When it comes to enlarging hotels in metal materials, a step bit like the ones in this five-piece kit from Comoware is the tool for the job. This kit features five different sets of bits, each with a series of steps, totaling 50 sizes from one kit. Sizes range from ⅛-inch to 1 ⅜-inch wide.

When looking for a set of high-quality drill bits for metal, you may want to consider the Irwin 63137 set of bits. Made from cobalt high-speed steel, they’re designed specifically for hardened steel. They have 135-degree split-point tips, helping them to resist walking when starting a hole. They also resist wear and heat, making them a solid choice for drilling through metal materials. Bit sizes range from 1/16 to ½ inch wide, and the bits larger than ⅜ inch wide have reduced shanks.

The best way to drill through thick metals is to use a drill press rather than a handheld drill—a press best achieves a clean, smooth hole. Be sure to drill slowly and use cutting fluid to lubricate the bit, too. Let the bit cool down every few minutes to keep it from overheating and breaking.

Available in several grades, each with at least 10.5 percent chromium, stainless steel is popular because of its low maintenance, high sheen, and resistance to stains and rust. DIYers and trade professionals often need to drill stainless steel to complete a variety of electrical, plumbing, and automotive projects. Whether you’re expanding the size of a junction box punch-out or boring out a broken bolt, having the right drill bit matters. Drill bits built to work on softer material, like wood, won’t do the trick against stainless steel. Luckily, manufacturers design special drill bits capable of puncturing even the hardest grade of stainless steel.

A rubber-reinforced carrying case protects the drill bits from accidental drops and makes organization and transportation a snap. These drill bits work well on stainless steel and last a long time.

The bits didn’t cut quite as fast as some of the other drill bits in the test, but they did retain their edge nicely. They also didn’t walk at all when starting the bit, and the tap size chart inside the kit could definitely come in handy. What we didn’t like was the fact that every bit, despite its size, features a rounded shank. But the sturdy case with a spring-loaded latch ensures this kit stays shut, and the rubber molding on the case can prevent it from slipping off of a work surface.

Home improvement centers often dedicate an entire aisle to drill bits, which come in a plethora of types and sizes for drilling holes in a variety of materials. Many drill bits can pierce through more than one type of material, but not all drill bits can drill through metal without heating up and snapping in half. Labels on drill bits indicate the type of material for which they’re suited, so it’s easy enough to find ones that are designed to drill metal. Depending on the type of metal the user is drilling through, some bits suit the task better than others.

In testing, the Bosch M42 drill bits made drilling a pleasure thanks to their unique combination of design features. The M42 alloy itself allowed the bits to hold their sharp edge longer than others we tested, which meant more holes with less work stoppage to resharpen. The split-point design was easy to sharpen when needed and only required two or three additional passes on the grinder compared to M35 bits from other sets. The 3-flat shank was fast and easy to chuck securely, and we never had to worry about the bit slipping or becoming stuck in the work surface.

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It’s not a bad idea to clean drill bits after using them. After drilling, wipe away any residue on the bit with a soft cloth and then rub a bit of cutting fluid on it before storing it.

Though drill bits for stainless steel pull heavier duty, they are also made of more durable materials. Regularly maintained and properly stored, these kinds of drill bits may last a lifetime.

Folks who need to drill a few holes in some metal surfaces but don’t want to break the bank on a set of expensive drill bits may prefer the DeWalt DWA1184 black and gold drill bit set. This set of all-purpose bits can drill wood, plastic, or metal and features 135-degree split-point tips to help prevent walking.

The added cobalt content makes these drill bits harder and more resistant to heat buildup than a typical HSS bit, giving them much greater durability. Also, unlike carbide tips or titanium coatings, cobalt drill bits can be resharpened when the tip becomes worn. These bits offer precision to users who drill stainless steel and other hard materials.

This kit comes with 14 bits from 1/16 inch to ½ inch, all of which are made of high-speed steel. The smaller bits have rounded shanks while the larger bits have no-spin shanks. Each bit features the brand’s “black and gold” coating designed to keep them from rusting. Everything stores away in a see-through case, helping to keep the bits organized and easy to find.

