It does not matter whether you are a professional contractor or DIY hobbyist, you will need a drill at some point. Now, you want to keep in mind that the drill will be useless without drill bits.
A drill bit is to a drill what a blade is to a saw. Get it? As such, you want to get the best machinist drill bits to make your drill functional.
Perhaps you do not know where to begin your search but that is why we have put this review together. At the end of it, you should be able to make an informed choice so you may want to keep reading.
Comparison of the Most Popular Machinist Drill Bits
The following table will come in handy if you are unable to go through the entire review. It summarizes each of the products in this review so you can have an easier time picking out one.
Buying Guide – Picking the Right Bit for Machinist
For you to pick the perfect drill bits, you need to consider a few crucial factors before making your purchase. Some of these factors include:
Drill Bit Material
As you begin your search for the best bits, you need to determine what you intend to do with them. This will help you pick the right material.
For instance, if you will be drilling into concrete or wood, you will need stronger drill bits than the person who intends to drill through plastic.
The last thing you want is for your bits to fall apart before you complete your project right?
Bit Accuracy
Once you have settled on the material, you then want to think about accuracy. How accurate do you need your projects to be?
Usually, professional tasks require greater accuracy compared to DIY projects. Some drill bits are designed to create clean holes while others are not.
Check the product description to see what kind you are getting.
Drill Bit Coatings
Most bits come with a coating to keep them sharp, increase strength, and prevent corrosion. For instance, some manufacturers use black oxide to cover their bits. This makes the bit heat resistant and adds a layer of lubrication. It is one of the inexpensive options.
Others use titanium nitride, which is a hard ceramic for covering high-speed bits. This kind of coating helps extend the life of a drill bit.
If you will be cutting through extremely tough materials, you may want to opt for a diamond-coated bit because it makes the bit more abrasive.
This kind of coating generates a lot of heat so you may have to cool your bit frequently while using.
Drill Bit Shape
Most of the drill bits available for regular purchase come with a straight shank. However, the ones designed for heavy-duty applications tend to have a tapered shank.
Of course, there are other shank shapes such as the hex-shaped so you just have to pick the one that suits your application best.
We would encourage you to go for a bit set with different sizes and shapes, as it will offer you more versatility.
Review of the 11 Best Drill Bits for Machinist (Rated & Ranked)
There are numerous options in the market when it comes to machinist drill bits so you are likely to be confused once you begin searching.
That is why we have reviewed some of the best-rated options in the market to make your job easier.
1. Metric M42 8% Drill Bits Set
Finish: Oxide Coated, Steel
Shank Type: Straight
Number Of Pieces: 19
Special Features:
– Titanium flute spiral design
– 135 Degrees cutting angle string
– 3 steps design
With this product, cutting through plastic, aluminum, and steel will be a breeze.
What we liked
One thing we noticed about the pieces in this set is that they can cut through metal easily. This means that they are durable. Of course, we expected that because they are made from premium material.
However, what we loved most is that the set comprises 19 pieces that offer a decent level of versatility.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that although the manufacturer claims that this product claims to cut through stainless steel, they struggled to make a hole on the same.
The manufacturer should have used diamond coating to make it easier for the bits to go through tough material.
- Durable
- Value for money
- Accurate
- Misleading product description
2. Comoware 60pcs Drill Bit Set
Finish: Black & Gold
Shank Type: Straight
Number Of Pieces: 60
Special Features:
– 135-degree Point Tip
– Includes the drill bit holder with size index
–Spiral flute design
Other than that, they come with a gold finish to make them harder and resistant to corrosion.
What we liked
We love that with this set, you are not limited to DIYs. It is designed to handle woodworking and engineering tasks as well.
Another great thing is that the set comes with a bit holder for easier organizing and storage.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, their packages arrived with some missing bit pieces. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this before releasing the product from the factory.
- Versatile
- Durable
- Accurate
- Missing pieces
3. Craftsman 100 Piece driving and drilling kit
Finish: Black oxide
Number Of Pieces: 100
Special Features:
– Convenient carrying case
– Crafted from a hardened alloy steel
Do not even get us started on the folding case that comes with the product. With such an accessory, you will find it easier to organize and store your bits.
What we liked
If you are a beginner, you will love this product because the pieces are easy to remove and you will probably need to change them according to your needs.
What we found most appealing however is that this is one of the most affordable options on this list and it does not compromise on quality.
What Could Have Been Better
This product does not come with a user manual according to several reviews. The manufacturer should have simply included one in each product.
- Value for money
- Easy to remove
- Versatile
- User manual not included
4. Norseman 44170 Drill Bits
Finish: Oxide Coated, Gold, Steel
Number Of Pieces: 29
Special Features:
– NAS 907B Heavy Duty Jobber
– 135-Degree Split Point
– Precision ground point, flutes
TODAY’S DEAL on WALMART TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON
What we liked
This would be an ideal set if you want cleaner holes because the bits are designed to drill with precision. However, what we found most appealing about this set is that it is built for durability.
Frequent replacement will not be a concern here.
What Could Have Been Better
Although the product description states that this set is durable, users have complained that it is cheaply made and will not stand the test of time.
We feel that the manufacturer should have used better-quality material in the construction.
- Accurate
- Durable
- Value for money
- Questionable quality
5. Drillforce 10 Pcs Drill Bits
Finish: Ember Finished Gold Color
Shank Type: Straight
Number Of Pieces: 10
Special Features:
– 135 Tip & Twist Design
– Brand new and high quality
– Professional & DIY Use
What we liked
Looking at these bits, they come with a twist design and split point tip to increase the cutting speed. This also means that the bits quickly clear away any particles or chips while drilling. We love that.
