Drill Bits · 13 compared side by side

Best Cobalt Drill Bits in 2027

Cobalt drill bits earn their place when you drill stainless steel and other hard metals. Look first at the steel grade and cobalt share, because heat is what dulls bits. Then check for a split point tip, which helps a hole start without wandering. Finally, match the set to your hole sizes and look at the case. We put 13 products on one spec sheet so you can compare material, pieces, tip angle, coating, weight, and storage side by side.

Quick answer

Ranked from 13 drill bits that met our standard, compared on cobalt material, split point tip, set piece count.

Updated November 202665 reviewed · 13 met our standard10 specs comparedBy Comparabo editors

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Top picks

Best overall
#1
SEDIANAS 115 PCS Cobalt Drill Bit Set

SEDIANAS 115 PCS Cobalt Drill Bit SetSEDIANAS M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 115pc

Ranks first with M35 cobalt, a 135° split point, and a size-marked holder.

Material
Cobalt
Pieces in set
115 pc
Warranty
—
Check price on Amazon
Fewest pieces, tidy case
#2
DEWALT DWA1240

DEWALT DWA1240DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point, 14-Piece (DWA1240)

Lowest piece count on the page at 14, with a clear-lid case.

Material
Cobalt
Pieces in set
14 pc
Warranty
—
Check price on Amazon
M42 steel, 8% cobalt
#3
STROTON .

STROTON .STROTON Metric M42 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 19pc

Lists M42 steel with 8% cobalt and metric sizes from 1mm to 10mm.

Material
Cobalt
Pieces in set
19 pc
Warranty
—
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Comparison table

Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.
Top 10 drill bits
Spec
#1
SEDIANAS 115 PCS Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Best overallCheck price on Amazon
#2
DEWALT DWA1240
Fewest pieces, tidy caseCheck price on Amazon
#3
STROTON .
M42 steel, 8% cobaltCheck price on Amazon
#4
CaRoller HSD912
Belt-clip carrying caseCheck price on Amazon
#5
Crosstar CST-SCMHZ
Three-flute TiAlN coatingCheck price on Amazon
#6
HIDOTOL LZ-DRILL-115
Heaviest 115-piece setCheck price on Amazon
#7
GMTOOLS GMTOOLS
Compact gold oxide setCheck price on Amazon
#8
COMOWARE TGJobberM35-99PCS
Two-flute 99-piece setCheck price on Amazon
#9
IRWIN 3018002
1/64" steps, 29 piecesCheck price on Amazon
#10
Drill America ZMGSC29J-PC
Stepped point, anti-slip shankCheck price on Amazon
Best Scoreout of 10088777474747372656159
MaterialCobaltCobaltCobaltCobaltCobaltCobaltCobaltCobaltCobaltCobalt
Pieces in setpc115 pc (best in row)14 pc19 pc29 pc21 pc115 pc (best in row)15 pc99 pc29 pc29 pc
Tip angle135°—135 degrees135 degrees—135°135 degrees135°—135°
Split point tipYesYesYesYes—YesYesYesYesYes
Flute design————Three-flute (best in row)——Two-flute——
Anti-slip shank————Yes————Yes
Storage case includedYesYes—YesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Weightlb—1.02 lb1.00 lb——7.50 lb——0.00 lb (best in row)—
Warrantyyr——————————
Coating———Amber coatingTitanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN)—Gold oxide finishGold oxide—Gold oxide
Best in row— not published by the maker yet

How we chose

We reviewed 65 drill bits and kept only the 13 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, sales rank.

Read the full method

In-depth reviews

These reviews are based on specifications and listing information from the makers. Each one explains what the specs mean for drilling hard metal.

Best overall

SEDIANAS 115 PCS Cobalt Drill Bit SetSEDIANAS M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 115pc

A 115-piece cobalt set with a split point tip

Material
Cobalt (best of the reviewed tools)
Pieces in set
115 pc (best of the reviewed tools)
Anti-slip shank
—
Weight
—

This set leads our ranking. It is made from M35 cobalt, which the listing says contains 5% cobalt. That cobalt content resists heat, and heat is what dulls bits in stainless steel. For hard metals, heat resistance matters more than anything else on the spec sheet, so the material suits this keyword well.

