Most people buy drill bits once and discover too late that the wrong bit for the material ruins the work — or the bit. Twist bits that work fine in wood will skate off steel. Masonry bits that handle brick fail in hardened concrete. And cheap high-speed steel bits that seem adequate in softwood turn into smoking spirals in hardwood after a few holes.
This guide covers the 10 best drill bit sets and individual bits available in 2026 — matched to specific materials, applications, and use cases. We cover the critical specs: bit material (HSS vs. cobalt vs. carbide), point geometry, coating, and what each type is genuinely good for.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks
Master Comparison Table
| Product | Material | Bit Type | Best Material | Shank | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW1177 | Black oxide HSS | Twist | Metal, wood | Round | 20 |
| Irwin Cobalt | M35 cobalt | Twist | Hard metals, SS | Round | 15–29 |
| Bosch HC2085 | Carbide tip | SDS-plus | Concrete, brick | SDS-plus | 5 |
| Makita B-65399 | Mixed HSS | Twist + driver | General use | Hex + round | 70 |
| Freud Wood Set | Brad-point HSS | Brad-point | Wood only | Round | 7 |
| DEWALT DWA1240 | Titanium HSS | Twist | General light use | Round | 40 |
| Milwaukee Cobalt | M42 cobalt | Red Helix | Metal, SS, alloys | Round | 15–29 |
| Bosch Impact BL21B | HSS hardened | Impact-rated | Impact driver use | 1/4″ hex | 21 |
| Hilti TE-YX | Carbide tip | SDS-max | Heavy concrete | SDS-max | Individual |
| Forstner Set | HSS | Forstner | Wood (flat bottom) | Round | 16 |
Who Is This For?
Homeowners and DIYers doing general maintenance, furniture assembly, and light construction — the DEWALT DWA1240 titanium set or Makita B-65399 complete kit provides everything needed for everyday drilling tasks across multiple materials.
Metal workers and fabricators drilling steel, stainless, and hard alloys — you need cobalt bits specifically: either the Irwin Cobalt set or the Milwaukee Red Helix cobalt for professional metal drilling performance.
Construction workers and contractors drilling into concrete, brick, and block — Bosch SDS-plus carbide bits or the Hilti TE-YX SDS-max for heavy concrete work are the professional-grade masonry choices.
Woodworkers who need clean, accurate holes in wood — the Freud brad-point set and Forstner bit set produce cleaner entry points and flat-bottom holes that twist bits can’t match.
Impact driver users need impact-rated bits — standard twist bits fail quickly in impact drivers. The Bosch Impact Tough BL21B is specifically engineered for the shock forces that impact drivers generate.
How We Chose These Drill Bits
Drill bit selection was evaluated based on bit material (HSS, cobalt content, carbide grade), point geometry (standard 118° vs. split-point 135°), coating type and actual functional benefit, shank compatibility, and set composition (are the most-needed sizes included?). A significant gap in competitor guides is the failure to distinguish between bit types for specific materials — most guides recommend generic twist bits for everything. This guide explicitly matches bit type to material for practical accuracy. Last Updated: March 2026.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in Drill Bits
1. Bit Material and Hardness
High-Speed Steel (HSS) is the baseline material for twist bits — adequate for wood, soft metals, and light steel. Cobalt steel (M35 or M42 grade) adds cobalt to the alloy for significantly better heat resistance and hardness, making it the right choice for hard metals, stainless steel, and alloys. Carbide-tipped bits are used for masonry and concrete where the extreme hardness of the substrate would destroy HSS immediately.
2. Point Geometry: 118° vs. 135° Split Point
Standard 118° point bits require center-punching to prevent walking on hard surfaces. 135° split-point bits self-center — they don’t require a center punch and start cutting immediately on contact. For metal drilling, 135° split-point is strongly preferred. For wood, 118° is standard and brad-point geometry is better still.
3. Coatings
Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings reduce friction and extend bit life over bare HSS. Black oxide reduces friction slightly and improves appearance. Neither coating adds hardness to the base metal. For demanding applications in hard metals, use cobalt bits rather than relying on coatings on inferior base metal.
4. Shank Type
Round shank bits are standard for drill chucks. Hex shank bits fit quickly into impact drivers and quick-change chucks. SDS-plus shank bits are used in SDS hammer drills for masonry. SDS-max is for heavy-duty professional hammer drills. Never use SDS bits in a standard drill chuck or vice versa.
5. Set Composition
The most commonly needed bit sizes for general use are 1/16″ through 1/2″ in 1/32″ increments. Confirm the set you’re buying includes the sizes you actually need. Some budget sets include redundant sizes to inflate the piece count while omitting less common but still useful sizes.
