Best Drill Bit Sets for 2026
Which drill bit set should you actually buy? The right answer depends on what you drill. A black oxide twist set handles wood, plastic, and mild steel for everyday DIY, but if you regularly drill stainless steel you need cobalt, and if you want flawless holes in hardwood you need brad-point bits. This guide ranks the 7 best drill bit sets for 2026 across every category and budget, from the all-around DEWALT DWA1184 to dedicated cobalt sets for metal and brad-point sets for fine woodworking. We evaluate each set on bit material and coating, point geometry, size coverage, shank type, and value. You will also find a coatings-and-materials explainer, a how-to-choose guide, and answers to the most common drill bit questions. Already know the size you need? Jump straight to our full drill bit size chart.
The best overall drill bit set is the DEWALT DWA1184 21-piece black oxide set, a clean-drilling, corrosion-resistant all-rounder that is hard to beat for the price. For metal, choose a cobalt set such as IRWIN or Norseman M35/M42, which stay hard at high heat for stainless and hardened steel. The best titanium value pick is the DEWALT DW1361 21-piece titanium-coated set for wood, plastic, and light metal. For woodworking, add a dedicated brad-point set for splinter-free, perfectly located holes. Need a specific size instead? See our full drill bit size chart.
Quick Picks: Best Drill Bit Sets 2026
Short on time? Here are our top recommendations for different materials and budgets:
Prefer to buy direct? The Grizzly PRO T30015 115-Pc. M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set is a strong 115-piece M35 cobalt drill bit set from Grizzly Industrial, often priced lower factory-direct than through a reseller and backed by full parts availability and U.S. support.
Shop the T30015 at Grizzly.com →Best Drill Bits by Material
Updated 2026. The best drill bits depend on what you are drilling: brad-point bits for wood, cobalt bits for stainless steel and hard metal, black oxide or titanium coated bits for general metal, and carbide-tipped bits for masonry. The table lists the right bit for each material.
| Material | Best Drill Bit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Brad-point bit (best for clean holes), or black oxide twist bit | The center point stops the bit from wandering and the spurs cut a clean entry hole. |
| Mild steel and general metal | Black oxide or titanium coated HSS twist bit | Resists heat and wear at general-purpose speeds. |
| Stainless steel and hard alloys | Cobalt (M35) twist bit | Holds its edge at high heat; use slow speed and cutting oil. |
| Concrete, brick and stone | Carbide-tipped masonry bit with a hammer drill | The carbide tip chips the material instead of cutting it. |
| Tile and glass | Carbide spear-point tile bit | Scores the glaze without cracking it; keep the bit cool. |
| Plastic | Standard HSS twist bit at low speed | Avoid melting and cracking; a brad-point bit grabs less. |
| Mixed materials | Carbide-tipped multi-material set | Handles wood, metal and masonry when you do not want to change bits. |
How We Evaluated
Our Evaluation Criteria
We assessed each drill bit set on the factors that matter most when you are actually drilling: bit material and coating, point geometry (split point vs standard), size coverage and increments, shank type, and overall value. A great set should drill clean, accurately located holes, resist heat and dulling, and cover the sizes you reach for most often. Our guidance reflects general manufacturer specifications and well-established tool knowledge rather than independent lab measurements.
Material & Coating
HSS, black oxide, titanium nitride, or cobalt alloy and how it holds up to heat and wear
Point Geometry
135-degree split points self-center and reduce walking versus standard 118-degree points
Size Coverage
Range and increments, plus index case quality for organizing and storing the set
Value for Money
Performance and durability relative to price, including replacement-bit availability
We also weighed practical details like shank type (3/8-inch reduced shanks fit any chuck; hex shanks lock into impact drivers), whether the larger bits have reduced shanks to fit standard drills, and how well each index case keeps bits organized. Before drilling metal or hardwood, the right speed matters as much as the right bit, use our drill press speed calculator to dial in the correct RPM for your bit size and material. If you are setting up a tapped hole, our drill and tap calculator finds the right bit for the thread.
