Drilling through brass can be tough, especially if you don’t have the right drill bits. This is because this type of metal has a tendency to grab the sharp edges on the bits.
But what are the right bits for brass? Well, there are so many options available on the market to choose from. However, the best drill bits for brass feature:
- Zero rake cutting edge
- Heavy-duty construction
- Quick-change design
- At least 135 degrees split point
With that said, here is our list of some of the best products out there that are worth considering.
Our Top Picks
 | Editor’s Top Choice: | Hymnorq M35 HSS Drill Bit |
| | Review Champion: | Amoolo HSS Twist Drill Bit Set |
| | Amazon's Choice: | ZELCAN Step Drill Bit |
| | Highest Drilling Rate: | TOGU DB-02 High Speed Steel Drill Bit |
| | Newest Collection: | Bestgle HSS Hex Shank Drill Bit |
Comparisons of Top-Ranked Bits for Drilling Brass
Not sure which bit to buy? Below is a quick comparison of the top tool options for drilling through brass with ease. Check them out.
Reviews of the 5 Best Drill Bits for Brass on the Market
1. Hymnorq M35 Cobalt HSS Drill Bit Kit – Editor’s Top Choice
- Material: Cobalt Steel
- Finish Type: Bronze Oxide
- Shank Type: Round
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Bits Size: 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm
- Number of Bits: 15 bits
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Additionally, the device is equipped with a 135-degree split point with a self-centering design. As such, it’s able to penetrate brass quickly and with minimal pressure. The design also allows you to make cuts directly without any pre-drilling needed.
What’s more? It features a straight shank, which makes it ideal for standard drill chucks. The design of the shank also helps prevent the bits from “wanding” or “walking”.
- Heavy-duty body construction
- Set includes several sizes
- Easily penetrates through brass
- Great value
- Includes premium storage case
- Some sizes work better than others
Several reviewers tried this set for brass with great success. While some of the sizes seemed to not be sharpened correctly, most of these work as expected. Users recommend going slow with these, especially when working with more delicate material.
2. Amoolo Titanium HSS Twist Drill Bit Set – Review Champion
- Material: Titanium Coated HSS
- Finish Type: Titanium, Steel
- Shank Type: Hex
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Bits Size: 1/16″,5/64″,3/32″,7/64″,1/8″,9/64″,5/32″,11/64″,3/16″,13/64″,7/32″,15/64″,1/4″
- Number of Bits: 16 bits
On top of that, each unit is equipped with a fully ground spiral design to help clear particles quickly. This design also minimizes friction and heat build-up. Consequently, you can enjoy cooler drilling performance.
You will also be pleased to know that kit comes with a portable plastic case for ease of organizing the bits. The best part is that the case is pocket size so it can easily fit in a toolbox or the pocket.
- 135-degrees split point for fast cuts
- Quick change hex shank
- Fast and precise drilling
- Backed by a 90-day warranty
- The plastic case is cheaply made
- Hex shank does not provide the most secure fit
Customers are pleased with their purchase of this set – “First bit out of the box let me know I made the right decision.” This high-quality set is reliable and it gets the job done, on all sorts of different materials. These do seem better suited for work around the house, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
3. ZELCAN Titanium Step Drill Bit – Amazon’s Choice
- Material: HSS
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Bits Size: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″, 1-3/8″
- Number of Bits: 1 bit
But you know what the best part is? The unit features a two-flute design to help clear chips faster. This prevents the cutting waste from scattering around, thereby ensuring accurate drilling. More so, the design helps keep the tool clean.
Additionally, the device is made from High-Speed steel to ensure smooth drilling and long-lasting performance. And for extra durability, it is coated with titanium. The beauty about the coating is that it makes the bit rust, heat, and corrosion-resistant.
- Increased sharpness and accuracy
- Tri-flatted shank for a secure fit
- High-efficient drilling
- Automatically deburrs holes
- Becomes dull very quickly on certain materials
Buyers are happy with this bit sharing that this works well with the right type of materials. There is some mention that this dulls easily on some material, just be sure you understand the manufacturer’s recommendation for use and you shouldn’t have an issue. Users share that the bit is reliable and get the job done on most metals, including brass.
4. TOGU DB-02 High Speed Steel Drill Bit for Brass – Highest Drilling Rate
- Material: High Speed Steel
- Finish Type: Brushed Steel Drill Bit
- Bits Size: 9/16″(14mm) and 5/8″(16mm)
- Number of Bits: 1 bit
What’s more? The bit has a sharp edge featuring a unique shape on both the front and rear tilting teeth. This gives it a strong penetration ability while also allowing you to make holes on uneven workpieces like pipes with ease.
More importantly, it is engineered with a large helix angle coupled with a double rear angle design to allow high-speed drilling. The design also facilitates fast chip removal to prevent jamming or chipping.
