Best Drill Bits for Metal in the UK: Top Picks for Durable Drilling

When drilling metal, choosing the right drill bit is essential for clean starts, fast cuts, and long tool life. This guide highlights five high-quality metal drill bits available on Amazon UK, focusing on performance in steel, stainless steel, and other hard materials. Each product section explains key features, benefits, and what to consider when selecting a bit for metalworking projects.

Summary of chosen products

Product Brand Key Benefit Bit Type
Bosch Professional 18pcs. HSS Twist Drill Bit PointTeQ Bosch Fast drilling with reduced heat and wear HSS twist
Bosch Professional 25-Piece PointTeQ HSS Twist Drill Bit Set Bosch Comprehensive set for metal work HSS twist
Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set STROTON Excellent hardness and chip resistance Cobalt twist
Gasea 6pcs Drill Saw Bit Set Gasea Versatile metal cutting and grooving HSS titanium coated saw bits
3PCS Premium HSS & Cobalt Spiral Step Drill Bit Sets ss shovan Versatile step drilling for sheet metal and more Step drill

Bosch 18pc PointTeQ HSS Twist Set

Bosch 18pc PointTeQ HSS Twist Drill Bits

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The Bosch Professional 18-piece HSS Twist Drill Bit Set uses PointTeQ tip design for fast drilling in metal and features a self-centering tip to prevent wandering. This enables quick starts and reduces heat and wear during operation, supporting efficient metalworking for a range of projects. The ProBox helps with organisation and quick access on site or in the workshop.

Bosch 25-Piece PointTeQ HSS Twist Set

Bosch 25-Piece PointTeQ HSS Twist Drill Bits

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This 25-piece Bosch ProBox set uses PointTeQ tips to speed metal drilling while minimizing heat build-up and wear. The cylindrical shank enhances compatibility with three-jaw drill chucks, aiding secure clamping and stability during operation. Suitable for a broad range of metal thicknesses and hard materials.

STROTON M42 Cobalt Twist Drill Set

STROTON M42 Cobalt Twist Drill Bits

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The STROTON premium M42 8% cobalt twist bits offer high hardness (68-70 HRC) and heat resistance, ideal for stainless steel and hard metals. A three-step design supports efficient cutting through tough materials, with the cobalt alloy enabling faster hole production and longer tool life, offset by a higher upfront cost but lower cost per hole over time.

Gasea 6pcs Drill Saw Bit Set

Gasea Drill Saw Bit Set

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This 6-piece set includes multiple diameters (3.0mm–8.0mm) and uses HSS titanium-coated drill bits with a 1/4″ hex shank for versatility in drilling, routing, filing, and cutting. The titanium coating enhances wear resistance and reduces the effort required, making it suitable for precise cutting in metal and plastic.

SS Shovan Premium HSS & Cobalt Spiral Set

SS Shovan Premium HSS & Cobalt Spiral Drill Bits

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This 3-piece premium spiral set combines HSS and cobalt for robust performance in sheet metal, stainless steel, and other hard materials. The TiAlN coating offers enhanced wear resistance, while the 5% cobalt content supports high heat tolerance and extended tool life in challenging drilling tasks.

Cobalt Drill Bit Set (M35) 6 Pieces

Cobalt Drill Bit Set 6 Pieces

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Includes Ø2/Ø3/Ø4/Ø5/Ø6/Ø8 mm cobalt bits with 5% cobalt content and 63 HRC hardness. The design emphasises rapid penetration, efficient chip removal, and a storage box for convenient organisation. Suitable for stainless steel, cast iron, and other hard materials, delivering long life and reduced wear per hole.

HPMAISON 5% Cobalt Drill Bit Set

HPMAISON 5% Cobalt Drill Bit Set

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The HPMAISON 13-piece M35 cobalt set is designed for extended tool life and high heat resistance. It features a 135° split point for precise centering and efficient chip removal, with straight shanks compatible with standard drill chucks. DIN338 precision ensures reliable performance across tough metals.

Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Metal Drilling

  • Material compatibility: For stainless steel and hard metals, cobalt (M42/M35) bits offer improved heat resistance and longer life compared to standard high-speed steel (HSS).
  • Tip design and point geometry: Split points or PointTeQ tips reduce wandering and improve start accuracy, especially on smooth or shiny metals.
  • Coatings: TiAlN and titanium coatings reduce wear and heat buildup, extending bit life in demanding applications.
  • Shank type and chuck compatibility: Verify that the bit shank matches your drill chuck (e.g., cylindrical shank for three-jaw chucks or hex shank for quick-change systems).
  • Set variety vs. single bits: Sets offer breadth for different hole sizes and tasks, while single premium bits may provide focused performance for specialised jobs.
  • Cost per hole: Cobalt bits typically cost more upfront but may lower long-term costs due to higher endurance in hard materials.
  • Maintenance: Keep bits sharp and clean; avoid overheating by using appropriate speeds and cutting fluids where applicable.