The 4 Best Cobalt Drill Bit Sets – Reviews 2023

best cobalt drill bits, cobalt drill bit set

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Cobalt drill bits are crafted from an alloy of steel and cobalt. Usually between 5% and 8% cobalt is used to create a drill bit that is extremely resistant to the temperatures experienced when drilling through stainless steel and cast iron. One should always opt for a steel and cobalt alloy rather than a cobalt coating, as the coating deteriorates very quickly.

Drill bits comprised of cobalt alloy are essential for anyone that drills through metals frequently. The slightly higher price is well worth the expense because the top cobalt drill bits are durable enough to last for a long, long time.

Take a look at our 4 recommendations of the best cobalt drill bit set on the market:

DEWALT DW1263 14-Piece Cobalt Pilot Point Drill Bit Set

If you are looking for a precision set of cobalt drill bits, then the industrial-strength Dewalt DW1263 14-Piece Cobalt Pilot Point Drill Bit Set is one of your best options. Each bit uses a Pilot Point tip, giving you clean holes of a fixed size, with a vastly reduced risk of lock-up as opposed to regular drill bits. Comprised of industrial strength cobalt, each of the fourteen drill bits included are labelled within the heavy-duty casing provided. Crafted from industrial-grade ABS materials, the carry case is durable and long lasting.

The cobalt drill bits range from 1/16th-inch to 3/8th-inch and handle drilling through stainless steel with ease. The following bits are provided: two 1/16th-inch; one 5/64-inch; one 3/32-inch; one 7/64-inch; two 1/8-inch; one 9/64-inch; one 5/32-inch; one 3/16-inch; one 7/32-inch; one 1/4-inch; one 5/16-inch and one 3/8-inch. This collection of drill bits should cover the needs of most professionals, giving customers a truly comprehensive set of cobalt bits. As a result of the outstanding cobalt alloy used, one never needs to worry about a coating wearing out. This set from Dewalt is sure to last you many years, boring into wood and steel of dense composition extremely well.  This is one of the best cobalt drill bit sets period.

DeWalt drill bit review

Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC Qualtech 29 Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set

This 29-piece cobalt drill bit set from Drill America is highly resistant to heat and wear-and-tear. Constructed from cobalt steel and coated a gold oxide for extra heat resistance and self-lubrication, the Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC Qualtech 29 Piece Cobalt Steel Jobber Length Drill Bit Set in Plastic Case (see full specs) is a set that will bore through even the most abrasive materials without suffering any damage. The cutting angle on each bit is set at a 135-degree split point, which is self-centering. No pilot holes are needed and small chips are created in the process of drilling, helping greatly to reduce the chance of clogging.

Twenty nine bits are enclosed in a plastic casing, inclusive of a bit index for easy identification. Sizes begin at 1/16-inch and range to 1/2-inch in 1/64-inch increments. These cobalt drill bits feature a rounded shank and are compatible with the majority of chucks. The Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC Qualtech 29 Piece cobalt drill bit set has bits of Jobber length. Jobber length drill bits give a great balance of length and reach, perfect for the largest variety of surfaces and projects.

Drill America Cobalt Drill Bit Set Review

Bosch 21-Piece Cobalt Twist Drill Bit Set

Bosch can be relied on for durable, well-crafted tools suited to all aspects of industrial or home machining, crafting, engineering and construction. The Bosch 21-Piece Cobalt Twist Drill Bit Assortment is a set that is specifically engineered to drill into hard steel. These cobalt drill bits are extremely heat resistant, measured as capable of resisting temperatures of up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. The drill bit hardness rating is outstanding, carrying an overall hardness of 66-68 HRC. Bosch have utilized a broad helix web in their design, giving great efficiency and performance. All bits that are larger than 1/8-inch use a split point, beginning contact on its own with absolutely no need for a center punch, and no walking or skating of the bit.

Regardless of how hard or abrasive the material is, each of these 21 drill bits will handle the job. Even cast iron, hardened stainless steel and titanium pose no problem. This Bosch set will not dull easily and punches through tough materials without problems, it is a great set for any workshop.

Bosch CO21 Cobalt Metal Drill Bit Set, 21 Pieces

IRWIN Tools Cobalt Drill Bit Set, 29-Piece

Irwin Tools have engineered a set of drill bits especially designed for drilling through hardened metals such as stainless steel, cast iron and titanium. The IRWIN Tools Cobalt High-Speed Steel Drill Bit, 29-Piece Metal Index Set (3018002B) uses an 8% cobalt alloy that is both heat resistant and highly durable. Each bit features a 135-degree split-point tip, removing the requirement of drilling a pilot hole as these bits do not “walk” across your work surface. The casing provided sports rubber molding, and also has each recess labelled for easy bit identification. The case contains cartridges housing your drill bits, each easily removable for easy transport around your worksite.

Twenty nine cobalt alloy drill bits are included, ranging from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch, stepping in 1/64-inch increments. Irwin Tools supply a bit of every size that you could ever need and each bit has a reduced shank, directly above the 3/8-inch market, allowing you to use these bits in conjunction with a 3/8-inch chuck. The Irwin 29-Piece Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set is affordable, durable and contains everything that you need to drill through hard, abrasive surfaces.  This is one of the best cobalt drill bits sets for the money.

Cobalt Drill Bit Sets: Essential to Those Drilling Metals

Buying the best cobalt drill bits set is a purchase that you will not need to replace for years. Your new cobalt bits will be capable of handling alloys, hardened steel, cast iron, stainless steel and even titanium with ease. They are most definitely a worthwhile investment for anyone handling metals on a regular basis.  Good luck!

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  • Founder of Mechanical Caveman, Beau is an unrepentant tool enthusiast and, sporting deadlift-callused hands and an incongruous beer belly, all-around macho guy. When he doesn’t know re tools, he consults with his handyman and car-repairman buds to give you well-reasoned and cutting-edge info.

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