Drill Bit Set Comparison Table
| Set | Type / Coating | Pieces | Best Use | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWA1184 | Black oxide HSS | 21 | All-around wood, plastic, mild steel | Budget-Mid |
| IRWIN Cobalt M35 29-Piece | Cobalt alloy (M35) | 29 | Stainless, hard metals | Premium |
| DEWALT DW1361 | Titanium nitride coated HSS | 21 | Wood, plastic, light metal | Budget |
| Fisch Brad-Point Wood Set | HSS brad-point | 7-31 | Clean, located holes in wood | Budget-Mid |
| Bosch BL21A Black Oxide Set | Black oxide HSS | 21 | Budget everyday drilling | Budget |
| Drill America Pro Cobalt 29-Pc | Cobalt alloy (M35/M42) | 29 | Pro metalworking, daily use | Premium |
| Bosch Daredevil Multi-Material | Carbide-tipped | 5 | Masonry, tile, multi-material | Budget-Mid |
Detailed Set Reviews
DWA1184 21-Piece Black Oxide Set
Best OverallThe DEWALT DWA1184 is the drill bit set we recommend to almost everyone. These black oxide high-speed steel bits feature 135-degree split points that bite immediately and self-center instead of skating across the surface, which makes accurate hole starting far easier, especially in metal. The black oxide finish adds corrosion resistance and reduces friction, helping the bits run cooler and last longer than bare HSS in wood and mild steel. The 21-piece fractional range from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch covers nearly every common hole size, and the bits store in a sturdy index case that keeps them organized and easy to grab. It is an outstanding value and the ideal first set for any workshop. Add a cobalt set later if you start drilling a lot of stainless.
Pros
- 135-degree split points self-center and resist walking
- Black oxide finish resists corrosion and reduces friction
- Covers 1/16" to 1/2", the most-used hole sizes
- Sturdy index case keeps bits organized
- Excellent value for an all-around set
- Widely available with replacement bits
Cons
- HSS core is not ideal for repeated stainless drilling
- Not a substitute for brad-point bits in fine woodworking
- Largest bits have reduced shanks (intentional, but worth noting)
IRWIN M35 Cobalt 29-Piece Set
Best for MetalWhen you need to drill stainless steel, cast iron, or hardened alloys, a cobalt M35 set is the right tool. Unlike coated bits, cobalt bits are a solid steel-and-cobalt alloy (roughly 5% cobalt for M35) all the way through, so the hardness does not wear off and the bit holds its edge at the high temperatures that destroy ordinary HSS. The 135-degree split points start cleanly in metal without a center punch, and because the hardness runs through the whole bit, cobalt can be resharpened for years of service. IRWIN and Norseman both make well-regarded cobalt sets; step up to M42 (about 8% cobalt) for the most demanding metal work. Cobalt is slightly more brittle than HSS, so let the bit cut at a slow speed with cutting oil rather than forcing it.
Pros
- Cobalt alloy throughout stays hard at high heat
- Excellent for stainless steel and hard metals
- Can be resharpened, unlike coated bits
- 135-degree split points start cleanly in metal
- M42 option available for the hardest jobs
- Long service life with proper speed and oil
Cons
- More expensive than HSS or titanium sets
- Slightly more brittle, avoid prying or side loads
- Overkill for wood and plastic-only drilling
DW1361 21-Piece Titanium Set
Best Titanium ValueThe DEWALT DW1361 is a strong budget pick for buyers who want a fast-cutting, low-friction set for wood, plastic, and light metal. The bits are HSS with a gold titanium nitride coating that is harder than the steel underneath, so fresh bits drill cooler and faster and resist initial dulling. The 135-degree split points start without walking, and the 21-piece fractional range mirrors the black oxide DWA1184 for everyday coverage. The honest trade-off with any titanium-coated bit is that the coating is only microns thick, it wears off the cutting edge over time and cannot be resharpened back. That makes the DW1361 ideal for lighter-duty general drilling at a low price, rather than repeated heavy metal work where cobalt earns its keep.
Pros
- Titanium nitride coating drills cool and fast when fresh
- 135-degree split points resist walking
- Full 1/16" to 1/2" fractional coverage
- Very budget-friendly
- Great for wood, plastic, and light metal
Cons
- Coating wears off and cannot be resharpened
- Not suited to repeated hard-metal drilling
- Shorter useful life than cobalt under heavy use
Fisch Brad-Point Wood Drill Bit Set
Best for WoodworkingA brad-point set is the bit type woodworkers reach for when hole appearance and precision matter. The sharp center spur locates the hole exactly where you mark it and keeps the bit from walking, while the two outer spurs score the wood fibers ahead of the flutes for a clean, splinter-free rim and a flat-bottomed hole. Ordinary twist bits tend to wander and tear out on the exit side; brad-point bits solve both problems, which makes them ideal for dowel joinery, shelf-pin holes, hinge boring, and any visible hole in a finished piece. Brad-point bits are designed for wood only, do not use them on metal, where the fine spurs will quickly dull. Keep a brad-point set next to your general twist set and switch to it whenever you are drilling wood that will be seen.
