Carbide Short Drill Bit Cover
Chicago Latrobe 759 Solid Carbide Short Length Drill Bit, Slow Spiral Flute, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Round Shank, 135 Degree Split Point, 3/16" Size

The Chicago Latrobe 759 Drill is designed with a short length to give you greater rigidity, which helps reduce tool deflection and breakage when working on projects. Its solid carbide material resists wear much better than high-speed or cobalt steel, allowing you to use it at higher speeds without worry. The uncoated bright finish means it can be used on a variety of materials, offering versatility. Plus, the self-centering 118-degree 4-facet point ensures precise starts and prevents the bit from walking, making it easier for you to penetrate materials cleanly and accurately.

What We Like
Strong carbide material
Reduced tool breakage
Versatile uncoated finish
Accurate self-centering point
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are short length drill bits called?

Short Stubby The shortest standard length drill bits are screw-machine-length. They are named for their use in screw machines.

2. What is a stubby drill bit?

High Speed Steel Stubby Drill Bits or sometimes called Screw Machine drill bits have a shorter overall length and shorter flute length. Ideal for short run drilling applications.

3. What size bits are there?

Number drill bit gauge sizes range from size 80 (the smallest) to size 1 (the largest) followed by letter gauge size A (the smallest) to size Z (the largest). Although the ASME B94. 11M twist drill standard, for example, lists sizes as small as size 97, sizes smaller than 80 are rarely encountered in practice.

Editor's Notes

During our short length bit research, we found 50 short length bit products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,015 customer reviews through our big data system to write the short length bits list. We found that most customers choose short length bits with an average price of £79.28.

The short length bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of short length bits, including Chicago-Latrobe, Precision Twist Drill.

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.