5 Best Cobalt Drill Bits
Your average drill bit set is great for everyday projects involving mild steel, wood, or plastics. However, when you come up against hardened or stainless steel, you face a different challenge. When the material you are drilling is harder than your average drill bit, you have a problem. In these cases, what you need is the best cobalt drill bit you can buy.
Cobalt drill bits are made especially for drilling hardened steel and stainless steel. The addition of cobalt to the metal alloy used to make these drill bits is the key. Cobalt helps these drill bits cut longer, cut quicker, and cut cooler. We have searched for the best values in cobalt drill bit sets for our list.
| Drill Bit Set | Cobalt Percentage | What Makes This Set Attractive |
| Irwin 29-piece Cobalt M-42 Metal Index Drill Bit Set | 8% | High cobalt percentage ensures a long bit life and easy cutting when drilling |
| DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, Cobalt, 29-Piece (DWA1269) | 5% | Made in Germany and not China |
| Chicago Latrobe 57850 550 Series Cobalt Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set | 8% | Made in the USA with high speed 8% cobalt cutting steel |
| Drill America – DWD29J-CO-PC 29 Piece M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set in Round Case (1/16″ – 1/2″ X 64ths), DWDCO Series | 5% | Unique round carry case makes selecting and transporting drill bits easy |
| Lichamp 29PCS HSS Cobalt Drill Bits Set 1/16″ to 1/2″ with Three Flute | 5% | Three flute design provides faster cutting and better chip removal |
There is no doubt that every workshop and toolbox should have a good set of drill bits. A good set of cobalt drill bits may be the only drill bits you ever need. We have tried to select drill bit sets that can fit the need of anyone, from a professional to the homeowner. You can find out more about our picks for the best cobalt drill bits in our reviews.
Irwin is a well-known company among both do it your self homeowners and professionals in the trades. The quality of Irwin tools is unquestioned. The same holds true for the Irwin 29-piece cobalt M-42 metal Index drill bit set.
The Features and Specifications
Irwin has built a reputation for designing and engineering quality tools at affordable prices. You won’t find many drill bit sets that can match this Irwin drill bit set for the same price range. The Irwin 29-piece Cobalt M-42 drill bit set includes features such as:
- Eight percent cobalt alloy high-speed steel
- 135-degree split point tips for easier starts with less bit wander on start-up
- Sizes included from 1/16 inch to ½ inch in 1/64 inch increments
- Rubber-over-molded case for protection and easy transport
- Tap and Drill selection chart for quick reference
- Automatic bit indexing
- Removable bit cartridges for easy job site use
What Users of this Kit Are Saying?
It is hard to find negative comments about Irwin tools. The attention to detail during manufacturing and the great customer service of Irwin are the reasons for the many satisfied customers. The comments found most about the Irwin M-42 Cobalt drill bit set include:
- The tip design makes starting and centering holes easy and accurate.
- These bits stay sharp longer than any bits on the market
- The case is great and protects the bits no matter the conditions on our job sites
From Our Point of View
These Irwin cobalt bits are a great value for the professional or the homeowner. Homeowners who only need to drill hardened materials occasionally will appreciate having these bits in their workshop. Professionals who deal with tough jobs everyday benefit from the long life of these bits. The Irwin M-42 Cobalt bit set makes our list for several reasons
- High cobalt alloy content
- 135-degree split-tip configuration
- Great carry box stands up to hard use well
The steel used in many cutting tools now comes from China and ensuring that the tool steel is high quality can be a problem. Not so with the Dewalt 29-piece cobalt drill bit set. The “Made in Germany” stamp on each drill bit is a reassuring mark that the steel is the best available.
The Features and Specifications
Dewalt is known for building great power tools. You can also be comfortable purchasing drill bits with the Dewalt name. Many professionals in the building and construction trades rely entirely on Dewalt tools and cutting equipment. The features you can expect from these Dewalt bits include:
- Available in both pilot-point and split tip designs
- Five percent cobalt alloy
- Tip design eliminates walking and wandering when starting the bit
- Works on stainless steel, I-beams, and other hardened materials
- Drill bit sizes from 1/16 inch to 31/64 inch stepped in 1/16 inch increments
What Users of this Kit are Saying?
