Key takeaways
- Wear eye protection and, in metal, gloves suited to hot swarf; clamp small workpieces rather than holding them by hand.
- Use the drill speed and lubricant recommended by the bit maker; slow speeds and cutting oil help in stainless steel.
- Do not use ordinary twist bits in an impact driver unless the maker marks them as impact-rated.
- Check for hidden wiring and pipes before drilling into walls, and use a stud or cable detector. If unsure about electrical wiring, consult an electrician.
- Replace bits that are chipped, blue from overheating or no longer cutting cleanly.
For general home use, a DeWalt titanium-coated set such as the 21-piece DW1361 is the most commonly named all-rounder; for impact drivers, Milwaukee Shockwave sets are built for that job; for stainless steel and hard metals, Bosch CO14B or Irwin M35 cobalt sets are the specialists; and a large Bosch mixed kit suits anyone who also drills masonry and wood. The best drill bit set depends on what you drill most, what tool drives the bits, and how many sizes you really need.
Our top picks
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Best Drill Bit Sets at a Glance
| Set | Best for | Key stated specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW1361 (21-piece, titanium nitride) | General DIY in wood, plastic and light metal | 21 pieces, titanium nitride coating | Not the pick for hard stainless |
| DeWalt DWA1184 (14-piece) / DWA1181 (21-piece black oxide) | Everyday DIY, wide size range at low cost | Black oxide or coated high-speed steel | Wear faster in hard metals |
| Milwaukee Shockwave Red Helix 23-piece (48-89-4631) | Impact driver users | Shockwave impact-rated design, 23 pieces | Costs more than basic sets |
| Milwaukee Shockwave Thunderbolt titanium 18-piece (48-89-4680) | Impact-driver metal and wood drilling | 18 pieces, titanium coating | Smaller size range |
| Bosch CO14B (14-piece cobalt) | Stainless steel and harder metals | M42 cobalt, 14 pieces | Brittle if flexed; not for general wood |
| Irwin M35 cobalt 29-piece | Metalworkers wanting many sizes | M35 cobalt, 29 pieces | Higher cost than HSS sets |
| Bosch 103-piece drill and screwdriver set | One box for most household jobs | Metal, masonry and wood bits plus 40 screwdriver bits per roundups | Quality mixed across a large kit |
| Irwin 29-piece HSS | Budget metal and wood drilling | High-speed steel, 29 pieces | Less heat resistance than cobalt |
How to Choose a Drill Bit Set
Match bit type to material
Twist bits for metal, wood and plastic have different tip angles and flute designs. General-purpose high-speed steel bits handle wood, plastic and soft metals. Titanium-coated bits resist heat and wear better. Cobalt bits, usually marked M35 or M42, are alloyed to survive the heat of drilling stainless steel and other tough metals. Masonry bits have carbide tips and need a hammer-drill or at least a suitable drill for concrete and brick. Brad-point bits give clean entry holes in wood.
Coatings: black oxide, titanium and cobalt
Black oxide is a low-cost finish that reduces friction and rust. Titanium nitride adds surface hardness and typically lasts longer than black oxide in general drilling. Cobalt is a different material rather than a coating, offering better hot hardness at the cost of being more brittle. Makers describe their coatings on the packaging, but reviewers note that any coating wears away over time, and sharp geometry matters as much as the coating itself.
Shank design and tool compatibility
Most standard drill chucks accept round or hex shanks. Impact drivers need bits with a 1/4-inch hex shank designed for impact use. Milwaukee’s Shockwave line is built for that, while many ordinary twist-bit sets are not rated for impact drivers and can snap. Always match the bit to your tool and read the maker’s guidance.
Size range and indexing
Fractional sets typically run from 1/16 to 1/4 or 1/2 inch in small steps. A 14 to 21-piece set covers most household jobs. Larger 29-piece or 100-plus-piece kits add more sizes and bit types but may include bits you will rarely use. A sturdy, indexed case marks each size so you can find and return bits quickly, and a flimsy case is a common complaint in budget sets.
Self-centering tips and split-point geometry
A split-point tip, common on DeWalt and Irwin sets, reduces walking on smooth metal. Pilot-point and brad-point tips help in wood. Starting each hole with a centre punch also helps accuracy in metal.
Budget Tiers Explained
At the budget tier, black oxide high-speed steel sets such as the Irwin 29-piece HSS or the DeWalt DWA1181 provide many sizes for light home use. In the mid-range, titanium-coated sets like the DeWalt DW1361 and Milwaukee’s impact-rated lines give longer life and better case quality. The premium tier is dominated by cobalt sets from Bosch and Irwin, plus large mixed kits aimed at trades. If you drill stainless steel occasionally, buy a small cobalt set rather than a huge general kit.
