For example, a number 80 drill bit creates a hole with a diameter of 0.0135 inches. The larger the bit number, the smaller the diameter of the resulting hole. Another crucial consideration when purchasing drill bits for stainless steel is the drill bit number or size.ĭrill bit numbers are related to wire gauge size. Usually, there is only one chance to achieve the perfect drill hole. Drill Bit Numberīecause of its hardness, stainless steel is an unforgiving construction medium. Their coating makes them incredibly resistant to wear and capable of enduring high-speed and high-frequency use. Titanium carbonitride (TiCN) is likely the most durable metal coating available. The coating provides the ancillary benefit of being ultradurable, making them an excellent value for consumers who intend high-frequency use. Distinctive for their golden color, TiN-coated drill bits are ideal for high-speed drills. Titanium nitride (TiN) protects high-speed drill bits. Black oxide also protects against corrosion and water, keeping the drill bits functional for a longer period. Black oxide coatings reduce friction and heat-a significant consideration when drilling metals. These coatings promote penetration and protection of the drill bit. Many manufacturers complement construction materials like drill bits with metal coatings.

These bits offer precision to users who drill stainless steel and other hard materials. Also, unlike carbide tips or titanium coatings, cobalt drill bits can be resharpened when the tip becomes worn. 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. They are made with a special steel alloy that includes 5 percent to 8 percent cobalt. Cobalt drill bits are an extension of HSS bits. High-speed steel, also known as HSS, is the most common drill bit for metal drilling. Infusing drill bits with cobalt is another way that manufacturers achieve ultrahard drill bits. These carbide-infused drill bits are one strong option when drilling straight into stainless steel. Titanium and tungsten carbide are nearly as hard as diamond, making them ideal for penetrating steel. One way that manufacturers achieve this hardness is by infusing materials that facilitate penetration and protect against overheating.Ĭarbide is one such material found in drill bits for stainless steel. Therefore, a drill bit for use with stainless steel must be harder than the steel itself. Low-carbon steel bits, like those used to drill into wood, do not perform when applied to stainless steel. Stainless steel is an extremely hard material. Read on to learn the factors to consider as you search for the best drill bits for your projects that involve stainless steel. To identify the best drill bits for stainless steel, learning about characteristics like material, coating, frequency of use, and drill bit number are critical. Not all drill bits achieve results in the same way. Photo: Debbie Wolfe What to Consider When Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel

ALSO CONSIDER: Milwaukee 15-Piece Cobalt Red Helix Drill Bit Kit.MOST PRECISE: Milwaukee 3-Piece Cobalt Step Drill Bit Set.

BEST FOR HOBBYISTS: Bosch CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt M42 Drill Bit Set.BEST METRIC: Stroton Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set.UPGRADE PICK: Drill America 29-Piece Cobalt Jobber Drill Bit Set.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Comoware Cobalt 15-Piece Twist Drill Bit Set.RUNNER-UP: DeWalt Industrial Cobalt Alloy Steel Set.BEST OVERALL: Irwin 29-Piece Cobalt Alloy Steel M-35 Drill Bit Set.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. 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. With loads of available bits for hard metal applications, finding the right drill bits for stainless steel can be challenging. Luckily, manufacturers design special drill bits capable of puncturing even the hardest grade of stainless steel. Drill bits built to work on softer material, like wood, won’t do the trick against stainless steel. Whether you’re expanding the size of a junction box punch-out or boring out a broken bolt, having the right drill bit matters. DIYers and trade professionals often need to drill stainless steel to complete a variety of electrical, plumbing, and automotive projects. Learn More ›Īvailable 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. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Stainless steel drill bits home depot