Pros
- Center spur locates holes exactly with no walking
- Outer spurs cut clean, splinter-free rims
- Flat-bottomed holes ideal for dowels and shelf pins
- Far better exit-side finish than twist bits in wood
- Available in fractional and metric sizes
Cons
- For wood only, not for metal
- Spurs dull faster if misused on hard materials
- Narrower size range than general twist sets
BL21A 21-Piece Black Oxide Set
Best BudgetIf you want a dependable all-purpose set at the lowest reasonable price, a Bosch black oxide set is a smart buy. Bosch black oxide HSS bits offer the same corrosion-resistant, friction-reducing finish as our top pick, with 135-degree split points that start cleanly and a fractional range that covers everyday drilling in wood, plastic, and mild steel. The 21-piece BL21A set covers 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, and larger Bosch configurations add finer increments for buyers who want more size options. Build quality and tolerances are consistent thanks to Bosch manufacturing, and the index case keeps everything sorted. It is a great no-frills set for a starter kit, a garage backup, or anyone who simply does not want to overspend on a first set of bits.
Pros
- Low price for a quality black oxide set
- 135-degree split points start cleanly
- 21-piece range covers everyday sizes
- Bosch manufacturing consistency
- Solid everyday wood and mild-steel performance
Cons
- HSS core, like all black oxide, struggles with stainless
- No specialty geometry for fine woodworking
- Cases vary in durability between configurations
Drill America 29-Piece M35 Cobalt Set
Best PremiumFor tradespeople and serious metalworkers who drill every day, the American-made Drill America 29-piece M35 cobalt set is a buy-it-once investment. The 29-piece range gives finer 1/64-inch size steps across a broader span than a 21-piece set, which matters when you need precise hole sizing for tapping or reaming. The M35 cobalt alloy holds its edge through stainless, cast iron, and hardened steel, and the bits can be resharpened repeatedly to extend their life for years; Drill America also offers an M42 version for the most demanding work. The split points start without a center punch and the finish quality is a step above mass-market sets. It costs more than most sets here, but for a shop that lives in metal, the durability, resharpenability, and size coverage justify the price. Pair it with cutting oil and the right speed for best results.
Pros
- M35 cobalt alloy excels in stainless and hard metals
- 29 pieces with fine 1/64" size steps
- Resharpenable for years of service
- US-made Drill America construction
- Split points start without a center punch
Cons
- Highest price of any set here
- More than most DIYers need
- Cobalt brittleness demands proper technique
Daredevil MP500T Multi-Material Set
Best MasonryNo twist-bit set, however good, will drill brick, block, or concrete, for that you need carbide-tipped masonry bits, and the Bosch Daredevil MP500T multipurpose set is a reliable choice. The carbide tip is brazed onto a steel body to survive the abrasion and impact of masonry drilling, and the multi-material grind also handles tile and some metal in a pinch. Use these bits with a hammer drill (or rotary hammer for concrete) for the percussion that breaks up masonry as the bit rotates; run them in standard rotary mode for tile to avoid cracking. This set rounds out a workshop so you can hang anchors, run conduit, and mount fixtures into masonry without ruining your twist bits. Keep it separate from your metal and wood bits and match the bit to the wall material.
Pros
- Carbide tips drill brick, block, and concrete
- Multi-material grind also handles tile
- Brazed carbide survives impact and abrasion
- Fills the gap twist sets cannot cover
- Affordable way to round out a workshop
Cons
- Requires a hammer drill for masonry
- Not for general metal drilling
- Tile drilling needs care to avoid cracking
Dial in the Right Drill Speed
Use our drill press speed calculator to find the correct RPM for your bit size and material before you drill, so your bits last longer and your holes come out clean.
Photo via Unsplash
Drill Bit Coatings & Materials Explained
The single biggest factor in how a drill bit performs is what it is made of and how it is coated. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right set and avoid overpaying for a coating you do not need.
HSS (High-Speed Steel)
High-speed steel is the baseline material for modern twist bits. It holds an edge at moderate temperatures and drills wood, plastic, and mild steel well. Bare HSS bits are the most affordable option and are perfectly adequate for general woodworking and soft materials. Their limitation is heat resistance: drill hard metal too fast and the edge will soften and dull. For most buyers, an HSS set with an added coating (below) is a better small upgrade.
