Best Drill Bits for Carbon Steel: Five Sets Compared
Cobalt drill bits are a strong choice for drilling carbon steel, especially when the steel is hard or heat buildup is a concern. The Crosstar set specifically lists high-carbon steel; the MACXCOIP and NordWolf sets are better suited to buyers seeking cobalt bits for metalworking, while DEWALT offers a broader wood, metal, and plastic set. The Bad Dog kit is a multipurpose option for buyers who also need bits for masonry and other materials.
| Product | Best For | Standout Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Crosstar M35 Cobalt Set | High-carbon steel work | 21 sizes and TiAlN coating |
| MACXCOIP 13-Piece Set | Common small-hole sizes | M35 cobalt and 135-degree point |
| NordWolf Stubby Set | Tight spaces | Short bits and hex shanks |
| DEWALT 21-Piece Set | General-purpose drilling | Pilot points and titanium nitride coating |
| Bad Dog 7-Piece Set | Multiple materials | Includes bits for masonry and metal |
Crosstar M35 Cobalt 21-Piece Set
Best for: Buyers drilling high-carbon steel who want a broad range of bit sizes. This set includes 21 bits from 1/16 to 1/2 inch and is made from M35 cobalt steel. Its listed applications include high-carbon steel, stainless steel, hardened cast iron, and titanium alloys.
The TiAlN coating is described as heat-resistant, and the three-flute design is intended to improve chip ejection and hole finish. The maker recommends the design for standard-depth drilling. Choose this set if high-carbon steel is the priority and you need more size options than a small starter kit provides.
Limitation: The product guidance specifies standard-depth applications, so it may not be the right match for drilling unusually deep holes.
MACXCOIP 13-Piece M35 Cobalt Set
Best for: Buyers who mainly need smaller drill sizes for metal, wood, or plastic. The 13-piece set ranges from 1/16 to 1/4 inch and uses M35 cobalt steel. Its listed materials include cast iron and several metals, alongside wood and plastic.
A 135-degree point and twist design are intended to help the bit start accurately and clear chips. That makes this a practical choice when a compact size range and general metal use matter more than having larger bits. It was selected as a straightforward cobalt option with clearly specified sizes and a storage case.
Limitation: The largest included bit is 1/4 inch, so choose another set if your project requires wider holes.
NordWolf M35 Cobalt Stubby Set
Best for: Drilling in tight or hard-to-reach spaces. These five M35 cobalt bits measure about 1.83 to 2.32 inches long and cover sizes from 3/32 to 5/16 inch. The short profile is the main reason to choose this set over a standard-length option.
The bits have 1/4-inch hex shanks and are described as suitable for standard and quick-change chucks and drivers. A 135-degree split point is designed for self-centering and faster drilling. Listed materials include stainless steel and hardened metals such as cast iron, titanium, and bronze.
Limitation: Five sizes provide less coverage than the larger sets, and the short length may not suit every drilling setup.
DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Set
Best for: Buyers who want one set for metal, wood, and plastic rather than a set focused specifically on carbon steel. The 21-piece set features titanium nitride coating, pilot points that start on contact, and no-spin shanks.
The pilot-point design is described as helping produce cleaner holes, while the shank design is intended to resist spinning. This makes the DEWALT set a versatile choice for mixed-material projects. It was included because it lists metal use and provides a larger piece count than the compact kits.
Limitation: The supplied product details do not specify cobalt construction or a carbon-steel hardness range. For demanding hard-steel work, compare it with the M35 cobalt sets.
Bad Dog Tools 7-Piece Multipurpose Set
Best for: Buyers who need bits for a mix of materials, including metal, wood, masonry, tile, and stone. The seven-piece set ranges from 1/8 to 1/2 inch and has carbide, titanium, and cobalt tips with hex shanks. It also includes an RPM guide and metal case.
The broad material list makes this set more versatile than a metal-only kit. Its product details state compatibility with corded drills, impact drivers, drill presses, and high-speed rotary tools. Choose it if handling several material types is more important than selecting a dedicated carbon-steel bit set.
Limitation: The listed details do not identify a specific carbon-steel rating or hardness range, so it is less directly specified for that job than the Crosstar set.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Drill Bits for Carbon Steel
Should you choose cobalt bits?
For carbon steel, especially harder grades, M35 cobalt is a useful material to compare because the featured cobalt sets list applications for hard metals, and Crosstar specifically names high-carbon steel. Check the listed materials and intended use rather than assuming every coated bit is designed for the same steel hardness.
What size range do you need?
Match the set’s size range to the holes in your project. MACXCOIP covers 1/16 to 1/4 inch, NordWolf covers 3/32 to 5/16 inch, and Crosstar runs from 1/16 to 1/2 inch. A larger range reduces the need to buy another set, while a smaller set may be enough for repeated, narrow-size tasks.
Will bit length or shank style matter?
Short stubby bits can be easier to position in restricted spaces, making NordWolf the specialized choice here. Its hex shanks are designed for standard and quick-change chucks and drivers. For other sets, check the shank and tool requirements before buying; the available product details do not specify every chuck compatibility.
How do coatings and point designs compare?
Coatings and tip geometry are not interchangeable measures of suitability. Crosstar lists TiAlN coating and a three-flute design; DEWALT lists titanium nitride coating and pilot points. MACXCOIP and NordWolf specify 135-degree point designs. Compare the stated features with your material, hole size, and access needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of drill bit is best for carbon steel?
An M35 cobalt bit is a strong option to consider, particularly for harder steel. Among these picks, Crosstar explicitly lists high-carbon steel as a suitable material.
Can I use a general-purpose bit set on carbon steel?
Some general-purpose sets list metal drilling, but that does not establish a specific carbon-steel hardness range. Check the product’s stated materials before choosing one for demanding steel work.
Which set is best for tight spaces?
The NordWolf set is designed for restricted access with short stubby bits measuring about 1.83 to 2.32 inches long.
Which option includes the most sizes?
The Crosstar set includes 21 pieces and covers 1/16 to 1/2 inch, the widest stated range among these selections.
Why do drill point designs matter?
Point designs can affect how a bit starts and clears material. The featured products describe split or angled points as supporting self-centering, while DEWALT’s pilot point is intended to start on contact.