This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Drilling into wood, metal, or masonry requires a drill bit set that can handle each material without dulling or breaking. The right set saves time on jobs like hanging shelves, building furniture, or installing fixtures. We compared the listed specifications of five drill bit sets to help you find the best drill bit set for your workshop.
Each set we cover includes bits for common materials, but they differ in size range, coating, shank type, and number of pieces. None of these picks have been tested by us; we selected them by comparing manufacturer-provided features and specs. Check each product listing for current pricing and availability.
Our Picks at a Glance
We selected these five drill bit sets by comparing their listed materials, coatings, point geometry, and included sizes. The picks range from compact general-purpose kits to large sets for specialized metalwork. No hands-on testing was performed. For current prices and ratings, refer to each product listing.
The Five Picks in More Detail
DEWALT 21-Piece Black Oxide Twist Drill Bit Set: Best for General-Purpose Wood and Metal Drilling
This DEWALT set includes 21 high-speed steel bits with a black oxide coating that resists corrosion and increases durability. The parabolic flute design improves chip ejection in both metal and wood, and the 31° helix reduces over-aggressiveness for deep holes. A 135° split-point tip prevents walking on hard surfaces. The set covers fractional sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, with duplicates of common sizes (1/16, 5/64, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4). It is suitable for metal, hardwood, softwood, PVC, and fiberglass.
Specs that matter: 21 pieces; high-speed steel; black oxide coating; 135° split point; 31° helix; fractional sizes 1/16″ to 1/2″.
Best for: General-purpose drilling in wood, metal, and plastics where a compact, durable set is needed.
MACXCOIP 115-Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set: Best for Hardened Metal and Stainless Steel
This large set from MACXCOIP contains 115 M35 cobalt drill bits in fractional, letter, and numbered sizes. The M35 cobalt material is designed for cutting stainless steel, iron castings, copper, aluminum, and other soft metals, as well as plastics and wood. A 135° point tip and twist design provide self-centering and faster chip removal. The set comes with a storage case that includes size indexes for easy organization.
Specs that matter: 115 pieces; M35 high-speed steel cobalt; 135° split point; includes fractional (1/16″ to 1/2″ in 1/64″ increments), letter (A–Z), and numbered (#1–#60) sizes; storage case included.
Best for: Drilling tough metals like stainless steel and cast iron, and for users who need a wide range of bit sizes.
Amazon Basics 100-Piece Drill & Driver Multi Bit Set: Best for Multi-Material Work Including Masonry
This Amazon Basics set includes 100 pieces: 52 bits, 8 nut sockets, a magnetic bit holder, 4 hole saws, and more. The bits are made of alloy steel with a quenching treatment for wear resistance. The set is intended for metal, wood, plastic, and masonry. A sturdy plastic case provides designated storage for each component.
Specs that matter: 100 pieces; alloy steel; includes masonry bits and hole saws; magnetic bit holder; plastic storage case.
Best for: Users who need a single kit for drilling and driving in wood, metal, plastic, and masonry, plus hole saws.
Makita 14-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set: Best for Impact Driver Use and Metal Drilling
Makita’s B-65399 set features titanium nitride (TiN) coating that the manufacturer states lasts 2.5 times longer than non-coated bits. The 135° split point geometry enables faster starts and reduces walking. These bits are impact rated for use with 1/4-inch hex impact drivers. They are designed for drilling in ferrous metal, wood, plastic, non-ferrous metal, cast iron, and stainless steel. Sizes range from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch.
Specs that matter: 14 pieces; titanium nitride coating; 135° split point; 1/4″ hex shank; impact rated; sizes 1/16″ to 1/2″.
Best for: Drilling metal and wood with an impact driver, and for users who want a durable TiN coating.
Drill America 29-Piece High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Set: Best for Precise Fractional Sizing in Wood and Metal
This Drill America set contains 29 jobber-length high-speed steel bits from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 1/64-inch increments. The black and gold oxide finish resists corrosion and increases hardness. A self-centering 135° split point is designed to start cleanly in hard material and produce small chips to reduce clogging. The bits come in a round plastic storage case.
Specs that matter: 29 pieces; high-speed steel; black and gold oxide finish; 135° split point; fractional sizes 1/16″ to 1/2″ in 1/64″ increments; plastic case.
Best for: Wood and metal drilling where a full range of 1/64-inch fractional steps is needed for precise hole sizing.
How to Choose
Selecting the best drill bit set depends on the materials you drill most often and the tools you use. Below are key specs to consider.
Bit Material and Coating
High-speed steel (HSS) is the standard for general-purpose drilling in wood and soft metals. Cobalt (M35 or M42) adds heat resistance for hardened metals like stainless steel. Titanium nitride (TiN) coating reduces friction and extends bit life. Black oxide coating resists corrosion and helps retain lubricant.
Point Geometry
A 135° split point is common on modern bits. It self-centers and reduces walking when starting a hole. Standard 118° points are also available but are less aggressive.
Shank Type
Most drill bits have a round shank for use in a standard drill chuck. Some sets, like the Makita Impact Gold, have a 1/4-inch hex shank for use in impact drivers. Impact-rated bits are built to withstand the higher torque of impact drivers.
Size Range and Number of Pieces
Sets range from 14 to 115 pieces. Fractional sets (1/16 to 1/2 inch in 1/64 increments) cover common sizes. Letter and numbered sets provide intermediate sizes for tapping and precision work. Larger sets offer more versatility but may include sizes you rarely use.
Included Accessories
Some sets include screwdriver bits, nut drivers, hole saws, and magnetic holders. If you need to drill masonry, look for a set that explicitly includes masonry bits, such as the Amazon Basics 100-piece set. For more on masonry drilling, see our guide How to Drill into Tile, Brick and Concrete.
| Product | Pieces | Material | Coating | Point Angle | Shank | Includes Masonry Bits | Storage Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWA1181 | 21 | High-speed steel | Black oxide | 135° split | Round | No | Not listed |
| MACXCOIP 115pc | 115 | M35 cobalt HSS | Not listed | 135° split | Round | No | Yes |
| Amazon Basics 100pc | 100 | Alloy steel | Not listed | Not listed | Round and hex (driver bits) | Yes | Yes |
| Makita B-65399 | 14 | High-speed steel | Titanium nitride | 135° split | 1/4″ hex | No | Not listed |
| Drill America KFD29J-PC | 29 | High-speed steel | Black and gold oxide | 135° split | Round | No | Yes |
FAQ
What is the best drill bit set for masonry?
Among these picks, the Amazon Basics 100-piece set is the only one that lists masonry bits in its included components. For dedicated masonry drilling, you may also want to see our guide Drill Bit Types: Which Bit for Wood, Metal, Masonry and Tile.
Are cobalt drill bits better for metal than HSS?
Cobalt bits (M35 or M42) are harder and more heat-resistant than standard HSS, making them better for drilling hardened metals like stainless steel and cast iron. For soft metals and wood, standard HSS is sufficient.
What does a 135° split point do?
A 135° split point helps the bit self-center on the work surface and reduces walking when you start drilling, though a center punch still helps on smooth metal. It also cuts faster and produces smaller chips.
Can I use impact-rated bits in a regular drill?
Yes, impact-rated bits with a 1/4-inch hex shank can be used in a standard drill chuck, but they are specifically designed to handle the higher torque and vibration of impact drivers. For more on this, read Impact-Rated vs Standard Driver Bits.
Choosing the best drill bit set comes down to the materials you drill most often and the tools you own. Compare the specs above, then check each listing for current details and pricing to find the set that matches your projects.
