Best #11 Drill Bits for Metal, Wood, and Precision Work
A #11 drill bit measures about 0.191 inch in diameter, making it useful when a project calls for a specific wire-gauge hole rather than a common fractional size. The best choice depends on the material and how many bits you need: Drill America’s HSS set suits general-purpose work, its cobalt set is better for harder metals, and MaxTool offers a smaller five-bit cobalt pack. Compare the listed material, point design, dimensions, and pack size before choosing.
| Product | Best for | Pack size |
|---|---|---|
| Drill America KFD Series HSS | General-purpose drilling | 12 |
| Drill America DWDCO Cobalt | Harder metals | 12 |
| HARFINGTON Cobalt | Specified dimensions and chip removal | 12 |
| Kozelo M2 HSS | Metal, wood, and craft work | 12 |
| MaxTool M35 Cobalt | A smaller cobalt set | 5 |
Drill America KFD Series HSS
This 12-piece set uses high-speed steel (HSS), a practical option for general-purpose drilling. The listed applications include wood, metal, stainless steel, and other hard metals. Its 135-degree split-point tip is designed to help prevent the bit from walking when starting a hole.
Best for: Buyers who want a dozen #11 bits for varied materials and routine shop or home projects. It was selected for its broad stated application range and split-point design.
Limitation: For repeated drilling in especially hard metals, a cobalt bit may be a better material choice.
Drill America DWDCO Cobalt Bits
This 12-piece set is made from cobalt steel. The manufacturer’s listed material guidance identifies cobalt as a better option than standard HSS for cutting harder metals, including stainless steel and nickel alloys. The bits have round shanks, which are suitable for use with a wide variety of toolholding systems. A gold-oxide surface treatment identifies the cobalt steel; the listing describes its performance as similar to uncoated tools.
Best for: Buyers prioritizing harder-metal drilling and a larger replacement supply. It was selected for its cobalt construction and broad shank-system use.
Limitation: The product details do not specify a split-point tip, so choose another option if that feature is a requirement.
HARFINGTON Cobalt Bits With Split Points
HARFINGTON’s 12-piece set specifies a 0.191-inch drilling diameter, 60 mm flute length, and 88 mm overall length. Its HSS-and-cobalt construction is intended for tough materials such as stainless steel and cast iron. The 135-degree split point helps locate the starting position, while the spiral flutes are designed to carry chips away and reduce material jamming.
Best for: Buyers who want stated dimensions, cobalt construction, and a split-point tip in one set. It was selected for the detailed size information and chip-removal features.
Limitation: Its stated 88 mm overall length may not suit a job that requires a longer bit.
Kozelo M2 HSS Numbered Bits
This 12-pack is listed as #11, measuring 4.851 mm, with a 90 mm overall length and a 60 mm flute length. The M2 HSS bits have a 135-degree split point and a nitriding black finish. The product listing describes use in metals, hardwoods, composite boards, plastic, and craft applications.
Best for: Buyers who need one #11 size for a mix of precision metalworking and woodworking tasks. It was selected for its stated dimensions, point angle, and broad material range.
Limitation: This set is HSS rather than cobalt; buyers focused on repeated work in harder metals may prefer a cobalt option.
MaxTool M35 Cobalt Five-Pack
MaxTool supplies five identical jobber-length #11 drills with a 0.191-inch diameter. The product is described as M35 cobalt HSS, with straight shanks and applications in metal, plastic, and wood. The listing also states that the drill dimensions and tolerances conform to ASME/ANSI B94.11M or USCTI standards.
Best for: Buyers who want cobalt construction but need five bits rather than a 12-piece pack. It was selected for its specified diameter, jobber-length format, and listed dimensional standards.
Limitation: The five-bit pack provides fewer replacements than the 12-piece sets in this comparison.
Buying Guide
What size is a #11 drill bit?
A #11 bit is approximately 0.191 inch in diameter, also listed as 4.851 mm by some manufacturers. Numbered drill sizes are distinct from fractional-inch sizes, so check the drawing or fastener specification before substituting another diameter. The products listed here are marketed as #11, but their stated lengths and construction vary.
Should you choose HSS or cobalt?
Standard HSS is a versatile choice for general drilling across materials such as wood and metal. Cobalt steel is the better fit when the work centers on harder metals, including stainless steel or nickel alloys, according to the product descriptions. Choose based on the material and work pattern, not the finish color alone: gold oxide and black finishes do not establish that two bits have the same construction.
Which tip and length details matter?
A 135-degree split point is useful when reducing bit movement as a hole starts. It appears on the Drill America KFD, HARFINGTON, and Kozelo listings. Compare overall and flute lengths if access or hole depth matters; HARFINGTON and Kozelo provide specific measurements, while the other listings do not provide those dimensions in the supplied details.
How many bits should you buy?
A 12-piece pack provides more identical replacements, while MaxTool’s five-piece set may suit buyers who need a smaller quantity. Check that the shank and bit length suit your tool and setup. The listed round or straight shanks are described as usable with a range of toolholding systems, but confirm your equipment’s requirements before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a #11 drill bit the same as 0.191 inch?
It is commonly specified as approximately 0.191 inch. Some listings give the metric equivalent as 4.851 mm.
Which #11 bit is best for stainless steel?
A cobalt option is better suited to harder metals such as stainless steel based on the product descriptions. Drill America DWDCO, HARFINGTON, and MaxTool are cobalt choices in this comparison.
Can a #11 drill bit be used on wood?
Several listed products specify wood applications, including the Drill America KFD, Kozelo, and MaxTool bits. Select the bit based on the material and the hole-size requirement.
Does every #11 bit have a split point?
No. The supplied details specifically identify a 135-degree split point for Drill America KFD, HARFINGTON, and Kozelo. Check the product specifications if this tip design matters.