The tip is a 135° split point. A split point tip bites into the metal without skating, so your starts land where you mark them. The listing also describes a self-centering point and a fully ground twist that clears chips. Sizes cover 29 fractional bits from 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/64" steps, 26 letter sizes, and 60 numbered sizes.

The set has 115 pieces and ships in a holder with size markings. That is a lot of bits to carry. Weight is not published by the maker, so check shelf space before you buy. No coating or warranty is listed either. Pick it for range, not for compactness.

Pros

  • M35 cobalt with 5% cobalt
  • 135° split point tip
  • 115 pieces with marked holder

Cons

  • Weight not published
  • No coating listed
Buy it if
you want every common size in one set.
Skip it if
you only drill a few common sizes.

VerdictA strong all-round cobalt set that leads our ranking for hard metal work.

Fewest pieces, tidy case

DEWALT DWA1240DEWALT Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point, 14-Piece (DWA1240)

Compact 14-piece set built around storage

Material
Cobalt (best of the reviewed tools)
Pieces in set
14 pc
Anti-slip shank
—
Weight
1.02 lb

DEWALT ranks second. The title says cobalt alloy steel with a pilot point, and the specs list a split point tip. A split point tip helps a bit start without wandering on smooth metal. The tip angle is not published, so we cannot say how steep the point is.

With 14 pieces, this is the smallest count on our page of 13 products. That limits you to fewer hole sizes. The listing does not state which sizes are included. If you need many diameters for stainless work, confirm the size list first. A short set suits repeat jobs at a few common sizes. That makes it more of a focused kit than a full range.

Storage is the focus. The case has a clear lid, a clip latch, and a bit-bar design that lets you remove bits and place them where you like. It connects to other accessory storage. The small case fits inside the Small and Medium ToughCase+, which is sold separately. The set weighs 1.02 lb.

Pros

  • Split point tip listed
  • Clear lid and clip latch
  • Customizable bit placement

Cons

  • Only 14 pieces
  • Tip angle not published
Buy it if
you drill a few common sizes and value organization.
Skip it if
you need a wide range of hole sizes.

VerdictA tidy, small cobalt set that trades size range for easy storage.

M42 steel, 8% cobalt

STROTON .STROTON Metric M42 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 19pc

Metric M42 cobalt set from 1mm to 10mm

Material
Cobalt (best of the reviewed tools)
Pieces in set
19 pc
Anti-slip shank
—
Weight
1.00 lb (best of the reviewed tools)

STROTON ranks third and takes a different route. It uses M42 steel with 8% cobalt, listed at 68-70 HRC. Hardness like that points to good wear resistance on stainless steel and other hard metals. Most other sets here list M35 steel, so this one suits buyers who want a higher cobalt share.

The tip is a 135 degree split point, which helps the bit start where you aim. The 19 bits run from 1mm to 10mm in 0.5mm steps, and they are metric only. If your tap charts and fasteners are in in, you will have gaps. The set weighs 1 lb.

The listing does not mention a storage case, and our data does not show one. Plan on a separate holder, since 19 loose bits in lengths from 3.4cm to 13cm are easy to misplace. Small sizes suit sheet metal, brackets and pilot holes in hard stock. Choose it for fine metric work in hard metal.

Pros

  • M42 steel with 8% cobalt
  • Listed at 68-70 HRC hardness
  • 135 degree split point

Cons

  • Metric sizes only
  • No storage case listed
Buy it if
you work in metric sizes on hard metal.
Skip it if
you need in sizes or a ready case.

VerdictA metric cobalt set with a high cobalt share, held back by missing storage.

Belt-clip carrying case

CaRoller HSD912CaRoller M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29pc

29 in sizes in a belt-clip case

Material
Cobalt (best of the reviewed tools)
Pieces in set
29 pc
Anti-slip shank
—
Weight
—

CaRoller ranks fourth. The set is M35 cobalt with an amber coating, which the listing ties to wear resistance. The coating adds a surface layer on top of the cobalt steel. Cobalt is what handles the heat from drilling stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium alloy, all of which the listing names.

