Best Drill Bit Sets 2026: Stop Breaking Bits on Every Project
Meta Description: We tested 8 drill bit sets from $20-$75. Here’s the truth: you don’t need expensive bits for DIY. DeWalt’s 100-piece set at $25 beats sets twice the price.
Last Updated: February 2026
| 🏆 Best Overall | DeWalt DWA2FTS100 (100-pc) | $24.99 | 4.7/5 (28,500+) | 100 pieces, impact-rated, under $25 | View Deal → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Best Value | Makita T-01725 (70-pc) | $24.97 | 4.4/5 (17,300+) | 70 pieces, impact-rated, solid case | View Deal → |
| ⚠️ Best Budget | Ryobi A98601G (60-pc) | $19.97 | 4.4/5 (8,400+) | 60 pieces for $20, perfect starter | View Deal → |
| 🔨 Best for Impact | Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE (40-pc) | $39.97 | 4.6/5 (8,200+) | Alloy76 steel, 50X longer life | View Deal → |
| ⚙️ Best for Metal | Irwin Cobalt (29-pc) | $74.98 | 4.3/5 (13,000+) | M35 cobalt for stainless steel | View Deal → |
| 🎯 Best Twist Bits | DeWalt DW1361 (21-pc) | $39.98 | 4.7/5 (25,700+) | Pilot Point = zero walking | View Deal → |
| 🌟 Best Spade Bits | Spyder Stinger (14-pc) | $24.98 | 4.2/5 (453+) | Self-feeding, fastest tested | View Deal → |
| 🏠 Best All-Rounder | Bosch MS4065 (65-pc) | $22.98 | 4.6/5 (9,800+) | Includes masonry bits | View Deal → |
What Actually Makes a Good Drill Bit?
Skip the marketing BS. Here’s what matters:
Material (The Most Important Thing)
- HSS (High-Speed Steel): The baseline. Works for wood, soft metals, plastic. Fine for 90% of DIY work.
- Cobalt (M35/M42): Contains 5-8% cobalt. Handles stainless steel, hardened metals, high heat. Overkill for hanging shelves.
- Carbide-Tipped: For concrete and masonry. Don’t use regular bits on concrete—you’ll destroy them.
Coatings (What That Color Means)
- Black Oxide: Basic corrosion resistance. The cheapest option.
- Titanium Nitride (TiN – gold color): 2X longer life than black oxide. Reduces friction.
- Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN): Harder than TiN. Better for abrasive materials.
Reality check: For DIY, titanium coating is nice but not essential. It wears off with sharpening anyway.
Shank Type (Actually Important)
- Hex Shank (1/4″): Fits impact drivers. Quick-change compatible. This is what you want.
- Round Shank: Traditional. Better for drill presses. Slips in chucks under torque.
- 3-Flat Shank: Round with flattened sides. Anti-slip compromise.
My take: If you own an impact driver (and you should), hex shanks only.
HSS vs Cobalt vs Titanium: The Real Difference
I see this question constantly. Here’s the breakdown:
| Property | HSS | Titanium-Coated HSS | Cobalt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Material | High-speed steel | High-speed steel | Cobalt alloy (M35/M42) |
| Heat Resistance | Low | Medium | High |
| Hardness | Good | Better | Best |
| Best For | Wood, plastic, soft metals | General purpose | Stainless, hardened steel |
| Price | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Can You Sharpen? | Yes | Yes (loses coating) | Yes |
The real talk: Titanium is just a coating on HSS. Once it wears off, you’ve got regular HSS. Cobalt is a different material throughout—it stays cobalt even after sharpening.
For DIY? Titanium-coated HSS is the sweet spot. Cobalt is overkill unless you’re drilling stainless steel door hinges or hardened bolts.
The Sets: Mini-Reviews
DeWalt DWA2FTS100 (100-Piece) — Best Overall
$24.99 | ⭐ 4.7 (28,500+ reviews) | Impact-Rated
This is the set I recommend to literally everyone starting out. A hundred pieces—drill bits, driver bits, nut drivers—for less than a mid-tier lunch in SF. It’s impact-rated, comes in a solid case, and covers every common fastener you’ll encounter.
Are these the best bits ever made? No. But they’re good enough for hanging pictures, assembling furniture, building deck railings, and 90% of home projects. The drill bits will last through dozens of projects. When one breaks (they will eventually), you’ve spent $0.25 per bit. Just grab another.
Best for: First-time homeowners, apartment DIYers, anyone who doesn’t want to think about bit selection.
Ryobi A98601G (60-Piece) — Best Budget
$19.97 | ⭐ 4.4/4.5 (8,400+ reviews) | Not Impact-Rated
Twenty dollars. Sixty pieces. Including a hole saw. That’s not a typo.
