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.

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.

A benchtop drill press is an ideal addition to a workshop, making a clumsy, potentially dangerous job safer and more accurate. Instead of holding a workpiece precariously in hand, users can clamp it to the drill press’s worktable. DIYers can use them for sanding and grinding as well. Some specially designed models, known as mortisers, can even create perfect joinery.

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.

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.

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My favorite is the Wen 4214 5-Amp 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press. The motor is quiet, and it comes with an integrated laser and light as well as a digital speed readout. To make sure all of these benchtop drill presses have what it takes, I performed hands-on testing with all of the following models. Keep reading to learn about what I liked and what I didn’t.

DIYers looking for a 10-inch drill press that they can rely on but also lift on and off their benchtop may want to check out this model from Ryobi. This drill press features five adjustable speeds between 620 and 3,100 rpm, and the ½-inch chuck has a travel of 2⅛ inches, allowing this relatively compact model to handle some bigger drilling jobs. I really liked this model from Ryobi. The laser was bright and easy to see, even with the onboard light turned on. I also really liked that this model’s worktable had a crank system, as many smaller drill presses don’t. While my particular model did chatter a bit, the compact and lightweight design made it easy to lift on and take off the bench.

Pro Tip: When drilling metal, it’s a good idea to keep a can of lubricant or cutting oil nearby. A quick spray on the bit helps to keep the heat down on the tip and maintain a sharp cutting edge.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other helpful accessories include clamps and jigs that can bolt to the drill press’s table to hold workpieces at specific angles for safe and accurate drilling.

For hobbyists and folks who work on literally small projects, Dremel’s drill press rotary tool workstation can turn their standard rotary tool into a mini drill press. This workstation offers 2 inches of travel and features a telescoping pole for attaching the onboard bit and tool holder and other attachments. The rotary tool simply attaches to the workstation with a plastic nut.

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.

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.

Shop Fox knows that most hobbyists need their workshops to be as versatile as possible. The brand’s 13-inch benchtop drill press/spindle sander is designed for both drilling and sanding, which is why this 3/4-horsepower drill press turns the spindle at speeds between 250 and 3,050 rpm. The 13¼-inch swing allows easy manipulation of large workpieces without issue, especially when sanding.

Travel refers to how far the chuck can be moved up and down. For instance, a 2-inch travel means that the user can lower the tip of a drill bit 2 inches. The greater the travel, the thicker material a drill press can potentially drill through.

According to Kropp, these tools are “an excellent way to utilize the precision of a drill press in a compact footprint,” so shoppers with limited space in their workshop can still tackle projects that require a drill press without it taking up the entire space.

I really enjoyed working with the Wen 12-inch drill press during the hands-on testing. The motor was quiet, the long travel was a plus, and the digital speed readout on the front of the drill press helped keep track of the speed.

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.

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer, author, and blogger with a passion for building. Whether it’s a DIY project or an entire website, Tom loves creating something from the ground up, stepping back, and admiring a job well done.

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.

To bolster my own research, I interviewed Paul Kropp, a master woodworker and the co-founder and COO of Bakes & Kropp, a nationwide kitchen design and cabinetry company, who gave his insight on the use of benchtop drill presses in a professional setting. His main advice to shoppers is to look for “adequate horsepower to spin a big hole saw or Forstner bit … and solid pivot points for adjustment.”

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.

Standard benchtop drill presses range from 1/3- to 3/4-horsepower models. Either will do for most workshop-based projects. If a drill press starts to bog down, the user is putting too much pressure on the bit. This is bad for the bit, the chuck, and the spindle, so lighten up.

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.

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.

The first test was assembly, as many large power tools can be difficult to put together. All of these models were fairly straightforward to assemble, with a few being just slightly easier. Next, I tested each by drilling through steel, adjusting the speed, and drilling through wet wood. Next, I checked out all of the additional features to ensure they worked.

