Best #1 Drill Bits for Metal, Wood, and Precision Work
The best #1 drill bit depends on the material and how many spares you need. The IVY Classic is a strong choice for general-purpose drilling, while the Drill America cobalt aircraft bit is better for tough metals and extended reach. For a multipack, consider CoCud’s 10-piece set or MaxTool’s five-piece M2 or cobalt options. These are #1 wire-gauge bits, not standard fractional-size bits; check the required hole diameter before buying.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| IVY Classic No. 1 | General-purpose work | M2 steel, polished flutes |
| Drill America Cobalt Aircraft | Tough metals and reach | Six-inch aircraft extension |
| CoCud 10-Piece Set | Multiple small projects | Ten bits; listed material limits |
| MaxTool M2 5-Piece | Everyday spare bits | Five jobber-length drills |
| MaxTool M35 Cobalt 5-Piece | Metal-focused multipack | Cobalt high-speed steel |
IVY Classic No. 1 Wire-Gauge Drill Bit
The IVY Classic is a versatile single bit for buyers who need a No. 1 wire-gauge size for different materials. Its jobber-length design is listed for stainless and hard steel, plastic, and wood. The bit is made from hardened and tempered M2 high-speed steel, with a 135-degree split point.
Choose this bit if you want a single M2 option with polished flutes designed to help eject chips. Its precision-ground, bright finish and Swift Bore design are distinguishing features. It is a practical general-purpose pick, but the package contains one bit, so it is not the best fit when you need multiple spares.
Drill America Cobalt Aircraft Extension Bit
This Drill America No. 1 bit is best for buyers who need extended reach or want a bit intended for tough, high-tensile-strength materials. Its six-inch aircraft-extension format is listed for stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium. A 135-degree split point helps limit walking at startup, and the round shank works with a wide variety of tool-holding systems.
Choose it over a standard jobber-length bit when reach is a priority. The product is sold as one bit, rather than a multipack. Its listed material applications are demanding, but the available details do not specify every operating condition or the appropriate drilling setup.
CoCud No. 1 HSS Drill Bits, 10-Piece Set
CoCud’s set is best for buyers who want several No. 1 bits for repeated projects. It includes 10 mini bits made from 4341 high-speed steel. The listing gives a cutting diameter of 5.791 mm, a 66 mm cutting-edge length, and a 97 mm overall length. Its 135-degree point and gold finish are also specified.
The listed applications include acrylic, plastic, wood, soft metals, carbon steel, cast iron, and thin stainless steel. This makes the set a flexible choice for light fabrication and vehicle-maintenance tasks such as sheet metal or bracket holes. Avoid it for hardened steel, high-alloy steel, thick stainless steel, and other ultra-hard materials, which the listing excludes.
MaxTool No. 1 M2 Jobber Bits, Five-Pack
This MaxTool pack is best for buyers who want five identical No. 1 jobber-length bits for ongoing work. The listing identifies the diameter as 0.228 inch and describes the bits as M2 high-speed steel with straight shanks. They are intended for cutting metal, plastic, and wood.
The five-piece quantity provides more replacements than a single-bit purchase, and the listing says the dimensions and tolerances conform to ASME/ANSI B94.11M or USCTI drill standards. Choose this option for a general-purpose M2 multipack. The listed features do not specify a split point, so buyers who prioritize a described anti-walking point may prefer another option.
MaxTool No. 1 M35 Cobalt Bits, Five-Pack
This MaxTool five-pack is best for buyers who want a cobalt-steel alternative to the M2 jobber bits. The listing specifies M35 cobalt high-speed steel, a straight shank, and a No. 1 wire-gauge size. It describes the drills as suitable for metal, plastic, and wood and states that their dimensions and tolerances conform to ASME/ANSI B94.11M or USCTI standards.
Choose this pack when cobalt material is a priority and you need several identical bits. The listed features do not give a specific material-thickness limit or point angle. For a bit with an explicitly listed 135-degree split point, compare the IVY Classic or CoCud options instead.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A No. 1 Drill Bit
What does No. 1 wire gauge mean?
No. 1 refers to a wire-gauge drill size, not a fractional-inch label. The MaxTool listing gives its No. 1 bit as 0.228 inch, while CoCud lists 5.791 mm. Confirm the required hole diameter and size system before ordering, especially when a drawing or fastener specification calls for a precise measurement.
Which material should you choose?
For general drilling across wood, plastic, and metal, consider an M2 high-speed steel option such as IVY Classic or MaxTool. For tough materials such as stainless steel, Inconel, or titanium, the Drill America bit is specifically listed for those applications. CoCud lists several materials but cautions against hardened and high-alloy steels, thick stainless steel, and other ultra-hard materials.
Do you need one bit or a multipack?
A single bit is suitable when you need a specific size for occasional work. Multipacks make sense when you expect repeated drilling or want identical replacements. CoCud offers 10 bits, while the MaxTool M2 and M35 options each provide five.
When does bit length matter?
Choose an aircraft-extension bit when the extra reach suits the job; the Drill America model is listed at six inches. A jobber-length bit is the standard format among several other options here. Check the workpiece depth and access before selecting a length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a No. 1 drill bit the same as a 1/8-inch bit?
No. No. 1 is a wire-gauge size. The listed MaxTool diameter is 0.228 inch, so do not substitute a fractional-size bit without confirming the required hole measurement.
Which No. 1 bit is best for stainless steel?
Drill America lists its cobalt aircraft-extension bit for stainless steel. CoCud lists only thin stainless steel and specifically excludes thick stainless steel.
Which option includes the most bits?
The CoCud set includes 10 bits. The listed MaxTool multipacks include five bits each.
Which bit has an explicitly listed split point?
The IVY Classic and CoCud bits specify a 135-degree split point. Drill America also lists a 135-degree split point.