How to Choose a Drill Bit Set in 2026

About This Guide

Choose cobalt bits for metal, carbide-tipped for masonry, and titanium-coated HSS for general wood and soft material use. Look for split-point tips for self-centering on smooth surfaces. A 21 to 29 piece quality set beats a 100-piece bargain set for most applications.

At a Glance

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How to Choose a Drill Bit Set Buying Guide

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How we researched this. We researched drill bit set selection across 20+ expert sources including Fine Homebuilding, r/DIY, r/Tools, and professional contractor forums, synthesizing guidance from master electricians, carpenters, and tool reviewers to create a comprehensive buying guide.

A drill bit set is one of the first tool investments most people make, and the difference between a $15 set and a $60 set is significant in real-world use. Understanding what materials you will be drilling and what the bit specifications mean lets you buy exactly what you need rather than a generic set that struggles with half your projects.

Material Matters: What You Are Drilling Determines What You Buy

How we picked these. We researched tools and power tools across 20+ expert sources including Pro Tool Reviews, This Old House, and Family Handyman to identify the key factors that matter most to buyers.

Standard high-speed steel (HSS) bits handle soft metals, wood, and plastic adequately. Black oxide-coated HSS bits last longer in wood and soft materials. Titanium nitride (TiN) coated bits are harder and last longer in harder materials but cannot be resharpened once the coating wears through. Cobalt bits (M35 or M42 grade, containing 5 to 8 percent cobalt alloyed into the steel) are the right choice for drilling stainless steel, hardened metals, and cast iron — they run hotter without losing temper and hold an edge far longer than coated HSS. Carbide-tipped bits are required for masonry, concrete, and tile. Buy material-specific bits rather than a single "do everything" set when working with demanding materials. Our full comparison of best drill bits covers individual bit types with verified durability data.

Understanding the Bit Set: What Sizes Do You Actually Need?

A practical general-purpose set contains fractional bits from 1/16 to 1/2 inch in 1/64-inch increments, or a metric equivalent. Sets marketed as 230-piece or 300-piece typically pad the count with rarely used small bits and may skimp on the mid-range sizes you use most. A focused 21-piece or 29-piece set of quality cobalt or titanium bits beats a 135-piece set of bargain HSS bits for most professional and serious DIY applications. If you own a cordless drill primarily, also look for split-point tips — they start without walking on smooth surfaces, eliminating the need for a center punch on metal. See our roundup of the best drill bit sets for picks across budget and material categories.

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Shank Type and Compatibility

Round shanks fit standard drill chucks but can slip under high torque. Hex shanks (1/4-inch quick-change) fit quick-change chucks and impact drivers but are only available in smaller sizes. Three-flat shanks prevent slipping in standard chucks and are common on larger bits. If you use an impact driver as your primary driving tool, choose impact-rated bits with hex shanks — standard twist bits break under the hammering force of an impact driver. For right-angle drilling and specialized operations, spade bits, Forstner bits, and hole saws expand your capabilities beyond what twist bits provide and are worth adding once you have a solid twist bit foundation.

Storage and Bit Organization

A good case design keeps bits sorted and prevents tips from dulling against each other. Indexed cases with labeled slots are worth prioritizing over bulk pouches or plastic boxes with unsecured compartments. When the case degrades, bit inventory gets disorganized and you spend time finding sizes — a frustratingly common outcome with cheap included cases. Magnetic bit organizers or wall-mounted racks work well for frequently used sizes. Keep drill bits dry — moisture causes HSS bits to rust and dulls edges. Store in a dry environment and apply a light film of oil to high-carbon steel bits if your workspace is humid.

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When to Sharpen vs. Replace

HSS and cobalt bits can be resharpened with a bench grinder or a dedicated bit sharpener — the investment in a sharpener pays off quickly if you go through bits regularly. Maintain the original point angle (118 degrees for general use, 135 degrees for split-point) and ensure both flutes are ground equally. TiN-coated bits should be replaced rather than sharpened once dull — resharpening removes the coating and leaves an uncoated HSS bit. For power tools that complement a drill bit set, see our guides to best cordless drills, best drill presses, and best impact drivers.