For those building their workshops around furniture and cabinet making, there’s no replacement for a good benchtop mortiser. While this isn’t exactly a drill press, DIYers can remove the mortising chisel and use it for some of the same functions (albeit with a longer bit). This makes it versatile enough to offer a drill solution in a pinch, with the ability to cut perfect mortises in sturdy stock. The 3/4-horsepower motor has plenty of power for hardwoods like walnut and locust but only runs at one speed (1,725 rpm). During the test, the first thing I noticed was the Powermatic’s advanced hold-down system, as it can slide back and forth to clamp a workpiece in place. Also, it had lots of power, not letting the bit bog down at all while drilling through wet wood. The accurate depth stop is a plus, and the fact that it can handle different mortising chisels sizes is as well. My only complaint is that it’s not exactly a drill press, so it will require longer bits, but it’s more than capable of most drilling needs.

This model from Wen was one of the easiest in the bunch to assemble. I also liked that it’s lightweight and compact, allowing for picking it up and moving it with ease. However, the 4208 drill press has two areas of limitation: the ½-inch chuck and its 2 inches of travel. As such, it’s best for light-duty use. And while it doesn’t have a crank to lift and lower the worktable, the affordable price point can buy some forgiveness.

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.

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.

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.

While drill presses are kind of an old-school tool, they have gotten some recent updates to make them a little safer. Features like bit guards help to keep hands away from a spinning drill bit and prevent scraps of metal and wood from flying toward the user’s face. Oversize on/off buttons help users quickly shut a machine off if something does go wrong.

Drill presses commonly come with speeds varying from 200 to 3,600 rpm. Generally, the harder the material, the lower the required speed. This reduces the heat generated by the drill to help maintain a sharp cutting edge on the bit. Some materials require higher speeds than others. For instance, drilling through pine at a high rate is fine, a piece of oak requires a medium rate, and various metals require low rates of speed.

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.

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.

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.

When I tested this workstation, I quickly realized that it isn’t for everyone. First, the power and drilling capability falls on the attached Dremel, so speed and control will vary from case to case. But I liked that this model had 2 inches of smooth travel, though the handle did bottom out on the 2×4 I was drilling (which was only 1½ inches thick). When I attempted to drill through steel, the Dremel bogged down immediately, which will probably be typical for most models. Also, I found it important to really tighten down hard on the positioning knobs to achieve accurate drilling.

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.

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.

It’s a bad idea. While you can install a router bit in a drill press, it’s not safe. Drill presses run at much lower rpm, so the bit will likely grab the board and shoot it across the table, possibly leading to injury.

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There are a lot of handy attachments and accessories available for benchtop drill presses. From sanding kits to mortising chisels, the right accessory kit can turn a standard, run-of-the-mill drill press into a highly functional production machine. Many of these accessories simply tighten in place in the chuck.

Even the most seasoned drill press operators can use a bit of guidance now and then. Choosing a drill press with an onboard light will help them see better if the drill press is in the darker corners of a workshop, ensuring more accurate drilling.

When a DIY project requires some precision drill work, only the best benchtop drill press will do. These handy tools are excellent for boring precision holes in wood, metal, and other materials, and modern models have a lot to offer.

I took this into consideration as I was putting together a list of the best benchtop drill presses. Doing so was a lot of work, as I wanted to suggest only top-quality models with features that matter. So, I pulled several models from brands that had those features, and then I pitted them against each other.

The ideal horsepower rating for a benchtop drill press is between 1/2 and 3/4 horsepower. These ratings ensure the press is powerful enough to get the job done but still reasonable enough in terms of weight and size to place on a workbench.

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.

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.

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.

I found a lot to like about the Shop Fox drill press during the test. First, the wide speed range and high-quality worktable made drilling easy and accurate. Also, I liked the spindle sander attachment as it attaches easily and does a great job of smoothly sanding. My biggest complaint is that the power button is on the left of the machine rather than the front like most other models, which could be a safety issue.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Wen makes some powerful electric tools, and the 4214 variable speed drill press is no exception. This 12-inch drill press has a digital display, so users always know the exact speed of the drill, which adjusts between 580 and 3,200 rpm in very fine increments. It has 3⅛ inches of travel as well as an adjustable depth stop for repeatable results. The 2/3-horsepower motor has plenty of power for most any shop project, and the worktable is adjustable up to 45 degrees left and right. The table also features a crank handle for raising and lowering.