Dewalt tools and drill bits consistently get high marks in the satisfaction category. By and large, the comments we see from users of the Dewalt 29-piece cobalt drill bit set praise these bits and include:
- These bits are made in Germany and the craftsmanship is exemplary
- The tip design cuts faster and easier than any other drill bit I have used
- Flat faces on the larger drill bit shanks keep these bits in place without spinning
From Our Point of View
We are fans of Dewalt tools like many others in the trades. These Dewalt tools stand up to hard use and are built for professionals. There is no need for homeowners or hobbyists to settle for less. We like these things about the Dewalt 29-Piece cobalt drill bit set.
- Made in Germany
- Unique split tip with integral pilot-point keeps bit walk to a minimum
- Some of the best bits available for drilling stainless steel
We must make one note about these bits. The case is plastic and is mentioned regularly for cheap construction. Be aware that the plastic case may not hold up for the life of these Dewalt Cobalt drill bits.
Unless you are a dedicated professional metal worker, you may not be familiar with Chicago Latrobe’s brand name. This line of drill bits is a product of Greenfield Industries who are leaders in metalworking tools. These are industrial-grade cobalt drill bits and the pricing reflects their quality and heritage.
The Features and Specifications
When you move up to buying professional industrial-grade tools, especially cutting tools, you expect a long list of features and exacting specifications. Chicago Latrobe tools meet the criteria in both categories.
- Eight percent cobalt content in the steel alloy
- Extra thick for increased strength and rigidity
- Gold oxide finish for easier cutting and wear resistance
- Self-centering 135-degree split point design
- Includes 29 bits from 1/16 inch to ½ inch stepped in 1/64 inch increments
- Metal flip-out style carry case
What Users of this Kit are Saying?
Many hobbyists, as well as professionals, have discovered both the functionality of cobalt drill bits as well as the durability. Running a cost-effective job site requires buying and using the proper tool for the job. Comments about these Chicago Latrobe cobalt drill bits attest to the satisfaction both users find with these drill bits.
- Chicago Latrobe builds cutting tools and drill bits that seem to last forever without getting dull
- Easy bits to start and cut without much effort dry or with lubrication
- These bits are extremely rigid and don’t flex when you apply pressure, unlike other bits I have tried
From Our Point of View
The Chicago Latrobe cobalt drill bit set is pricey. The higher price may be a barrier for some tool purchasers. However, the extra cost is outweighed by the high quality and durability of the Chicago Latrobe drill bits. However, this higher price is mitigated by the quality and features, which are what we find so attractive about these cobalt drill bits
- Extremely high-quality materials and manufacturing create good value
- Rigid tool design means fewer broken bits and longer cutting between sharpening
- No nonsense metal carry case for long life
Drill America has been manufacturing drill bits and other cutting tools in the USA since 1923. If buying American-made is important to you, Drill America should be one of your go-to tool providers. The 29-piece cobalt drill bit set made by Drill America is a great value.
The Features and Specifications
Drill America focuses on industrial-grade cutting and drilling tools. This focus reflects in the features and high-end specifications of all their tools, especially the 29-piece cobalt drill bit set. While not as well-known as other manufacturers, there is no lack of production value in these tools.
The Features and Specifications
Many people are wary of purchasing expensive tools from manufacturers that are less well known. A lack of recognition should not be a problem with Drill America bits. The features and specifications of the Drill America Cobalt drill bit set are second to none in the industry.
- M-35 Cobalt steel for long life and sharp cutting edges
- Gold-oxide finishes on these drill bits keep things running cool
- Self-centering 135-degree tips ensure quick and accurate starts
- Meet or exceed all ANSI specifications
- Unique round carry case for easy handling and storage
What Users are Saying about this Kit
By and large, users of Drill America cobalt drill bits rave about these tools. The features and quality of these bits get high marks among those who review their tool purchases. Among the most common remarks, we find these.
