Best Drill Bit Set in 2023: My Favorite Bits to Save You Time and Money

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Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, a great drill bit set is the lifeblood of your work. It’s going to determine the quality of your projects and how quickly you get those projects done.

I like saving time, and I’m sure that you do, too, so I’ve put together a list of my favorite time-saving drill bits complete so that you can buy them right now.

The 7 Best Drill Bit Sets in 2023

10
IRWIN Drill Bit Set

IRWIN Drill Bit Set

When it comes to high-speed steel drill bits, you generally have two categories. You’ve got the genuinely premium stuff, and then you have everything else. IRWIN is very much premium. The drill bits in this set are incredible and far superior to everything else I’ve looked at, and that’s saying something. However, it costs a bomb. If you’re looking for high-speed steel drill bits to do some work around the house, you don’t have to have this set. If you’re a pro making a living from your job, though, this is an excellent addition to your toolbox.
9.5
DEWALT 1361 Titanium Drill Bit Set

DEWALT 1361 Titanium Drill Bit Set

Drill bits made from titanium tend to offer you the best of both worlds. Titanium drill bits are strong, sharp, and excellent at cutting holes, all while keeping the set moderate price.
9.5
VanHaus 246 Piece Drill Bit Set

VanHaus 246 Piece Drill Bit Set

If you haven’t picked up any drill bits yet, do yourself a favor and pick up this kit. It’s pretty inexpensive considering the quality of the high-speed steel here, but more importantly, it’s a massively comprehensive kit. It’s going to give you a great starting point to launch a more specialized collection off of.
9
Makita Impact Driver Bit Set

Makita Impact Driver Bit Set

Makita is well known for making some of the best hardware around, and the drill bits that come out of the company is no different. As far as I’m concerned, these are the best drill bits in the world when you look at quality versus price. The kit is very affordable but incredible in terms of performance.
8.5
IRWIN Speedbor Spade Bit Set

IRWIN Speedbor Spade Bit Set

IRWIN makes another entry on the list with this set explicitly built for woodworkers. All the bits in this kit are spade bits, so if you’re looking for a multi-piece drill bit set for stainless steel, this isn’t for you.
8.5
DEWALT Carbide Tip Masonry Drill Bit Set - Best Drill Bit Set in 2023: My Favorite Bits to Save You Time and Money - HandyMan.Guide - Drill Bit Set

DEWALT Carbide-Tip Masonry Drill Bit Set

Masonry drill bits are quite a bit different to the rest of the sets I’ve featured here. That means that you need to get a specific kit if you are working with stone or concrete. For that, DEWALT delivers yet again.
8
Drill Hog USA 21-Piece Drill Bit Set

Drill Hog USA 21-Piece Drill Bit Set

This is a great overall set for when you’re drilling a different hole each day with different power drills, whether it’s heavy-duty work or something lighter.

My Favorite Drill Bits That are Tough Enough to Handle Any Job

The drilling process is enough of a pain without your twist bits getting broken and dulled mid drilling. Whether you’re working with impact drivers on wood, or something heavier on mild steel, without a good set of bits, the result is always going to be the same.

We’ve all been there, I’m sure. There’s nothing worse than your drill bits refusing to get the job done when you’re already halfway through the wood or metal. That’s why I’ve put together this list.

I’ve found what I’m arguing are the best overall drill bit kits for various occasions and situations, meaning you don’t have to do the mind-numbing work of shopping around yourself.

You can do that, though, and help; I’ve included a buyer’s walkthrough and an faq at the bottom of the page. I aim to help you get the right kit for you, so if all I can do is point you in the right direction with some tips, then so be it.

With that being said, here are my favorite drill bits to tackle and kind of job, project, or anything that might come in between.

IRWIN Drill Bit Set
10
IRWIN Drill Bit Set
POSITIVES
  • The cobalt drill bits last for ages and never really lose sharpness.
  • Twenty-nine bits gives you an excellent range of options.
  • Everything about this drill bit set is high quality.
NEGATIVES
  • This is a premium set of cobalt drill bits that will cost you a lot more than other drill bit sets.

The best drill bit sets have a few distinct qualities. There are things like the steel quality, how many different bits come with the kit, the price, versatility, and more.

IRWIN Drill Bit Set

The IRWIN drill bit set has all of that. It’s an excellent choice whether you’re experienced or a beginner, which is unusual for a drill bit set. Generally, you’re either looking for a set to add to what you already have or one with common bits to get you started. The fact that the IRWIN can somehow cater to both is exceptional.

