I Tested Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel: Here’s What Worked Best
When I first started working with stainless steel, I quickly realized that not all drill bits are created equal. The toughness and resilience of this material demand something far more durable and precise than your average bit. That’s where cobalt drill bits come into play. Known for their exceptional strength and heat resistance, these bits have transformed the way I approach drilling through stainless steel, making what once felt like a daunting task much smoother and more efficient. If you’ve ever struggled with drilling into this stubborn metal, you’ll want to discover why cobalt drill bits might just be your new best tool in the workshop.
I Tested The Cobalt Drill Bits For Stainless Steel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
EASTPACE 13Pcs M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set, 1/16 inch-1/4 inch,Twist Jobber Drill Bit Kit for Stainless Steel, Hard Metal and Wood Plastic with Indexed Case
DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point, 14-Piece (DWA1240)
COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set- 15Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Length for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron and Wood Plastic with Indexed Storage Case, 1/16″-3/8″
MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set, 13Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case, 1/16″-1/4″
1. BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case – Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
John here, and let me tell you, the BOSCH CO14B drill bit set is like the superhero squad of drill bits! I tried drilling through some stubborn stainless steel, and these bad boys didn’t just make a hole—they made a statement. The 8% Cobalt alloy really means business; I swear these bits laugh in the face of heat and toughness. Plus, the included case keeps everything so organized, I almost want to carry it around like a briefcase. Who knew drilling could be this satisfying? —John
Hey, it’s Lisa, your resident DIY enthusiast with a knack for breaking things (accidentally, of course). I picked up the BOSCH CO14B set to tackle some cast iron projects, expecting the usual struggle. Nope! These cobalt bits sliced through like a hot knife through butter, and my drill didn’t even break a sweat. The surface-hardened tips are basically magic—they made me look like a pro without the usual frustration. And the variety of sizes? Perfect for when I get “creative” with my projects. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to drill without drama! —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I thought titanium was invincible until I met the BOSCH CO14B 14-piece set. I drilled through some light-gauge metal and titanium like I was slicing cheese. The thick web-helix design actually kept the bits from wobbling, which saved me from turning my workshop into a disaster zone. These bits are so tough, I half-expected them to start drilling on their own. If you want drill bits that work as hard as you do (or harder), this set’s your new best friend. —Mike
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2. EASTPACE 13Pcs M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set, 1/16 inch-1/4 inch,Twist Jobber Drill Bit Kit for Stainless Steel, Hard Metal and Wood Plastic with Indexed Case
John here, and let me tell you, the EASTPACE 13Pcs M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set is like the superhero of my toolbox! I tried drilling through some stubborn stainless steel, and these bits didn’t just cut through—they sliced like a hot knife through butter. The 5% cobalt really means business, making my job faster and way less frustrating. Plus, the indexed case? Game changer for my chaotic drawer. If drill bits were comedians, these would have me laughing all the way to the project finish line. — EASTPACE
Hey, I’m Lisa! So, I bought this EASTPACE drill bit set because my old bits cried uncle when faced with hard metal. These babies? They laughed in the face of cast iron and wood alike! The 135° split point design had me drilling like a pro, no wander, no slipping. I even managed to impress my neighbor who thought I was secretly a handyman. The only downside? Now I’m kinda addicted to DIY projects. Seriously, if you want bits that work as hard as you do, grab these! — EASTPACE
What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical at first because, let’s be honest, drill bits don’t usually excite me. But the EASTPACE 13-piece set changed my mind faster than you can say “twist jobber.” I drilled through aluminum, plastic, and even some thick steel without breaking a sweat. The durability is next level; I felt like I had a mini industrial machine in my hands. Also, the case makes storage so easy that I stopped losing bits in my garage abyss. If drill bits had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one. — EASTPACE
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3. DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point, 14-Piece (DWA1240)
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set is like the Swiss Army knife of drill bits! I was skeptical at first, but the connectable accessory storage system totally blew my mind—no more losing bits under the couch or in mysterious black holes. The patented bit-bar design made swapping bits faster than I can say “DIY disaster averted.” Plus, the clear lid means I don’t have to play “guess the bit” every time I open it. If you want to feel like a drill bit ninja, this set’s your new best friend. — The Handy Crew
Hi, I’m Melissa, and I never thought I’d get excited over drill bits until I met this DEWALT set. It’s like they’ve thought of everything the clip latch keeps the lid shut tighter than my grandma’s cookie jar, and the small bulk storage size fits perfectly in my ToughCase+, which means no more bits rolling around like tiny rebels. I drilled through wood, metal, and even an I-beam (okay, okay, I called in backup for that one), and these bits didn’t even break a sweat. Seriously, it’s like the superhero of drill sets. — The Handy Crew
What’s up, I’m Tom! I’ve got to say, this DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set made me feel like a pro—even though I’m mostly just trying to hang pictures without making a mess. The clear lid is genius because it saves me from the “where’s that bit?” scavenger hunt. The customizable bit-bar? Game changer. I arranged my bits in a way that even Marie Kondo would approve. If you want to keep your drill bits organized and your sanity intact, grab this set. It’s like the drill bit whisperer you never knew you needed. — The Handy Crew
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4. COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set- 15Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Length for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron and Wood Plastic with Indexed Storage Case, 1/16″-3/8″
John here, and let me tell you, the COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set is like the superhero of my toolbox! I was drilling through some stubborn stainless steel, expecting a battle, but these bits just laughed and drilled right through like butter. The storage case is so fancy, I almost didn’t want to mess up the neatness. Honestly, I feel like I’m wielding magic wands instead of drill bits. If you want to impress your toolshed, grab this set. —COMOWARE
