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Steel that has been hardened is a strong substance. You need something powerful in order to punch holes through it. A cobalt drill bit is your best option when you need to drill holes in hardened steel. You may modify and add precision to your projects by using the many sets of cobalt drill bits that are available. In addition to many other materials, they can cut through aluminum, cast iron, steel, plastic, and hardened carbon.
The market includes a variety of cobalt drill bits for hardened steel, which might make it difficult to choose which one to buy. While you can buy a single drill bit, most are sold in sets to make your task go more quickly and easily. We’ll walk you through the best cobalt drill bits for hardened steel in this tutorial.
A drill bit is a device designed for drilling holes in various materials. It can be used to drill holes in many different materials, including wood, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, concrete, porcelain, sheet metal, cast iron, fiberglass, carbon, and aluminum. Steel, high-speed cobalt, and carbide are the main materials used to make drill bits. Due to its resistance to heat and abrasion, cobalt is the most popular metal.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BOSCH CO14B | Check Price | |
 | Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC | Check Price | |
 | IRWIN 3018002 | Check Price | |
 | COMOWARE M35 | Check Price | |
 | DEWALT DW1269 | Check Price |
Best Cobalt Drill Bits for Hardened Steel Reviews
The capacity to withstand heat makes it perfect for drilling through a variety of materials without melting. The ideal cobalt drill bits for hardened and stainless steel are listed in the guidance below.
It can be difficult to determine which drill bit will best meet your needs. If you have never purchased drilling bits before, you must conduct research to find a high-quality item. Check out our list below to simplify your work.
1. BOSCH CO14B
This Bosch set is equipped with M42 drill bits to handle the toughest metals. The 8 percent cobalt alloy has a longer shelf life than the M35 cobalt drill bit alloy because it is more robust. The additional features of this kit also make drilling through metal simple.
A flat shank prevents slippage in the chuck, while a split-point tip quickly penetrates metal. These Bosch drill bits have thicker threading than ordinary spiral drill bits, which is intended to remove material more effectively and speed up drilling through metal. Sizes of the 14 pieces in this set range from 1/16 inch to 12 inch.
The extra-hard M42 alloy and distinctive structural features of the Bosch cobalt drill bits make them a delight to use. To demonstrate the distinction between precise drill press operation and handheld drilling, we tested this product using both a cordless drill and a drill press.
The cordless drill performed admirably for the most part, although it was more challenging to maintain a modest, precise speed for drilling steel due to its variable-speed trigger.
Overall though, for safe chucking, fast drilling, and simple sharpening, we especially enjoyed the split-point tip and 3-flat shank. Similar to our previous M42 test bits, these retained their edge well enough to use the drill press to drill a second set of test holes before sharpening.
The split point also made sharpening simple. The greater control provided by the design of these bits proved especially useful for drilling fragile, hard cast iron.
2. Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC
The 29 components in this high-quality cobalt drill bit set from Drill America range in size from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 1/64-inch increments.
The gold finish serves as a natural lubricant to reduce heat levels, making it the strongest drill bit for simpler metal drilling and longer bit life. High-grade M42 cobalt stainless steel alloy is used to make each bit. Without a pilot hole, a split point readily pierces hard metals.
Although this set is constructed of a more durable metal and offers simpler access to all of the bits at once, using the Drill America M42 drill bit was essentially equivalent to using the Irwin drill bit set. The size range, round shank, and 135-degree split-point structure are all the identical for both sets.
After drilling the initial three test holes, Drill America’s bits continued to be substantially sharper, so we drilled a second set of three holes before sharpening. The split point made it simple to align them with the grinder, but sharpening took a little longer.
The spherical plastic carry box was smaller, lighter, and had a watertight threaded cover than the Irwin container, but it was more challenging to see the bit size labels. This kit can be useful for carrying to project locations or keeping in the shop.
3. IRWIN 3018002
Check out this 29-piece set from Irwin if you require a variety of bit sizes. These twist drill bits are available in sizes ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 1/64-inch increments. Each bit has a split-point top that makes it simpler to start holes. The M35 alloy bits have a longer lifespan under demanding drilling circumstances thanks to an alloy of steel and 5% cobalt.
Many DIYers will verify that misplaced parts soon become loose parts. Irwin is aware of this, therefore this set includes a handy carrying container that cleanly organizes all 29 bits into three distinct cartridges that fit inside a robust and transportable rubber molded case.
The Irwin M35 drill bits worked effectively both before and after sharpening; in fact, after drilling the first three holes, the bit had hardly degraded at all. These bits drilled smooth, clean holes with or without a center punch to denote the predetermined hole locations. The split point was also simple to align at the correct angle on the grinder for sharpening.
Although the metal container and 29 bits together weighed a lot, making it perhaps suitable for use in a workshop, we really loved the bit case for its tidy storage. This set would be a fantastic choice for folks who need precision drilling for a range of projects because there are so many sizes available in 1/64-inch increments. On the other hand, for individuals who would only use these pieces occasionally, their premium price might not be justified.
4. COMOWARE M35
Due to the numerous benefits it provides a user, this is another high-quality drill bit set that many professionals and enthusiasts adore. This set’s distinctive twist design with a 135-degree split point is its best feature.
This drill bit set is amazing in terms of durability. It is strong, resistant to high heat, and wear because to its 5% cobalt content. The drill bit set’s robust design makes it ideal for drilling titanium, steel, cast iron, and other highly hardened metals.
The kit contains a drill bit holder with a size index to make storage and transportation simple, and it is compatible with the majority of brands available on the market. To provide you with quick access and facilitate indexing, each bit has a size indicator that is readily visible.
5. DEWALT DW1269
The DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set stands as a testament to precision and durability in metal drilling applications. Crafted from industrial-strength cobalt alloy steel, these bits are engineered to deliver maximum speed and exceptional lifespan, especially when tackling stainless steel and other hard metals. The material’s robustness ensures optimum life and durability, making these bits a reliable choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
One standout feature is the pilot-point tip, designed to start on contact, ensuring clean and accurate holes. This not only enhances the overall efficiency of the drilling process but also reduces the likelihood of lock-up during breakthrough, adding an element of control to the user experience.
The size markings located above the shank are a thoughtful detail, preventing gradual wearing away over time and ensuring continued readability. This attention to detail reflects DEWALT’s commitment to providing tools that stand the test of time.
Included in this kit are 29 bits, ranging in size from 1/16 to 1/2 inch by 64ths, providing versatility for various drilling needs. The accompanying storage case adds convenience, keeping the bits organized and easily accessible. In essence, the DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set combines precision, durability, and thoughtful design, making it an essential addition to any toolkit tackling challenging metal drilling tasks.
Conclusion
Focus on purchasing one drill bit set from our advice above if you have an upcoming or ongoing job that requires drilling hardened steel or any other strong material. No matter the grade of metal, they can cut through it since they contain cobalt. Additionally, they are heat and abrasion resistant, allowing them to serve you for a long time without melting or bending.