- Anti-slippage universal handle
- High precision and stable drilling
- Easy to replace and disassemble
- Strong shock and abrasion resistance
- Questionable durability
- Low vibration resistance
This bit is specially designed for brass work and it definitely gets the job done. Users share that they’ve used this successfully for projects around the house, including drilling through metal doors.
5. Bestgle Hex Shank HSS Drill Bit – Newest Collection
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Shank Type: Hex
- Tool Flute Type: Straight
- Bits Size:6-32NC(3.5mm),8-32NC( 4.2mm),10-32NC( 5mm),10-24NC( 5mm),12-24NC( 5.7mm),1/4-20NC( 6.35mm)
- Number of Bits: 6 bits
The kit includes 6 bits in different sizes from 3.5mm to 6.35mm. You will be pleased to know the bits are manufactured from High-speed steel material. This explains its relatively low price. The good news is that this material provides high drilling speeds and boasts high strength.
Worth mentioning is that the set features a countersink design. This makes it ideal for countersinking, deburring, hole drilling, and even tapping. It also has a hex-shank design to keep the bit steady while drilling by preventing “walking”.
- Perfect for hole chamfering and punching
- Made from durable HSS material
- Great value
- Keeps metal chips away during drilling
- Storage case not included
Buyers are happy with the value of this reliable set. "Does what it is designed for. Great price for a good selection of sizes. good for a DIYer." The HSS design lends itself to accurate drilling into metals, including brass.
Buying Guide – Choosing Brass Drilling Bits
If you’re working on a project that requires you to drill through brass material, you need high-quality drill bits.
However, there are a couple of factors to consider before you go shopping to ensure you get the right product. These include:
Material
The first thing to consider is the kind of material the tool is made from. Generally, drill bits for brass are manufactured from two main types of materials, including HSS and cobalt steel alloy.
Units made from cobalt steel don’t break easily and are heat-resistant. They are also less prone to damage, which ensures quality drilling performance and results.
High-speed steel bits, on the other hand, are also durable but not as much as their cobalt steel counterparts. However, they offer high-speed drilling and relatively cheaper.
Shank Design
Another feature to look out for is the design of the shank. The shank is the part of the bit at the end that you “plugin” to the drill. Therefore, the shank design of the bit you choose should be compatible with the chuck size of the drill.
Some of the common shank designs suitable for drilling brass are straight and hex. The straight shank is the most common design as it is a perfect match for a standard drill chuck. More so, it is associated with minimal “walk” or “wander”.
When it comes to hex shanks, the design allows the bit to remain steady during drilling. This means you don’t have to worry about the bit wobbling or bending.
Coating
Also, it is worth considering if the tool is coated. This feature is critical, especially if you’re using a High-Speed Steel device.
A good coating will ensure better wear-resistance, thereby increasing the bit’s longevity. The coating will also minimize friction and protect the drill from rust and corrosion.
Generally speaking, most bits for cutting through brass feature a titanium coating. This type of coating is suitable for prolonged and repetitive tasks. Besides, titanium is rust, heat, and corrosion resistance.
Size
The size of the bit is also equally important. Basically, the right size will depend on the hole size you would like to make.
So, if you will be making the same size holes, then we would recommend you get a bit of the same size. Also, if you’re a novice, you should consider getting bits in the standard size spec range.
But what happens if you will be making different size holes? Well, then it would be wise to invest in a set that comes with bits in various sizes.
Tip
If you take a closer look at the different metal drills available, you’ll notice that they have a distinct splint point. This point is usually at the tip of the bit.
For metals like brass, you will need a device with at least a 135-degree split point. This type of tip will ensure you don’t use a lot of force to remove the metal. Also, this tip design helps prevent the bit from “walking”.
Common Questions People Ask
If you’re new to drilling holes into brass material, here are some frequently asked questions just for you.
Q: Which is the best type of drill for drilling brass?
A: Generally, straight fluted bits are the most common types for drilling through brass. Unlike twist bits, they have less of a tendency to grab or dig in the material.
Q: What is the strongest drill bit for brass?
A: Any bit from cobalt steel alloy material is best for drilling brass. Compared to HSS bits, it boasts much faster cutting and extra-long life.
Q: Is brass easy to cut?
A: Yes, as long as you’ve got a zero-rake drill bit or straight fluted drill bits. This is because brass is good at grabbing the sharp edge on the bits.
Q: Is brass harder than steel?
A: No. it’s not as hard or strong as steel. However, it is stronger and harder than copper.
Which is the Best?
Overall, the Hymnorq 15 Piece HSS Drill Bit is our top pick. Not just because it’s made from hardened cobalt steel alloy but also for the fact that it boasts a straight shank. More importantly, it features a 135-degree split point and offers easy and precise cutting.
Final Thoughts
For easy, fast, and precise drilling into metals like brass, you need the best drill bits for brass. It does not matter whether you are a professional or just a DIY enthusiast. The right bit will also ensure you complete your projects in time and to the highest quality.