Black Oxide
Black oxide bits are HSS bits with a black oxide surface treatment. The steel underneath is identical, but the finish adds corrosion resistance, reduces friction, and helps the bit hold cutting oil and shed chips. Black oxide typically lasts longer than bare HSS in wood and mild steel for only a small price increase, which is why it is the sweet spot for an all-purpose set. The DEWALT DWA1184 is a classic example.
Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coated
Titanium-coated bits are HSS bits with a thin gold-colored titanium nitride coating. The coating is harder than steel and reduces friction, so a fresh titanium bit drills faster and cooler than uncoated HSS. The catch: the coating is only microns thick and wears off the cutting edge over time, and once it is gone you cannot resharpen it back. Titanium bits are best for wood, plastic, and occasional light metal at a budget price. The DEWALT DW1361 is a strong titanium value pick.
Cobalt (M35 and M42)
Cobalt bits are not coated, they are a solid alloy of steel and cobalt all the way through. M35 contains about 5% cobalt and M42 about 8%, with M42 holding hardness at even higher temperatures. Because the hardness runs through the whole bit, cobalt stays sharp drilling stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened alloys, and it can be resharpened. Cobalt is the material to buy for serious or repeated metalwork. It costs more and is slightly more brittle than HSS, so let the bit do the cutting and avoid prying. See cobalt drill bit sets from IRWIN, Norseman, and Viking.
Carbide (and Carbide-Tipped Masonry)
Carbide is far harder than any steel and holds an edge at extreme temperatures, but it is brittle. Solid carbide twist bits are used mainly for production metal drilling and printed circuit boards. For most workshops, the relevant carbide product is the carbide-tipped masonry bit, which has a tough carbide cutting tip brazed onto a steel body for drilling brick, block, concrete, and tile. Do not use standard twist bits on masonry, and do not use masonry bits on metal, match the bit to the material.
Brad-Point Bits (for Wood)
Brad-point bits are twist bits modified for woodworking. A sharp center spur locates the hole exactly and prevents the bit from walking, while two outer spurs score the wood fibers for a clean, splinter-free rim. They drill flat-bottomed, accurately positioned holes that ordinary twist bits cannot match, which makes them ideal for dowels, shelf pins, and joinery. Brad-point bits are made for wood only, do not use them on metal. Pair a brad-point set with a general twist set for the best of both worlds.
How to Choose a Drill Bit Set
With the materials covered, here is how to match a set to your needs and figure out how many bits you actually need.
Match the Set to Your Material
- Mostly wood and plastic, some mild steel: A black oxide set like the DEWALT DWA1184 is all you need, and a titanium set like the DEWALT DW1361 is a cheaper alternative.
- Stainless steel and hard metals: Buy a cobalt set (M35 or M42). The extra cost pays for itself the first time you drill stainless without burning up a bit.
- Fine woodworking and joinery: Add a brad-point set for clean, accurately located holes.
- Masonry and tile: Use carbide-tipped masonry bits with a hammer drill, never standard twist bits.
How Many Bits Do You Need?
You do not need a giant index for most work. Here is a practical guide to set size:
- 21-piece fractional set (1/16" to 1/2" in 1/64" steps): The right choice for the vast majority of home and workshop use. Covers nearly every common hole size.
- 29-piece set: Adds finer increments and a wider range. Worth it if you build frequently, work on cars or machinery, or need precise hole sizing for tapping.
- Specialty additions: A brad-point set for woodworking, a cobalt set for metal, and a few carbide masonry bits cover the gaps a single twist set leaves.
If you are sizing holes for screws or taps, our drill bit size chart and drill and tap calculator tell you exactly which bit to grab. For screw pilot holes specifically, see our wood screw chart.
Shank Type and Drill Compatibility
Check the shank before you buy. Bits larger than 3/8 inch often have a reduced shank so they fit a standard 3/8-inch chuck, useful if you do not own a 1/2-inch drill. Hex shanks lock into impact drivers and quick-change chucks without slipping, which is handy for cordless drill/driver work. For drill press use, straight round shanks in an index case are standard. Whatever bit you use, set the correct speed first; our drill press speed calculator prevents the overheating that ruins bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most DIYers and woodworkers, the best all-around drill bit set is the DEWALT DWA1184 21-piece black oxide set. It covers the most common fractional sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, drills cleanly in wood, plastic, and mild steel, and the black oxide finish resists corrosion at a budget-friendly price. If you frequently drill hard metals like stainless steel, step up to a cobalt set (IRWIN or Norseman M35/M42). For dedicated woodworking, a brad-point set produces cleaner holes than twist bits.
