Best #56 Drill Bits for Metalworking, Crafts, and Precision Projects
The best #56 drill bit depends on what you plan to drill: cobalt options are suited to tougher metals, while high-speed steel and carbon steel bits cover general metalwork and detailed craft projects. HARFINGTON and Drill America offer cobalt choices; PATIKIL’s M2 steel bit is a general-purpose metal option; Gyros is aimed at micro-drilling and hobby work; and Century Drill & Tool suits general use across wood, metal, and plastic. All are listed as #56, or approximately 0.0465 inch (1.181 mm).
| Product | Best For | Material |
|---|---|---|
| HARFINGTON 12-Piece Cobalt | Tough materials and chip clearing | HSS with cobalt |
| Drill America DWDCO56P12 | Harder metals and flexible toolholding | Cobalt steel |
| Gyros HSS Micro Bits | Hobby and precision drilling | High-speed steel |
| PATIKIL M2 Gold Finish | Versatile metal drilling | M2 high-speed steel |
| Century Drill & Tool No. 56 | General-purpose materials | Not specified |
HARFINGTON 12-Piece Cobalt Drill Bits
Best for: Buyers drilling stainless steel, cast iron, or other tough materials who want a dozen replacement bits. The listing identifies the material as high-speed steel with cobalt and describes it as suited to harder work and high-temperature conditions.
Each bit has a listed 0.0465-inch diameter, 20 mm drilling length, and 44 mm overall length. A 118-degree split point is intended to help position the bit, while the spiral flutes help carry chips away during drilling. These details make it a suitable choice when accurate starting and chip evacuation matter.
Limitation: The stated drilling length is only 20 mm, so check whether it is adequate for the depth your project requires.
Drill America DWDCO56P12 Cobalt Bits
Best for: Metalworkers who need a 12-pack of cobalt steel bits for harder metals, including stainless steel or nickel alloys. The product information says cobalt steel has more cobalt than standard high-speed steel and is intended to improve performance when cutting harder metals.
The bits have round shanks, which the listing says work with a wide variety of toolholding systems. Their gold oxide finish is described as a thin surface treatment used to identify cobalt steel; the listing notes that its performance is similar to uncoated tools. Choose this option if cobalt construction and round-shank flexibility are priorities.
Limitation: The supplied product details do not state the bit’s drilling length or overall length, so confirm those dimensions if reach is important.
Gyros 12-Piece HSS Micro Drill Set
Best for: Hobbyists, jewelers, model makers, and DIY users making small holes in craft projects. The set contains 12 #56 bits measuring 0.0465 inch (1.181 mm), and the listed material is high-speed steel.
Gyros describes these straight-shank mini bits for use with a range of hand and motorized tools. Its listing specifically mentions pairing them with a pin vise for hand drilling or using a mini adaptor chuck with most power rotary tools. This makes the set a practical pick when tool flexibility and a dozen micro bits matter.
Limitation: The listing positions this set for jewelry, plastic, resin, and soft metal rather than emphasizing tougher metal cutting.
PATIKIL M2 High-Speed Steel Gold-Finish Bits
Best for: Users seeking M2 steel bits for varied drilling, including stainless steel, iron, aluminum, copper, plastic, and wood. The package includes 12 bits and specifies a 135-degree split point, 19.05 mm flute length, and 44.45 mm overall length.
The product description highlights M2 high-speed steel’s hardness and wear resistance. It also says the gold finish enhances wear and corrosion resistance. Compared with the cobalt options above, this is a general-purpose M2 alternative for buyers who want a listed range of materials and specific bit dimensions.
Limitation: Its listed cutting diameter is shown as 1.181 mm / 0.05 inch, so verify the diameter required by your project if exact sizing is critical.
Century Drill & Tool No. 56 Bit
Best for: Buyers who need a general-purpose No. 56 bit for wood, metal, or plastic. The listing highlights a precision-ground 118-degree tip intended to support accurate starts and reduce bit walking.
The product is described for use in stationary drill presses and portable handheld drills, giving buyers options for different setups. Choose it if the listed material range and tool flexibility matter more than a stated cobalt or M2 composition.
Limitation: The supplied product details do not identify the bit material or package quantity, so check the listing if either affects your purchase.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A #56 Drill Bit
What size is a #56 drill bit?
A #56 wire-gauge drill bit is approximately 0.0465 inch, or 1.181 mm, in diameter. Check the product’s listed dimensions before ordering: some listings may round or display the measurement differently. For precision work, confirm the required hole size and the bit specification.
Which material is best for drilling metal?
Match the bit material to the work. Cobalt steel is the clearest option in this selection for harder metals such as stainless steel. M2 high-speed steel offers a broad stated application range for metal and other materials. The Gyros carbon-steel version in the product list is aimed at softer craft materials and is not one of the selections above.
Should I choose a split point or a standard point?
Point geometry varies by product. The HARFINGTON bit has a 118-degree split point, PATIKIL’s selected M2 option has a 135-degree split point, and Century lists a 118-degree precision-ground tip. Consider the point design specified for your work, and secure the material to help maintain accurate drilling.
How many bits should I buy?
Several picks come in packs of 12, which provides spares for small bits that may wear or break during use. Package quantity is not stated in the Century product details provided here, so verify it before purchasing if you need multiple bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a #56 drill bit drill stainless steel?
Yes, several listed products specify stainless steel applications, including the cobalt options and PATIKIL M2 bit. Select a bit whose material and application match the work.
Is a #56 bit the same as a 1.181 mm bit?
It is commonly listed as 1.181 mm, equivalent to approximately 0.0465 inch. Check the individual product dimensions for exact specifications.
Can I use a micro drill bit in a rotary tool?
Some can be used with motorized tools, but the required holder may vary. Gyros lists its straight shank bits for a range of tools and names a mini adaptor chuck for most power rotary tools.
What should I check before ordering?
Confirm the diameter, material, flute and overall lengths, point design, shank style, and pack quantity. These details determine whether the bit suits your material, tool, and required hole depth.