Having the right drill bit for a job is crucial because different bits are meant for different materials, and using the wrong bit can essentially render a drill useless. Without the right tools, your project will be unable to leave the drawing board.
Today, we’ll be focusing on the best drill bits for hardened steel available in 2021.
We will be ranking the best ones by considering underlying material, price, and consumer experiences. We take these into consideration to ensure that you can finish projects with hardened steel efficiently.
Note: You might also want to wear a proper protection mask when working with hardened steel.
Top Picks
 | Editor’s Choice: | IRWIN 316015 Steel Drill Bit Set |
| | Runner Up: | TEMO M35 Step Drill |
| | Amazon's Choice: | Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bits |
| | Review Champion: | CO-Z CO-Z SDB-0000 HSS Step Drill Bits |
| | Best Rated: | Tooluxe 10171L High-Speed Steel Titanium Bit |
| | Budget Friendly: | DeWalt DW5204 4-Piece Masonry Drill Bit |
Comparisons of Top-Quality Drill Bits for Hardened Steel (2023)
9 Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel Reviewed & Ranked
9. HYCLAT HTSDB5 High-Speed Metal Steel Step Drill Bit
- Material: Cobalt
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Cutting Angle String: 135 degrees
- Shank: 3-sided
- Shank Type: Triangle
- Number of Bits: 5 bits
The five bits found in this package enable you to drill 50 different sizes. Each step drill bit can drill several bore diameters. They are made with classic and sturdy high-speed steel with titanium coating for proven capability and durability when drilling through hardened steel and several other materials.
- Economical, affordable
- Excellent machining
- Better than spiral
-
Storage case not ideal, foam breaks down
Customers say these bits are surprisingly good for the price, and an incredibly good deal. This set was highly acclaimed by a locksmith who uses them frequently to drill steel doors and frames.
8. Hymnorq DC023 Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Twist Drill Bits
- Material: Cobalt Steel
- Cuts Through: Hard Metals, Stainless Steel and Cast Iron
- Finish Type: Bronze Oxide
- Size Bits: 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.2mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 4.8mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm
- Cutting Angle String: 135 degrees
- Shank Type: Round
- Number of Bits: 13 bits
These bits are heat resistant, made with M35 cobalt steel, and they come in a package of 50 pieces. The 135° Quick-Cut points are self-centering and penetrate quickly with less pressure. As such, they will fit any standard-sized drill chuck and you’ll have no problem drilling with accuracy.
- Variety of handy sizes
- Very affordable
- Excellent customer service
- Prone to slippage due to coating
- Limited life span
Many customers say they would buy these again. One customer, who has been metalworking for 40 years, says these are professional quality.
The bits on our list go well with the best power drills.
7. Hazlo 5 Pcs Masonry Drill Bit Set
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Cuts Though: Porcelain, Ceramic Tiles, Blocks, Concrete, Brick, Rock, Drywall
- Finish Type: Chrome
- Size bits: 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″ and 3/8″
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Number of bits: 5 bits
The Hazlo masonry drill bit set isn’t specifically designed for hardened steel, but the carbide coating ensures that it’s up to the task. The steep flutes allow it to remove material as you are drilling it. It comes at a fairly low cost and has additional chrome plating to further extend usage time.
- Multi-material use
- Very affordable
- Handy sizes
- Limited life span
A number of happy customers say they cut ‘like a hot knife through butter’. These are a staple for any handyman.
6. DeWalt DW5204 Masonry Drill Bit Set – Budget Friendly
- Material: Blend
- Surface Recommend: Concrete
- Chucks Fits: 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch
- Size bits: 3/16-by-3-inch, 1/4-by-4-inch, 5/16-by-6-inch, and 3/8-by-6-inch
- Shank: Three flats
- Number of Bits: 4 bits
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Although this drill bit is primarily marketed for people interested in masonry projects, it’s still among the best drill bits for hardened steel in case you need an extra level of versatility. The carbide construction offers an acceptable level of strength for most projects.
- Long lasting
- Durable
- Multi-purpose
- Not for hardened steel
Customers say these are ‘up to the challenge.’ This set has received hundreds of five star reviews.
5. Tooluxe 10171L High-Speed Steel Construction Bit – Best Rated
- Material: High Speed Steel
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Size bits: 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 11/64, 3/16, 13/64, 7/32, 15/64, and 1/4 in
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Shank Type: Hex
- Number of Bits: 13 bits
The Tooluxe drill bit made with a titanium, which gives it a competitive advantage for those looking to find the best drill bits for hardened steel. The set comes at a decent price and the hex shank provides extra stability when you insert it in the drill’s chuck.
- Variety of handy sizes
- Titanium nitride coating
- Shank could come loose
- Occasional breakage
Customers say these are great for occasional and short term use or intermittent projects.