If converting fractions of an inch to the metric system seems like no fun, this 19-piece drill bit set can help. Not only are these Stroton bits metrically sized in increments of 0.5 millimeters, from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, they also feature a unique three-stepped pilot-point design that penetrates stainless steel without traveling across the flat surface. The bits are constructed of tough M42 cobalt alloy steel for improved durability.

We did dislike that the smaller bits have rounded shanks, as they can be a pain, particularly when the bit is about to drill all the way through the material. However, the large bits have no-spin shanks and do a great job of staying in place. The tips stayed sharp making hole after hole, and they remained cool to the touch during use (while using cutting oil).

These tips got into the material quickly and smoothly transitioned out to the full diameter of the bit. The edges held up remarkably well compared to M35 bits, but the tip design called for greater care when it finally came time to sharpen. We had to work slowly using extra caution to maintain the multitier tip profile.Though the thin plastic case is nothing to brag about, the size indexing was easy to read.

The Bosch bits’ tapered tips can quickly penetrate the metal, balance the bit, and produce a clean, even hole. The set includes 21 bits ranging in size from 1/16 inch to ½ inch and is packaged in a plastic storage case.

Drill bit coatings affect how a drill bit operates. Most metal drill bits are usually coated with titanium or black oxide. This coating is designed to reduce friction, which keeps the drill bit from heating up and eventually breaking. Because the coating reduces friction, it can also help increase drill speed.

Through hands-on testing, we found a number of drill bit sets that rise above the competition and help make holes in myriad metals. Some of the results were truly surprising. For those of you working on a project that requires drilling through metal, read on to learn about the factors to consider before shopping for the best drill bits for metal.

Tom Scalisi has been in the trades for over two decades. He loves to share his knowledge of construction, home improvement, tools, techniques, and products with the readers of Bob Vila, This Old House, Family Handyman, and even his pest control blog.

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In our tests, we appreciated the Milwaukee step bits’ ability to drill precise holes without a center punch using a handheld drill. They tapped into the stainless steel quickly and worked smoothly. We also noted how easily they worked to enlarge existing holes—a task that’s nearly impossible to do well with regular twist drill bits. Sharpening the bits was surprisingly easy but required a completely different technique than twist bits. We used a diamond sharpening stone to flatten the smaller flute edge, and it only took about 5 minutes.

The DeWalt 14-piece Industrial Cobalt Alloy drill bit set is built for working on hard stainless steel, with features to prevent bit breakage, shank slippage, and travel on the work surface. The set includes 14 bits made of durable M35 cobalt alloy steel. It includes the most popular bit sizes from 0.0625 inch to 0.375 inch. Pilot points make it easy to start drilling precisely where the hole needs to be, while the 3-flat shank design prevents slipping in the drill chuck.

Look for the words “metal drilling bit” on the package, followed by a list of metals the bit is designed to puncture. Here are a few additional tips that will help drill smoother holes and keep bits in tip-top shape.

While we don’t have an immediate use for a dozen ¼-inch drill bits, we do like that a full-time shop can order enough bits from Drill Hulk to replace their most commonly used sizes without purchasing a whole kit that contains unneeded sizes. However, we did notice that these bits can walk slightly, despite the 135-degree split point.

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.

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These bits are made for hard use. Their construction is durable, retaining an edge while drilling through thick ¼-inch steel. The no-spin shank prevented the chuck from slipping, boring right through the metal without stopping. They also stayed cool while drilling.

This set of M42 cobalt drill bits from Drill America includes 29 pieces from 0.0625 inch to 0.5 inch in 0.015625-inch increments. The bits are finished with gold oxide, which acts as a built-in lubricant to minimize heat, making this one of the best choices for a long working life when drilling tough metals. Each bit is made of high-grade M42 cobalt alloy steel and features a split point and straight shaft.

Folks who want to be ready for tough steel drilling projects that might come up should consider these cobalt bits from Bosch. The kit includes 14 bits ranging in size from 0.0625 inch to 0.5 inch. They are made of M42 cobalt alloy steel, which is one of the best bit materials for drilling hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, or titanium. The bits feature easy-to-sharpen split points and 3-flat shanks for easy, secure chucking into the drill. They also feature thicker threading than other twist bits, which helps them remove material more efficiently in less time.

