Types of Drill Bit: What Each One Is For
Twist, cobalt, masonry and driver bits explained, with 3 drill bit sets that cover wood, metal, hard metal and cement.
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A shelf bracket, a new workbench, a bracket on the truck: sooner or later the job needs a hole, and the bit decides whether it comes out clean. Types of drill bit come down to the bit shape and the material it is made for: HSS twist bits for wood and metal, M35 cobalt twist bits for hard metal, masonry bits for masonry and cement, and driver bits for screws.
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Cobalt Drill Bit Set - 115Pcs M35 HiSS Bits
A 115-piece M35 cobalt drill bit set with 5% cobalt, a 135 degree split point and a metal index box, for hardened metal, stainless steel, cast iron and wood.
Pros
- M35 cobalt high speed steel with 5% cobalt for hard materials
- 135 degree split point with a round straight shank, self-centering to prevent walk-off
- 115 pieces in fractional, letter and numbered sizes
- Metal index storage box with size markings
Cons
- No weight is stated
- No warranty term is stated
- No storage box dimensions are stated
- No masonry or cement use is stated for the cobalt bits
COMOWARE Drill Bit Set, 246 Pcs for Cordless
A 246-piece drill and driver bit combo kit in HSS with titanium and black oxide bits, masonry bits, hole saws and a portable case, for wood, metal, masonry and cement.
Pros
- 246 pieces cover drilling and screw driving in one kit
- 57 HSS titanium and 30 HSS black oxide twist bits, plus 21 masonry bits
- 17 brad point bits, 4 spade bits, 4 hole saws
- Portable storage case with a sponge cushion and blue size labels
Cons
- No weight is stated
- The replacement promise states no time limit
- No twist bit sizes are stated
- Not every piece drills: 66 x 1 inch and 30 x 2 inch screwdriver bits, 6 nut drivers and 2 hex keys
Milwaukee Shockwave Bit & Drill Bit Kit w/ 60 Pcs
A 60-piece Milwaukee Shockwave bit and drill bit kit with an extended-life claim, weighing 2.0 lb, for impact driving and drilling.
Pros
- 60 pieces in one Shockwave kit
- The listing states up to 50 times longer service life compared to other impact drive bits
- Covers impact driving and drilling in one kit
- Stated weight of 2.0 lb
Cons
- No bit sizes are listed, and no breakdown of the 60 pieces is stated
- The warranty states no term, only 'Manufacturer Warranty'
- Service life is stated as a comparison claim, with no hours or cycles stated
- No storage case is stated
Types of drill bit and what each one is for
The listings show twist, cobalt, masonry, brad point and spade bits, plus hole saws and driver bits.
| Type | What the listings state | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|
| Twist drill bits | Wood and metal | 57 HSS titanium and 30 HSS black oxide bits in the COMOWARE kit |
| Cobalt drill bits, M35 | Hardened metal, stainless steel, cast iron, high temperature alloy, titanium alloy, hard plastics, wood | 115-piece SEDIANAS set |
| Masonry drill bits | Masonry and cement | 21 in the COMOWARE kit |
| Brad point drill bits | In the COMOWARE kit | 17 in the COMOWARE kit |
| Spade drill bits | In the COMOWARE kit | 4 in the COMOWARE kit |
| Hole saws | In the COMOWARE kit | 4 in the COMOWARE kit |
| Screwdriver bits | Screw driving | 66 x 1 inch and 30 x 2 inch in the COMOWARE kit |
| Impact drive bits | Impact driving | Milwaukee 60-piece Shockwave kit |
The SEDIANAS cobalt bits use a 135 degree split point with a round straight shank, self-centering to prevent walk-off, and a fully ground twist that clears particles faster and decreases friction and heat. The Milwaukee kit is the impact-rated one: Shockwave bits for impact drivers, with the listing stating up to 50 times longer service life compared to other impact drive bits.
Fractional, letter and numbered sizes
The SEDIANAS set is the only one of the 3 that lists a full size system: 29 fractional sizes from 1/16 to 1/2 inch in 1/64th increments, 26 letter sizes from A to Z, and 60 numbered sizes from #1 to #60. The COMOWARE kit marks sizes on blue labels in the case, and the Milwaukee kit lists no sizes. Match the bit size to the hole.
The drill bit sets
The sets below cover the choosing step: match the set to the material you drill most.
How to choose a drill bit set
Start with the material. For hardened metal, stainless steel or cast iron, the SEDIANAS M35 cobalt set is the one the listings aim at hard materials. For wood, metal, masonry and cement, the COMOWARE 246-piece kit covers them. For impact driving and drilling, the Milwaukee Shockwave kit covers them in 60 pieces.
Then check the size coverage and the storage. The SEDIANAS set covers fractional, letter and numbered sizes in one box, while the COMOWARE kit gives counts by type and the Milwaukee kit gives no size list. Check the manual before the first hole.
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FAQ: garage tools
What is the difference between cobalt bits and HSS twist bits?
Cobalt bits use M35 high speed steel with 5% cobalt for hardened metal, stainless steel and cast iron. HSS twist bits use a titanium finish and black oxide coating for wood and metal.
What sizes come in the 115-piece cobalt set?
29 fractional sizes from 1/16 to 1/2 inch, 26 letter sizes from A to Z, and 60 numbered sizes from #1 to #60, in a metal index box with size markings.
What is in the 246-piece COMOWARE kit?
57 HSS titanium drill bits, 30 HSS black oxide twist bits, 21 masonry bits, 17 brad point bits, 4 spade bits, 4 drill stoppers and 1 extension bit, plus 66 x 1 inch and 30 x 2 inch screwdriver bits, 6 nut drivers and 2 hex keys. It also holds 4 hole saws, 1 arbor adapter, 1 countersink, 1 nail punch and 1 bit holder.
Do the sets include storage?
The SEDIANAS set comes in a metal index box with size markings, and the COMOWARE kit comes in a portable storage case with a sponge cushion and blue size labels. No storage case is stated for the Milwaukee kit.
What sizes are in the Milwaukee Shockwave kit?
The listing states the kit size as One Size, and 60 pieces with up to 50 times longer service life, but no bit size list or bit material is stated.
Related: the best drill bit set roundup, the best drill bit for steel picks, the titanium vs cobalt drill bits comparison and the cordless tools hub.
