For the first round of drilling evaluations, we selected the 1/16-inch, 3/16-inch, and ⅜-inch bits from each set. The test materials included scraps of .25 sheet aluminum, .133 cast-iron pipe, and .065 square tubular stainless steel. We calibrated the drill press rpm to match the bit size and material based on this chart and used 3-In-One Multi-Purpose Oil as a drilling lubricant. We drilled three holes in each of the test materials with every drill bit and then noted penetration speed (aggressiveness), cleanliness of the hole edges, and any noticeable changes from the first to the last hole. Countersink. Countersink drill bits create shallow holes that allow the head of a fastener to sit flush with the material and are angled to match the tapered head of the fastener. Cobalt countersink bits will create countersink holes in hard metals. Unlike twist drill bits, which include self-piloting tips, countersink bits require an existing hole to drill into a material. To drill countersink holes, twist bits are needed to drill the initial hole, then countersink drill bits are used to create the countersink holes. It takes a tough bit to drill through hard metals like steel and bronze, but drill bits like these from Stroton are up to the task. Stroton uses what it calls a three-step design with this drill bit. Borrowing from step-bit technology, the tip of the bit is composed of three separate steps that help drive the bit through hard metals. This 19-piece metric set features sizes ranging from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters. The raised center point didn’t get in the way when we sharpened the edges of the bit point, but sharpening the center of the point was more challenging. However, we found that these durable bits, housed within their well-built hard plastic case, would make a great addition to a workshop. Machinists, mechanics, DIYers, and crafters value cobalt bits for their ability to drill hard materials and because they can be resharpened. We spent 12 hours testing these drill bit sets. First, we used a drill press to evaluate them for drilling ability in aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. Then we resharpened them before performing a second round of drilling tests. (For most products, we used a drill press for each set of holes; however, for two products, we used a drill press and a cordless drill, as noted above.)

There are four types of cobalt drill bits, with each type serving a specific purpose. Understanding the right application for each bit type is essential. cobalt content prevents maintains a sharper cutting edge and delivers • 4x longer life, and also provides stability at high temperature when drilling tough materials Don’t throw away dull drill bits. Instead, sharpen them with a grinder to restore their sharp edges. The Milwaukee cobalt drill bit set exceeded our expectations in the stainless steel drilling test. While most of the other bits did a pretty good job, the Milwaukee bits bit into the stainless steel noticeably faster. The slightly elevated point, which is shorter and narrower than DeWalt’s, seemed to find a sweet spot that then allowed the rest of the cutting edge to follow. The cobalt drill bits are supplied in a large tough case, ensure secure tool storage and durability and protection in various environmentsTool Steel with Tungsten Carbide Tips– TCT provides a longer working life for the bit while allowing for a more stable and solid tip and enabling it to withstand more rigorous drilling applications. Whether drilling wood, masonry, acrylic, metal or any number of other materials, having the drill bit for the job will give you the ability to drill with confidence and accuracy. Some drill bit sets will offer a mix of bit type to cover all types of jobs from wood and metal through to masonry, with some also including more specific bit types such as flat wood drill bit or countersinks. Drill Bit Sets are used by professional electricians, builders, plumbers, roof installers, etc. and DIY enthusiasts.

Permanent size markings located above the shank for increased visibility (diameters 3.0mm and above only). Since the manufacturer recommends these bits for cordless drilling, we tested the Milwaukee step bits twice, first in the drill press and then in a handheld cordless drill. They drilled fast and clean as billed. Then we tested the step bit’s unique ability to enlarge existing holes—a task that is nearly impossible to do cleanly with conventional twist bits. We clamped an old steel electrical junction box to the workbench and used the #9 step bit in a cordless drill to widen the punch-out holes from ½ inch to ⅞ inch. The resulting hole was perfectly shaped, clean, and smooth, with no burs.

Only use cobalt bits for drilling holes in metal, as the bits are too powerful for wood and other materials. HSS (High-Speed Steel)– HSS can withstand higher temperatures without compromising the hardness of the bit and is able to cut faster with more accuracy and efficiency. In addition, be aware that drilling into hard metal requires a special technique to ensure that the bit cuts into the metal smoothly without overheating. Use a quality drilling lubricant with a high flash point. We used 3-In-One Multi-Purpose Oil for our tests. Also, drill at a slower speed with moderate downward pressure to avoid damaging expensive bits. The smallest bits can safely drill at about 3,000 rotations per minute (rpm), but larger bits should turn no faster than about 1,000 rpm. How We Tested Cobalt Drill Bits Cobalt Steel– The cobalt content increases the strength of the bit and aids in the resistance to heat and friction, so it can be used for more stubborn materials. Step drill bits offer the advantage of fast, clean precision drilling into thin metals without changing bits. Each of this set of three cobalt step drill bits is designed and engineered to drill up to 1,000 holes into 14-gauge steel. They feature a rapid strike tip for faster starting, elongated dual flutes to reduce heat buildup, and smaller step gradients for smoother drilling.