6. Bit Geometry for Material Type
Twist bits work in most materials. Brad-point bits have a center spur for precise wood drilling with clean entry. Forstner bits cut flat-bottom holes in wood — essential for hardware installation and joinery. Step bits drill progressively larger holes in thin sheet metal. Auger bits are for large-diameter holes in thick wood. Spade bits are fast but rough for large holes in wood. Know which type your application requires.
Top 10 Drill Bit Reviews
By Material Construction
High-Speed Steel (HSS): The most common and affordable type. HSS bits handle wood, soft metals, and plastics well. Heat-treated to roughly 600°C working temperature. They dull faster in hardened steel or masonry but are perfectly adequate for most household drilling tasks.
Cobalt Steel (HSS-Co): Contains 5–8% cobalt alloyed into the steel matrix — not just a coating. Cobalt raises the bit’s heat resistance to around 900°C, making it the go-to for stainless steel, cast iron, hard alloys, and work-hardening metals. They cost more but last significantly longer in tough materials.
Carbide-Tipped (Tungsten Carbide): An extremely hard cutting edge brazed onto a steel body. Carbide handles abrasive materials like concrete, brick, tile, and stone that would destroy HSS instantly. SDS-plus and SDS-max bits in this category are designed for rotary hammers, not standard drills.
Titanium-Coated HSS: HSS bits with a titanium nitride (TiN) surface coating. The coating reduces friction and adds surface hardness. Note: once the coating wears through, the bit performs like standard HSS. You cannot re-sharpen titanium-coated bits without removing the coating from the tip.
By Point Geometry
Twist Bits: The classic all-purpose design with helical flutes. Suitable for wood, metal, and plastic. The 118° split-point is standard for wood; 135° split-point works better in metal (self-centering, less walking).
Brad-Point Bits: Have a sharp center spur and two outer spurs. Designed exclusively for wood — the center spur eliminates drift, and the outer spurs score a clean edge before the flutes clear chips. Produces the cleanest holes in wood of any standard bit type.
Forstner Bits: Flat-bottomed bits for precise, overlapping, or angled holes in wood. Used in cabinetry, joinery, and hinge installation. Slower cutting than twist bits but far cleaner. Require a drill press for best results at larger diameters.
Spade (Paddle) Bits: Fast, aggressive wood boring for rough work like running wires through studs. Leave rough edges. Not suitable for precision work.
SDS-Plus / SDS-Max Bits: Designed for rotary hammers only. The shank locks into the chuck and allows the hammering mechanism to function. Carbide-tipped for concrete, brick, and masonry. Do not use in standard drills.
Hole Saws: Cylindrical cutters for large-diameter holes in wood, thin metal, or drywall. Mounted on an arbor with a pilot bit. Available from 1″ to 6″+ diameters.
Step Bits: Conical bits with stepped diameters, used for sheet metal and thin materials. One bit drills multiple hole sizes without changing bits.
Choosing the Right Type: Quick Reference
| Material | Recommended Bit Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood / Hardwood | Brad-point or twist (HSS) | Clean entry, minimal tear-out |
| Plywood / MDF | HSS twist or brad-point | Reduces splintering on face veneer |
| Soft metals (aluminum, copper) | HSS twist 118° | Standard HSS handles soft alloys well |
| Stainless steel / hard alloys | Cobalt HSS-Co 135° | Heat resistance prevents premature dulling |
| Concrete / brick / masonry | SDS-plus carbide | Hammer action required; carbide survives abrasion |
| Ceramic tile | Carbide spear-point or diamond | Non-impact; controlled speed prevents cracking |
| Large flat-bottom holes (wood) | Forstner bit | Clean, flat bottom; overlapping cuts possible |
| Wire rough-in (wood framing) | Spade bit | Fast, inexpensive, accepts flex extensions |
Head-to-Head: DEWALT DW1177 vs. Irwin Tools Cobalt Set
These two sets represent the most popular all-purpose and metal-focused options in their price class. Here’s how they compare directly for buyers torn between them.
Material Compatibility: The DEWALT DW1177 uses titanium-coated HSS with a 135° split-point — it handles wood, soft metals, and light-gauge steel competently. The Irwin Cobalt set uses M-42 cobalt steel with 135° split-points — it outperforms the DEWALT in stainless steel, cast iron, and any hard alloy. If your work stays in wood and mild steel, the DEWALT is entirely sufficient. If you regularly drill hardened or work-hardening metals, the Irwin is the correct choice.
Bit Count and Size Range: The DEWALT DW1177 offers 29 pieces from 1/16″ to 1/2″. The Irwin Cobalt set (29-piece) covers the same range. Both sets cover everyday sizing needs. Neither includes specialty bits like step bits or spade bits — they’re strictly twist bit sets.
