To remove or install new wheel stud and lug nuts, you need strong drill bits, and constant lubrication to finish the job. Working on steel requires patience as your drill bits may be slow, overheat, and dull before you make any progress.
Looking for the right drill bits for wheel stud jobs? Check out our selection of top-quality drill bit sets for you.
Top Picks
 | Top Pick: | Irwin 3016031ZR Drill Bit |
| | Editor’s Choice: | Neiko Reverse Twist Drill Bit Set |
| | Best Rated: | Drill Hog Alloy Steel Drill Bits 13 pc |
| | Highest Drilling Rate: | Irwin 316015 Drill Bit Set 15-Piece |
| | Most Simplistic: | Eazypower 5Piece Drill Bit Set |
Comparisons of the Top-Quality Drill Bit for Wheel Studs
In this section, we give a fair review of the best drill bit for wheel stud and their remarkable features for outstanding drilling performance. However, if you won’t read with us to the end, we have a comparison table that summarizes it all.
The 5 Best Wheel Stud Drill Bits Reviewed & Ranked
Cobalt and titanium coated drill bits are more suited for cutting in hardened steel. They are sturdy and long-lasting when constantly lubricated, with the right pressure and drilling speed. Carbide tips are, however, brittle and not up for drilling in hardened steel.
Have a look at our picks of the best drill bits for broken studs.
1. Irwin High-Speed Steel Drill Bit for Wheel Stud – Top Pick
- Material: Cobalt Alloy Steel
- Cuts through: tough metal, including heavy-duty abrasive alloy metal drilling on hardened steel
- Shank Type: Straight
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Bits Size: 31/64″ x 6″
- Number of Bits: 1 bit
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About durability, there’s no doubt that industrial-grade high-speed steel is tough and long-lasting. The cobalt coating also makes it heat resistant so that you don’t have to worry about the tips becoming dull
The split point tip eliminates walking and makes high-precision holes on tough metal. With the 31/64” size, you can drill larger stud holes for your wheels with a lot of ease.
- Affordable option
- Sturdy and durable HSS
- Cobalt-coated for heat and abrasion resistance
- Split point tip for utmost accuracy
- Single diameter option not flexible for other applications
Customers agree that this drill bit is a must-have for your toolset. Users are pleased with how well this drill bit works, it is a high-quality design that drills effectively. Some users do mention that the bit dulls with regular use, but it can be easily sharpened.
2. Neiko 10037A Reverse Twist Drill Bit Set – Editor’s Choice
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Cuts through: tough materials
- Shank Type: Straight
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Bits Size: 1/16″ – 1/4″
- Number of Bits: 15 bits
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The titanium nitride coating makes these bits tough, longer-lasting, and corrosion-resistant so that there’s less friction between the bits and drilling matter. Besides that, the twist design improves the drilling action, while the 135o split point tip provides perfect self-centering and chip removal.
Furthermore, the left-hand thread design is ideal for reversible drills with screw removers for broken screws, studs, and bolts for home and garage repairs. We also like that the size index markings make it convenient to pull out the size you need at any time.
- The included case keeps these well-organized
- Left-handed bit
- Long-lasting titanium nitride coating
- Sharp cutting split point tip
- Doesn’t maintain edges when used on tough materials
Buyers are happy with this drill set. Several reviewers used these to remove stripped bolts with great success. Based on reviews, we suggest using these for softer materials to get the best performance.
3. Drill Hog Alloy Steel Drill Bits for Wheel Stud – Best Rated
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Cuts through: Removing Broken Bolt, Screws, and Studs
- Bits Size: 1/16 to 1/4 by 1/64ths
- Number of Bits: 13 bits
The different diameter sizes range between 1/16 to ¼”. Besides, the left-hand thread bits are also suitable for reverse drills.
We like that these drill bits are sharp with clear cutting edges so that your operation is easy and fast. Plus, if you don’t get satisfied, there’s a money-back guarantee. Buying a whole set of Drill Hog drill bits is economical if you have various hard metal projects.
- Tips are sharp for effective drilling
- Strong and durable
- Left-hand thread technology for faster operations
- Great customer service
- The diameter ranges are limiting
This left-handed drill set provides quality results for users. The tips are sharp and the bits are durable. There was some reports of the bits breaking early on, however, the highly-rated customer service was quick to help and replace as needed.
4. Irwin Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set– Highest Drilling Rate
- Material: Cobalt Alloy Steel
- Cuts through: tough metal, including heavy-duty abrasive alloy metal drilling on hardened steel
- Shank Type: Straight
- Finish Type: Black Oxide
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Bits Size: shank above 3/8-Inch allows the use of larger drill bits in a 3/8-Inch chuck
- Number of Bits: 15 bits
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This set comes with M-2 high-speed steel bits that are cobalt-coated for better heat and corrosion resistance. The tips are newly designed to allow for re-sharpening to prolong the bit’s life. On the other hand, the 3-flat shank design is perfect for keyless chucks.
On the other hand, the storage case has a clear lid so that you can easily identify your drill bit of choice. It is also easy to stack them for the convenience of storage and travel.