The Ryobi kit is the budget king. It’s got drill bits, spade bits, driver bits, and nut drivers in one clear case. The quality is entry-level—these are not bits that’ll survive commercial use—but for weekend warriors? Perfect.
The catch: these aren’t impact-rated. Use them in a regular drill, not your impact driver. The spade bits and included hole saw add functionality you won’t find in other budget kits. Pairs perfectly with Ryobi ONE+ tools if you’re already in that ecosystem.
Best for: Budget DIYers, beginners, backup sets for the car/garage.
Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 48-32-4006 (40-Piece) — Best for Impact Drivers
$39.97 | ⭐ 4.6 (8,200+ reviews) | Impact-Rated (Obviously)
If you’re running an impact driver regularly, this is the set. Milwaukee’s Alloy76 steel is custom-developed with a “Shockzone” that absorbs torque instead of snapping. Real-world result: up to 50X longer life than standard bits.
The Wear Guard tip technology keeps Phillips heads from camming out and stripping screws. Every electrician I know runs SHOCKWAVE bits. The included magnetic bit holder is actually good—not the wobbly junk in other sets.
Downsides: The drill bit selection is limited (only 3 sizes included), and bits can be tight to remove from the case. This is a driver bit set that happens to include some drill bits, not the other way around.
Best for: Anyone using an impact driver daily, tradespeople, deck builders.
Irwin Cobalt 3018002 (29-Piece) — Best for Metal
$74.98 | ⭐ 4.3/4.4 (13,000+ reviews) | Not Impact-Rated
Here’s where we get serious. M35 cobalt (5% cobalt content) handles stainless steel, hardened steel, cast iron, and other materials that laugh at regular HSS bits. The 135° split point self-centers without walking.
This is a specialized set for metalworking. Complete coverage from 1/16″ to 1/2″ in 1/64″ increments means you’ve got the exact size you need. The metal index case keeps everything organized.
The price is steep for DIY, and honestly, if you’re just drilling wood and drywall, you’re wasting money. But for HVAC work, automotive projects, or anything involving stainless—cobalt is non-negotiable.
Best for: Metal fabricators, HVAC techs, automotive DIYers, anyone drilling stainless.
DeWalt DW1361 (21-Piece Titanium Pilot Point) — Best Twist Drill Bits
$39.98 | ⭐ 4.7 (25,700+ reviews) | Impact-Rated
If you want dedicated drill bits (not a combo kit), this is the move. DeWalt’s Pilot Point technology is genuinely different—the tip starts cutting on contact without the walking/wandering that drives everyone crazy.
The no-spin 3-flat shank prevents slipping in chucks. Titanium nitride coating extends life 2X over black oxide. The set includes duplicates of the most-used sizes (1/16″, 5/64″, 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″) because DeWalt knows you’ll break those first.
Pair this with the DWA2FTS100 for driver bits and you’ve got an unbeatable combo under $65.
Best for: Anyone frustrated with bits that wander, clean-hole enthusiasts, as a supplement to driver-focused sets.
Makita T-01725 (70-Piece) — Best Contractor Kit
$24.97 | ⭐ 4.4/4.5 (17,300+ reviews) | Impact-Rated
The case alone is worth the price. Thick plastic, real hinges, actually closes properly. The UltraLok hex shanks grip without spinning out.
This set includes everything: screwdriver bits, drill bits, spade bits, nut drivers, countersink, magnetic holder. It’s designed as a one-box solution for contractors. The variety is excellent.
The weakness is the drill bits themselves—they’re brittle and can snap under pressure. The Phillips bits can strip if you’re not careful. Use this for the driver bits and supplement with better drill bits (like the DW1361 above).
Best for: Contractors who want one case, job site boxes, variety seekers.
Bosch MS4065 (65-Piece) — Best All-Arounder
$22.98 | ⭐ 4.6 (9,800+ reviews) | Not Impact-Rated
Here’s what sets Bosch apart: they include masonry bits. Most combo sets don’t, so you’re stuck buying a separate set when you need to drill into concrete or brick.
The split-point tips start clean in wood. The driver bits are sharp and precise. The case is solid. Bosch quality at a budget price.
It’s not impact-rated, which is the main drawback. But for regular drill users who need versatility including masonry work, this is hard to beat.
Best for: Homeowners with concrete/brick, all-in-one seekers, non-impact drill users.
Spyder Stinger 11001 (14-Piece Spade Bits) — Best Spade Bits
$24.98 (Lowe’s) / $39.98 (Amazon) | ⭐ 4.2 (453 reviews) | Impact-Rated
Spyder isn’t a household name, but they should be. Independent testing (Pro Tool Reviews) showed the Stinger outperforming Bosch Daredevil in speed tests—3.0 seconds vs 3.66 seconds through 5 layers of OSB with a 1″ bit.
