Hardened steel and Stainless steels are harder for drilling into. So, general drill bits, even those do great with normal materials, can’t make it right with hardened metals. And, here comes the need of best drill bits for stainless steel or hardened steel.
Now the quest is – what are the drill bits for this type of hardened steel? Drill down the full article, and you will get the answer. Unless you will buy ordinary drill bits to ruin your work.
What are hardened steel and Stainless Steel?
So, let’s see what actually are the Hardened steel and Stainless Steels.
Hardened Steel
Hardened steels are medium or high carbon steels produced from heat treatment in high temperature, quenching and tempering process. Hardened steels are durable and can be wear resistant, corrosion resistant and abrasion resistant. And most of the steel materials that we see in use mechanical engineering, energy generation, transportation or in home use are basically hardened steel.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steels are steel alloys that consist of at least 10.5% of chromium contents by mass and can be of different grades. Because of rust and stain resistance, good luster and low maintenance, it has many commercial uses including as cookware, cutlery, home appliances, constructions, furnishing, and surgical instruments.
However, what differences are there in between the outer look or chemical composition, both hardened steel and stainless steel are quite harder for drilling into and you can do it only compatible drill press.
Drill Bit Types and Materials
There can be three basic types of drill bits based on the materials used –
i) High Speed Steel (HSS) Drill Bits
Drill bits that are made from HSS materials are economical solution for most of the general maintenance drilling applications. This drill are most popular and works well for drilling into wood, plastics and soft steel sheets. So, these drills are definitely are definitely not fit for hardened or stainless steels.
ii) Cobalt (HSCO) Drill Bits
This type is upgraded version than high speed steel type and contains 5-8% Cobalt into the base materials.
“Cobalt drill bits are most suitable and best drill bits for drilling into stainless steel and hardened steel.”
iii) Carbide (Carb) Drill Bits
Drill– Carbide is the most hardest and brittle materials that a drill bit made of, and used only on serious production environment to drill into hardest materials. This type isn’t suitable for hand drills that we’re looking for.
Another compound type drill bits can be used for harder materials like stainless steel –
iv) Titanium Drill Bits
Titanium drill bits are made of coating on heavy duty HSS materials with titanium. This drill bits are durable and can work fairly well for drilling into hard metals.
Best Drill bits for Stainless Steel / Hardended Steel
Now, we know best drill bits for drilling into harder materials like stainless steel or hardened steels should be either Cobalt drill bits or Titanium Drill bits. We will present list of the both categories.
i) Best Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel
Here is the best two cobalt drill bits for metal –
1. DEWALT DWA1240 Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Drill Bit Set
The DEWALT DWA1240 14pc Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Drill Bit Set works with maximum speed on hardened and stainless steel for extended life.
If you are looking to spend less and just get a basic drill set, that has all the bits to do the essentials, this is the perfect choice for you.
These drill bits is made of more powerful material, Cobalt, and it surely gives you more power on your drilling. The pilot point that they used will come in handy, and the toughness will ensure that you can use these for a long time. We found these products extremely durable during our use.
They are not like the cheaper ones, and they can easily drill through some of the toughest and abrasive materials. Drill through stainless steel, angle iron, I-Beams, or anything like these, and these will give you service for a long time. At the price range that they come in, this set with 14 pieces of drill bit is a lucrative deal!
Best Features:
- You can use for common use for drilling into stainless steel, angle iron, i-beams and other hardened metals.
- Material- Cobalt
- You can use the drill for drilling into wood, plastics or metal.
- These bits are durable, sharp and cuts easily into hard materials.
2. TTP HARD Cobalt drills Bits for drilling Harder Metals
Excellent Cobalt drill bits for drilling into harder materials like stainless, chrome, Aluminum, Cast Iron
Ask anyone, and they will assure you that Cobalt is the best material to make drill bits that can drill through the toughest of metal. This set from TTP Hard Drill are made from solid Cobalt that will make your life a lot easier.
If you haven’t heard the name TTP Hard Drill, well, you should have. They made some great drill bit set over the years, and this one obviously is one of the best of them.
Made using the right mixture of tungsten and molybdenum with cobalt, will make sure that you get the best of the result even when the materials are heated. Expert in drilling through hard alloys, these bits can also dig holes through stainless steel, titanium, cast iron, spot welds, and leaf springs with ease. Though in the middle price range, these will give you some impressive performance. You will get 10 pieces of bits in a box.
Best Features:
- These drills are designed so that these can drill easily and effectively
- Material- Cobalt
- Long cutting edge is ensured for its 135 degree split point
- These bits are high temperature resistant
Best Titanium Drill bits for Stainless Steel
1. DEWALT Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set
Durable Titanium drill bits which are the ultimate bits for the money.
Another one from DeWalt product that we loved is this one. Though the product is made in China, yet there is no compromise in quality.
This Titanium made set is consist of 21-piece drill bits. Starting from drilling wood, plastic to metal, these are suitable for all. They come in a nice box and in different sizes to meet your needs of all kind. If it fails to do what it supposed to, you can just return the product within 30 days.
The price point is almost one-half of the products of this category, so you cannot expect premiere quality from this set. But at this price range, this is a very good buy.
Best Features:
- Because of tepered web the drills are durable and less prone to break
- Material- Titanium
- You can use the drill for hardened metal as well as on plastic and wood
- Great product and fit for both home and industrial use
2. Goplus 115pc Titanium Drill Bit Set
Durable drill bit for DIY choices made from high-quality speed steel.
If you want a drill bit set that you can use regularly at home and has an extensive collection of bits of different sizes, this set from Goplus is your go-to choice!
Made with high-quality steel, coated by titanium for heat-proofing, these are perfect for light usage like DIY and household maintenance. But by no means are they industrial bits. Comes with an astounding 115 pcs in a quality box and at an affordable price range, they will serve you for a long time.
Best Features:
- Specially designed for DIY projects and home improvement and repairs
- Material- Titanium
- Durable, Industrial Quality
- Easy transport with the companion carry cage
Final Verdict
So, at the end, we can say that we’ve reviewed some of the best drill bits for hardened steels. But, as everybody’s choice and requirements are different, you should carefully check the characteristics of these drill bits. Only, then you can end up buying the best drill bits that you want.