Best Drill Bits For Hardened Steel Reviews [9 Tough Picks]

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.

Drill Bits For Hardened Steel [Comparisons Table]

9 Best Drill Bits For Hardened Steel Reviews

9. HYCLAT 5pcs Titanium Step Drill Bit Set

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.5 of 5 Stars

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 Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Set

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.2 of 5 Stars

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 Masonry Drill Bit Set

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.2 of 5 Stars

A number of happy customers say they cut ‘like a hot knife through butter’.  These are a staple for any handyman.

6. DEWALT DW5204 Premium Percussion Masonry Drill Bit

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.7 of 5 Stars

Customers say these are ‘up to the challenge.’  This set has received hundreds of five star reviews.

5. Tooluxe 10171L Titanium Drill Bit

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4 of 5 Stars

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.

4. CO-Z Cobalt Drill Bit

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.5 of 5 Stars

This is a very popular item with thousands of five star reviews.

3. Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.6 of 5 Stars

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 bit

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.7 of 5 Stars

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 Industrial Tools 316015 Cobalt Drill Bit

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.

Buyer’s Feedback Section

Overall Rating – 4.7 of 5 Stars

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.

Conclusion

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.