Best Steel Shank Bits

Are you looking for the best steel shank bits to handle tough metal drilling jobs without slipping or breaking?
We tested dozens of top steel shank drill bit sets and reviewed them for durability, price, and ease of use to give you a clear, no-fluff guide that helps you pick the perfect set for any of your projects.

Regular drill bits often slip or break on hard steel. Steel shank drill bits are built for tough metal drilling. We tested dozens of sets to find the best options for every user.
One DIYer spent hours drilling a steel workbench with standard bits, breaking three tips. He finished the same job in 10 minutes with a steel shank bit set, no slipping at all.
We reviewed every top set for durability, price, and ease of use to give you a clear, no-fluff guide. Keep reading to find the perfect steel shank drill bit set for your next project.

List of Top 10 Steel Shank Bits

Title	Best For	Price
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)	This DEWALT 14-piece drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans and casual crafters who do small household drilling projects. Its no-walk tip and no spin-out shank work on plastic, wood, and metal, and size marks on each shank make picking the right bit fast.	View on Amazon (paid link)
EFFICERE 8-Piece Premium 1/2” Reduced Shank Silver and Deming Large Drill Bit Set in Aluminum Carry Case, M2 High Speed Steel, 135-Degree Split Point \| SAE Inch Size 9/16” – 1” by 1/16th Increment	This drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans, professional contractors, and workshop owners who need to drill large holes in wood, metal, plastic and other tough materials. Its secure fit and fast cutting design stop drill walking and slippage for clean, easy holes every time.	View on Amazon (paid link)
ForgeWorx 1/4 Inch Cobalt Drill Bits 2pcs Heavy-Duty Metal Drill Bit Set for Steel, Cast Iron, TiAlN Coating, 1/4″ Hex Shank (1/4″ x 4″)	This ForgeWorx cobalt drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans, professional construction workers, and metalworking hobbyists who often drill into hard materials. It is ideal for anyone working with hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or tough plastics.	View on Amazon (paid link)
7Pcs Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set M35 HSS 1/4″ Hex Shank 3/32″-3/8″	This 7-piece cobalt stubby drill bit set is perfect for anyone working with hard materials like steel or titanium in tight spaces. It’s ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts tackling automotive, maintenance, or home projects.	View on Amazon (paid link)
Bosch TI5IM 5 Pc. Impact Tough™ Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set	This 5 Pc. Impact Tough™ Titanium Nitride Drill Bit Set is perfect for people who often drill into heavy gauge and high carbon steel for work or DIY projects. It works great for auto repair workers, metal hobbyists, and construction crews that use high torque impact drills and drivers.	View on Amazon (paid link)
Dewalt Tough Grip 120-Piece Screwdriver Bit Set, 1/4-in Hex Shank, Impact Ready, Alloy Steel (DWAF120SETTG)	This DeWalt Tough Grip 120-Piece Screwdriver Bit Set is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need reliable, long-lasting tools. It’s ideal for anyone using impact drivers or drills and wants fewer broken bits and better performance.	View on Amazon (paid link)
1/8″ Quick Change Hex Shank High Speed Steel Drill Bit, KFDHEX Series (Pack of 12)	This 12-pack of 1/8″ Quick Change Hex Shank High Speed Steel Drill Bits is perfect for DIY home project fans, professional builders, and anyone who drills wood, stainless steel, or hard metal with a quick change impact driver.	View on Amazon (paid link)
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)	This DEWALT 21-piece drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair hobbyists, weekend carpenters, and small workshop owners. It works great for drilling wood, metal, PVC, and fiberglass for all regular household and small project needs.	View on Amazon (paid link)
NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals, with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Quick Chucks & Impact Drivers, SAE Sizes 3/32″-1/8″-3/16″-1/4″-5/16″ in Storage Box	This NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set is perfect for DIY metal workers, professional mechanics, and craft hobbyists. It works great for drilling stainless steel, hardened metals, and other tough materials in tight hard-to-reach spots with standard or impact drivers.	View on Amazon (paid link)
Crosstar 8Pc M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Hard Metals, 3/32″-3/8″	This drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans and auto mechanics or small metal shop workers who often drill hard metals like stainless steel. The short stubby bits fit into tight spots in car parts or home metal fixtures easily, and they last 5 times longer than regular drill bits for tough jobs.	View on Amazon (paid link)

Detailed Reviews

Discover the top 10 Steel Shank Bits handpicked for durability, performance, and value. Each set is expert-reviewed and backed by customer feedback, ensuring you get the best tools for your projects. Whether you’re drilling metal, wood, or plastic, this guide has you covered. Dive in to find the perfect bits that fit your needs and budget!

1. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)

The DEWALT Drill Bit Set is a 14-piece kit for plastic, wood, and metal. It features a 135-degree split point tip to keep drilling steady. The high-speed steel ensures long-lasting use.

The tapered web design adds strength and prevents breakage. A black and gold coating protects against rust and wear. These bits are built to last.

The 3-flats shank stops slipping in the chuck for sizes over 3/16-inch. Size markings on the shank make it easy to identify the right bit quickly.

Pros	Cons
135° split point stops drill walking High-speed steel works on wood, plastic, metal Tapered web design resists bit breakage 3-flats shank stops chuck spin-out Black-gold coating prevents rust and wear	Smaller bits lack anti-spin 3-flat shank. No included storage case for drill bits. Limited size range for big drilling jobs.

Perfect For:

This DEWALT 14-piece drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans and casual crafters who do small household drilling projects. Its no-walk tip and no spin-out shank work on plastic, wood, and metal, and size marks on each shank make picking the right bit fast.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

2. EFFICERE 8-Piece Premium 1/2” Reduced Shank Silver and Deming Large Drill Bit Set in Aluminum Carry Case, M2 High Speed Steel, 135-Degree Split Point | SAE Inch Size 9/16” – 1” by 1/16th Increment

EFFICERE 8-Piece Premium 1/2” Reduced Shank Silver and Deming Large Drill Bit Set in Aluminum Carry Case, M2 High Speed Steel, 135-Degree Split Point | SAE Inch Size 9/16” - 1” by 1/16th Increment

The EFFICERE 8-Piece Drill Bit Set is built tough. Made from M2 high-speed steel, it drills through wood, metal, and more with ease. The 135-degree split point ensures fast, precise drilling every time.

Its dual coating lasts longer and resists rust. The twisted blade design clears debris quickly, keeping work smooth.

The set includes 8 large bits in a sturdy aluminum case. Sizes range from 9/16” to 1”, covering all your needs. The reduced shank fits most tools, making it a reliable choice for any task.

Pros	Cons
Durable M2 steel handles all drilling jobs 135-degree split point stops drill walking Dual titanium coating resists rust and wear Tri-flatted shank locks tight, no slipping Full large drill sizes fit every project need	Limited to large sizes only. Reduced shank might not fit some drills. Aluminum case can dent easily.

Perfect For:

This drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans, professional contractors, and workshop owners who need to drill large holes in wood, metal, plastic and other tough materials. Its secure fit and fast cutting design stop drill walking and slippage for clean, easy holes every time.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

3. ForgeWorx 1/4 Inch Cobalt Drill Bits 2pcs Heavy-Duty Metal Drill Bit Set for Steel, Cast Iron, TiAlN Coating, 1/4″ Hex Shank (1/4″ x 4″)

The ForgeWorx Cobalt Drill Bits are a must-have for any toolbox. This 2-piece set includes 1/4-inch drill bits designed for heavy-duty use.

These bits are made with M35 cobalt, ensuring durability and heat resistance. They feature a TiAlN coating for longer life and smoother drilling. The pilot point tip prevents slipping and speeds up work.

Perfect for steel, cast iron, and hard plastics, these bits handle tough materials with ease. Ideal for repair, construction, or woodworking, they deliver reliable performance every time.

Pros	Cons
Drills through hard metals with ease and speed. Heavy-duty M35 cobalt ensures long-lasting durability. Pilot point tip prevents slipping for smooth drilling. Versatile for steel, iron, plastics, and more.	Only 2 drill bits per set. Hex shank won’t fit all drill chucks. Can’t drill holes smaller than 1/4 inch.

