There are no products

Suggestions

Please download our price list here

Drill Bits for Metal

Choosing the best drill bits for metal depends on the type of metal you are working with. Different metals require different drill bit materials and cutting designs to achieve clean and accurate holes without excessive wear.

From mild steel and aluminium to hardened steel and stainless steel, selecting the correct metal drill bit improves performance, increases tool life and ensures safer drilling.

How to Choose Drill Bits for Metal

HSS High Speed Steel drill bits are among the most popular choices for drilling metal. They are durable, heat resistant and suitable for a wide range of applications. However, heavy duty metals such as stainless steel may require specialised options like cobalt or turbo HSS bits.

Below are the most commonly used types of drill bits for metal applications.

Standard HSS Drill Bits

Standard HSS drill bits are ideal for light to medium duty metal drilling. They are suitable for DIY users, home renovation projects and general workshop tasks.

• Suitable for most common metals
• Affordable and versatile
• Ideal for beginners and home users
• Best for light to medium duty applications

Standard HSS bits are not typically recommended for heavy duty metals such as cast iron or stainless steel.

Industrial HSS Drill Bits

Industrial HSS drill bits are designed for more demanding applications. These bits are precision ground and often feature a split point to reduce wandering and improve drilling accuracy.

• Medium to heavy duty performance
• Precision ground cutting edges
• Split point design for accurate starting
• Suitable for tradesmen and workshop environments

Industrial HSS bits can drill most metals but may still struggle with hardened stainless steel.

Turbo HSS Drill Bits

Turbo HSS drill bits are engineered for fast and efficient cutting. They feature a two stage cutting action and variable core thickness for improved strength and chip removal.

• Two stage cutting design
• Reduced flute thickness toward the tip
• Split point to prevent wandering
• Suitable for tough metals including stainless steel

These high performance bits are ideal for professional users requiring efficient drilling in harder materials.

Cobalt HSS Drill Bits

Cobalt drill bits are manufactured from High Speed Steel alloyed with approximately 5 percent cobalt for increased heat resistance and durability. They are specifically designed for drilling hard metals.

• Excellent for stainless steel and hardened metals
• High heat resistance
• Precision ground with split point
• Suitable for advanced and industrial applications

Cobalt bits deliver consistent performance when drilling tough materials that would quickly wear out standard HSS bits.

Specialised Metal Drill Bits

In addition to standard and cobalt options, other specialised metal drill bits include:

• Double Ended Stub Bits designed for thin sheet metal
• Step Drill Bits ideal for enlarging holes in sheet metal
• Metal Drill Bit Sets offering multiple sizes for workshop use

Choosing the Right Metal Drill Bit

When selecting drill bits for metal, consider:

• Type of metal such as mild steel, aluminium or stainless steel
• Material thickness
• Drill speed and torque capability
• Frequency of use DIY or industrial

Using the correct drill bit improves cutting efficiency, reduces heat build up and extends the lifespan of both the bit and your drill.

Print a laminated card for your workshop with this info - copy/paste below:
-----------------------------

DRILL BITS FOR METAL
WORKSHOP QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DRILL BIT FOR THE JOB

STANDARD HSS
Best for: Mild steel, aluminium, general metal
Use for: DIY and light workshop work
Not suitable for: Stainless steel or cast iron
User level: Beginner to intermediate

INDUSTRIAL HSS
Best for: Medium to heavy duty metal drilling
Features: Precision ground, split point tip
Use for: Tradesmen and regular workshop use
Not ideal for: Hardened stainless steel
User level: Intermediate

TURBO HSS
Best for: Tough metals including stainless steel
Features: Two stage cutting action, variable core strength
Advantage: Faster drilling, reduced wandering
User level: Professional

COBALT HSS (5 PERCENT COBALT)
Best for: Stainless steel and hardened metals
Features: High heat resistance, extended lifespan
Use for: Heavy duty and industrial applications
User level: Advanced

SPECIALISED METAL DRILL BITS

DOUBLE ENDED STUB BITS
Designed for thin sheet metal

STEP DRILL BITS
Ideal for enlarging holes in sheet metal

METAL DRILL BIT SETS
Multiple sizes for workshop versatility

QUICK SELECTION GUIDE

Mild steel or aluminium
Use Standard HSS

Frequent workshop use
Use Industrial HSS

Stainless steel
Use Turbo HSS or Cobalt

Hardened metal
Use Cobalt

IMPORTANT DRILLING TIPS

Use cutting fluid when drilling steel
Use slower drill speeds for harder metals
Apply steady pressure do not force the bit
Secure your workpiece before drilling
Allow the bit to cool during heavy drilling

For best results always match the drill bit to the metal type and application.

Browse all the categories

Tools - Allen keys

Tools - Chisels & files

Tools - Extractor

Tools - Glues & sealants

Tools - Measuring

Tools - Other DIY

Tools - Padlocks

Tools - Paint

Tools - Pliers & cutters

Tools - Rachet & socket sets

Tools - Screwdrivers

Tools - Soldering irons