The bits themselves are made with a heavy-duty web construction and out of cobalt hardened steel. Cobalt drill bits tend to be some of the most durable and practical, so it’s always beneficial when a manufacturer uses cobalt.

The 29 cobalt bits that this drill bit set comes with are going to last you years, and you’re going to struggle wearing down the cutting edge on them.

IRWIN Drill Bit Set

You get a range of bits from 1/16 inch to half an inch in terms of the actual drill piece set. The cobalt bits have a reduced shank, meaning you can use larger drill bits in a standard 3/8 inch chuck.

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This IRWIN Set is Premium Hardware

While the set itself is perfect for beginners and professionals alike, the price is not. This is some high-quality hardware, and you need to pay for that.

If you are willing to dish out the cash, though, you’re never going to be stuck on a project again. Each cobalt drill bit has cutting edges that make cutting holes easy, whether you’re dealing with metal, wood, plastic, or something else entirely.

DEWALT 1361 Titanium Drill Bit Set
9.5
DEWALT 1361 Titanium Drill Bit Set
POSITIVES
  • The titanium bits can cut a hole in everything from sheet metal to stainless steel with relative ease.
  • It’s a high-quality kit that is both affordable and effective.
  • 18 bits isn’t extraordinarily high, but it’s enough to give this kit plenty of range.
NEGATIVES
  • There are no real cons to speak of here. This is just an all-around excellent titanium coating drill bit kit without any real drawbacks.

Drill bits made from titanium tend to offer you the best of both worlds. Titanium drill bits are strong, sharp, and excellent at cutting holes, all while keeping the set moderate price.

Unlike cobalt steel, titanium doesn’t cost as much to get your hands on, and while it doesn’t offer the same pro-level quality, it’s still more than enough to tackle almost any project you come across.

DEWALT 1361 Titanium Drill Bit Set

So, when titanium drill bits match up with an expert manufacturer in DEWALT, you know that you’re in for a decent piece of kit. That’s exactly what the 1361 titanium drill bit set is. It’s affordable, quality, and a great addition to anyone’s toolkit.

The 18 titanium bits that you get in the set are designed to be anti-chip, meaning it’s the perfect set for anyone working with metal and hardened steel regularly.

DEWALT 1361 – Quality on a Budget

This particular titanium coating drill bit set is perfect for two different categories. First and foremost, it’s ideal for metalworkers. It can cut a hole in anything as thin as sheet metal or as thick as stainless steel with ease, which is more than can be said for many other drill bit sets.

It’s also great for anyone looking for a good quality drill bit set without a lot of cash to work with. It’s very affordable and performs far above its price range.

VanHaus 246 Piece Drill Bit Set
9.5
VanHaus 246 Piece Drill Bit Set
POSITIVES
  • The price of this set is ludicrous, considering just how much you’re getting.
  • Even with the quantity over quality approach, the black oxide drill bits are great at getting through-hardened steel or sheet metal.
NEGATIVES
  • The quality of the bits just can’t compare to higher-priced kit options.

Yes, you read that right. This drill bit set has 246 different pieces in it. How much does it cost? $200? No. this drill bit set retails for under $55.

You don’t need me to tell you that’s an absolute steal. The drill bits could be made from paper as far as I’m concerned. That many for that price just can’t be overlooked.

VanHaus 246 Piece Drill Bit Set

Each titanium bit is coated in high-speed steel, and while it can’t hold up to the expensive sets on this list, it’s still strong enough to drill a pilot hole through this stainless steel or a pinhole in a thin sheet of plastic.

Altogether, this 246 piece kit comes with 30 black oxide coating twist drill bits, 17 wood drill bits, 21 masonry drill bits, as well as a massive variety of other accessories and attachments.

Make the VanHaus 246 Piece Kit Your First Buy

If you’re looking for the best drill bit set to get your collection started, then this is your best option by far. You’re not going to get many bit set cases that have this many bits for this price. Not only that, but there are actually some decent quality drill bits here. It’s not the best set in terms of quality, but it’s nothing to scoff at, either.