What Could Have Been Better
Going by reviews, some of the pieces in this set snapped the first time they were used. The manufacturer should have coated them with diamond powder to make it harder.
- Sharp
- Accurate
- High-speed
- Not as durable
6. Black+Decker BDA91109 Screwdriver Bit Set
Finish: Black Phosphate, Black oxide finish, Chrome, Painted, Steel
Number Of Pieces: 109
Special Features:
– Portable hard case with extra storage
– Variety of 1 in. and 2 in. screw driving bits
TODAY’S DEAL on HOME DEPOT TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON
What we liked
This set is perfect for beginners because the pieces in it are easy to remove. Nevertheless, what we loved most about it is that it is built to offer durability so you do not have to think about replacements often.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that these bits begin to rust after a while. The manufacturer should have used an appropriate coating to avoid this.
- Durable
- Easy to remove
- Storage case
- Prone to corrosion
7. Owl Tools 10 Piece Drill Bits Set
Finish: Carbide
Number Of Pieces: 10
Special Features:
– Spiral flute design
– Convenient storage case
– Industrial Grade drill bits
What we liked
In this set, you will find carbide-tipped bits that will stay sharper for longer and provide you with longevity.
We love that the bits come with a storage case to keep them rust-free and organized.
What Could Have Been Better
Users have come out to say that the claim that these bits can drill through concrete and tile is a lie. We feel that the manufacturer should have been transparent on that to avoid customer mistrust.
- Great packaging
- Easy to remove
- Durable
- Misleading product description
8. Chew Steel Tools 100-Piece Drill Bit Set
Finish: Titanium, Chrome
Shank Type: Square
Number Of Pieces: 100
Special Features:
– Comprehensive and high quality
– Comes in a durable, portable storage case
– Designed for all power tool brands
What we liked
Each of the bits in this set is color-coded to make selection easier for you. It also comes with a case to keep them in place and easy to store away.
We love that the bits are easy to remove hence making this set suitable for everyone.
What Could Have Been Better
These bits broke and deformed on the first use according to some users. We feel that the manufacturer should have used better quality material in the construction to counter that.
- Easy to remove
- Versatile
- Comes with storage case
- Not as durable
9. Rocaris 23-Pack Countersink Drill Bits
Finish: Steel
Shank Type: Straight
Number Of Pieces: 23
Special Features:
– 90 Degrees Cutting angle string
– 5 flute countersink drill bit
– Polished cutting edge
– 1/4-inch hex shank
What we liked
The bits come with a polished cutting edge and what this does is to reduce friction. This also makes them suitable for drilling through extremely thick materials.
We love that the set is reasonably priced as well hence giving you value for your money.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have reported that the bags used to package this set were inadequate with some objects protruding.
The manufacturer should simply have used better packaging.
- Thick
- Durable
- Value for money
- Inadequate packaging
10. Triangular-Overlord Working Drill Bits
Shank Type: Straight
Number Of Pieces: 10
Special Features:
– Fine grinding of the drill body
– 135 degrees Split point tip
– Alloy head material with stronger hardness
What we liked
With this set, you will be able to drill through a variety of materials and we are sure you will love that because it gives you versatility.
The bits are also easy to use hence suitable for beginners and we love that about this product.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, these bits tend to overheat. We feel that the manufacturer should have polished the cutting edge to reduce friction and chances of overheating.
- Easy to use
- Efficient design
- Versatile
- Tends to overheat
11. Diamond 10Pcs Drill Bits
Finish: Diamond
Shank Type: Hex
Number Of Pieces: 10
Special Features:
– Solid end and larger surface area
– durable and long service life
TODAY’S DEAL on WALMART TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON
What we liked
You want to note that these bits are coated with diamond so they are likely to offer you precision and longevity.
Another great thing about them is that they are easy to use so you will not encounter any major difficulties while drilling and we love that about them.
What Could Have Been Better
These bits are not made for heavy-duty jobs and will deform when used for the same according to some users. We feel that the manufacturer should have hardened and honed them to make them stronger.
- Accurate
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Frequently Asked Questions
At this point, you probably have a question or two when it comes to picking the best machinist drill bits. We have addressed several to help you get a clearer picture.
Which is stronger titanium or cobalt-coated bits?
That would have to be titanium. These last up to six times longer than regular steel bits. On the other hand, cobalt bits are created to drill through abrasive and tough material hence not ideal for general-purpose use.
What would cause drill bits to break often?
Usually, breaks are caused by not clearing out chips or flexing the bit. However, some bits will simply break because they are made from substandard material.
Our Top Pick
Having checked all 11 products, our top pick would have to be the Metric M42 8% Drill Bits Set. How did we get to that? You may ask.
Well, the first thing that we found appealing about this set is that it is made of premium material that will provide you with longevity and impressive performance.
Moving on swiftly, the set comprises 19 pieces, which are just enough to offer the versatility you need for everyday projects
Another thing is that the bits are honed and hardened for sharpness and will therefore cut through surfaces faster and easier.
Conclusion
As you can see, picking the correct drill bit makes all the difference when it comes to drilling. You probably will not realize this if you have never drilled into metal or wood.
Of course, you would not want to waste your money buying drill bits that will not work for your application or will fall apart after several uses.
As you venture into the market searching for the right product, you will come across numerous options that may leave you spoilt for choice or even confused. However, we believe that after going through our review, you are armed with all the information you need to make the right choice so go ahead and do it.