Durability in Wood vs. Metal: Both drill wood with equal ease. In repeated steel drilling, cobalt bits maintain their edge noticeably longer. Professional metalworkers consistently report 3–5x more holes per bit life from cobalt versus titanium-coated HSS in stainless applications.
Value for the Price: The DEWALT set is typically less expensive. For occasional metal drilling, it delivers strong value. For dedicated metalwork, the Irwin Cobalt’s longer service life makes it more economical per-hole despite the higher upfront cost.
Our Call: Choose the DEWALT DW1177 for general workshop use. Choose the Irwin Tools Cobalt if metal — especially stainless or alloy steel — is a primary use case.
Common Mistakes When Buying Drill Bits
Mistake 1: Buying one set and expecting it to do everything. No single drill bit set handles wood, hardened metal, and concrete equally well. HSS twist bits are not suitable for concrete, and SDS carbide bits are not suitable for precision woodwork. Budget for at least two types: a general twist set and the appropriate specialty bit for your primary use case.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong drill for SDS bits. SDS-plus bits require an SDS rotary hammer — they cannot be used in a standard keyless chuck drill. Forcing an SDS bit into a standard chuck damages both the bit shank and the chuck. Conversely, standard twist bits in an SDS rotary hammer (without proper adapters) produce inaccurate results because the hammering action interferes with clean rotation drilling.
Mistake 3: Drilling concrete without hammer mode. Trying to drill concrete, brick, or stone with a standard drill — even with a carbide-tipped bit — is ineffective and rapidly destroys the bit. Masonry work requires the percussive action of a hammer drill or rotary hammer. SDS-plus bits are designed to work with this hammering force, which is what actually breaks the material.
Mistake 4: Over-tightening on tile without water cooling or proper technique. Carbide spear-point bits for ceramic tile require low speed, no hammer mode, and ideally some water cooling or a tile drilling guide. High heat from friction cracks glazed tile and destroys the carbide tip. Many tiles also require a diamond-tipped bit rather than a standard carbide point, especially porcelain.
Mistake 5: Buying cheap titanium-coated bits expecting cobalt performance. Titanium nitride (TiN) coating adds surface hardness and reduces friction but is only a few microns thick. Once the tip wears through the coating — which happens quickly in hard metals — performance drops to basic HSS level. If your application is hard metal, invest in solid cobalt or carbide bits rather than coated HSS.
Decision Guide: Which Drill Bits Should You Buy?
The right drill bit purchase depends entirely on what you’re drilling and how often. Use this guide to match your situation to the correct recommendation.
For the DIY homeowner doing general repairs and projects: A 29-piece titanium-coated HSS set like the DEWALT DW1177 covers 90% of home use — hanging shelves, assembling furniture, drilling into studs, working with soft metals. Add a 3-piece masonry set for the occasional concrete anchor and you’re fully equipped. If you’re not sure what you need for concrete work, our guide on how to drill a hole in concrete walks through the requirements.
For the woodworker who needs clean finish holes: Brad-point bits are non-negotiable for precision wood drilling. The Freud Brad-Point Set or Makita 70-piece set (which includes brad-points) gives you the clean entry that twist bits cannot match in hardwood. For cabinetry hinge pockets and shelf pin holes, add a Forstner bit set. Learn more about bit selection for fine woodwork in our guide to what the strongest drill bits are made of.
For the metalworker or fabricator: Cobalt steel is the correct answer for any serious metal drilling. The Irwin Tools Cobalt or Milwaukee Red Helix sets provide the heat resistance and edge retention that HSS cannot match in stainless steel, tool steel, or cast iron. For production work, step up to solid carbide end mills or dedicated cobalt jobber bits.
For masonry and concrete work: SDS-plus carbide bits paired with a rotary hammer are the standard approach. The Bosch SDS-plus 5-piece Bulldog set provides reliable performance for anchor installation, rough-in work, and structural drilling. For detailed guidance, see our articles on how to drill into brick and what drill bit to use for concrete.
For impact driver users: Standard twist bits will break in an impact driver. The Bosch Impact Tough set is specifically engineered to absorb torsional shock — its hex shank locks into the impact driver chuck and the internal design handles the irregular torque delivery without snapping.
For professionals and contractors who need to cover everything: The Makita 70-piece set provides the widest range in a single case — brad-points, twist bits, spade bits, and accessories. Supplement with a dedicated cobalt set for metal work and SDS bits for masonry, and you have a complete drilling system for any job site scenario.
Budget guidance: Expect to spend $25–$45 for a quality general twist set, $35–$60 for a cobalt metal drilling set, $30–$50 for a comprehensive wood bit set, and $20–$40 for a 5-piece SDS masonry set. Avoid sets priced significantly below these ranges — they typically use inferior steel that dulls quickly and may break under load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drill Bits
What is the best drill bit for drilling into concrete?