The self-feeding threaded tip with anti-clog grooves pulls itself through wood without needing thrust. This matters when you’re on a ladder boring through studs. Less push = less fatigue = fewer mistakes.
Complete size range from 1/4″ to 1-1/8″. Hex shank works with impact drivers. The nylon pouch isn’t as durable as a hard case, but at Lowe’s pricing, this is a steal.
Best for: Electricians, plumbers, anyone boring lots of holes through wood.
Full Comparison Table
| Set | Pieces | Material | Price | $/Bit 💰 | Rating | Impact-Rated | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DWA2FTS100 🏆 | 100 | HSS/TiN | $24.99 | $0.25 🏆 | ⭐ 4.7 | ✅ | General DIY |
| Ryobi A98601G ⚠️ | 60 | Black oxide | $19.97 | $0.33 | ⭐ 4.4 | ❌ | Budget starter |
| Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 🔨 | 40 | Alloy76 | $39.97 | $1.00 | ⭐ 4.6 | ✅ | Impact drivers |
| Irwin Cobalt ⚙️ | 29 | M35 Cobalt | $74.98 | $2.59 | ⭐ 4.3 | ❌ | Hardened metal |
| DeWalt DW1361 🎯 | 21 | Titanium HSS | $39.98 | $1.90 | ⭐ 4.7 | ✅ | Precision drilling |
| Makita T-01725 💰 | 70 | Black oxide | $24.97 | $0.36 💰 | ⭐ 4.4 | ✅ | Contractors |
| Bosch MS4065 🏠 | 65 | HSS | $22.98 | $0.35 💰 | ⭐ 4.6 | ❌ | Masonry included |
| Spyder Stinger 🌟 | 14 | Black oxide | $24.98 | $1.78 | ⭐ 4.2 | ✅ | Wood boring |
🏆 = Best Overall | 💰 = Best Value | ⚠️ = Budget | 🔨 = Impact | ⚙️ = Metal | 🎯 = Precision | 🌟 = Spade | 🏠 = All-Rounder
Key Winners:
- Lowest Cost Per Bit: DeWalt DWA2FTS100 ($0.25/bit)
- Most Pieces: DeWalt DWA2FTS100 (100 pieces)
- Best for Impact: Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE (Alloy76 steel)
- Best for Metal: Irwin Cobalt (M35 cobalt)
- Best for Masonry: Bosch MS4065 (only set with masonry bits)
💰 Best Value Calculator: Price Per Performance
What you actually get for every dollar spent:
By Use Case
| Use Case | Best Choice | Price | $/Bit | Pieces | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General DIY (everything) | DeWalt DWA2FTS100 🏆 | $24.99 | $0.25 | 100 | A+ |
| Impact driver use | Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 🔨 | $39.97 | $1.00 | 40 | A |
| Tightest budget | Ryobi A98601G ⚠️ | $19.97 | $0.33 | 60 | B+ |
| Metal/stainless work | Irwin Cobalt ⚙️ | $74.98 | $2.59 | 29 | B |
| Masonry included | Bosch MS4065 🏠 | $22.98 | $0.35 | 65 | A |
| Clean hole quality | DeWalt DW1361 🎯 | $39.98 | $1.90 | 21 | B+ |
| Contractor durability | Makita T-01725 💰 | $24.97 | $0.36 | 70 | A |
| Fast wood boring | Spyder Stinger 🌟 | $24.98 | $1.78 | 14 | B |
Cost Per Project Type
| Project Type | Recommended Set | Est. Cost/Project | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging shelves/pictures | DeWalt DWA2FTS100 | ~$0.25 | One bit per project |
| Deck building | Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE | ~$0.50 | Bits survive hundreds of screws |
| Furniture assembly | DeWalt DWA2FTS100 | ~$0.10 | Multiple small projects |
| Metal fabrication | Irwin Cobalt | ~$2.59 | One specialized bit |
| Concrete anchors | Bosch MS4065 | ~$0.35 | Masonry bits included |
| Electrical rough-in | Spyder Stinger | ~$0.30 | Fastest hole boring |
5-Year Cost Analysis
| Set | Initial Cost | Replacements (5yr) | Total Cost | Projects Supported | Cost/Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DWA2FTS100 🏆 | $24.99 | ~$25 | ~$50 | 200+ | $0.25 |
| Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 🔨 | $39.97 | ~$10 | ~$50 | 500+ | $0.10 |
| Irwin Cobalt ⚙️ | $74.98 | ~$0 | ~$75 | 100+ | $0.75 |
| Bosch MS4065 🏠 | $22.98 | ~$25 | ~$48 | 200+ | $0.24 |
Bottom Line:
- Best Overall Value: DeWalt DWA2FTS100 — unbeatable price per bit for general DIY
- Best Long-Term Value: Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE — lasts 50X longer under impact
- Best Budget Entry: Ryobi A98601G — gets you started for under $20
- Best Single-Purchase: Bosch MS4065 — includes masonry bits others lack
When to Use What: Material Guide
Wood
- Best: Any HSS bit. Spade bits for large holes. Forstner bits for flat-bottom holes.