Cobalt drill bits are the best choice for metal, especially hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened alloys. Cobalt bits (M35 with 5% cobalt or M42 with 8% cobalt) are made from a steel-cobalt alloy throughout, so they stay hard at the high temperatures generated when drilling metal. For softer mild steel and aluminum, a quality black oxide or titanium-coated HSS set works fine and costs less. The keys for any metal drilling are a 135-degree split point, cutting oil, and a slow speed, check our drill press speed calculator for the right RPM.
It depends on the material you drill. Titanium-coated bits are HSS bits with a thin titanium nitride coating that reduces friction and extends edge life, but the coating wears off over time and cannot be sharpened back. They are best for wood, plastic, and occasional light metal, and they cost less, the DEWALT DW1361 is a good value pick. Cobalt bits are a solid steel-cobalt alloy all the way through, so they stay hard at high heat and can be resharpened, making them far better for repeated drilling in stainless and hard metals. For general DIY use titanium offers better value; for serious metalwork, cobalt is the better long-term investment.
Black oxide bits are high-speed steel (HSS) bits that have been treated with a black oxide surface finish. The bits are the same HSS material underneath, but the black oxide coating adds corrosion resistance, reduces friction, and helps the bit shed chips and retain cutting oil. Black oxide bits typically last longer than bare HSS bits in wood and mild steel, and they cost only slightly more. Plain HSS bits are fine for wood and soft materials, but for an all-purpose set most buyers should choose black oxide like the DEWALT DWA1184 for the small upgrade in durability.
For most home and workshop use, a 21-piece fractional set covering 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 1/64-inch increments handles the vast majority of jobs. If you build a lot or work on cars and machinery, a 29-piece set gives you finer size coverage. Woodworkers should add a dedicated brad-point set, and anyone drilling masonry needs separate carbide-tipped masonry bits. To match a bit to a screw or tap, see our drill bit size chart.
Brad-point drill bits are the best drill bits for wood because the center point keeps the bit from wandering and the cutting spurs leave a clean, tear-free hole. Black oxide twist bits are a good general-purpose alternative, and Forstner bits are best for large flat-bottom holes.
Cobalt (M35) drill bits are the best drill bits for stainless steel. Cobalt alloy holds its cutting edge at the high temperatures stainless steel creates. Drill at slow speed with steady pressure and use cutting oil.
Carbide-tipped masonry bits are the best drill bits for concrete, used with a hammer drill. Use SDS bits in an SDS rotary hammer for large or repeated holes.
Final Recommendations
After weighing material, geometry, coverage, and value, here are our recommendations for different scenarios:
Best Overall Drill Bit Set (Our #1 Pick)
The DEWALT DWA1184 21-Piece Black Oxide Set is the set most people should own. The black oxide HSS bits feature 135-degree split points that self-center and resist walking, the size range from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch covers nearly every common hole, and the sturdy index case keeps everything organized. It drills wood, plastic, and mild steel cleanly at a price that makes it an easy first set. Buy this, add specialty sets later as your work demands.
Best for Metal
For drilling stainless steel and hard metals, a cobalt set (IRWIN or Norseman M35/M42) is the right tool. Because the cobalt alloy runs through the whole bit, it stays hard at the heat that destroys ordinary HSS, and it can be resharpened for years of service. Use cutting oil and a slow speed and these bits will out-drill anything else on metal.
Best Titanium Value
The DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Titanium Set is the budget pick for buyers who want a low-friction, fast-cutting set for wood, plastic, and light metal. The titanium nitride coating helps fresh bits drill cooler and faster, and the price is hard to argue with. Just remember the coating wears and cannot be resharpened, so it is best for lighter-duty use rather than heavy metalwork.
Best for Woodworking
For clean, accurately located holes in wood, a brad-point set is essential. The center spur locates the hole exactly and the outer spurs score the fibers for splinter-free rims, perfect for dowels, shelf pins, and joinery. Keep it alongside your twist set and reach for it whenever appearance and precision matter in wood.
Get the Right Hole, Every Time
Knowing which bit to grab is half the battle. Use our drill bit size chart to find exact sizes, our drill and tap calculator to size tapped holes, and our drill press speed calculator to set the right RPM so your bits stay sharp.
Affiliate Disclosure: WorkshopCalc is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain and improve our free calculators and guides. We only recommend products we believe provide genuine value to woodworkers and makers.