SDS-plus carbide-tipped bits used with a rotary hammer are the correct choice for concrete. The hammering action of the rotary hammer does most of the work; the carbide tip survives the abrasive material. Standard HSS twist bits will dull almost immediately in concrete even if they technically make progress.
Can I use the same drill bits for wood and metal?
HSS twist bits work on both wood and soft metals. However, bits optimized for wood (like brad-point) are not suitable for metal, and cobalt bits designed for hard metal are overkill for wood. For light home use with a mixed workload, a general HSS twist set is a practical compromise. Specialist work benefits from dedicated sets.
What’s the difference between cobalt and titanium drill bits?
Cobalt is alloyed into the steel itself, making the entire bit more heat-resistant — not just the surface. Titanium nitride is a surface coating a few microns thick. Cobalt bits perform better in hard metals and maintain their edge longer. Titanium-coated bits are less expensive but wear through the coating quickly in demanding applications.
How do I know when a drill bit is dull?
Signs of a dull bit include needing significantly more pressure to advance, the bit producing dust rather than chips in metal, smoking or burning smell during drilling, and visible rounding of the cutting edge when inspected under light. Dull bits also tend to walk more on entry and produce oversized or rough holes.
Can drill bits be sharpened?
Standard HSS twist bits can be sharpened with a bench grinder, a dedicated bit sharpener, or a drill bit sharpening attachment. Maintaining the correct included angle (118° or 135°) is important. Titanium-coated bits cannot be effectively resharpened because the coating at the tip is destroyed in the process. Carbide bits can be sharpened with diamond wheels but typically require professional equipment.
What does SDS mean on drill bits?
SDS stands for “Slotted Drive System” (or “Steck-Dreh-Sitzt” in German — meaning insert-twist-fit). It refers to a shank design with slots that lock into a compatible rotary hammer chuck. This allows the hammer mechanism to strike the bit axially while the bit rotates, without the force being transmitted through the chuck’s grip. SDS-plus and SDS-max are different sizes for different hammer classes.
Are more expensive drill bits worth it?
For occasional home use in wood and soft materials, mid-range HSS bits are entirely adequate. The difference between budget and premium becomes significant when drilling hard metals, working at high volumes, or needing precision. Cobalt and carbide bits from reputable manufacturers genuinely outlast cheap alternatives by a substantial margin in demanding applications, making them more economical per hole drilled.
What drill bit size do I need for a 1/4-inch bolt?
For a clearance hole that allows a 1/4-inch bolt to pass through freely, use a 17/64″ or 9/32″ bit. For a tapped hole (threading the material for a 1/4-20 bolt), use a #7 bit (0.201″). Always consult a drill and tap chart for precise threading applications, as the required size varies by thread pitch.
Can I use a drill bit in an impact driver?
Standard round-shank drill bits should not be used in an impact driver — the chuck cannot grip them securely and the irregular torque delivery can snap the bit. Impact-rated bits with 1/4″ hex shanks (like the Bosch Impact Tough set) are specifically designed for impact drivers. They use a different internal geometry to absorb torsional shock.
What’s the best drill bit set for a beginner?
A 29-piece titanium-coated HSS set in a labeled index case is the ideal starting point. It covers the most common sizes, the self-centering 135° split-point requires no center punch, and the index case keeps bits organized. The DEWALT DW1177 and Irwin Cobalt 29-piece are both solid choices at an accessible price point.
Final Recommendation
After evaluating all ten options, here’s how to choose based on your primary use case:
Best Overall — DEWALT DW1177 29-Piece Set: The most well-rounded set for general workshop and home use. Titanium-coated HSS with 135° split-points in a full size range from 1/16″ to 1/2″. It handles wood, soft metals, and plastics competently and comes in an indexed case that prevents bit hunting. For the majority of users, this is the correct starting point.
Best for Metal — Irwin Tools 29-Piece Cobalt Set: Solid cobalt alloyed into the steel makes these the correct choice for stainless steel, cast iron, and hard alloys. Significantly better heat resistance and edge retention than titanium-coated alternatives. If metal drilling is your primary use, this is where to spend.
Best for Concrete — Bosch SDS-plus 5-Piece Bulldog Set: Carbide-tipped SDS-plus bits for rotary hammer use. The correct tool for concrete, brick, and masonry. Do not attempt to substitute standard bits for this application.
Best for Precision Woodworking — Freud Brad-Point Bit Set: If you’re drilling in hardwood, furniture, or cabinetry and need clean, accurate holes, brad-point geometry is mandatory. The Freud set provides sharp spur geometry and C3 carbide tipping for long service life in wood.