Makita Impact Driver Bit Set
9
Makita Impact Driver Bit Set
POSITIVES
  • This 135-degree split point drill bit set is remarkably cheap for the performance on display.
  • The drill bits are made from black oxide, further adding to how much bang you’re getting for your buck.
  • The Makita-only heat treatment means that this split point drill bit set has the durability of a pro set worth four times as much.
NEGATIVES
  • If you’re looking for a pure drill bit set, you might be disappointed with this one. This set has 70 bits, but it features attachments for driving and fasting, as well.
Makita Impact Driver Bit Set

One of the best drill brands out there is Makita. The company makes some seriously powerful hardware, but the cost generally matches that performance. However, this drill bit set doesn’t boast too high of a cot at all. It doesn’t have too many actual drill bits, but the cost’s performance is what sells it for me.

I say that it doesn’t have too many actual drill bits because this set is a little more inclusive than that. There are 70 total pieces in this pro kit, including tools for fastening, driving, and drilling. The fact that each bit is coated in black oxide, too, is incredible.

Not only that, but each piece has gone under Makita-only heat treatment giving the hardened steel even more excellent protection. These bits last longer and are corrosive resistant.

It’s bizarre how Makita can offer such a diverse range of options made from black oxide and heat-treated, yet the cost is like dollar menu hardware.

Makita Impact Driver Bit Set

The bits even have 135-degree split point ends. The entire set offers a pro-level of performance and durability at a budget cost, making this a perfect set for almost anyone in the market.

Makita Knocks it Out of the Park Again.

Makita has been hitting home runs for years now when it comes to hardware, which is no different. The drill bits here are capable of drilling holes in hardened steel and stainless steel like each one was made of diamonds.

The fact that you’re getting professional drill bits for a price like this is too good to pass up, no matter what skill level you’re at.

IRWIN Speedbor Spade Bit Set
8.5
IRWIN Speedbor Spade Bit Set
POSITIVES
  • The bits in this set are far superior to what you’re going to find in your local hardware aisle.
  • Each of the spade drill bits can be sharpened with a file and is made from strong steel, meaning you’re going to get years of use out of them.
NEGATIVES
  • The drill bits in this set don’t leave clean exits in the holes you drill.
IRWIN Speedbor Spade Bit Set

IRWIN makes another entry on the list with this set explicitly built for woodworkers. All the bits in this kit are spade bits, so if you’re looking for a multi-piece drill bit set for stainless steel, this isn’t for you.

If you’re working with timber, though, then you’re not going to get much better than that Speedbor spade bits that come in this set.

This set is relatively expensive, although that’s to be expected with spade bits. However, the durability and reliability of the set help to justify that cost. Each of the bits can be sharpened with a file, too, making it a perfect long term choice for woodworkers and carpenters.

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Just be aware that the holes you’re using these bits for aren’t going to make a particularly clean exit, but that doesn’t matter in the context of what you’re using this 17 piece kit for.

If You Work With Timber, Buy This

IRWIN Speedbor Spade Bit Set

If you drill holes in timber for a living, then get this drill bit set. I can’t recommend anything more than this.

It’s the perfect set for a professional. The bits are durable and long-lasting, meaning you’re not going to have to spend money on more bits for a while after buying them.

You don’t get too many bits considering the price, but the durability allows each individual one to pay for itself over the years.

DEWALT Carbide Tip Masonry Drill Bit Set - Best Drill Bit Set in 2023: My Favorite Bits to Save You Time and Money - HandyMan.Guide - Drill Bit Set
8.5
DEWALT Carbide-Tip Masonry Drill Bit Set
POSITIVES
  • This seven-piece set has no problem drilling holes through the toughest materials.
  • Each bit in the seven-piece kit is extremely well made.
NEGATIVES
  • It is still expensive considering you’re only getting seven pieces in the kit for how much it costs. Each bit works out at just under $10.

Masonry drill bits are quite a bit different from the rest of the sets I’ve featured here. That means that you need to get a specific kit if you are working with stone or concrete. For that, DEWALT delivers yet again.

DEWALT Carbide-Tip Masonry Drill Bit Set

The set comes in at just over $30 and only has seven bits, but that’s not too unusual for masonry bits. The drill bits are made from top-tier materials, meaning it’s able to cut through these hard materials without breaking or dulling too quickly, hence the price.

DEWALT Carbide Tip – For the Masonry Expert

There’s very little reason to get this kit unless you’re working with stone and concrete. You can get more affordable kits with more pieces that drill better holes through steel and wood.

If you do work with those more earthy materials, though, then this is a great buy. It’s a professional kit that gives you powerful holes through everything you’re working with, comparable to masonry drill bits that are twice the price.