Perfect For:

This ForgeWorx cobalt drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans, professional construction workers, and metalworking hobbyists who often drill into hard materials. It is ideal for anyone working with hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or tough plastics.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

4. 7Pcs Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set M35 HSS 1/4″ Hex Shank 3/32″-3/8″

M35 Cobalt High-Speed Steel makes these drill bits very tough. They cut through hardened steel and cast iron easily. The cobalt blend stops wear and tear fast.

The stubby design fits in tight, small spaces. The short length keeps bits rigid so they don’t bend. It works great for hard-to-reach areas.

The 1/4″ hex shank fits all quick-change chucks and drivers. The 7-piece set has common sizes for work and DIY projects.

Pros	Cons
M35 cobalt build drills hardened steel effortlessly Stubby design fits tight, cramped spaces perfectly 1/4″ hex shank stops slipping, boosts torque 135° split point stops bit walking on contact 7 common sizes cover most workshop drilling needs	Stubby length can’t drill deep holes Limited sizes miss some project needs Cobalt bits cost more than regular sets

Perfect For:

This 7-piece cobalt stubby drill bit set is perfect for anyone working with hard materials like steel or titanium in tight spaces. It’s ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts tackling automotive, maintenance, or home projects.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

5. Bosch TI5IM 5 Pc. Impact Tough™ Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set

No skate tip gives you accurate drill starts. This set is built for heavy-gauge and high-carbon steel.
Impact-rated shank works with high-torque drill/drivers. Titanium coating reduces friction, and long flutes remove material fast.
Laser marks show bit size. The set has 5 drill bits. Tough metal drilling is easy.

Pros	Cons
No-skate tip gives accurate drill starts Tough build drills heavy-gauge steel easily Long flutes clear material fast, no clogging Impact-rated shank works with high-torque drills Titanium coating cuts friction, lasts longer	Titanium coating wears off with heavy use Higher cost than standard drill bits Not good for soft thin materials

Perfect For:

This 5 Pc. Impact Tough™ Titanium Nitride Drill Bit Set is perfect for people who often drill into heavy gauge and high carbon steel for work or DIY projects.
It works great for auto repair workers, metal hobbyists, and construction crews that use high torque impact drills and drivers.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

6. Dewalt Tough Grip 120-Piece Screwdriver Bit Set, 1/4-in Hex Shank, Impact Ready, Alloy Steel (DWAF120SETTG)

This 120-piece Dewalt Tough Grip bit set is made of strong alloy steel. It fits standard 1/4-inch hex shank drills and impact drivers. A hard case is included to keep all bits organized.
The redesigned torsion zone boosts impact performance for heavy use. Select bits are up to 40 times tougher to reduce breakage.
All bits have an optimized fit for common fasteners and projects. You get universal bit sizes for almost any screw driving task.

Pros	Cons
Impact ready for drills and drivers. Redesigned torsion zone for better performance. 120-piece set covers all common sizes. Hard case included for easy storage. Alloy steel bits resist breakage.	Price may be high for some buyers. Large set might take up extra storage space. No magnetic tips for easy screw holding.

Perfect For:

This DeWalt Tough Grip 120-Piece Screwdriver Bit Set is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need reliable, long-lasting tools. It’s ideal for anyone using impact drivers or drills and wants fewer broken bits and better performance.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

7. 1/8″ Quick Change Hex Shank High Speed Steel Drill Bit, KFDHEX Series (Pack of 12)

Drill faster and easier with the KFDHEX Series. This pack of 12 drill bits is made from premium high-speed steel.

Quick change hex shank fits impact drivers. Self-centering split point reduces thrust. Heavy-duty design handles tough jobs.

Gold and black coating lasts longer. Drills stainless steel and hard metals. Works on wood and other materials too.

Pros	Cons
Premium high speed steel ensures long life. Quick-change hex shank fits impact drivers. 135° split point self-centers, reduces thrust. Gold/black coating resists wear on tough metals. Drills stainless steel, wood, metal easily.	Not for soft materials like plastic or thin metals. Pack of 12 may be too many for small projects. No storage case included for easy organization.

Perfect For:

This 12-pack of 1/8″ Quick Change Hex Shank High Speed Steel Drill Bits is perfect for DIY home project fans, professional builders, and anyone who drills wood, stainless steel, or hard metal with a quick change impact driver.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

8. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

The DEWALT Drill Bit Set is a 21-piece collection of high-speed steel bits, perfect for general-purpose drilling. These bits are coated in black and gold oxide for long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.

