6 Best Drill Bits For Hard Steel: Reviewed and Ranked

Cobalt Drill Bit Set for Hardened Metal and Stainless Steel delivers exceptional performance with its 99-piece M35 High Speed Steel twist bits, ranging from 1/16 to 3/8. Crafted from cobalt, the bits achieve up to 67 hardness, enabling faster cuts and a life span up to 12 times longer than standard HSS titanium coated bits.

The set features a fully hardened, ground edge that resists wear, making it suitable for stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, and other tough alloys. Packaged in a sturdy plastic box with compartmentalized storage, each drill size is clearly labeled on the lid for quick access and efficient workflow.

The DEWALT DW1361 is a 21 piece drill bit set that delivers professional performance in any workshop. Each bit carries a Titanium Nitride Coating that extends life and keeps the tip sharp, while the pilot point design ensures a clean start on contact.

With no spin shanks, a tapered web for greater durability, and a tough plastic case that holds sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, this set covers the most common drilling tasks. The included assortment of sizes means you can tackle wood, metal, and plastic without swapping tools.

For professionals who demand precision and durability in metal working jobs, the NordWolf M35 Cobalt stubby drill bit set delivers uncompromising performance.

Each of the five bits is precision ground from M35 cobalt steel, features a 135 degree split point for self centered drilling, and comes with a 1/4 hex shank that fits standard and quick change chucks. The stubby length of 1.84 to 2.32 inches gives access to tight spaces while the included storage case with labeled sizes keeps the set organized and ready for use.

The Drill America GSC Series 29-piece Cobalt Stepped Point set delivers unmatched performance across a wide range of materials. With a 135-degree split-point tip and a 3-flat shank for larger sizes, these bits start drilling easier, cut faster, and stay cooler than standard options. The gold oxide finish adds a premium look and protects the steel from corrosion, while the jobber-length design balances strength and maneuverability for both small and large holes.

Encased in a durable round holder, the set includes every inch size from 1/16 to 1/2, giving you the flexibility to enlarge existing holes or create new, smoother ones in acrylic, steel, brass, and hardened metals. Since 1923, Drill America has built a reputation for quality industrial tools, and this set is no exception, offering reliability and precision for contractors and serious hobbyists alike.

Our Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set is engineered for demanding applications, offering a 68-70 HRC hardness that delivers superior heat, wear, and chip resistance. The 19-piece assortment, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm in 0.5 mm increments, features a 135-degree split point for precise, clean penetration across stainless steel, hard metals, aluminum, and plastic.

With a three-step design, these bits can drill three to five times faster than conventional drills. The sharp edge slices metal into long, clean iron chips rather than grinding, extending tool life and reducing the cost per hole. Ideal for both professional workshops and high-volume production, this set balances performance with durability.

Toolant’s Cobalt Drill Bit Set is engineered for professionals who demand precision and durability when drilling through hardened metal and stainless steel. With 21 titanium aluminum nitride coated bits, the set delivers exceptional heat resistance and long-lasting sharpness.

Each bit features a self-centering bullet tip that minimizes wandering and ensures accurate holes, while the 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch range covers most industrial applications. A 90-day warranty with a 100 percent refund or replacement policy underscores the brand’s confidence in its performance.