Best #36 Drill Bits for Metalworking, Repairs, and Tapping
A #36 drill bit measures 0.1065 inch in diameter, making it useful for small, precise holes and some tapping jobs. The Drill America KFD is best for general-purpose drilling, while cobalt options are better suited to harder metals. Bosch’s combo set pairs a drill bit with a 6-32 plug tap, and MaxTool offers jobber-length HSS bits for routine shop work. Compare material, point style, quantity, and intended use before choosing.
| Product | Best for | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Drill America KFD | General-purpose drilling | HSS, 135° split point |
| HARFINGTON Cobalt | Stainless steel and tough materials | Cobalt HSS, 118° split point |
| Drill America DWDCO | Harder metals | Cobalt steel, round shank |
| Bosch BDT632 | 6-32 thread preparation | Matched bit and plug tap |
| MaxTool Jobber Length | Everyday shop drilling | HSS jobber-length design |
Drill America KFD #36 HSS Bits
This 12-pack uses high-speed steel (HSS), a practical choice for general-purpose drilling. The listed applications include wood, metal, stainless steel, and other hard metals. Its 135-degree split point is designed to help prevent the bit from walking as it starts a hole.
Best for: Buyers who want a versatile #36 bit for varied drilling tasks and value a split-point tip. It was selected as the general-purpose option because its stated materials and applications cover several common workpieces.
Limitation: It is an HSS option, not a cobalt bit specifically described for improved cutting of harder metals. Choose a cobalt model when that distinction matters.
HARFINGTON #36 Cobalt Bits
This 12-piece set is made from HSS with cobalt. The listed size is 0.1065-inch diameter, with a 36 mm drilling length and 64 mm overall length. Its 118-degree split point is described as self-centering, while spiral flutes help carry chips out of the hole.
Best for: Buyers drilling stainless steel, cast iron, or other tough materials who want cobalt-alloy bits and a stated drilling length. It adds clear size and length specifications to the product comparison.
Limitation: The 118-degree point differs from the 135-degree split point on some alternatives. Check whether the listed geometry suits your work before buying.
Drill America DWDCO Cobalt Bits
This 12-pack is part of Drill America’s DWDCO cobalt series. The product description identifies cobalt steel as a choice for improved performance when cutting harder metals, including stainless steel and nickel alloys. The bits have round shanks, which the listing says can be used with a wide variety of toolholding systems. Gold oxide is described as a thin surface treatment, with performance similar to uncoated tools.
Best for: Buyers seeking a cobalt #36 bit for harder metals and a round-shank design. It is a better fit than a general-purpose HSS bit when the stated material focus is the priority.
Limitation: The supplied details do not specify the point angle or bit length. Check those dimensions if your setup requires them.
Bosch 6-32 Tap And Drill Set
This combo includes a No. 36 drill bit matched to a 6-32 plug tap. The bit prepares the hole before the tap cuts right-hand internal threads, and the listing describes its tip as no-skate for accurate starts. The included plug tap is designed for cutting right-hand internal threads.
Best for: Buyers preparing a hole for 6-32 right-hand threads who want the drill and tap together. It was selected because the matched components make the intended task explicit.
Limitation: This is a task-specific combo, not simply a multi-bit pack. Avoid it if you only need a standalone #36 bit or are cutting a different thread.
MaxTool #36 Jobber-Length HSS Bits
MaxTool’s 10-piece set contains identical jobber-length twist drills with straight shanks. The listing describes the bits as HSS and intended for cutting metal, plastic, and wood. It also states that drill dimensions and tolerances conform to ASME/ANSI B94.11M or USCTI standards.
Best for: Buyers who need several matching #36 bits for routine work across common materials. The jobber-length form and stated dimensional standards distinguish it from options with more specialized material or tapping features.
Limitation: The provided details do not give a point angle or exact bit length. Choose another listing if those specifications are essential to your application.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A #36 Drill Bit
What does #36 mean?
A #36 bit is a wire-gauge drill size. Several product listings specify its diameter as 0.1065 inch, or approximately 2.705 mm. Use the required hole diameter for your job rather than relying on a general-purpose bit-size assumption, especially when preparing a hole for threads.
Should you choose HSS or cobalt?
HSS is the general-purpose choice among these products, with listed uses that include wood and metal. Cobalt bits are the better match when the work involves harder metals such as stainless steel or nickel alloys, according to the product descriptions. Match the bit material to the workpiece instead of choosing by material name alone.
Which point style matters?
A split point can help the bit start in the intended location. The products here include 118-degree and 135-degree split-point designs, as well as listings that do not specify a point angle. Compare the stated tip geometry if accurate starting or a particular drilling setup is important.
Do you need a tap with the bit?
Choose the Bosch combo if the job is to prepare a hole for 6-32 right-hand internal threads. For general drilling or keeping spare bits on hand, a pack of standalone bits is more appropriate. Verify the required thread and hole specifications for your project before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the diameter of a #36 drill bit?
The listed diameter for several products is 0.1065 inch, equivalent to about 2.705 mm.
Is a #36 bit suitable for stainless steel?
The product listings identify HSS and cobalt options for stainless steel. For harder metals, cobalt models are specifically described as offering improved performance.
Which option includes a tap?
The Bosch BDT632 set includes a No. 36 drill bit matched to a 6-32 plug tap for cutting right-hand internal threads.
How many bits come in a pack?
The listed options include packs of 10 or 12 bits. The Bosch product is a drill-and-tap combo rather than a multi-bit pack.