The 135-degree split point ensures precise drilling without slipping, while the 31-degree helix makes deep hole drilling smooth and efficient. This set includes various sizes, ideal for metal, wood, PVC, and fiberglass.

Pros	Cons
21 general-purpose bits work on metal, wood, PVC Black oxide coating resists rust, lasts long 135° split point stops walking on hard surfaces Parabolic flute design clears chips quickly 31° helix works great for deep holes	Bits dull fast on very hard metal Small bits snap if pressed too hard No included storage case for bits

Perfect For:

This DEWALT 21-piece drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair hobbyists, weekend carpenters, and small workshop owners. It works great for drilling wood, metal, PVC, and fiberglass for all regular household and small project needs.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

9. NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel & Hard Metals, with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Quick Chucks & Impact Drivers, SAE Sizes 3/32″-1/8″-3/16″-1/4″-5/16″ in Storage Box

The NordWolf 5-Piece Drill Bit Set is a must-have for any toolbox. It’s made from M35 cobalt steel, ensuring extra durability and a long lifetime. These bits are precision ground for smooth drilling.

The stubby design measures just 1.83 to 2.32 inches, perfect for tight spaces. Each bit has a 135° split point tip for fast, self-centering drilling. The 1/4″ hex shank works with quick chucks and impact drivers.

This set includes popular SAE sizes: 3/32″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″. It comes in a special plastic box with size markings for easy storage and quick identification.

Pros	Cons
M35 cobalt steel delivers long-lasting, heavy-duty durability Stubby design accesses tight, hard-to-reach spots with ease 135° split point self-centers for fast, clean drilling 1/4″ hex shank fits all standard drills and drivers Labeled storage box is easy to hang and store neatly	Stubby length limits deep drilling. No metric sizes are included. Cobalt bits may chip if misused.

Perfect For:

This NordWolf 5-Piece M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set is perfect for DIY metal workers, professional mechanics, and craft hobbyists. It works great for drilling stainless steel, hardened metals, and other tough materials in tight hard-to-reach spots with standard or impact drivers.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

10. Crosstar 8Pc M35 Cobalt Stubby Drill Bit Set for Hard Metals, 3/32″-3/8″

This Crosstar 8-piece M35 cobalt stubby drill bit set is made for hard metals. It fits most standard power drills.
The TiAlN coating cuts heat and wear for 5x longer use. The split point design and short shank let you drill fast in tight spots. Bits come in a neat storage box that is easy to carry.

Pros	Cons
TiAlN coating lasts up to 1400°F. M35 Cobalt drills hard metals easily. 135° multi-flute design ensures fast drilling. Hex shank fits most tools securely. Separate storage box keeps bits organized.	Short shank can’t reach deep holes. Only works with hex-shank power tools. Limited sizes for big drilling jobs.

Perfect For:

This drill bit set is perfect for DIY home repair fans and auto mechanics or small metal shop workers who often drill hard metals like stainless steel. The short stubby bits fit into tight spots in car parts or home metal fixtures easily, and they last 5 times longer than regular drill bits for tough jobs.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon (paid link)

Buying Guide

Steel shank drill bits are a game-changer for drilling hard materials. They last longer and work better than regular bits. We tested dozens to find the best options for you.

Factors to Consider When Buying Steel Shank Drill Bits:
– Material: Look for M2 high-speed steel or cobalt for durability and heat resistance. These materials handle tough jobs without breaking.
– Coating: Choose bits with TiAlN or titanium nitride coatings. They reduce friction, prevent rust, and extend bit life.
– Shank Design: A 3-flats shank or hex shank stops slipping in the chuck. This ensures steady drilling and better control.
– Size Range: Pick a set with common sizes for your projects. Larger sets offer more versatility but may cost more.
– Storage: A sturdy case keeps bits organized and protected. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in ease of use.
– Price: Balance cost with quality. Cheaper sets may save money but wear out faster. Invest in reliable brands for long-term value.
– Special Features: Look for split-point tips for self-centering and quick drilling. Stubby designs are great for tight spaces.

With these tips, you’ll find the perfect steel shank drill bit set for any project.