Drill Bits

5 Best Cobalt Drill Bit Reviews – Buying Guide

Cobalt drill bits come in all shapes and sizes for drilling. The markets have parades of these tools, and the materials they are made from help to determine the range of applications they can perform. In case you often need to drill into harder materials such as titanium and stainless steel, it is better to invest in cobalt drill bits.

Why will you buy the cobalt bits? A cobalt drill bit contains about 5% steel alloy and 8% cobalt. This enables the tool to withstand extreme temperatures without breaking or shuttering. So, it is stable, durable, and sharp drill bits.

Do you need to find the best cobalt drill bits? In this post, I’ll help you discover the 5 best products in the market. We will also look into the different types of cobalt drill bits and how to find the right one for your needs.

Model Preview Pieces Price
#1 COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit 15 Pieces
#2 DEWALT Cobalt Drill Bit Set (DWA1240) DEWALT DWA1240 14 Pieces
#3 Bosch CO14B 14 Pc. Cobalt M42 Drill Bit Set Bosch CO14B 14 Pieces
#4 Hymnorq Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Drill Bits Hymnorq Metric 13 Pieces
#5 Drill America M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set Drill America M35 29 Pieces

Top 5 Best Cobalt Drill Bits – Experts Pick

Let’s begin by finding out who makes the best quality cobalt drill bits. Several top-rated brands have done a lot of heavy lifting to provide the best tools in the market. Dive in to learn more about their products.

#1 COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set- 15pcs M35 High-Speed

best brand cobalt drill bits

I like starting my reviews with products I have tried and tested in person. The COMOWARE drill bit set is one I have in my toolbox, and I can tell you that it ticks all the right boxes as far as quality and overall performance is concerned. These drill bit set comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

These drill bits are grade M35, and this means they contain 5% cobalt. They are ideal for drilling through sturdy materials like cast iron, titanium, and stainless steel. You could also use them to bore holes in woods, plastics, and other softer materials.

The performance of the drill bits is also quite reliable. They have 135-degree split point tips that provide impressive penetration capacity. This tip angle allows the self-centering of the bits to eliminate walking. In return, your work becomes more manageable when boring through hard materials.

In case you are a freshman in using drills and drill bits, this is a set I highly recommend. The twist design enhances the cutting speed and also helps in clearing particles and chips much faster. This creates a clear view and makes it swift to complete applications that need higher levels of precision.

There is nothing not to love about this drill bit set for hardened steel, or metal. From features such as straight shanks and quality constructions to unmatched overall performance, you are guaranteed to get the best value for your money.

What we like
  • 15-piece drill bit kit with different sizes.
  • High heat resistance and penetration capacity.
  • Spiral flute with straight shank for great performance.
  • Designed to eliminate wandering or walking.
  • Plastic storage case included.
What we didn't like
  • This is not the most durable kit if you often drill through hard metal.

#2 DEWALT Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point, (DWA1240)

DeWALT bits

DeWalt is one of the most reputable manufacturers of hand and power tools in the world. This brand is a junior of Stanley Black & Decker Inc. The DWA1240 drill bit set is one of DeWalt’s best products, made from a unique blend of stainless steel and industrial-grade cobalt.

If you need the best brand cobalt drill bits with high-performance that are crafted to last, this is a product you must consider. Because it’s designed and made for maximum speed and long life. So, you will get excellent support from this drill bit.

You can use these bits to drill into both hardened steel, metal and wood. They are grade M35 and contain 5% cobalt. Moreover, the tools also feature a split-point tip with a 135-degree angle for enhanced stability when twisting and spinning your drill. The pilot point feature helps to reduce clogging and lock-ups when drilling through materials.

Something else you will love about the drill bits is that they provide excellent performance coupled with maximum speed. The package comes with 14 bits that range from 1/16″ to 3/8″. A plastic carry case is also included for convenient storage.

There is one drawback we noted when testing the cobalt drill bits. They heated up quickly, even when we used a lubricant. The storage case is also not as sturdy as what we expected from the brand, so you may have to invest in an alternate storage unit.

What we like
  • Great build-quality for maximum durability.
  • High-speed drill bits.
  • No bit wandering for better control.
  • Excellent for use on hard metal.
  • Dependable penetration capacity.
What we didn't like
  • The drill bits heat up slightly when boring through hard metal.
  • The storage case is not sturdy.

