10 Best Step Drill Bits

What’s worse than a dull step drill bit that produces only sparkly halos? Not only is there a sparkly hallo, but many drill bits cannot work on multiple materials. So, in this article, we will discuss the best step drill bit, which we hope will satisfy your search.

Essentially, each step drill bit has its own distinct characteristics, such as versatile sizes, faster quality, easy-to-read ability, and so on.

So, before selecting a step drill bit, you should consider several factors. However, in the digital age, you can find drill bits in any standard hardware store or online.

Moreover, choosing the best one among all of them is difficult. Let’s not waste your time and go straight to our best step drill bits article, where we provide a detailed overview of the drill bits.

Top 10 Best Step Drill Bit Set

Different brands offer different features and considering this factor, we’ve come up with our best picks. In this section of this article, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best-step drill bits to meet your requirements. So let’s get started!

Whether you are working with high-power sites or not, you need a contact-type tool that can help you out with all drilling tasks. Clean holes, multiple drill sizes, faster penetration, and less walking are all important factors during drilling. And to get all these features in one kit, you only need to purchase Lenox step drill bits.

Specifications

• Brand: Lenox
• Item Weight: 2.4ounches
• Material: High-speed steel
• Dimension: 4×1×5 inches
• Color: Multi
• Shank Type: Round
• Chuck Size: 3/8inches

Generally, this reliable Lenox 30912VB12 drill bit comes with multiple hole sizes of 1/4 to 3/8 inches. It means a total of five different hole sizes are available with this kit.

So, it is ideal for DIY enthusiasts or hobbyists. Apart from that, its topmost split point design can also deliver you the best penetration quality.

Additionally, this versatile Lenox step drill bit set is made of steel with a steam oxide coating on the outside.                     

If the proper step drill bit tool is not used when drilling stainless steel, it frequently causes hardening issues. So, if you require a high-quality hand tool with a long lifespan, the KTSB15 is the tool for you.

The Klein brand is known for its high quality, which is something that everyone requires. Multi-material KTSB15 drilling can be used in almost any versatile application.

The silver target feature with high visibility provides graded results for primary hole sizes. It has multiple slots to do your job well with stainless steel or any type of material drilling.

Specifications

• Brand: Klein Tools
• Item Dimension: 5.2×3.4×0.7 inches
• Material: High-speed steel       
• Color: Black
• Weight: 6.8 ounces   
• Shank Type: Straight
• Flute Type: Hex Shank

However, there is also a non-walking tip to make your drilling even easier. This Klein step drill bit improves drilling efficiency and keeps your bit cooler. Aside from that, its 3/8 shank size provides a positive grip and prevents the drill from spinning out.

Among other things, we present the versatile and reasonably priced FuWinet drill bit. The FuWinet 3pcs are made of strong steel with a titanium coating, which speeds up the hole-cutting process. It came with three masterpieces that provide a lease and additional cutting systems based on your needs.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: FuWinet
• Material: High-speed steel
• Color: Black
• Weight: 6.8 ounces    
• Shank Type: Straight    
• Finish Type: Titanium
• Flute Type: Spira

It appears to come in 28 different sizes, letting you drill more precisely. Moreover, the compact size of such FuWinet drill bits allows you to easily transport them. You will find the most accuracy in cutting, which, with the help of the included stepper bit, provides you with a compatible and clean cut.

Using this premium drill bit provides a combination of hardness and toughness.

This AugTouf M35 step drill bit is a high-speed and robust type of drill bit that offers premium quality for any material. Its superior quality meets all of your requirements.

When using these high-quality tools, also gives fast, clean, and pure drilling. Because it is finished with an aluminum titanium firm, this AugTouf drill bit is suitable for any hard type of metal.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: AugTouf
• Material: High-speed steel, Stainless Steel, Cobalt Steel, Cobalt
• Color: Purple Black
• Item weight: 5.93Ounces
• Shank Type: Hex
• Finish Type: Aluminum Titanium Nitride
• Flute Type: Quadruple Spiral

Aside from that, the variety of sizes and the features of each size allow you to perform multiple tasks. The AugTouf step drill bit has a variable hardness that allows professionals to complete drilling tasks more quickly and easily. Furthermore, the ability of these drills to feel like a hot knife through butter.

Comoware is the top brand that has been leading the forefront of the industry to deal with professional tradesmen. When you’re in search of the best quality drill bit set, the Commiware drill bit can be your perfect choice. It offers a competitive price and high quality to deal with your heavy-duty task drilling job.

This drill bit is multi-functional which will help you to use it for various drilling purposes in different materials, for example, plastic, wood, metal, etc.  Besides, you can either use this for professional or home DIY usage.