If you’re a professional, you might also be interested in the Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile of 2024
4. CO-Z HSS Step Drill Bits for Hardened Sheet – Review Champion
- Material: High Speed Steel, Titanium, Cobalt
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Cutting Diameter: 0.50 / 0.25 / 0.38 inches
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Chucks Fits: 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in.
- Set: 5 drill bits
- Dimensions: 4.33 x 1.57 x 6.1 inches
The CO-Z Cobalt Drill Bit is a particularly high quality because it uses cobalt high speed steel with a titanium coating. It’s compatible with ¼”, 3⁄8″, and ½” chuck sizes. On top of that, it features several usability improvements and the design of the drill tips completely eliminates walking on hardened steel surfaces.
- Durable
- Versatile
-
Best performance with lighter use
This is a very popular item with thousands of five star reviews.
3. Neiko 10193A High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit – Amazon’s Choice
- Material: Tri-Flat Shank
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Cutting Angle String: 135 degrees
- Cutting Diameter: 1/8 to 3/4″
- Shank Type: Tri-Flatted
- Set: 28 individual drill bits
- Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 1 inches
The Neiko 1093A Titanium Step is made of high-speed steel with a titanium coating. The titanium helps improve durability. It has a 3⁄16 increment for depth and the two flute design reduces particulate contamination.
- High quality alloy steel
- Split point tip
- Titanium finish
- Best performance on limited use projects
Satisfied customers rave that this is more than worth the money. It has smooth cutting action and clean holes.
2. TEMO M35 Cobalt Spiral Flute Step Drill – Runner Up
- Material: Cobalt
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Shank Type: Straight
- Dimensions: 3 x 1 x 1 inches
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The TEMO M35 is made of cobalt high-speed steel with a titanium coating. It also uses a special heat-resistant design to achieve superior performance that allows it to run faster and longer on surfaces like hardened steel. It has a 4 mm step range and approximately 32 mm cutting edge. M35 is less prone to chipping when used for interrupted cuts.
- Cobalt alloy
- Smooth spiral flute
-
Often requires pilot hole to avoid walking
So many happy customers with this product. One said, “I’m very impressed, it’s a keeper”. And another, “my new favorite tool”. And, “it cuts like butter.”
You can achieve a lot with a good drill bit as long as you’ve got one of the best cordless drills on the market today!
1. Irwin 316015 Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit – Editor’s Choice
- Material: Cobalt Alloy Steel
- Finish Type: Black oxide
- Cutting Angle String: 135 degrees
- Cutting Diameter: 0.0625 / 0.09375 / 0.109375 / 0.25 inches
- Shank Type: Three-flatted
- Chucks Fits: 3/8-inch
- Size: 15 drill bits
- Dimensions: 10.25 x 10.94 x 11.06 inches
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Made of cobalt steel with a black oxide finish the IRWIN Cobalt Drill Bit is specially made for long-term use. The drill bits are designed with the intention of being sharpened in order to extend the longevity of them. The 135-degree split point means you don’t need to use as much force to achieve high quality results, and the reduced shank size provides greater versatility.
- Cobalt
- Long life
- Black oxide finish
-
Smooth surface might slip in chuck
Recommended by professional machinists and one reviewer said he’d give this more than 5 stars if allowed.
FAQ’s About Drill Bits for Hardened Steel
How to Care for Drill Bits?
Make sure you wipe and clean the bit as you work. Wipe it with a clean cloth every 5-10 minutes to ensure an increased lifespan and make sure to also clean it after use and apply oil. It is also recommended to use a sharpener from time to time.
Drill Bit Makes Awkward Squeaking Noise. How Do I Fix it?
This usually happens because you’re running it too fast or for too long. Try slowing down the drill’s RPMs or letting it rest for a while. Allow a short recess period between each session.
The Drill Bit Gets Too Hot When I’m Working. How Can I Avoid That?
Follow the steps in our previous answer. If that doesn’t help, try lubricating the drill bit. Some surfaces might be too thick for it to penetrate seamlessly, which makes the bit prone to heat from friction. Use lubricant oil or water during operation to cool down the bit. Just be careful not to spill water on the drill’s electric components.
How Do I Sharpen Drill Bits?
You can sharpen drill bits by using a metal grinder. Hold the sharp edge of the bit at 60 degree angle and let the metal grinder do the sharpening.
Final Thoughts
The best drill bits for hardened steel require some consideration about your overall needs. When thinking about overall quality and specifically about the right bits for hardened steel, the IRWIN cobalt drill bit earned top ranking especially since it is long-lasting.
A key determiner in choosing a bit is also whether you plan to use it for long-term or singular use. A cheaper option may be better if this is a single project.
We encourage you to leave us a comment with your opinion regarding the subject at hand.
By sharing your opinion, people can more easily judge how the drill bits fit when it comes down to their own unique style. So go ahead and share your ideas with us and the rest of the drilling community!
Note: While you’re here, you may also find our article on the best benchtop drill presses useful.