Whether you are a homeowner or a professional, step drill bits are one of the most useful additions to any toolbox. If you haven’t run across one, these might look weird at first, but they are absolutely necessary when you want to drill through a piece sheet metal.
So, with the best step drill bits, you can not only make holes but also widen them in a wide range of sizes. That’s why they don’t have the standard design that you are probably used to seeing. Also, it has a total of nine various sizes, with each of the steps correspond to a different measurement.
However, if you plan on widening an existing hole, this is where the step drill bit is really going to shine. But for drilling a lot of identical holes, I would suggest you go with a normal bit like a hardened steel drill bit.
| Model | Preview | Bit Pieces | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 CO-Z 5pcs Hss Step Drill Bit Set |  |
5 Piece | |
| #2 COMOWARE Step Drill Bit Set (Best Value) |  |
6 Piece | |
| #3 HYCLAT Titanium Step Drill Bit Set |  |
5 Piece | |
| #4 Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set |  |
3 Piece | |
| #5 DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set |  |
1 Piece |
Top 5 Best Step Drill Bits – Expert Picks
If you want to complete a clean modification or want to drill different sizes of holes, have a look at our list of top 5 step drill bit reviews and buying guides.
#1 CO-Z 5pcs Hss Step Drill Bit Set
If you want to drill smooth holes on metal, you can rely on the CO-Z step drill bit set to provide faster and smoother holes. These are also known as Uni-bit, and if you can only afford one set, these may be the best step drill bit sets for you.
There are a lot of applications where this set would be the right tool for the job. They work really well on thin material, but that doesn’t mean they lack the toughness for thicker materials. The bits are made from high-speed cobalt steel and have a titanium coating that ensures outstanding sharpness and durability.
With the package, you will get five pieces of step drill bits, which can easily replace 50 different drill bits. That’s the perk of owning a stepped bit because they can drill holes of various sizes. Since the drill bits are cobalt with titanium coating, they can retain their sharpness for a long time.
These bits can drill sheet metals like a hot knife on butter. The holes are smooth and round, and thanks to the two-fluted design, you will get faster cuts every time. Compared to conventional bits, they are nearly impossible to snap. However, keep in mind that these are not compatible with a hammer drill.
Also, you should not set the drilling speed too high or else it will damage the cutting edge. Finally, it comes in a well-organized box that you can use to store the bits securely. The box can also be used to transport the bits, which is a must-have for HVAC lovers and DIY enthusiasts.
- HSS step drill bits.
- Stays sharp for a long time.
- Minimal shocks and highly durable.
- It comes with a storage box.
- Not meant for heavy-duty use.
#2 COMOWARE Step Drill Bit Set
Our second pick is a COMOWARE step drill bit set that can be used for drilling PVC, plastic, wood, metal, and aluminum. This step bit set comes with an automatic punching needle that can be used to precisely locate the reaming hole and is convenient to use. The hole surface that the bits create is smooth without burr.
You can also install them on a household lithium-ion drill for drilling wooden or plastic boards. To ensure outstanding durability, these high-speed steel bits are titanium coated that also helps reduce friction, retain sharpness for a long time and run cooler than ordinary bits.
From professional HVAC work to home DIY projects, these bit sets are ideal for processing different kinds of diameter holes. For a cleaner drilling operation, the bits have split point tip design that is angled at 118 degrees. So, it increases the wear resistance of the bits and allows for a longer lifespan.
Instead of one, this one has a two-flute design that allows material particles to escape easily, creating smoother and rounder holes. Just like the previous set, this bit also comes in a well-organized box. It has a size index for easy organizing and storage. This bot holder is must-have if you want to keep all the bits properly organized.
Finally, let’s talk about the brand. This manufacturer is famous for making spade drill bits, titanium cobalt bits, and countersink drill bits, and other kinds of cutting tools. The Hex shank fits easily and securely into all name brand power tools. In short, this bit set is the perfect choice for a wide range of applications.
- Faster cutting speed.
- Versatile drill bit set.
- Laser engraved sizes.
- Easy organizing toolbox.
- The bits tend to wear out quicker.
#3 HYCLAT Titanium Step Drill Bit Set
HYCLAT Titanium Step Drill Bit Set comes with five pieces of stepped drill bits and an automatic center punch. The bits are specifically constructed for high-speed work featuring a double flute and ant-slip design. This ensures smooth holes and a clean drilling area.
If you want quality at a low price, this is the ideal drill bit set to go with. These bits have some sort of coating or anodizing that makes these look like cobalt, but they are not. However, for the price, the quality is great, and these are decent bits for the price. You can use them in a hand drill or a drill press.
Keep in mind that these are titanium steel bits, but not cobalt. For most thin sheet metals, these would be more than adequate. You can easily cut through 1/8-inch steel like butter, and they do work as advertised. If you want to keep the bits from overheating, always use cutting oil before you start drilling.
