The right drill bit makes quick work of steel and hard metals, reducing heat, wear and frequent sharpening. This guide highlights leading drill bits designed to cut steel efficiently, with emphasis on cobalt and high-speed steel options. Each product below is chosen for durability, precision and suitability for common UK workshop tasks.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set | STROTON | Excellent heat and wear resistance for stainless steel |
| Bosch Professional 19-Piece PointTeQ HSS Set | Bosch | Fast drilling with reduced heat buildup |
| 13Pack HSS Twist Drill Bit Set M35 Cobalt | JTWEB | High hardness and long life for metal drilling |
| Bosch Professional 25-Piece PointTeQ HSS Set | Bosch | Enhanced durability and faster drilling in metal |
| HPMAISON True 5% Cobalt Drill Set | HPMAISON | 135° split point for precise starts in hard metals |
Below you’ll find detailed product sections, each tailored to its own grinder-ready strengths. The information focuses on steel-friendly performance, longevity, and practical use in a UK workshop context.
Premium Cobalt Drill Bits
The STROTON Metric M42 8% Cobalt Twist Drill Bits Set is designed to optimise drilling through stainless steel and hard metals. With a Rockwell hardness rating of 68-70, these cobalt bits resist heat, wear and chipping, extending tool life. The kit uses a 3-step design to cut through stainless steel, hard metals, aluminium and even plastics. Cobalt content increases speed and reduces the number of tool changes, offering a lower cost per hole despite a higher upfront price. Suitable for demanding DIY projects and professional use, these bits are built to run hotter and longer than standard HSS sets.
Features reference: Premium M42 8% Cobalt Steel; 68-70 HRC; heat, wear and chip resistance; 3-step design; faster cutting; cost per hole advantage.
Efficient Metal Drilling Sets
The Bosch Professional 19-Piece PointTeQ HSS Twist Drill Bit Set is optimized for metal work, featuring a reduced shank and a PointTeQ tip design to speed drilling in metal while reducing heat buildup. The self-centering tip enhances starting accuracy and prevents slipping. This makes it a reliable choice for tasks requiring precise metal holes with minimal wandering, ideal for metal fabrication, automotive maintenance and general DIY metalwork in UK workshops.
Features reference: PointTeQ tip design; reduced shank for quick metal drilling; self-centering tip; less heat and wear; precise starts.
High-Performance M35 Cobalt Bits
The JTWEB 13Pack HSS Twist Drill Bit Set employs M35 cobalt steel with a straight shank and 135° quick-cut points. This combination provides a self-centering action that reduces walking and improves centering in hard metals and alloys. With molybdenum and cobalt for added hardness (Rockwell up to 67), these bits offer faster cutting and longer life compared with standard HSS bits, making them a practical option for metalworking projects across steel, cast iron and tough alloys.
Features reference: M35 cobalt steel; straight shank; 135° self-centering quick-cut points; reduced wandering; up to 67 HRC; faster cutting and longer life.
ProBox Metal Drill Bits Set
The Bosch Professional 25-Piece PointTeQ HSS Twist Drill Bit Set is engineered for metal with the PointTeQ tip delivering fast drilling and reduced heat/ wear. The cylindrical shank is compatible with three-jaw drill chucks, supporting common UK drill setups. This kit is well-suited for professional metalworking tasks, including drilling into steel, aluminium and other alloys, with a focus on efficiency and repeatable results.
Features reference: PointTeQ tip design; fast drilling; less heat and wear; cylindrical shank compatibility with standard chucks.
True Cobalt For Stainless Steel
The HPMAISON True 5% Cobalt Drill Bit Set features 13 pieces of M35 high-speed steel twist bits with 5% cobalt, designed for stainless steel, cast iron, hard metals and plastics. A 135° split point aids in precise starting with less walking, while a TiN-like finish and straight shanks ensure durability and compatibility with standard drill chucks. This set provides a balance of speed and longevity for challenging steel drilling tasks and heavy-duty DIY use.
Features reference: 5% cobalt M35 HSS; 135° split point; straight shank; high heat resistance; suitability for stainless steel and hard metals.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Steel Drilling
- Material composition: Cobalt-containing bits (M42, M35) excel in steel due to improved heat resistance and hardness, enabling faster, longer-lasting performance than standard HSS.
- Point geometry: Split points (135°) reduce walking and improve starting accuracy, particularly on stainless steel and harder metals. Self-centering tips (as in PointTeQ) enhance precision with minimal wandering.
- Shank compatibility: Straight shanks fit most standard chucks; ensure your drill chuck accommodates the bit diameter and shank size for secure operation.
- Drill speed: Coated and cobalt bits benefit from higher RPMs but require appropriate lubrication and pecking cycles to manage heat and chip removal in tough materials.
- Durability vs. cost: Cobalt bits typically cost more upfront but deliver more holes per edge and longer life in hard metals, potentially lowering total project costs over time.
- Coating and finish: TiAlN and similar coatings reduce wear and extend sharpness, especially when drilling through stainless steel and cast iron.
- Set variety: A mixed set with both cobalt and HSS bits covers a broader range of materials beyond steel, supporting versatile UK workshop tasks.
- Maintenance: Keep bits sharp and clean; avoid overheating and store in a protective case to extend tool life and maintain accuracy.