It is really hard to drill through a metal surface rather than drilling through wood. All you need is a tougher drill bit. It can be quite complicated to figure out the science of drill bits.
While for most household projects, it is true that using a steel drill bit with a tapered point you can get away however, this is not true in the case of hardened steel.
Unlike plastic, wood, or other materials, obviously hardened steel is decidedly tougher. Hardened steel is specially meant for drill bits. They have some qualities that make them different from other types, such as a unique shape and superior heat resistance. They also show a tendency to be made from hard materials.
Drill bits come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are available in a wide range of coatings and materials. To get the perfect hole drills to act as a muscle. To drill stainless steel, you need a drill bit of perfect quality.
If you are looking for the best drill bits for any material and stainless steel, you’ll get the best drill bits that are according to your requirements.
What do we mean by Hardened Steel?
Drilling in hardened steel means high or medium carbon steels made typically using a tempering process and heat treatment. Hardened steel is long-lasting and can be corrosion-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and wear-resistant.
Most steel materials used in energy generation, mechanical engineering, and transportation are hardened steel. The best drill bits are optimized for speed in softer carbon steels or hardened steel applications.
Stainless Steel
They are steel alloys with a minimum of 10.5% chromium and have different grades. Because of stain and rust resistance, low maintenance, and good luster, it has many commercial uses including home appliances, cutlery, cookware, surgical instruments, and construction fasteners.
Both hardened steel and stainless steel are really hard to drill into, however, whatever differences there are between the appearance and chemical composition. Often the use of a drill press is the best way to get the desired results.
Choose the right drill bit for the job
Below are several materials, designs, and types of drill bits. Have you ever wanted to hang a picture or drill a hole and only got annoyed at not having the right tool to do your task?
A power drill can help in all these and other situations, so if you love home improvement projects, or you are an avid DIYer, you are at the right place.
We are here to help you go for the best power drill for the job based on versatility, quality, and popularity.
Importance of using the right drill for the job
The working of a power drill is based on an electrical motor that moves a changeable drill bit to drill into materials like metal, plastic, or wood. The drill consists of many different pieces that help it work. That includes the reverse switch, the handle, and the power trigger.
Buying a drill that is not perfect for the task can result in many problems like a cord can come in the way of finishing the task, inconsistent power for the job, a battery with a tool that makes the power drill too heavy to change and it is also difficult to use on an awkward design.
Materials of Drill bits
Cobalt
The bits are manufactured from solid cobalt and high-speed steel. These bits take very high temperatures and a lot of wear and tear. Due to those reasons, these bits are made of metal, as they can work on any kind of metal, steel, and more.
High-Speed Steel
These specific bits are made out of tungsten and vanadium. On the Rockwell hardness grade, they have a hardness grade of 60 or above. Commonly they are known as the twist bits because on the top of the bits they do have the twist screw.
Carbide
Steel is used to make these bits however, they do contain a carbide tip, which made it get this name. They are famous for use in industrial settings because they are usually extremely hard. Typically they can cut through masonry, tile, concrete, and sometimes metal plus more even.
Diamond Coated
For drilling through very hard materials, diamond bits are best. The bits are manufactured from high-speed steel and have a diamond tip, which makes them very long-lasting.
Storing and caring for your Drill Bits
- You will want to center punch a spot or want to mark, where a drill is required. It will ensure that the bit doesn’t move all through the surface.
- There is a need to know the correct speed of the drill material. Faster speeds are required for softer materials and slower speeds are required for hard materials.
- When you are drilling there is a need for the right pressure amount. While drilling if you put too much pressure, the bit will get affected. The bit will not go through the material if there is too little pressure.
- Most of the time drill bits come usually with a case, so ensure it is in the case or a dry area.
They will rust and are not in a good condition if they are exposed to moisture. - You have to know what is the function of each drill bit when you are about to drill any material. The use of the wrong drill bit can get less than desired results.
- If you want to use hammer action on your tool, you must have an idea when to use it or not.
- You will want to keep a water jug close while drilling if you are working with masonry bits as the bits get very hot.
- While using larger drill bits, ensure to have a tight hold on the tool as they produce a lot of force to the drill.
- Make sure there is enough lubrication like metal-friendly fluid or water when you are drawing metal.
- The drill can overheat and dull easily so avoid drilling in reverse.
- Make sure that while using a drill bit, it must be clean of debris and dirt to avoid anything getting stuck in them to avoid overheating.
5 Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel
1. DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set
In this roundup, DEWALT is the biggest name, so we have started with them as they are worthy and are the best drill bit set.
This bit set has 21 pieces made of titanium as mentioned in the title. Because of its build, it can tolerate being drilled into the metal. The bit contains a patent pilot point, which means it can produce accurate and clean holes when drilled into the material.
This set of bits has a patent bit bar design so the bits can easily be removed along with the customize placements. These bits are used on materials like wood, plastic, or metal.
The set is equipped with a plastic case along with a clear lid to maintain the organization of bits and can be taken anywhere.
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be used on plastic, wood, and metal | It might not be of premium quality as the manufacturer’s guarantee |
| Patent Bit Bar Design and patent Pilot Point | |
| Titanium is used to make it |
2. COMOWARE Cobalt Drill Bit Set
This budget-friendly company sells quality drill bits and tools like this Cobalt Drill Bit Set. It is made using high-speed steel and 5% cobalt with a coating of gold oxide, they are expected to last for many coming years.
