Tough and wear resistant, cobalt steel bits last at least twice as long as high-speed steel. They can also run up to 25% faster at higher temperatures without being damaged on hard materials, such as nickel.

Performance similar to solid carbide but at a lower price point. Like carbide bits, these are stronger than cobalt and high-speed steel and maintain their sharp edges when drilling abrasive material. However, when drilling tough metals like iron and hardened steel, upgrade to carbide for longer life.

Wear and heat resistant, these stay sharp longer than precise-cut bits made of plain steel. The sharp center point keeps the bit from wandering during drilling to cut accurate straight and overlapping holes, even across the grain. Also known as brad-point bits.

Drill multiple hole sizes using only one bit. These have steps with progressively larger diameters—the deeper they drill, the bigger the hole. Count the steps as you drill to achieve the proper size. These bits also deburr as they cut, so they're good for thin materials like sheet metal and plastic panels. Wear and heat resistant, high-speed steel is versatile for use on a range of materials.

Cut clean holes in abrasive material without fraying or delaminating the surface. Made of carbide, these bits resist wear to retain a sharp edge, even after after hundreds of cuts.

Harder and more wear resistant than cobalt steel, these carbide bits create an accurate starting place in your workpiece. Cut an indent, then continue drilling with a longer bit. The indent prevents slipping so the final hole is centered and precise. Carbide stays sharp at high temperatures and faster speeds. It can be brittle, however, so these bits require a rigid machine tool holder to prevent breakage and should not be used in hand drilling applications.

Multiple teeth cut away large amounts of material to bore clean, flat-bottom holes in wood. The center guide point keeps the bit stable and centered for drilling straight, angled, and overlapping holes, like those used create joints. Also known as Forstner bits.

Straight flutes withstand the heavy pressure needed to penetrate hardened steel. These bits cut more aggressively and resist stress better than spiral-flute bits. A lower-priced alternative to solid carbide, they stay sharp when drilling abrasive material but won’t last as long.

With flutes that lift chips out of the hole, you don't have to stop drilling to clear these bits manually. They improve coolant flow to dissipate heat and prevent clogs that can damage the bit and ruin the hole. High-speed steel is good for general purpose drilling in most metals.