We like that the pack is inexpensive so that for the 15 pieces, you have both value and versatility. You are also assured of long service as the spiral flute can be re-sharpened.
- Sharp cutting edge
- Compatible with keyless chucks
- Cobalt-coated for durability
- Great value
- Included storage case for easy access
- Dulls quickly
Buyers are raving over this drill bit set, they are a reliable, quality set for your projects. Like any tools, customers strongly encourage regular maintenance to prolong the life of these, cleaning after each use.
5. Eazypower 82380 High Speed Steel Drill Bit – Most Simplistic
- Material: High-Speed Steel
- Cuts through: Removes broken or twisted common screws and bolts
- Shank Type: Straight
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Bits Size: 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″
- Number of Bits: 5 bits
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From the name and design, this is a strong high-speed steel drill set with left-hand threads for a reverse drill. Their main application is in the removal of broken and twisted bolts and screws.
Besides, the 135o split point tip ensures high precision drilling and self-centering. The bit diameters range between 1/8” to 3/8”.
We like that these high-quality drill bits come in a plastic indexed case that’s convenient for storage and easy retrieval when required. Also, buying a whole pack is cheaper and with the various diameters, you get to use them for multiple automobile projects.
- Affordable
- High accuracy
- Well-packed in the included storage
- Sturdy and durable
- Tend to dull over time
This set is a good option if you need a basic drill set for semi-regular use. They are affordable and provide accurate results for your projects. They do seem to dull easily so keep that in mind before purchasing.
Choose the Right Wheel Stud Drilling Bit – Buyer’s Guide
It takes time to install a broken stud or to adjust ½ inch stud hole to fit 5/8 inch wheel studs. You need the right drill bits and water lubrication to achieve this.
Cobalt and titanium-coated drill bits are strong enough not to break or melt out during the process. High-quality drill bits may cost more than ordinary drill bits. However, it’s a worthy investment especially if they are durable.
Let’s walk you through some important features of a cobalt or titanium drill bit to look for.
Drill bit diameter
Drill bits with various sizes make a variety. So that you can make a pilot hole with the smallest bit on tough surfaces before you drill through with the medium-large sizes. Unless the single drill bit can finish the task, it’s better to buy a whole set for the purpose of cost-sharing.
Construction material
Most drill bits are made of high-speed steel with cobalt, titanium, or black oxide finish. Cobalt-coated drill bits are tough, fast, and heat resistant. Titanium-coated drill bits are perfect with soft and hard metals. However, with hardened steel, cobalt drill bits are the best.
Quick reminder: Cobalt and titanium drill bits generate lots of heat. It’s necessary to use a water lubricant on the drill bit to avoid burnout and prolong bit life. You should also consider some protective wear such as goggles as metal to metal grinding may produce dangerous chips to the eyes.
Flute type/Tip ends
A brad point tip is faster at drilling. However with split point tips, first, it eliminates walking and makes high precision holes. You can also use them for self-centering.
A spiral flute type navigates smoothly into the wood with faster chip removal. Besides, it’s strong and does not easily break unless with too much pressure and a high speed.
Tip: if dull bit edges can be re-sharpened, it is better to re-sharpen before you decide to buy new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
We tackle some of the common questions about the suitable drill bit for broken wheel studs, their features and related fields. Let’s dive in.
Q: Can you drill out a wheel stud?
A: Although wheel studs are made of tough steel, cobalt drill bits can do an excellent drilling job with constant lubrication. A broken stud is removed properly by drilling, but not with a hammer or chisel.
Q: Can I use WD-40 to loosen lug nuts?
A: it is a good lubricant while loosening lug nuts. It can also serve as an oil lubricant during drilling.
Q: Should you lubricate wheel studs?
A: You don’t need to lubricate wheel studs. You need dry threads at all times as per torque specifications.
Q: What are the best drill bits for drilling out bolts?
A: Irwin Tools 3016031ZR Single Cobalt High-Speed Steel Drill Bit- The 31/64” is sturdy and tough HSS with cobalt coating and can resist abrasion. It’s not just about the size, but its drilling action.
EAZYPOWER 82320 5 Pieces Left Handed Drill Bit Set- with the left-hand threads and a strong high-speed steel body, they drill through twisted or broken bolts faster and with utmost accuracy.
It’s also economical to purchase a whole set of 5 pieces so that where one size fails, there’s a replacement for that.
Which One’s Best?
All the drill bits mentioned in our review are top-quality, affordable, and unique. However, Irwin Tools 3016031ZR Single Cobalt High-Speed Steel Drill Bit is our top pick. It is resistant to heat and abrasion is strong and very durable.
Not forgetting, it’s fast and reliable than any other bit. You don’t have to look at the cost because the service and durability eliminate further replacement costs.
Our Thoughts
If you find the perfect drill bit for wheel stud, you won’t have to worry about fruitless grinding, broken bits or bits melting. There is a drill bit for all materials; however, you need to know the appropriate one for your job. Otherwise, check out our list of the best drill bits for your wheel stud replacement.