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.

There’s a lot to know about benchtop drill presses, and there may be a few new or lingering questions. Check out the answers to some of the most common questions below.

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.

Drill presses are most useful for drilling precision holes in materials like wood, metal, and plastic. These holes could be for furniture joinery, bracketry, and other custom projects.

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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That said, DIYers who are new to benchtop drill press ownership may not be sure of what to look for in a new purchase or even how to operate a drill press. While drill presses aren’t necessarily a niche tool, they’re less prevalent in home workshops than they used to be. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best benchtop drill press for a shop.

Benchtop drill presses are pretty standard, though there are some differences among brands, sizes, and features. Taking all the above information into consideration, I carefully considered a variety of benchtop drill presses and then performed hands-on testing with the following models to ensure they were top-tier quality.

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Jet tools are just as at home in a production setting as they are in a DIY workshop, and that includes this powerful benchtop drill press. The J-2530 from Jet has a 15-inch throat and 3/4-horsepower motor for drilling through some serious materials. The worktable tilts 45 degrees left and right and swivels up to 360 degrees when the user needs it out of the way. The motor has 16 speeds, adjusting from as low as 200 rpm to as high as 3,630 rpm. It has a 3⅜-inch travel to complement its wide throat. It also features an oversize on/off switch and a bit guard.

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 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.

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.

The table tilts either side up to 90 degrees, making drilling endgrain on woodworking projects a snap. It includes the drum kit with 1-, 1½-, and 2-inch drums and sandpaper. When used in sanding mode, the drum oscillates up and down. The unconventional round worktable features a circular cutout for the sanding drum—perfect for fine, detailed sanding jobs.

Clamping devices not only hold a workpiece in place for better accuracy but also prevent it from kicking loose and hurting the drill press user. Most of these devices are accessories that users have to buy separately, however.

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.

Horsepower is a nice-to-know number, but it’s not as crucial for workshop benchtop drill presses as it is for floor models in production settings. Speed variability is far more important than horsepower when it comes to a benchtop drill press.

The 4208 drill press from Wen packs quite a few features into a package with a small price tag. This drill press has five preset speeds: 740; 1,100; 1,530; 2,100; and 3,140 rpm. Its 8-inch throat is large enough for most projects. It has 2 inches of travel, and the worktable tilts up to 45 degrees to the left or right. The 1/3-horsepower motor might seem light by industrial standards, but many DIYers are likely to find it serves their needs just fine.

Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes as well as his own pest control blog. He spent years working in the trades and industrial building maintenance and has used many drill presses over the years.

This Wen has a laser guide and onboard work light, but it lacks a bit guard for safety. Old-school drillers will appreciate this, but it might be intimidating for new users. However, the one area the Wen could use some work is speed adjustment: The lever was incredibly stiff and difficult to manipulate, even with the drill running. But the worktable, its crank, and the roller certainly made up for it.

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.

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.

This model is compatible with Dremel models: 100, 200, 275, 285, 300, 395, 398, 400, 800, 3000, 4000, 4200, 8100, 8200, and 8220.

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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.

Manufacturers measure drill size by the “throat distance,” or the distance between the drill bit and the stand that supports the motor. Manufacturers like to double that distance to size their drill presses. For example, a drill press with a length of 6 inches from bit to stand would be a 12-inch drill press.

During the test, I found the Jet to be incredibly smooth and quiet compared to the other models. I also liked that it offers many pulley combinations for adjusting speed (which was a little confusing at first). Also, the heavy-duty motor didn’t appear to bog down at all, regardless of what I threw at it. The only real concerns with this model are that it’s expensive and very heavy (over 150 pounds).

Finally, I considered the saw’s weight, size, and price, and I assigned awards to the models that passed my tests. The result is this list of some of the best benchtop drill presses on the market today.

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.

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.

Look for a model with a laser guide to really take a drill press game to the next level. These guides are often crosshair-shaped lines that align with exactly where the drill bit point touches the workpiece. Once adjusted, it will be easier to pinpoint every drop of the drill press.

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.