- Cuts through even the hardest tool steel plate without problems or getting dull
- These bits cut accurately and without leaving burrs or deformities in the metal
- The round storage case is efficient to use and even hangs on your belt
From Our Point of View
Anyone with an occasional need to cut through hardened steel should consider a set of Drill American bits. While the cobalt content is slightly less than more expensive bit sets, the Drill American cobalt drill bit kit will perform more like bits with a much higher cobalt content. These bits make our list for several reasons.
- Well designed and manufactured bit set that cuts fast
- Long-lasting without needing to be sharpened as often as titanium bits
- Unique storage case makes finding and replacing bits easy and fast
Lichamp is a brand owned by a Chinese company that imports and retails a wide variety of products in the US. Many professionals and homeowners alike have had bad experiences with Chinese products that seem to be great values but end up performing poorly. However, for the value the Lichamp cobalt drill bits present, this drill bit set should be an option for some less frequent users of high-speed drill bits.
The Features and Specifications
Lichamp follows the industry leader in the features and specifications offered in this cobalt drill bit set. The features and specifications of the Lichamp cobalt drill bit seem to match those of much higher-priced drill kits on the market. One major difference is the three-flute design of these bits.
- 135-degree grind on the tip for easy self-centering without bit walking
- Patented three-flute bit design for quicker cutting and better chip removal
- Straight shank design for use in any power drill application
- M-35 cobalt steel alloy
- 29 bits from 1/16 inch to 31/64-inch stepped in 1/64-inch increments
What Users Are saying about this Kit
Purchasers and users of the Lichamp 29-piece cobalt drill bit set are generally pleased with their purchase. These bits seem to perform well and hold their cutting edge. Many users like the three-flute design, especially when cutting harder materials.
- The three flute design spreads the cutting over more surface area for cooler cutting
- These bits seem to chatter less than conventional bits in harder materials
- The oxide coating runs cool without lubrication in most materials
From Our Point of View
To be honest, we are always a little leery of imported tools. The quality of the steel and the attention to manufacturing is sometimes questionable. We have had bad experiences with budget tool purchases. However, the Lichamp cobalt drill bits seem to be a reasonable choice where budget is a concern. What we found in these brill bits is:
- Good quality for the price.
- A unique drill bit design that seems to work very well
- The steel seems to be as advertised and holds up well to cutting
What is the Big Difference between Titanium and Cobalt Drill Bits?
The major difference between titanium and cobalt drill bits is the material of the metal in the bits. Many drill bit sets advertised as titanium are high-speed steel with a thin coating of titanium nitride or titanium carbon nitride. Cobalt drill bits use steel alloys that contain cobalt, so the entire drill bit has the cobalt component.
Titanium drill bits eventually lose the titanium coating. After resharpening, the titanium coating is gone, and you have nothing but a high-speed steel drill bit. Once you sharpen a titanium coated bit, you no longer have that titanium cutting edge
Cobalt bits can be resharpened and still retain the benefits of the cobalt in the alloy. Cobalt alloy adds a much longer service life to cobalt alloy bits, making them a much better investment in the long run.
What is the Difference Between Fractional and Gauged Drill Bits?
There is no difference in the drill bits themselves. The difference is in the way the drill bit labels indicate the size and appropriate use. In the US, it is common to refer to drill bits by their fractional size in fractions of an inch
Typically, fractional drill bits are sized in 1/64th inch increments. These sizes are quoted in irreducible fractions. If the drill bit is 78/64ths of an inch, the drill bit will be labeled a 1 7/32nd of an inch.
Gauge sizes on drill bits range from size 80, the smallest drill bit, to size 1. Gauge labeling is still popular in the US, especially in machine shops where tapping operations take place regularly.
The Drill Bit Decision
Deciding on the style and makeup of the drill bits in your shop or on your job site can be confusing. With so many options on the market, it can be confusing for even the most seasoned professional. In general, we suggest that you chose drill bits suitable for a wide range of applications and cutting needs.
Cobalt drill bit sets offer the ability to drill through almost any material that most users will encounter. For this reason, we always recommend that even homeowners invest in a quality set of cobalt alloy drill bits in a wide range of sizes. The kits we have recommended meet this criterion.
We hope that this article has given you some insight into making your decision about which cobalt drill bit set to purchase for your shop. There are hundreds of options in the marketplace. We feel that those on our list will serve you best in the long run.
Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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