Best Step Drill Bits of 2026

Name: Milwaukee Step Bit #12 7/8" - 1-3/8" for Easy Handling
Brand: Milwaukee

Harvey Wall

Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Step drill bits are versatile cutting tools that can be used on a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. They are designed to create holes of different sizes with ease and precision, making them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. With their unique stepped design, these bits can drill multiple hole sizes with just one tool, which can save time and effort when working on projects that require different hole sizes. Whether you're working on a home improvement project or a commercial job, step drill bits can help you achieve accurate and clean holes every time.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1

Milwaukee Step Bit #12 7/8" - 1-3/8" for Easy Handling

9.9

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#TOP 2

Bosch 1/4-Inch HSS Step Drill Bits Set

9.8

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#TOP 3

Milwaukee Impact Step Drill Bit 3/16-7/8 #4

9.6

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Top 5 Step Drill Bits

#TOP 1

Milwaukee Step Bit #12 7/8" - 1-3/8" for Easy Handling

Milwaukee
48-89-9212
7/8" - 1-3/8"

Milwaukee 48-89-9212 Step Bit #12 7/8" - 1-3/8"

The Milwaukee Step Bit is designed for ease of use and handling, making your drilling tasks much simpler. Its size range of 7/8" to 1-3/8" allows you to create precise holes in various materials effortlessly. The bit's high durability ensures it can withstand repeated use, providing you with long-lasting performance. This tool is perfect for both amateur DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople, enhancing your efficiency on any project.

9.9

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What We Like

Easy to use
Highly durable
Effortless handling
Precise hole sizes

#TOP 2 Best Hex Step Bit

Bosch 1/4-Inch HSS Step Drill Bits Set

Bosch
2608597524
Ø 4-20 mm

Bosch Accessories 2608597524 4/6/8/10/12/14/16/18/20 mm HSS Step with 1/4-Inch Hex Drill Bits

The Bosch Step Drill Bits are highly versatile tools designed for various drilling needs. With sizes ranging from 4 mm to 20 mm, you can easily tackle different projects without the hassle of changing bits frequently. The 1/4-inch hex shank ensures compatibility with most drills, providing a secure fit and reducing the risk of slipping. These High-Speed Steel (HSS) bits are ideal for drilling through various materials, making your DIY tasks quicker and more efficient. With this set, you'll enjoy the convenience of having multiple sizes at your fingertips.

9.8

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What We Like

Versatile sizes for various projects
1/4-inch hex for secure fit
High-Speed Steel for durability
Reduces bit changes

#TOP 3

Milwaukee Impact Step Drill Bit 3/16-7/8 #4

Milwaukee
48-89-9244

Milwaukee 3/16-7/8 Impact Step Drill Bit, #4 (1 Count)

The Milwaukee Impact Step Bit features a dual spiral flute and Rapid Strike Tip, allowing you to drill holes up to twice as fast as other impact step bits. With its Optimized Shockzone, this bit absorbs impact better, so it lasts longer and performs reliably. The titanium aluminium nitride coating means the bit endures wear and tear up to five times longer, saving you frequent replacements. Plus, the Rapid Strike Tip ensures quick, precise starts for your drilling tasks, making your work smoother and more efficient.

9.6

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What We Like

Drills holes twice as fast
Lasts five times longer
Works with impact drivers
Fast, accurate drill starts
Easy size identification

#TOP 4 Best Straight Step Bit

Jerax Tools Step Drill Bit for Metal and Plastic

Jerax tools
STG1-3/8

Jerax tools Step Drill Bit Straight Grooved Double Fluted 1/4 to 1-3/8 Inch, M2 High speed steel drill bits for hole drilling in Stainless steel, Plastic, Unibit with highlighted steps and size marks

The Jerax Tools Step Bit is designed for efficient drilling, making it easier for you to create clean holes in various materials, including stainless steel and plastic. Its M2 high-speed steel construction ensures long-lasting durability, while the polished steps and size highlights allow you to see your target hole size without interruption. This means you can drill more quickly and efficiently. With the ability to handle heavy-duty tasks, this tool is perfect for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, saving you time and effort.

9.4

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What We Like

Durable M2 high-speed steel
Polished steps for easy visibility
Handles various materials
Multiple hole sizes in one bit

#TOP 5

NordWolf 13-Piece HSS Titanium Drill Bit Set

NordWolf
NW-22020
13 Pcs

NordWolf 13-Piece HSS Titanium Hex Shank Spiral Flute Step Drill, 82-Degree 3 Flutes Countersink & Tapered Drill 4 Cutters Countersink and Saw Drill Bit Set in Storage Case

The NordWolf Drill Bit Set offers high-quality tools for your drilling needs. Each bit is coated with HSS Titanium, making them durable and easy to use with both drills and impact drivers. The set includes three step drills that cover 34 useful SAE sizes, perfect for smooth and accurate drilling in various materials like wood and metal. Additionally, the six countersink drills are designed at an 82-degree angle, allowing for deep countersinking without hassle. This set ensures you have versatile and reliable options for your projects.

9.2

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What We Like

High-quality HSS Titanium coating
Includes useful SAE sizes
Deep countersinking capability
Compatible with drills and impact drivers
Versatile for various materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are step drill bits for?

A step drill bit can be used to drill a range of different sized holes with a single bit. Since each bit size drill holes less than 1/4″ deep, a step bit is mainly used for drilling thin material such as sheet metal.

2. Are stepped drill bits any good?

Unibits and step drills work exceptionally well on sheet metal. They can be used on other materials as well, but you won't get a straight smooth-walled hole in solid materials thicker than the step height. Step bits are incredibly useful for one-step drilling operations, but they're not suitable for all operations.

3. Can you use a step drill bit on wood?

Step drills are ideally suited for cutting metals, plastics and wood up to 4 mm, for stainless steel up to 1.5 mm.

4. What is a step cone drill bit?

Cone & Stepped Drill Bits, also known as step drill bits, step down drill bits, conical drill bits and unibits, are ideal for drilling into sheet metal and plastics. ... The straight flute types also confer the advantage that they will not distort sheet metal as they drill into it.

Editor's Notes

During our step drill bit research, we found 203 step drill bit products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,366 customer reviews through our big data system to write the step drill bits list. We found that most customers choose step drill bits with an average price of £20.00.

The step drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of step drill bits, including Milwaukee, Bosch, Jerax tools, NordWolf.

Written by

Harvey Wall

Harvey Wall was born and raised in Norwich. He mastered the art of tool production and finished at the prestigious Norwich University. His area of interest include cutting tools, abrasive finishing and power tools. Harvey is always looking for ways to improve the finesse of industrial tools via his myriads of researches. He also shares some of his experiences on many platforms while writing on tool products.