Although not technically “bits,” these Milwaukee hole saws are still great for drilling or working with glass. Thanks to large slug ejection slots it’s easy to clear them out after each hole, and the 1/4-inch quick-change hex shank is super convenient. They’re also heat-resistant so they’re designed to last, even when cutting extra-hard materials.

Cobalt drill bits are used for general applications that don’t require high hardness drilling.They work well on hardwood, plywood, plastic, and metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and other ferrous metals.

You should also think about what type of glass drill bit is best for you and your project. There are standard tungsten carbide glass drill bits with spear-shaped tips and diamond-coated glass drill bits are more durable, but typically more expensive. If you plan on doing a lot of glass drilling and don’t want to worry about wearing out your bit, go with a diamond option.

Drilling through hard material can be a difficult task for the drill bit. It would help if you had the right tool to do this. While we often hear that solid carbide drill bits are a better solution for hardened steel, others believe that cobalt drilling bits are also irreplaceable for drilling stainless steel. To find the right drill bit for you, let’s look at our comparison between cobalt and carbide drill bits.

The spear-shaped tip of this Kobalt bit allows it to power through glass safely and effectively, and the 1/4-inch size is a good all-around for a variety of household projects. The hex shank is convenient for most drills and quick-change adapters, too.

It is crucial to choose the right drill bit for your job. It is crucial that the drill bit matches the material, the diameter, and the volume of the work. The right choice will increase productivity and extend the life of your drill bit.

These carbide Bosch bits and their self-centering tips are the perfect choice for those looking for an effective bit set that's relatively inexpensive. Their tips reduce the chance of any frustrating “walking” on your project, which is especially useful when working with decorative or stained glass.

Cobalt drill bits are primarily made from high-speed steel with 5–8% cobalt added. This combination improves the heat and wear resistance of the drill bit, making it durable.

Carbide bits are harder than cobalt bits. They also tend to last longer and retain their shape better. They are also more costly. You can sharpen carbide drill bits with special tools or diamond grinding wheels. They are not recommended for hand drilling as they can easily lose their shape. Carbide drill bits are generally ten times more expensive than cobalt bits.

Cobalt and carbide drill bits are good choices for high performance drill bits. Carbide drill bits are more expensive than cobalt drill bits and with more performance. Also, they both support self-centering and suitable for precision drilling.

Für einen guten Spiralbohrer sollte auch die geeignete Bohrmaschine besorgt werden. Es muss alles gut zusammenpassen. Aber guter Beitrag zum Materialunterschied.

We’re also big fans of the large, clear size markings on the sides of the bits that make it easy to find the one you want.

Tungsten carbide is a composite material produced by powder metallurgy and composed of refractory metal compounds (hard phase) and bonding metals (bonding phase).

Carbide drill bits are with the best performance on the market right now. They are perfect for high precision and long tool life when cutting hardened and tough materials. Conversely, this is the material of choice when cobalt drill bits aren’t up to the task.

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Carbide drill bits are the hardest and best choice for long tool life and abilities to drill hardened steel along with other difficult-to-machine materials. However, they are very expensive so they are normally used in high-volume industrial applications involving high-precision and mass production.

Carbide-cutting tools are used on CNC machines for precision and high-volume production. However, in applications that don’t require extremely high cutting volumes, the cobalt drill bits will be more cost-effective since they much much cheaper.

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For more great drilling tools, check out our top picks for the best masonry drill bits, cordless drills, and impact drivers.

This 3/8-inch bit is a great all-around choice for glasswork — and bonus, it's also designed for use with tile and natural stone. Unlike more delicate options, this bit can be used in hammer mode when working with stone, making it even more functional (just don’t use hammer mode with glass).

A convenient zippered storage case keeps all your bits organized and easy to find when you need them. The only caveat is that they aren’t designed for small holes.

For those who use a Dremel to work on glass crafting projects—like sea glass or beads—these extra-small drill bits and included collet will have you covered. With 20 identical 2mm bits, this set is perfect for busy craft or jewelry makers who don’t want to worry about replacing worn-down bits. Keep in mind that these bits must be used with water as a lubricant and are not for dry drilling.

We’ve used several types of glass drill bits for stained glass projects and to create outlet holes in glass work desks, and have come to understand what makes them so valuable. Our experience and comprehensive knowledge of drill bits in general informed our selection. We did our best to choose brands that we have come to know and trust over the years, like Milwaukee and Bosch, and exclude any that we have had quality control issues with in the past. We also made sure to include a good variety of types, sizes, and prices, so hopefully you’ll be able to find the one that best suits your needs.

Tungsten carbide is approximately twice as hard as steel, with a Young’s modulus of around 530–700 GPa, and is double the density of steel. It is one of the most rigid materials, only second to diamond.

The first thing to consider when choosing a glass drill bit is the size of the hole you’re making. Pro tip: In addition to the correct size bit, buy one that's slightly smaller to drill a pilot hole. As a rule of thumb, 1/8-inch is a good pilot hole size for smaller tasks. If you’re planning on drilling especially large holes, you might need to use a hole saw. These are tube-shaped saws that actually remove a circular section of glass, instead of drilling it away.

Cobalt bits are less expensive than carbide drill bits. Cobalt bits are also self-centering, which makes them ideal for precision drilling. These drill bits are used for drilling non-ferrous material and in industrial applications.

Cobalt drill bits are low in melting point so they won’t burn your hands. They are also suitable for drilling cast iron and steel. They can wear down if they are overused or used for high-speed drilling. You’ll need them to be sharpened regularly.

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

Cobalt drill bits are better for lower-volume work since they are much cheaper yet also provide good performance for woodworking, metalworking, and fabrication. If you are a hobbyist to do DIY at home or using hand drills or manual drill press for your work, then these bits are more cost-effective choice.

Kobalt's 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects is a definite plus. Be sure to lubricate with water to extend the bit's lifespan — and ensure the best results.

Creating a hole in a piece of glass might seem difficult, but with a power drill and glass drill bit, it’s actually pretty easy to accomplish. Unlike typical drill bits that can easily crack or shatter your workpiece, glass drill bits are designed with extremely hard tips. They're made with either tungsten carbide or a diamond coating to create uniform holes in glass, as well as in other brittle materials like ceramic, stone, or tile. Glass drill bits require a little more finesse to use than wood or masonry drill bits (having a good cordless drill helps) but with a little practice you’ll be prepared to tackle a wide variety of craft and home DIY projects.

This 10-piece hole saw set offers an impressive range of bit sizes for a lower price than similar diamond sets. They’re easy to use as well, thanks to the included foam guide. It helps to keep your saw from moving around while you work and contains water being used as lubricant.

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The main difference between carbide and cobalt drills is their different materials. Carbide drill bits are made from tungsten carbide, while cobalt drill bits are made from high-speed steel with cobalt mixed into the alloy.

This six-piece bit set is designed for tackling a wide range of small drilling tasks — and costs less than $10. The spear-pointed design allows for use on range of materials in addition to glass, and reduces the chance of breakout on the rear of the workpiece. The bits are available in five- and eight-piece versions, as well.

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