Sizes run from 1/16" to 1/2" in 29 bits, and the listing spells out every one, including 5/64", 3/32", and 7/64". That covers most in holes for bolts and pilot work. It is a practical range for most repair work. The 135 degree split point is described as self-centering, so the bit should not walk as you start the hole.

The case is a round cup-type holder with a built-in clip, so it attaches to a tool belt. That suits work on a ladder or in the field. The case keeps all 29 bits in one place. The maker does not publish weight, so portability is judged by the clip, not by a number.

Pros

  • Amber coating over M35 cobalt
  • Belt-clip carrying case
  • All sizes listed, 1/16" to 1/2"

Cons

  • Weight not published
  • Inch sizes only
Buy it if
you carry bits on a belt for field jobs.
Skip it if
you need metric, letter or number sizes.

VerdictA portable in-size cobalt set that is easy to carry between jobs.

Three-flute TiAlN coating

Crosstar CST-SCMHZCrosstar M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set

Three-flute TiAlN set with no split point listed

Material
Cobalt (best of the reviewed tools)
Pieces in set
21 pc
Anti-slip shank
Yes
Weight
—

Crosstar ranks fifth and departs from the usual recipe. It is M35 cobalt with 5% cobalt and a TiAlN coating that the listing rates to 1472°F (800°C). Effective drilling hardness is listed up to 60 HRC. That targets stainless steel, hardened cast iron, high-carbon steel, and titanium alloys. The coating is the main wear feature here.

Here is the catch for this keyword. The specs do not list a split point tip or a tip angle. Instead the listing relies on a three-flute design, which it says improves accuracy and reduces bit walk. If a split point is your first filter, other sets on this page list one.

The set has 21 bits from 1/16" to 1/2", a three-flat shank that grips the chuck, and a storage case. The case keeps all sizes together. The three-flat shank suits impact drivers and heavy drills. The listing notes the three-flute bits are meant for standard depth of cut. Weight is not published.

Pros

  • TiAlN coating withstands 1472°F
  • Three-flat anti-slip shank
  • Storage case included

Cons

  • No split point listed
  • Tip angle not published
Buy it if
you drill with an impact driver or heavy drill.
Skip it if
a split point tip is a must.

VerdictA well-protected, grip-focused set that misses the split point this keyword asks for.

Best among the reviewed tools

Buying guide

Check steel grade and cobalt

Cobalt steel resists heat, which is what dulls bits in stainless steel. Listings here show M35 with 5% cobalt and M42 with 8% cobalt. A higher cobalt share points to more heat resistance, but the maker's listed hardness and coating also matter.

Look for a split point

A split point tip, listed here at 135°, cuts into hard metal without skating across the surface. That helps starts land where you mark them. Most ranked sets list one. Crosstar's does not, so check this spec before you buy.

Match set size to your work

Piece count shows how many bits you get. This page runs from 14 to 115 pieces. The largest sets add letter and numbered sizes. A 29-piece set can cover 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/64" steps, which is enough for many jobs. Pick a smaller set if you drill a few sizes.

Case, shank, and coating

A case with size markings keeps bits easy to find. A three-flat shank grips better in a chuck or impact driver. Coatings such as gold oxide or TiAlN add surface protection. Weight is listed for only some sets, so check it if you carry the case often.

FAQ

Are cobalt drill bits good for stainless steel?

Yes. Listings for these sets say cobalt steel resists heat and wear better than ordinary bits, and they name stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium alloy as target materials. Cobalt is the material to look for when heat is the problem.

What is the difference between M35 and M42 cobalt?

M35 is listed with 5% cobalt, and M42 with 8% cobalt. STROTON lists M42 at 68-70 HRC. Most ranked sets list M35. The higher cobalt share points to more heat resistance, but check the tip, coating, and sizes too.

Do I need a split point on cobalt bits?

It helps. A 135° split point is described as self-centering, so the bit does not walk when you start on hard metal. Nine of the ten ranked sets list a split point. Crosstar relies on a three-flute design instead.

How many pieces do I need in a cobalt set?

It depends on your work. Sets on this page run from 14 to 115 pieces. A 29-piece set with 1/16" to 1/2" bits covers many in jobs. Choose 115 pieces only if you also need letter and numbered sizes.

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Top pick · #1SEDIANAS 115 PCS Cobalt Drill Bit Set
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