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.

The hardest and most wear-resistant drill bits you can buy. Carbide bits stay sharp at high temperatures and faster speeds for the best performance on hard and difficult-to-machine materials. They last 10 to 20 times longer than their closest alternative, cobalt steel. Carbide 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.

The hardest and most wear-resistant bits with the longest life. Straight flutes withstand the heavy pressure needed to penetrate hardened steel. These bits cut more aggressively and resist stress better than spiral-flute bits. Carbide stays sharp at high temperatures and faster speeds for the best performance on hard and difficult-to-machine materials. 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.

The flutes spiral in the opposite direction of other bits and stay sharp longer than high-speed steel. They’re primarily used to remove stripped screws. Choose a bit that’s slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw’s head. Set your power tool to rotate in reverse. Slowly drill in the center of the screw head, maintaining constant pressure. As the bit penetrates, it will catch onto the screw and reverse it out of the hole. If the screw is badly stripped, you might need to punch a starter hole. Also known as reverse-flute bits.

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.