Drill Hog USA 21-Piece Drill Bit Set
8
Drill Hog USA 21-Piece Drill Bit Set
POSITIVES
  • This set includes a number of different drill bits that are great for general use and drilling wood.
  • The driver bits are going to deliver relatively clean holes considering the cost of the kit.
  • If you don’t have any specialized driver bits that you want, this is always a good buy.
NEGATIVES
  • The generalization means that this set is sort of a Jack of all trades but a master of none. The driver bits aren’t going to help with things like concrete, and you’re not going to get super clean holes.
  • If you need specific materials like a cobalt blend or cast iron, then you’re out of look with this drill bit set.

So far, we’ve looked at tool reviews at bits for different jobs. We’ve looked at drill bits for wood, plastic, as well as materials like concrete.

What if you’re not working with any specific material, though? If you’re looking for the best drill bit set for DIYers, then you need something a little bit more generalized. That’s why I’ve included this Drill Hog set.

Drill Hog USA 21-Piece Drill Bit Set

This is a great overall set for when you’re drilling a different hole each day with different power drills, whether it’s heavy-duty work or something lighter.

The bits are made from premium steel, delivering performance at a very affordable price. There’s nothing that particularly stands out about this set. It’s not like you’re getting some crazy impressive brad point drill bits or a pilot point drill bit collection.

Instead, you’re getting a great overall selection that can help you with drilling holes in your workshop without much fuss or bother.9ol,

Drill Hog USA is for the Everyman

This set includes a number of bit sizes for everyday use. each bit has a split point tip, which is a nice addition and makes this a great value for money purchase.

Drill Hog USA 21-Piece Drill Bit Set

The only drawback here is that there’s nothing special about it. You’re not getting some super titanium nitride coating or brad point drill bits. It’s just a regular set for a regular DIYer.

Buying Guide

With all of my tool reviews, I like to include a buying guide for those of you out there not a fan of my picks.

Bits are designed for different purposes, and we’d be here all day if I went over every single distinct use. So rather than that, I’m giving you my generalized favorites and then showing you what I was looking for when I did the research for my tool reviews.

Material and Coating is Key

The material and coating that is found with each drill bit is very much the deciding factor in a lot of cases. It’s what determines cost, durability, and ultimately the deciding factor in how effective a bit is. A still drill bit isn’t the same as a gold oxide bit and vice versa.

I’m a fan of cobalt steel bits, but that might not suit your needs. You might need a gold oxide finish, instead.

You should have an idea of what material you need to drill your holes before you go shopping. If you don’t, then the chances are that you can get away with a regular kit that covers a lot of the essentials.

If you are in specialized work and are still unsure of what you need, though, consider asking someone else that you work with. You don’t want to be getting a cobalt bit when you need a different steel drill bit or even cast iron.

The Craftsmen Makes the Tools

Your profession, as in what you’re going to drill a hole in, determines what type of drill bit you’re looking for, as well as bit sizes.

Materials like wood require different bits to something like metal. Again, this is something that you should know before you even start looking at potential buys.

Metal and wood are going to be the most common types of materials that your shopping for, but you might be a mason, in which case you have other needs entirely.

There’s a wide variety of different professions out there, so there’s a wide variety of power tools to match. What drill bit you need depends on these two criteria.

Size Matters

Whether it’s metal or wood, the size of the drill bits that you’re using is important. Needless to say, a 1/2 inch bit isn’t going to give you the same size hole as a 3/8 inch bit.

You need a variety of sizes regardless of what materials you’re working with. It’s not a case of wood needing a different size to metal. It’s more that you should have the same sizes with each material, but a collection of different sizes.

Generally speaking, the more drill bits you get in the kit, the more sizes you’re going to get, so larger drill bit kits are better for general purpose work.

The size also matters when it comes to what drill chucks you’re using. The length and width of certain bits aren’t going to work with every chuck, so make sure you’re information is up to date before you shop.

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Variety for All Drilling Jobs

As a professional tool user, you should know that you need a variety of hardware for different projects, especially if you’re doing it for a living.

One job site isn’t going to have the same requirement as another, so make sure you have a selection of bits for all the possible tasks you come up against.

The more tool bits you can get in one kit, the better. However, you’re going to have to pick out more than one set to be ready for all potential professional tasks.

Keeping Up to Date with Industry News

As a pro, keeping up to date with all the newest releases and features is important. Whether it’s the implementation of new springs carbide tips, or corrosion resistance inclusion, it’s important that you know what is coming out, when it’s coming out, and where to buy it.