We liked the compact round carry case that these bits come in. The screw-on top held securely and seemed to be watertight after we accidentally dropped it in a puddle. However, the bit-size indexing was all but impossible to read. Although the large quantity of bits makes the set heavy, this would be a good choice for carrying to project sites where precision drilling is required.

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.

The Drill America bits offered a similar drilling experience as our Best Overall pick because of their similar design features, but this set boasts improved durability thanks to a higher cobalt content. Both sets offered the same drill-bit size assortment, round shank, and 135-degree split-point construction. The Drill America bits remained noticeably sharper after an equal number of test holes, but they required three or four more passes on the grinder to sharpen.

In our stainless steel drilling tests, these Milwaukee bits surprised us with noticeably faster, more precise penetration into the steel. The elevated pilot point, which is visibly shorter and narrower than others tested, seemed to offer the best balance of accurate placement and rapid material removal. We also noted that the center point did not get in the way of sharpening like some of the other pilot-point bits. Plus, Milwaukee’s hard plastic carry case was our favorite of the entire test group. It held the bits more securely, offered easy-to-read size indexing, and was easy to open and close securely. If the bit size assortment were more comprehensive, this set could have been our Best Overall pick.

In some project settings, a single step drill bit can replace an entire set of twist bits. Step bits offer the advantage of fast, clean precision drilling into thin stainless steel or sheet metal without the need to change between different bit sizes. Each one of the three cobalt step drill bits in Milwaukee’s set is engineered to drill up to 1,000 holes into 14-gauge steel. They feature a rapid strike tip for fast starts without a center punch, elongated dual flutes to minimize heat, and finer step increments for smoother operation. Hole sizes are laser engraved inside the flutes for easy reference.

We really liked the effectiveness of the pilot-point design. Instead of using a punch to mark the starting point and reduce bit travel, the pilot point allowed us to start drilling directly into the flat surface. However, due to its multitiered structure, we noted that the pilot point complicates the process of sharpening the bit. We worked through it slowly and with extra caution, we achieved satisfactory results.

Add a drop or two of lubricating oil to the bit and then grab the broken end of its shank with a pair of pliers. Twist counterclockwise to remove the bit.

We found the 135-degree split tip to be very easy to sharpen. Also, the steel carry case proved durable and well organized with easy-to-read size indexing, although it weighed more than the heavy-duty plastic cases used by competitors. It’s probably best to keep this set in the shop and use a smaller set for traveling work.

With the above considerations in mind, we selected the following drill bits as our top picks for drilling stainless steel. Read on to find out the details on each set, how they performed in our drilling tests, and why we included them among the best drill bits for stainless steel.

These bits did a fine job of drilling through our test materials. They didn’t walk when we started the holes, and they bored through the metal at a reasonable pace. The case itself has a cheap plastic tab to keep it shut, but otherwise, it does a good job of keeping these bits safe and organized. They stayed cool while drilling and retained their sharp edges even after several holes. Our biggest complaint is the rounded shank, as the small bits did spin a bit in the chuck.

Milwaukee Cobalt Red Helix drill bits make it easy to drill into hard stainless steel. This set includes 15 bits made of M35 cobalt alloy steel. They feature pilot points for fast, precise surface penetration without a center punch or pilot hole and 3-flat shanks to eliminate the hassle of bits spinning in the chuck. Bit sizes range from 0.0625 inch to 0.375 inch.

In addition to ultrahard materials and protective coatings, drill bit users who seek longevity should ensure the bit can be sharpened. While drill bits infused with carbide or cobalt keep their edge longer than a standard bit, investing in a set for life often means resharpening the dull drill bits over time.

It depends on what kind of metal you’re drilling through. Titanium bits are suitable for drilling through soft metals such as aluminum, while cobalt bits are better suited for drilling through hard metals like cast iron.

Most drill bits are made from HHS, cobalt, or carbide. A bit’s material can influence how effective it is at drilling through different kinds of metals.

Not all drill bits achieve results in the same way. To identify the best drill bits for stainless steel, learning about characteristics like material, coating, frequency of use, and drill bit number are critical. Read on to learn the factors to consider as you search for the best drill bits for your projects that involve stainless steel.