The set comes with a sturdy case that you can use to store the bits securely. The protective aluminum case keeps the drill from going dull. Last but not least, let’s talk about the center punch. This spring-loaded, high-impact, automatic center punch delivers a strike by adjusting the cap.
This brass body has a knurled surface to give you non-slip control. To make this center punch stronger than a normal one, this one features a carbide tip. For the price, it’s really hard to beat this set considering the quality you will be getting from them.
- Good value for the money.
- It comes with an aluminum protective case.
- Spring-loaded automatic center punch.
- Anti-slip design for high-speed work.
- Not cobalt bits.
#4 Neiko 10193A Titanium Step Drill Bit Set
Here is another titanium drill bit set from Neiko that comes in a 3-piece set, This step bit is made from traditional HSS with titanium coating. They feel heavy and solid. If you work with truck frames, you know they can easily kill a lot of drill bits. But that’s not the case with this one. You can drill thick frames several times before they wear out.
If you are looking for the best step drill bit for metal, this bit set is a perfect choice. They are made for heavy-duty drilling and are ideal for automotive work. Try running a small drill bit first and then finish it up with these bits. They will work better this way.
To prevent walking, these bits feature a 135-degree split point self-centering tip, and that also increases cutting speed. The two-flute design bits allow material particles to escape easily, and this design clears away chips faster than single flute bits.
The shanks on these are tri-flatted, which allows them to chuck securely into power tools. This design also eliminates slip even if you use a higher speed setting. These three stepped drill bits can easily replace 26 different sized bits, which save you time and money.
If you are looking for a set that can handle multiple drilling applications, look no further than the Neiko 10193A step drill bit set. The best part about these bits is the ability to feel each step. You can easily stop the bit and won’t have to worry about drilling wider than you need to.
- High-speed steel bits with titanium coating.
- Ideal for heavy-duty usage.
- Laser engraved step marking.
- Tri-flatted hex for a secure fit.
- You need to be extra careful with the stepping.
#5 DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set
DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set is the best one which set features an advanced dual spiral flue design that gives these bits long life and optimal performance. On the top, the bits have a splint point tip design for faster cuts and holes. I keep this step bit in the last of our list because of the price. It’s costly than others.
We know that DEWALT is a trendy brand in the tools industry. So, it is also an excellent tool for drill machines. This step bit is made of titanium. You don’t need any pilot holes as the tips can start on contact and get the job done fast. On the bottom, they have ¼-inch hex shank that is optimized for impact drilling.
DeWalt calls it their IMPACT READY hex shank, which allows you to use the bits with rotary drill/drivers. These step bits last longer than ordinary bits even when used with impact drivers or rotary drills.
The step markings are laser engraved that allows you to see better when drilling. If you are tired of using cheap bits and looking for a more expensive option that you can rely on, DeWalt is the brand to go with.
If you want to make these bits last, use cutting oil. This will reduce friction and heat. The only feature that sets these bits apart is the Impact Ready feature. You won’t usually see this feature on other tools of this sort.
- High-quality drill bit set.
- Impact ready hex shank.
- Faster cutting speed.
- Cobalt bits with titanium coating.
- It would be better if the steps were a little farther apart.
How to Use A Step Drill Bit?
Let’s say, for example, you have a flat washer that is incompatible with the bolt that you have. But if you want to drill in concrete, you should use a masonry drill bit.
Rather than driving down to the store, wasting time and gas, and buying a different flat washer, you could make the hole wider with a step bit. Here is how you can do that.
- First, clamp the washer in the vice
- Insert your step bit to your drilling machine
- Measure the hole size
- Mark the depth on your drill bit using a permanent marker
- Start the machine and widen the hole to the corresponding size
It can be done in a matter of seconds. However, the biggest limitation with step bits, in general, is the overall drilling depth. Whenever you are working with thicker material, it is necessary to drill halfway, flip it over and repeat on the other side.
This is how you can effectively double your drilling depth. Keep in mind that when dealing with very thick metal, or another material and if the thickness is more than twice the depth of your drill bit, these bits won’t be effective in that case.
While they are not meant for your daily drilling work, if you have a particular job that these bits were designed, nothing else can do the job as effective as the stepped drill bits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Step bits are like your regular bits that can be used to create holes and also widen existing ones. Since you have the option to create holes in a wide range of sizes, you are not stuck with only one size.
If you buy them for their intended purpose, nothing comes close to them in terms of efficiency and getting the work done.
Step drill bits are machine forged piece of metal that have specific steps for drilling specific width holes. If you look closely, you can see markings on the bit. The best part is, you don’t need any pilot bit to start drilling.
Conclusion:
Whether you want to enlarge the hole in your washer or want to drill metal sheet plates precisely, you need the best step drill bits. In fact, you need to buy several of these in different sizes if you are a professional. Because of every day, you need to drill in metal with different sizes.
So, I gave you a full buying guide with step drill bit reviews, but the choice is yours. From taking a 1/2-inch taper tap to drilling a ¾ hole through steel, they really come in handy. You can also perform other modifications in your garage with them. In my book, they are worth the investment.