Shopping for new hardware is never going to be an issue if you do this, so keep it in mind.

Best Drill Bits FAQs

I’ve tried to be as comprehensive as I possibly could be with this best drill bits article, but I’m bound to have missed something. That’s why I included the buyer’s guide, and it’s why I’m including this best drill bits FAQ.

If you have any specific questions, then chances are you can find your answers here. If not, then feel free to see if we’ve covered it anywhere else on the site, or you could even ask me directly, I’m always happy to help.

What is the best drill bits to buy?

Like most power tools, there’s no way to point towards a single set of the best drill bits. What the best drill bits are for you and your neighbor will be entirely different based on what you need. If you’re looking for a high-speed steel titanium set, then there’s no point in telling you about the best pilot point or brad point hammer drills and bits.

Thus, the answer to the question changes on your profession, as well as what kind of hole you typically need to drill.

What are the Best Hole Saws for Metal Drilling?

I haven’t covered any hole saws because of how niche that equipment is. If you do find yourself working with something like carbon steel, steel aluminum, titanium, or any other kind of steel, then you want to look at something like the BOSCH diamond hole saw set. This set is a great pick for steels and is accessible to a lot of metalworkers.

Who Makes the Best Drill Bits?

Again, it’s impossible to say. However, I’m a big fan of DEWALT. The company has been making top-tier steel and plastic tools for years now, and the high-speed steel drill bits that it’s released are all exceptional. There are other great manufacturers like Ryobi, Drill America, and Makita, but I’m a diehard DEWALT fan and swear by the company’s products.

How much do drill bits cost?

Generally speaking, drill bits don’t run you that much at all. You can pick up a fairly decent kit for around $30. However, that’s subject to a number of things like material and manufacturer. A Ryobi kit isn’t going to run you the same price as an IRWIN kit. Keep in mind that the more you pay, the better the performance that you’re getting. There’s no need to drop three digits on a kit if you’re not a professional, though.

What do I need to think about before buying?

I already covered most of this in the buyer’s guide, but for quick reference, the main thing you should be considering is material, both of the drill bits themselves, and of what you’re working with.

You’ve got a variety of choices like titanium nitride, chrome vanadium steel, cobalt, and more. Not only that, but there’s a whole metal index to consider if you’re working with steel.

You also have to think about the type of bits you’re buying, the sizes of the bits, as well as what tip is on them. There are jobber drill bits, diablo step bits, point tip bits, pilot point bits, different sizes for different chuck models, hex shank drill bits, and more. The more you know about your profession, the easier this decision-making process is going to be.

Does Ryobi make drill bits?

Yes, Ryobi does make drill bits. I haven’t featured any Ryobi kits here because none of them stands out to me, but there’s nothing wrong with them by any means.

What is titanium nitride?

Titanium nitride is a material coating applied to certain bits that increases hardness. This is useful for cutting edges through metal and other steels. Think of it in the same way you would think of the best cobalt bits. It’s a type of material that has advantages over others.

Is there a difference between a rotary hammer drill and a hammer drill?

Yes. Despite the similarities in name, there’s a difference between a rotary hammer drill and a regular hammer drill. Both are heavy-duty tools that can be considered a metal drill, although not of the same caliber.

A rotary metal drill is going to cost you more than the alternative, but it’s generally a superior piece of equipment. A regular hammer drill isn’t going to cost as much but tends to come with reduced features. The differences are greater than that, but that’s a quick summary.

Does Drill America make drill bits?

Yes, Drill America does manufacture drill bits. I haven’t included any on the list, but the company tends to produce worthwhile and top-tier hardware.

Are driver bits universal?

Unfortunately, no. what you can use is limited by the chuck you have. Some bits work with more models than others, but you’re going to want to make sure your chuck is compatible before you buy any sort of kit.

9.3 Total Score
Cobalt Drill Bit Set

The IRWIN drill bit set has all of that. It's an excellent choice whether you're experienced or a beginner, which is unusual for a drill bit set.

Best Tool Box
9.5
Quality
9
PROS
  • The cobalt drill bits last for ages and never really lose sharpness.
  • Twenty-nine bits gives you an excellent range of options.
  • Everything about this drill bit set is high quality.
CONS
  • This is a premium set of cobalt drill bits that will cost you a lot more than other drill bit sets.
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Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


Disclosure: handyman.guide participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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