With loads of available bits for hard metal applications, finding the right drill bits for stainless steel can be challenging. We spent more than 40 hours researching the best materials and designs used to make these bits, selecting our top picks, and then testing our picks in the workshop. Read on to find out what makes a durable and effective drill bit for stainless steel, our selection criteria, and how our selections performed in testing.

Then we moved to some heavier-duty 7-gauge flat stock, again testing how each bit made it through the test. We did our best to maintain similar speeds and pressure throughout each portion of every test. Afterward, we did our best to hand sharpen each of the larger bits with a file. The bits that passed these tests were given awards based on their strengths.

The 3-flat shanks of these bits eliminate slippage in the drill chuck. The combination of secure chucking, easy starting, and smooth operation make these bits an excellent choice for use in cordless drills at low speed for hard stainless steel or higher speed for mild steel. The kit includes Milwaukee’s #1, #4, and #9 step bits. The #1 drills from 0.125-inch to 0.5-inch holes in steps of 0.03125 inch. The #4 bit makes holes 0.1875 inch to 0.875 inch in 0.0625-inch steps. The #9 bit drills 0.875-inch to 1.125-inch holes in 0.0625-inch steps.

There’s only one good way to test drill bits for metal: We needed to put some holes in some metal! We grabbed some scraps of metal off our welding cart, chucked some bits into our drill, and started drilling.

Titanium carbonitride (TiCN) is likely the most durable metal coating available. TiCN bits are blue-gray. Their coating makes them incredibly resistant to wear and capable of enduring high-speed and high-frequency use.

Titanium nitride (TiN) protects high-speed drill bits. Distinctive for their golden color, TiN-coated drill bits are ideal for high-speed drills. The coating provides the ancillary benefit of being ultradurable, making them an excellent value for consumers who intend high-frequency use.

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.

One of the best features of the Irwin 29-piece set is the range of sizes available. Each bit increases by 1/64-inch increments between 1/16 and ½ inch, meaning there is a bit for almost any size hole.

Most drill bits fit both standard corded and cordless drills. While these small pieces of metal all look pretty similar, each type of drill bit is designed to make holes in specific materials—including wood, plastic, and metal—but won’t work as well on other materials.

These bits are made from high-speed steel for strength, and they feature a titanium coating for reducing friction and increasing durability. The kit comes with a carrying case with a foam insert with recesses for each bit and a spring-loaded center punch for marking the holes’ locations.

The 3-flat shank prevented bit slippage in the chuck and eliminated most snags in the drill work when excessive pressure was applied. The heavy-duty plastic carry case was easy to use and light enough to tote in a tool bag. Overall, it’s a nice all-purpose choice for everyday use with stainless steel and most other metals.

We spent several days researching drill bits for stainless steel and shopping around for the best options available online. Although solid carbide drill bits may be the professional machinist’s choice for drilling stainless steel, they are incredibly expensive. Other options like titanium-coated HSS are inexpensive but lack durability. We narrowed our search to cobalt drill bits because they can drill hard metals repeatedly without dulling right away, and they can be resharpened many times to extend their working life.

Infusing drill bits with cobalt is another way that manufacturers achieve ultrahard drill bits. High-speed steel, also known as HSS, is the most common drill bit for metal drilling. Cobalt drill bits are an extension of HSS bits. They are made with a special steel alloy that includes 5 percent to 8 percent cobalt.

Avid metalworkers looking for a quality drill bit set for their metal projects may want to upgrade to the Irwin 29-Piece cobalt-alloy steel drill bits set. This set includes 29 drill bits from a 1/16-inch bit to a ½-inch bit, with bits larger than ⅜-inch wide having reduced-size shanks so they can fit smaller chucks.

Because of its hardness, stainless steel is an unforgiving construction medium. Usually, there is only one chance to achieve the perfect drill hole. Another crucial consideration when purchasing drill bits for stainless steel is the drill bit number or size.

Stainless steel is an extremely hard material. Low-carbon steel bits, like those used to drill into wood, do not perform when applied to stainless steel. Therefore, a drill bit for use with stainless steel must be harder than the steel itself. One way that manufacturers achieve this hardness is by infusing materials that facilitate penetration and protect against overheating.