Model Notes
DeWalt
The DW1361 21-piece titanium set is the most frequent top pick in 2026 roundups for homeowners. Other roundups choose the DWA1184 14-piece for general DIY or the DWA1181 black oxide kit for the lowest cost per size. They are widely stocked and easy to replace piecemeal.
Milwaukee Shockwave
Milwaukee is praised for impact driver compatibility and durability. The 23-piece Red Helix set is named best overall in one roundup, while the 18-piece Thunderbolt titanium set is another listed option. They suit those who primarily use an impact driver for framing, decks and fasteners.
Bosch
Bosch has a name for cobalt bits for metal and for broad kits. The CO14B 14-piece cobalt set appears repeatedly for stainless steel. One roundup picks the 103-piece drill and screwdriver set as an overall winner because it combines titanium metal bits, masonry bits, wood bits and 40 screwdriver bits. The MS4091 91-piece and MS4065 65-piece mixed sets are also recommended in roundups.
Irwin
Irwin’s 29-piece M35 cobalt set is called a professional-grade pick by one roundup, and its 29-piece HSS set is listed as an economical choice. Irwin’s split-point designs are popular for starting holes accurately on metal.
Use and Safety Notes
- Wear eye protection and, in metal, gloves suited to hot swarf; clamp small workpieces rather than holding them by hand.
- Use the drill speed and lubricant recommended by the bit maker; slow speeds and cutting oil help in stainless steel.
- Do not use ordinary twist bits in an impact driver unless the maker marks them as impact-rated.
- Check for hidden wiring and pipes before drilling into walls, and use a stud or cable detector. If unsure about electrical wiring, consult an electrician.
- Replace bits that are chipped, blue from overheating or no longer cutting cleanly.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| DeWalt DW1361 | want a dependable general-purpose set for home projects |
| Milwaukee Shockwave | mostly drill with an impact driver |
| Bosch CO14B or Irwin M35 | drill stainless steel or other hard metals |
| Bosch 103-piece mixed set | want wood, metal, masonry and screwdriving bits in one box |
| Irwin 29-piece HSS or DeWalt DWA1181 | need many sizes in a budget set |
Alternatives to Consider
- Brad-point sets: for furniture and cabinetry where clean wood holes matter.
- Masonry-only sets: carbide-tipped bits for brick and concrete when you drill masonry often.
- Step bits and hole saws: better for sheet metal and larger holes than twist bits.
Before You Buy: A Practical Checklist
List the materials you drill most often. If the answer is mainly pine, plywood and plastic, a general titanium or black oxide set is enough, and money is better spent on a good case and a few extra sizes of the bits you wear out. If you drill steel brackets, metal studs or stainless fittings, add a small cobalt set rather than trying to make a general set cope. If you drill brick or block, pick up masonry bits sized for the plugs or anchors you use.
Then check how you drive them. A drill with a standard chuck accepts round and hex shanks, while an impact driver needs hex-shank bits intended for impact. If you use both tools, a set rated for impact use is the safer single purchase. Look at the case: a rigid, indexed case with clear size markings saves time and protects the tips, and a flimsy lid that pops open in a toolbox is a common complaint with cheap sets.
Finally, consider replacements. Small bits snap more often than large ones, so make sure the maker sells individual bits or refill packs for the sizes you use most. Keep a small bottle of cutting oil for metal work, and store bits dry so coatings and edges last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between black oxide and titanium drill bits?
Black oxide is a basic finish that reduces friction and rust, while titanium nitride adds surface hardness and wear resistance. Titanium-coated bits usually last longer in general drilling. Both are high-speed steel underneath.
Do I need cobalt drill bits?
Only if you drill stainless steel or other hard alloys regularly. Cobalt resists heat better than standard steel but is more brittle. For wood and light metal, a titanium or black oxide set is usually enough.
Can I use standard drill bits in an impact driver?
Not unless the maker states the bits are impact-rated. Standard twist bits can snap under impact. Look for hex shanks and impact-rated labels such as Milwaukee Shockwave.
How many pieces do I need in a drill bit set?
A 14 to 21-piece set usually covers household drilling. Larger kits add sizes and bit types, which is useful for varied projects. Count the sizes you actually use before paying for extras.
How do I know when a drill bit is dull?
A dull bit makes smoke, squeals, requires more pressure or produces rough holes and small shavings instead of ribbons. Check the tip for rounding or discolouration. Replace or resharpen it when this happens.
Can I drill concrete with a standard bit set?
No, concrete and brick need carbide-tipped masonry bits, often with a hammer drill. Standard metal and wood bits will dull or fail. Choose a mixed set such as the Bosch kits if you also need masonry capability.