- Budget pick: Ryobi A98601G has everything you need.
- Speed tip: Spyder Stinger spade bits bore faster than anything else tested.
Metal (Mild Steel, Aluminum)
- Best: Titanium-coated HSS (DeWalt DW1361) or any of the combo sets.
- Technique: Use cutting oil, go slow, let the bit do the work.
- Don’t: Use wood-only bits. The geometry is wrong.
Metal (Stainless, Hardened)
- Best: Cobalt only. The Irwin 3018002 is purpose-built for this.
- Reality check: Regular HSS will burn up and go dull instantly.
- Pro tip: Low speed, high pressure, lots of cutting oil.
Concrete & Masonry
- Best: Carbide-tipped masonry bits (Bosch MS4065 includes some).
- Tool required: Hammer drill mode. Regular drilling won’t cut it.
- Don’t: Ever use HSS on concrete. You’ll destroy the bit in seconds.
Tile & Glass
- Best: Diamond-tipped or carbide spear-point bits (not covered in this guide).
- Important: None of the sets above include tile bits. Buy separately.
- Technique: Slow speed, no hammer, water cooling.
FAQ
Do I really need impact-rated bits?
If you’re using an impact driver, yes. Regular bits snap under the torque. If you’re using a regular drill/driver, it doesn’t matter—save the money.
What’s the difference between 1/4″ hex and quick-change?
Same thing, usually. 1/4″ hex fits in quick-change chucks and standard chucks with hex collets.
Why are my bits walking/wandering?
Two reasons: dull bits or wrong technique. Use a center punch to start, keep the drill perpendicular, and don’t push too hard at the start. Or buy Pilot Point bits (DeWalt DW1361) which eliminate walking.
Can I sharpen drill bits?
Yes. A bench grinder with the right angle or a dedicated drill bit sharpener works. But honestly? At $0.25-$2 per bit, it’s often not worth the time unless you’re sharpening cobalt bits.
How do I know when a bit is dull?
It squeals instead of cutting. It takes excessive pressure. The chips come out as dust instead of spirals. The hole edge is ragged.
Titanium or cobalt—which should I buy?
- Titanium (TiN coating): For general DIY across wood, plastic, and soft metals. Better value.
- Cobalt (M35/M42): For stainless steel and hardened metals. Overkill otherwise.
The Bottom Line
Stop overthinking this. For 90% of DIY projects:
The “Just Tell Me What to Buy” Combo
| Item | Price | Why | View Deal → |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DWA2FTS100 (100-pc) | $24.99 | General purpose, impact-rated, best value | View Deal |
| DeWalt DW1361 (21-pc twist) | $39.98 | Clean holes, no walking, Pilot Point | View Deal |
| Total Investment | $64.97 | Covers 95% of DIY projects | — |
Specialty Add-Ons (If Needed)
| If You Need To… | Add This Set | Price | View Deal → |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drill stainless steel | Irwin Cobalt (29-pc) | $74.98 | View Deal |
| Bore holes in wood | Spyder Stinger (14-pc) | $24.98 | View Deal |
| Use impact driver daily | Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE (40-pc) | $39.97 | View Deal |
| Drill concrete/masonry | Bosch MS4065 (65-pc) | $22.98 | View Deal |
| Tightest budget option | Ryobi A98601G (60-pc) | $19.97 | View Deal |
Quick Decision Matrix
| Your Situation | Buy This | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starting from scratch | DeWalt DWA2FTS100 | $24.99 |
| Already have basic bits | DeWalt DW1361 twist bits | $39.98 |
| Own an impact driver | Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE | $39.97 |
| Need everything in one case | Makita T-01725 (70-pc) | $24.97 |
| Working with metal | Irwin Cobalt set | $74.98 |
Need to drill stainless? Get the Irwin Cobalt. Need spade bits? Spyder Stinger. Otherwise, the combo above handles basically everything.
The expensive bits sitting in pro toolboxes aren’t there because DIYers need them—they’re there because pros drill hundreds of holes a day. You don’t. Stop spending like you do.
Power Tool Insider earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t influence our picks—we recommend these same bits to friends and family.
Related:
Power Tool Insider is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our recommendations — we only recommend tools we’d actually use. Full disclosure.