For affordable drilling options, we chose these bits made of a proven material with a simple and functional design. The Comoware cobalt twist bit set includes 15 bits made of M35 cobalt alloy steel that dependably penetrate stainless steel. The bits feature an easy-to-sharpen split point and a straight shaft. They range in size from 0.0625 inch to 0.375 inch, including two each of the popular 0.0625-inch, 0.09375-inch, and 0.125-inch sizes, for a total of 12 different bit sizes. The kit comes in a lightweight plastic carry case with easy-to-read printed bit-size indexing.

Over the course of 2 days, we spent about 12 hours shop testing the drill bits we selected. After unpacking and noting the physical characteristics of each bit set and the cases they came in, we started drilling. From each set, we tested four different bits, first in a drill press for precision and accuracy, then in a cordless drill to gauge comfort and smooth operation.

Following the guidelines on this revolutions per minute chart, we used each bit to drill four holes into 0.125-inch thick stainless steel, observing the ease of penetration, any bit travel across the steel surface, and the formation of metal chips/dust. We also noted how securely the bit was retained by the drill chuck and, when drilling by hand, how smoothly it transitioned from point penetration to the full diameter of the bit. Finally we used a bench grinder to sharpen the bits and drilled another hole with each one. Each of the sets we picked tested successfully, with the primary differences or improvements being edge retention, tip and shank design, and set configuration.

First, we drilled into some relatively light-duty 11-gauge steel angle iron, testing a few bits from each pack. We wanted to see how well they’d retain their edge, how hot they’d get, and how long it would take them to bore a hole in the metal.

Bits that drill through metal are further classified by the types of metal they puncture. For example, some bits are capable of drilling through ferrous metals, such as cast iron, and others through nonferrous metals, such as copper and tin.

We tested these Top Picks products to ensure that they had what it takes for drilling metal. To qualify as one of the best drill bits for metal, the bit needed to perform well in the metal that it’s designed to drill. Bits also need to be durable and able to withstand the friction and heat produced when drilling through metal. The following recommendations are all at the top of their class for metal drilling, and one (or more) may be an asset to your tool collection.

Those looking for an all-around capable set of drill bits may want to check out the Bosch black oxide metal drill bit set. Manufactured from high-speed steel and coated in black oxide, Bosch drill bits can withstand friction and heat so you can drill continuously without the bits heating up.

The shank is the nondrilling end of the bit that fits into the drill’s mandrel or “chuck.” For hex shank bits, the shank size of the bit chosen (typically ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, or ½ inch wide) should match the chuck size of the drill.

Carbide is one such material found in drill bits for stainless steel. Titanium and tungsten carbide are nearly as hard as diamond, making them ideal for penetrating steel. These carbide-infused drill bits are one strong option when drilling straight into stainless steel.

While the Stroton M42 cobalt bits feature round shanks, which can allow slippage in the chuck, we did not experience any slippage during tests, possibly thanks to the unusual low-profile stepped split-point design. Unlike the more pronounced pilot points on other bits we tested, the low-profile Stroton tips featured a three-step tip that seemed to penetrate faster and smoother than other designs, with or without a center punch starting point.

Whether you’re just getting into metalwork or you want to expand that drill bit set, adding metal drilling bits to an arsenal of tools is a good investment. If drilling through metal is a new endeavor, there may be some questions that need answering.

High-speed metal drilling creates excessive friction and heat. The extra stress placed on standard drill bits tends to wear them out quickly. Individuals who intend to drill stainless steel frequently should be sure to buy bits designed with longevity in mind.

These drill bits are made from durable cobalt-alloy high-speed steel, helping retain a sharp edge while drilling. They all fit inside the sturdy hinged case with a spring-loaded latch to keep the kit closed when not in use. The case also has a tap guide inside to help you identify which bit to use for a particular bolt or fastener.

While we’re not huge fans of general-purpose bits typically, especially when it comes to drilling metal, these Bosch bits were excellent. They didn’t walk when starting a hole, and they removed long shavings of metal, proving they remained sharp while drilling. We were so shocked that these bits were this good that we kept drilling with them to see if it was a fluke. They drilled holes faster than the other bits in the test, which really surprised us.