Specialty Bit Types Beyond Twist Drills

A twist bit set handles cylinders, but several specialized bit types solve problems twist bits cannot. Forstner bits cut flat-bottomed holes with clean edges — essential for cabinet door hinges (35mm Euro-style hinges require a Forstner bit), pocket holes, and anywhere a flat-bottomed cavity is needed. They cut with a rim cutter and a central point, producing minimal tear-out compared to spade bits. Spade bits are fast and inexpensive for rough holes in wood (electrical and plumbing rough-in work) but leave ragged edges — not appropriate where appearance matters. Hole saws cut large diameter holes (typically 3/4 to 6 inches) for door locksets, access panels, and HVAC cutouts — use a slow speed and consistent pressure. Step drill bits (also called unibit) drill multiple sizes with a single bit by advancing the depth — the right choice for thin metal, sheet steel, and drilling through conduit boxes where tear-out would be a problem. Brad-point bits have a pointed center tip and spurs that score the perimeter before the main flutes cut — they produce cleaner holes in wood with minimal tear-out compared to twist bits, making them the preferred choice for finish carpentry and any application where hole quality matters visually.

Drilling Speeds: What RPM to Use for Each Material

Drilling speed (RPM) is one of the most frequently misapplied variables in hand tool use. The principle is simple: harder and denser materials require slower speed and higher feed pressure; softer materials tolerate and often benefit from higher speed. Practical guidelines: wood (softwood, hardwood): 1500-2500 RPM for smaller bits (under 1/4 inch), 600-1200 RPM for larger bits. Hard metals (stainless steel, hardened alloy): 200-500 RPM — slow enough that you can feel the bit cutting, with cutting fluid applied. Soft metals (aluminum, copper, brass): 800-1500 RPM. Plastic: 500-1000 RPM — too high a speed melts plastic rather than cutting it cleanly. Masonry (with a dedicated carbide bit): 400-800 RPM in hammer mode. Most cordless drills have a two-speed gearbox: low speed delivers higher torque for large bits and harder materials; high speed is for small bits in soft materials and driving screws. Using high speed with a large bit in hard material is the fastest way to overheat and dull a bit — slow down for better results and longer bit life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What drill bit is best for metal?

Cobalt bits (M35 or M42 grade, 5 to 8 percent cobalt alloyed into the steel) are the best choice for steel, stainless steel, and hardened metals. They maintain hardness at high temperatures and outlast titanium-coated HSS bits significantly in metal. For soft metals like aluminum, brass, and copper, standard HSS bits work fine. For stainless steel specifically, cobalt is strongly recommended over any coated bit.

What is the difference between HSS and cobalt drill bits?

HSS (high-speed steel) bits work well in wood, soft metals, and plastic. Cobalt bits have cobalt alloyed throughout the steel, giving them greater hardness at high temperatures and better edge retention in hard metals. Cobalt bits can be resharpened repeatedly, maintaining their properties throughout the bit. Titanium-coated HSS bits have a surface coating that wears off and cannot be resharpened to restore the coating.

Can I use regular drill bits in an impact driver?

Standard twist bits are not designed for the hammering action of an impact driver and can break or chip. Use bits specifically rated for impact drivers, which have hex shanks and are made from more flexible steel that absorbs the hammering force. For occasional light use in soft materials, standard bits may survive, but for regular use in metal or hard wood, impact-rated bits are necessary.

What size drill bits do I actually need?

For general home use, fractional sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch cover the vast majority of applications. The most commonly used sizes are 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 inch. Add a 5/64 inch for pilot holes in small fasteners and a 9/64 inch for #8 screws. A focused 21-piece set covering these sizes in quality material beats a 100-piece bargain set for most users.

How do I drill into concrete or masonry?

Concrete and masonry require carbide-tipped masonry bits used with a hammer drill. Regular twist bits will not penetrate concrete — they will overheat and dull immediately. For light masonry work (drywall anchors in concrete block), a basic masonry bit in a standard drill works. For harder concrete or larger holes, a rotary hammer with SDS-plus bits is significantly more efficient. Masonry bits should never be used in wood or metal.

How often should I replace drill bits?

HSS and cobalt bits can be resharpened multiple times with a bench grinder or bit sharpener — replace when a bit can no longer be sharpened to a useful edge. Titanium-coated bits should be replaced when dull since resharpening removes the coating. Signs a bit needs replacement or sharpening: burning smell when drilling, excessive force required, wandering on smooth surfaces, or rough exit holes in wood. Quality bits sharpened regularly last for years.

What is a split-point drill bit?

A split-point bit (also called a 135-degree split-point) has an additional grind on the center web that self-centers on smooth surfaces without the need for a center punch or starter hole. Standard 118-degree bits tend to walk on metal and plastic until the outer edges catch. Split-point bits are particularly useful for metalworking and drilling into hard, smooth materials. Most quality general-purpose bit sets now feature split-point geometry.

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