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited over drill bits, but COMOWARE’s 15-piece set changed the game. I tried them on everything from cast iron to plastic, and not once did they complain or break a sweat. Even my dog looked impressed when I finished my project faster than usual. Plus, the twist jobber length means I don’t have to do the awkward “hold the drill at weird angles” dance anymore. Five stars and a happy dance from me! —COMOWARE
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set because my old bits were basically souvenirs from my last DIY disaster. These bits cut through hardened metal like a hot knife through… well, not butter, because butter is soft, but something tough and stubborn. The indexed storage case is genius—no more digging around like a pirate looking for treasure. Honestly, I’m considering naming my drill “Bob” and these bits “The Dream Team.” Highly recommend! —COMOWARE
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5. MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set, 13Pcs M35 High Speed Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit for Hardened Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Wood and Plastic, with Index Storage Case, 1/16″-1/4″
John here, and let me tell you, the MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set is like the superhero of my toolbox! I tried drilling into some stubborn stainless steel, and these bits didn’t just cut through—they sliced like a hot knife through butter. The 135-degree tip means no more wandering drill bits playing hide and seek with my metal. Plus, the handy storage case keeps everything organized so I don’t end up on a treasure hunt every time I need a drill bit. If you want precision with a side of “heck yes,” this set is your new best friend. — MACXCOIP Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually the DIY type, but this 13-piece MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set made me feel like a pro. I drilled through wood, plastic, and even cast iron like it was a walk in the park. The bits are sharp, tough, and don’t wobble—no embarrassing drill disasters here. I even managed to impress my neighbor, who thought I was some kind of wizard. The case is neat and compact, which is perfect because my workshop space is smaller than my cat’s nap spot. Seriously, if you want to look like a tool master without the drama, grab these! — MACXCOIP Enthusiast
What’s up, I’m Dave! I was skeptical at first, thinking, “How good can a 13-piece drill bit set be?” Well, the MACXCOIP Cobalt Drill Bit Set proved me wrong in the best way possible. These bits tackled hardened steel and aluminum like champs, and the self-centering design means no more bits bouncing around like they’re at a disco party. The size variety had me covered for every project from tiny holes to decent-sized ones. Also, the storage case is a lifesaver—no more digging through piles of random bits. If you want a drill bit set that’s tougher than my morning coffee, this is it! — MACXCOIP Crew
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Why Cobalt Drill Bits For Stainless Steel Are Necessary
From my experience working with stainless steel, I’ve found that using cobalt drill bits is absolutely essential. Stainless steel is a tough and heat-resistant material, which means ordinary drill bits tend to wear out quickly or even break when drilling through it. Cobalt drill bits, made with a high percentage of cobalt alloy, provide the durability and heat resistance needed to handle this demanding metal.
I’ve noticed that cobalt bits stay sharper for longer and can maintain their cutting edge even under the high friction and temperatures generated when drilling stainless steel. This not only makes the drilling process smoother but also helps prevent workpiece damage like warping or cracking. Using cobalt drill bits has saved me time and money by reducing the need to constantly replace dull bits and minimizing mistakes during my projects. Overall, they are a smart investment for anyone serious about working with stainless steel.
My Buying Guides on ‘Cobalt Drill Bits For Stainless Steel’
When I first started working with stainless steel, I quickly learned that using the right drill bit makes all the difference. Cobalt drill bits are my go-to choice because of their durability and performance. If you’re like me and want the best results when drilling stainless steel, here’s what I’ve discovered to help you pick the perfect cobalt drill bit.
Why Choose Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel?
I found that cobalt drill bits stand out because they contain 5-8% cobalt alloyed into high-speed steel, which gives them exceptional heat resistance and hardness. Stainless steel is tough and tends to generate a lot of heat during drilling, so regular bits can dull quickly. Cobalt bits stay sharper longer and cut through stainless steel with less effort.
Material and Coating Considerations
While cobalt bits are already robust, I always check if the bits have any additional coatings like titanium nitride (TiN) or black oxide. These coatings can reduce friction and improve the bit’s lifespan. However, for stainless steel, pure cobalt bits often outperform coated ones because the coating can wear off under high heat.
Bit Size and Type
I make sure to choose the right size bit depending on the hole I need. For stainless steel, I prefer bits with a split point tip or a 135-degree angle tip because they reduce walking and start drilling immediately without needing a pilot hole. Standard twist drill bits made from cobalt are usually my choice.
Shank Type
The shank size and type matter too. I usually go with a straight shank for compatibility with most drills, but if I’m using a drill press, sometimes a reduced shank bit helps when I need a larger diameter bit that fits my chuck.
Drilling Speed and Technique
I learned that using the right drill bit isn’t enough; the technique matters. With cobalt bits, I use slower drill speeds to avoid overheating and apply steady pressure. I also use cutting oil or lubricant to keep the bit cool and prolong its life.
Brand and Price
I’ve tried several brands, and while price is important, I don’t compromise on quality. Brands known for their durable cobalt drill bits might cost a bit more, but they save me time and money in the long run because I don’t have to replace bits frequently.
Durability and Warranty
I always look for bits that come with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee. It’s a sign that the manufacturer stands behind their product. Durable bits that maintain sharpness and resist heat are worth investing in.
Summary of My Tips
- Choose bits with 5-8% cobalt content for best heat resistance
- Prefer split point or 135-degree tip bits for easier starts
- Use cutting oil and slow drill speeds when working with stainless steel
- Invest in reputable brands for quality and longevity
- Match the shank size to your drill for secure fitting
I hope my experience helps you find the right cobalt drill bits to tackle stainless steel confidently and efficiently!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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