#3 Bosch CO14B 14 Pc. Cobalt M42 Drill Bit Set

best m42 cobalt drill bits

Bosch is another great brand that has been around since 1886. This German multinational technology company is renowned for producing some of the best power tools, household appliances, and automotive accessories in the market.

If you are looking for the best cobalt drill bits, here is Bosch CO14B. This drill bit set is ideal for anyone searching for tough cobalt drill bits that can bore into hard metal like cast iron, stainless steel, and titanium.

These are the best M42 cobalt drill bits with 8% cobalt. They are made for maximum heat resistance and durability. Compared to the standard M35 grade drill bits, these can last ten times longer. This assures you of getting an optimal bang for your bucks.

The thick web-helix design is another impressive feature that is worth mentioning. It ensures increased stability during tough applications that require maximum precision. It also helps with quick material removal to increase your chances of creating clean and accurate holes.

Whether you need sturdy drill bits for home machining, industrial operations, or construction projects, this is a product that will not disappoint. For the price, you get 14 durable and high-performance bits that are engineered to take on tough drilling tasks with remarkable ease.

Everything about the drill bits will knock you off your socks. Unfortunately, this brand did not do such a good job when designing the storage case. It is necessary to plan on getting another case that will provide safe and convenient storage for your drill bits.

What we like
  • M42 grade drill bits with 8% cobalt.
  • Built for maximum heat resistance and longevity.
  • Hardened tip for enhanced penetration capacity.
  • Thick web-helix design enhances stability.
  • Drill bits from a trusted brand.
What we didn't like
  • Cheaply made storage case.

#4 Hymnorq Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Heat Resistant Drill Bits

best carbide drill bits

There is something about lesser-known brands that draws me to them. Hymnorq may not be as popular as DeWalt or Bosch, although it is undoubtedly a brand that is gradually growing a grand following. Their Metric M35 twist drill bits caught our attention because of all the good reviews the set has attracted.

These are sturdy, durable, reliable, yet affordable bits. The 13 piece set of drill bits is grade M35, with 5% cobalt. They range from 1.5mm to 6.5mm, so you get all the standard sizes that are frequently used during drilling applications. These drill bits have a Rockwell hardness of about 67 for enhanced durability and efficient cutting.

The set of twist drill bits have a heavy-duty construction. One of the prime perks of that spiral design is that it accelerates the pace of material removal, allowing you to have an easy time creating accurate holes. The straight shank, on the other hand, helps to eliminate walking or wandering problems.

Several simple tips can help you make the most out of your metric drill bits. First, use a low-speed RPM and vertical drilling techniques when boring through hard metals. It is also crucial to use lubricants because this will help reduce the chances of your drill bits breaking when in use.

There are also some options (bit size and pcs) for buying it. Moreover, these best cobalt drill bits for metal come at affordable prices. So, before purchasing this set, make sure your drill’s speed is adjustable. But if you need a drill bit for masonry drilling, you should check out these drill bits for concrete.

What we like
  • M35 grade with 5% cobalt for enhanced strength.
  • Straight shank helps to reduce wandering.
  • Excellent drill bits for metalworking.
  • Twist design speeds up material removal for accurate drilling.
  • Affordable price.
What we didn't like
  • These drill bits must be operated at low RPMs to prevent breaking.

#5 Drill America M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set, DWDCO Series

Drill America M35 bits

It’s hard to find a cobalt drill bit set that beats the Drill America DWDCO performance-wise. These bits deliver the highest tensile drilling strength and are excellent for tough applications. You can use them to bore into stainless steel, Inconel and titanium.

The best part is that they have an abrasion-resistant construction that makes them drill about 30% faster than other drill bits. Another remarkable feature is the heavy-duty split-point tip that ensures easy penetration into the hardest of surfaces. The penetration capacity of these bits makes it unnecessary to pre-drill holes into your surfaces.

Something else that is likely to work to your benefit is that the chips produced when drilling is smaller in size. This dramatically reduces the risk of clogging and increases your ability to create clean holes with unmatched accuracy.

And another unique feature with these tools is that they have a gold oxide coating that enhances their appearance and makes them more heat resistant. The finish also lubricates the bits for easier penetration into metals, without walking.

For those in search of a versatile drill bit kit, this is an ideal product to buy. It is a 29 piece set that has various bit sizes for different applications. Craftsmen and professional contractors will find this to be a huge bonus. The only drawback is that this product comes with a cheaply constructed carry case.