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We appreciated the affordability of this kit’s overall packaging and design, which allowed the tool quality to remain high while minimizing branding and engineering costs. The bits functioned comparably to similarly designed bits from bigger brand names, with good drilling capability and an easy-to-sharpen point. We also liked that the kit includes duplicates of several smaller sizes, as they are the ones that dull easiest and are more susceptible to breaking under excessive pressure. The case does feel a bit flimsy and the size selection is somewhat limited, so this won’t be a great fit for those who require high precision. But for occasional drilling, it’s a really good deal.

Drill bit numbers are related to wire gauge size. The larger the bit number, the smaller the diameter of the resulting hole. For example, a number 80 drill bit creates a hole with a diameter of 0.0135 inches. As the diameter grows larger, the bit number grows smaller. A number 1 drill bit, in comparison, has a diameter of 0.2280 inches.

Researching shank design, bit material, and bit coatings can be confusing, but fortunately, drill-bit manufacturers make shopping relatively easy for the customer. Drill bits are labeled not only by the size of the hole they’ll drill but also by the type of materials they’ll drill.

Many DIYers don’t bother sharpening their bits when the cutting edges become dull and they have trouble drilling a hole, but it’s tool maintenance worth doing. You’ll get a longer life out of your drill bits if you sharpen their cutting edges with a bench grinder.

Some shank designs are more conducive to drilling through metal than others. Most shanks for this type of drill bit are either no spin or hex.

To be 100 percent upfront, we have never liked DeWalt drill bits. We have found that they’re usually relatively low quality and pretty much “throwaways.” But this particular kit was incredible when it came to drilling metal. They didn’t walk at all, and they cut long, continuous, spiraled shavings—the sign of a sharp bit. The rounded shanks on the smaller bits did spin a little, but the no-spin shanks on the larger bits were great. Each bit stayed cool with a spritz of lubricant and remained sharp throughout the test. And, surprisingly, this budget kit drills through wood faster than some of the much more expensive drill bits in the test.

DIYers and pros who go through a lot of ¼-inch drill bits for their heavy-duty metalworking projects may benefit from the Drill Hulk’s ¼-inch cobalt steel set. This 12-pack of bits features jobber-style lengths, which means their lengths are relatively long compared to their diameters. They’re made from durable cobalt high-speed steel, feature 135-degree split points for drilling through metal without walking, and have a no-spin shank to prevent them from spinning in the chuck.

We also keyed in on bits with 135-degree points as the recommended angle for efficient drilling into hard metal at the required lower speed and higher pressure. Other variables, such as split or pilot point, flat or 3-flat shank, or various coatings held lower priority. Lastly, we factored in top brand names, which often equate to greater consistency and availability.

Many manufacturers complement construction materials like drill bits with metal coatings. These coatings promote penetration and protection of the drill bit. Black oxide coatings reduce friction and heat—a significant consideration when drilling metals. Black oxide also protects against corrosion and water, keeping the drill bits functional for a longer period.

We certainly appreciated that the Irwin cobalt drill bit set had the best selection of bit sizes, in tight increments of 0.015625 inch from one size to the next. It would make a great choice for anyone who requires a high degree of precision in terms of hole sizes. However, in testing we saw that the straight shanks required a little extra care when chucking to ensure a secure fit without slipping. The straight shanks also made the bit a smidge more likely to get stuck if we applied too much pressure.

Those with lingering inquiries about drill bits for stainless steel may find the info they need in the answers to these frequently asked questions. It should help folks use and maintain the best drill bits for particular projects.

These are great bits, but we found they were better for enlarging holes than actually drilling them (at least when it comes to metal). If we started with another bit to drill the initial hole, we could quickly work up to the desired size with the Comoware (the tips of the bits themselves just didn’t seem sharp enough for metal). We liked that there are so many sizes in one kit, and the spring-loaded center punch worked well for locating the bit.

This 29-piece professional-grade drill bit set from Irwin Tools covers an abundance of applications. The bit circumference spans 0.0625 inches to 0.5 inches by increments of 0.0156 inches. The bits themselves are heat- and abrasion-resistant, thanks to their industrial-grade high-speed steel cobalt-alloy construction. To aid penetration, these bits feature 135-degree split-tip points. Besides making these bits suitable for ultrahard materials like steel, the quality construction materials ensure longevity.