This set includes 15 pieces and the size varies from 1/16 inch to 3/8 inch. In this set, it has a 135-degree split point which helps to make sure the chips move smoothly and stop walking in the material.
It has a plastic case that can be transported and stored to where you want to use the bits.
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly | Doesn’t have the greatest index |
| Made of cobalt with a coating of gold oxide | According to some users, it has a poor quality |
3. Drill America- DWD29J-CO-PC
The brand is not as famous as compared to other brands. The set has 29 Piece M35 Cobalt Bit Drill Set that is made of intuitive spiral design and premium-quality Cobalt construction which means they are very sharp and the performance is outstanding.
As the set has 29 pieces so you will find the bits you need for any of your tasks or project. The site has a fractional size range that increases by 1/64 inch. Gold oxide is used as a coating for such bits that make it long-lasting and lubricated naturally.
With all its qualities it can cut definitely through any material easily. If you are working with steel or hardened metal on daily basis, then this is the best option to consider.
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
| Very sharp bits | Costly |
| Cobalt is used to make it with a coating of gold oxide | Problem drilling soft metal |
| Able to cut through all surfaces of hardened steel |
4. HYCLAT 5pcs Titanium Step Drill Bit
It’s also one of the best drill bits for hardened steel. As the name suggests this bit contains 5 pieces however, you can take it as 50 pieces because each drill bit can drill many bore diameters. The range varies from 3/16 to 1 3/8 inch, as marked clearly on every bit.
High-speed steel is used to construct the bits with an excellent layer of titanium so it is capable of drilling holes in materials like aluminum, copper, metal, plastic, and more and is very long-lasting.
The bits possess a three-sided shank and double-cutting blades to help smoother and faster cutting. The bit is equipped with an aluminum case for storage and bring them along with you wherever needed.
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
| Due to several bore diameters, it can act as 50 pieces | Some bits don’t cut even |
| High-speed steel with a titanium layer | As advertised it doesn’t come with an aluminum case |
| Three-sided shank with double cutting blades |
5. Hymnorq Jobber Twist Drill Bits 15 pc set
This set has 15 pieces made out of molybdenum and cobalt steel which means it is long-lasting and heats tolerant. For the Rockwell hardness scale, the bits were measured at 67, which means it has a longer life span and cuts faster.
The tip is a 135-degree split-point-self-centering tip that can manage fast penetration with less pressure. The bits have a range of 12 different sizes that varies from 1/16 inch to 3/8 inch.
Without any issue, the bits can cut through hard metal as well as plastic and wood. Through hardened steel or high carbon steel, it may have a hard time, as you have to set the RPM speed on the tool you are using.
The set is equipped with an ABS case that can be transported and stored all the bits and can be taken to wherever you want the bits.
PROS & CONS
| Pros | Cons |
| Manufactured using cobalt steel | Problem cutting through high carbon steel/ hardened steel |
| 12 varied sizes | |
| Cuts through plastic, wood, and metal |
Tips for drilling into hardened steel
Following are the tips you must follow for perfect drilling into hardened steel.
- Heat control
- Use the right bits
- Control of vibration
- Allow cooling down the tool
- Safety is on priority
Buying Guide for choosing best Drill Bits
It is good to know the worth of money you are spending on. Following are the points to be kept in mind when choosing the best drill bit for steel.
Material
The construction material is much important as it will determine the efficiency and performance you can get from the drill bit.
The more resilient material can easily drill through-hardened steel, which can a decidedly hard job.
Coating
The drill bit has a direct effect on the performance and durability and depends mainly on the kind of coating. The bit will wear faster without a good coating.
Flute Design
The “flute” means the deep groove type indentations that are twisted around the bit, its function is to allow waste material a path to move out.
Drill Point Length and Angle
These points relate to the drill bit design. First is the length of the drill point, which should differ as per the material you are working with. Shorter bits are ideal when working with metal as they are harder and allow more accuracy. You run the risk of breaking the bit with a longer bit.
Next is the angle of the drill point. 118 degrees is the standard angle but if you prefer faster drilling then 135 degrees would be best suited. This is specifically true if working with steel surfaces.
Conclusion
Hardened steel needs specified bits for them. The hardened steel will be a long-lasting material that can tolerate wear and tear. The above-mentioned reviews of best drill bits for hardened steel can help you to pick the best one. They can also withstand heat. You have to make up your mind about which set of drill bits will suit your drilling requirements.
FAQs
What are the best types of drill bits for hardened steel?
Carbide and cobalt are considered to be the best types of drill bits for hardened steel. They are durable and can withstand the high heat and pressure that is generated when drilling through this type of material.
Can I use regular high-speed steel drill bits for hardened steel?
Regular high-speed steel drill bits are not recommended for use on hardened steel. They are not as durable and may not be able to withstand the high heat and pressure that is generated when drilling through this type of material.
How long do drill bits for hardened steel last?
The lifespan of a drill bit for hardened steel will depend on various factors such as the quality of the bit and how frequently it is used. On average, they can last between 20 and 50 holes, but with proper usage and care, they can last much longer.