What we like
  • Drill bits can be 30% faster than others.
  • High tensile drilling strength, ideal for tough jobs.
  • Heavy-duty split-point tips.
  • Great penetration capacity.
  • Unmatched heat resistance and durability.
What we didn't like
  • Has a cheaply made carry case.

What Are the Different Types of Cobalt Drill Bits?

There are four types of cobalt drill bits that differ mainly in their tip design, shank style, and length. It is crucial to understand your options in detail for you to find a product that is best for your needs.

Twist Cobalt Drill Bits

If you are searching for a cobalt drill bit that can be used on all sorts of surfaces and materials, then you should choose the twist version. It is the sturdiest and most versatile, so it comes in handy during different operations. Twist bits also come in a range of sizes and shapes to make them a perfect match for various applications.

The strength of twist cobalt bits complements their short length. These two features help to reduce the risk of the tool breaking, spinning, or twisting while in use. Some bits have a bronze oxide or gold coating to make them even more resistant to heat.

Counterbore Cobalt Drill Bits

These types of bits feature a flat bottom design, with a small hole at the center that cuts through all kinds of surfaces. Counterbores are mainly ideal for drilling through plastics and wood. It is best not to use them to dig through metals because they may break.

Another unique feature is that counterbore bits are made from cobalt steel and have no coating. This allows high-speed drilling to protect plastic, wooden, or other soft surfaces from unnecessary damage.

Countersink Cobalt Drill Bits

In case your primary goals are to drill through wood, it is best to choose countersink drill bits. They have a tapered fastener head that enhances their stability and eliminates spinning or twisting when the bits are installed in a power tool.

Countersink and counterbore drill bits can be used interchangeably in some occasions, although they differ in their shape as well as in the shape and size of the holes they make.

Step Cobalt Drill Bits

None of the drill bits mentioned above can beat step bits when working on metals. These step drill bits can penetrate deep into the metal with remarkable ease. The stepped design also makes it possible for users to drill all kinds of holes that differ in diameter.

Because the drill bits have an unmatched penetrating capacity, you can also use them for boring through wooden surfaces.

Considerations While Buying a Cobalt Drill Bit for Yourself

There are more than a few prime reasons to invest in cobalt drill bits. They are durable, highly versatile, and have higher heat resistance. Let me guide you through the key aspects to consider when searching for an ideal product.

Main Usage

Drill bits can enhance the overall performance of your power tools. This fact alone makes a good number of shoppers too excited that they forget the main reasons why they need cobalt drill bits.

Consider the type of materials you typically drill into and also affirm that you have a high-speed drill. Also, ensure that the bits you choose are compatible with your power tool.

Length

The length of a drill bit plays a critical role in dictating its overall longevity. In this case, more length means less toughness and less durability. If you need drill bits that can last longer, choose the shorter ones. They can resist breaking, spinning, and twisting, even when drilling into hard metals.

Size

The size of a cobalt drill bit is another crucial aspect to consider. A good number of drill bit sets come with a range of drill bit sizes. If you choose to invest in such sets, make sure the kit you purchase has the bit sizes you commonly use.

Shape

You have heard that drill bits come in different shapes and sizes. Well, the shape and size of a cobalt drill bit can influence its usage. It is imperative first to find out whether a specific product has a 145-degree, 140-degree, 135-degree, 120-degree, or 90-degree angle.

For instance, you need a drill bit with a larger tip angle when drilling through hard metal. The correct tip angle will eliminate “wandering” or “walking” concerns when the cobalt drill bit slides across a metal surface.

Tip Point Design

Another critical aspect to consider when purchasing cobalt drill bits is their tip point design. This determines the penetration capacity of the bit.

You can choose from brad point, split point, V point, fish point, and tapered point designs. The split point drill bit is a top choice for most people because it tends to have reliable penetration capacity.

Budget

Certain aspects play a leading role in dictating the cost of cobalt drill bits. These aspects include their brand, the number of pieces in a specific kit, and also the quality of materials used in creating the bits. Because you only get what you pay for, do not be tempted to settle for the cheapest product you can find.

Final Words:

This post is just a guide to simplify the process of finding the best cobalt drill bit sets. In the end, you must make a personalized decision after considering your project needs and comparing the quality of different products.

We have highlighted the top 5 cobalt drill bits in today’s markets. These products are durable and can cut through various surfaces with remarkable ease.

Now that you have all-rounded information about who makes the best cobalt drill bits. So, you can easily pick an ideal kit for your applications.

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