Specifications

• Brand: Comoware
• Item Weight: 1.23 Pounds
• Material: High-speed steel
• Dimension: 6.26×5.67×1.73inches
• Shank Type: Hex
• Cutting Angle– 118°
• Finish Type- Steel, Titanium

Its laser-engraved sizes make sure accurate positioning to get precise drilling. Since it’s designed with Hex shank, it fits securely and easily all types of power tools. This amazing drill tool is highly compatible with aluminum sheets, metal sheets, plastic and wood boards, and wood clips.

Irwin Unibit Step Drill Set is a good way if you want to drill through thin materials like brass, aluminum, mild steel, plastic, acrylic, copper, laminates, and wood. Irwin bits feature a speed point at the tip for improved precision and control.

The bit’s single-fluted cutting edge makes sure that the hole is round. The titanium coating makes the bit last longer and reduces friction.

Specifications

• Brand: IRWIN
• Weight: 4 ounces
• Material: Titanium Nitride Coated
• Dimension: 5.3 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Color: Brass
• Shank Type: Round with Flats

The largest bit in this set of Irwin Unibits, size 1, is to bore holes with a diameter of 1/8 inch up to 1/2 inch.

Also included are two drill bits, one sized 2 for creating holes with a diameter of 13/16 to 1/2 inches in 1/16-inch increments. Another sized 3 for creating holes with a diameter of 1/4 to 3/4 inches in the same increments is also included. A handy carrying case is also available, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Everyone, from seasoned professionals to do-it-yourself homeowners, can benefit from Zelcan. The laser engraving on this bit makes it easy to find each tier and drill to the right diameter and depth.

Dual grooves catch and release swarf and chips as they make it possible to drill safely and quickly while making sure each hole is clean.

Specifications

• Brand: ZELCAN
• Item Weight: 4.97 Ounces
• Material: High-Speed Steel
• Dimension:  3.39 x 1.61 x 1.46 inches
• Color: Braze
• Shank Type: Straight

It can also, without any effort,   smooth the rough edges of the holes while drilling to keep the drill bit clean. With a 38-inch shank, it ensured that there is no room for slippage or offset.

Each NEIKO step drill bit is formed of high-quality high-speed steel with strict standards. Their unibits, also called step bits, have titanium coats to make them last longer and cut better.

This three-piece set includes thirty-one different step sizes for drilling precise holes in metal, plastic, and wood. Every cut will be smooth and precise thanks to the spiral grooves.

Specifications

• Brand: Neiko
• Weight: 3.99 Ounces
• Material: High-Speed Steel
• Dimension: 6 x 3.5 x 0.75 inches
• Color: Brass
• Shank Type: Straight

The drill bits used in Jerax’s log splitters are made of carbon steel that has been heating treated and coated with titanium. The heat treatment makes the threads stronger and makes it less likely that the product will bend.

The titanium coating makes the drill bit’s surface harder, making it more durable and less likely to wear down.

Specifications

• Brand: Jerax tools
• Item Weight: 6.74 Ounces
• Material: High-Speed Steel
• Dimension: 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.55 inches
• Color: Black
• Shank Type: 3-Flat

It uses a methodical way to solve problems, which includes analysis, testing, prototyping, and putting the solution into use in the real world. Finally, good processing is also mentioned, which helps keep tolerances under control.

Everyone, from seasoned professionals to do-it-yourself homeowners, can benefit from Zelcan. They sell a wide range of tools and useful extras that are essential for keeping homes and businesses in good shape and making them better.

These bits are for electric or benchtop drills, but they got limited to drilling sheet metal, aluminum, or plastic.

Specifications

• Brand: ZELCAN
• Item Weight: 1.23 Pounds
• Material: High-Speed Steel
• Dimension: 6.57 x 5.59 x 1.85 inches
• Color: Brass
• Shank Type: 3-Flat

The five standard-step drill bits included in the bit set are equivalent to fifty individual bits. Ideal for drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, and other types of sheet metal during home repairs and other light jobs.

Ways How A Step Drill Bit Functions

You can drill up to ¼ inches of thick material using a step drill bit. Every step of the bit has got the design of large diameter and you can easily enlarge the holes you need.

A drill bit has 4 crucial parts and they are:

1. Point angle
2. Profile of Flute
3. Steps                                    
4. Shank

Here’s how a step drill bit functions with its different parts of it:

1.     Point Angle

This part is designed on the top or head of the drill bit and it is necessary to center the material for drilling holes. In that case, you can say the point angle is the main part of a step drill bit.

2.    Profile of Flute

The profile works to collect the chip and remove it, it is a crucial job for a drill bit. Because chips can cause heat unless you remove them as soon as possible. Also, removing chips is a way to enhance the drill bits’ durability.

3.    Steps                                    

The function of steps is to increase the diameter, for instance, a step drill size has 9 steps that range from 6.0 to 20mm in diameter. These sizes identify the exact diameter and the steps will be 13.

4.    Shank

The shank moves into the spindle and helps the drill bit to stay in an accurate place. The shank come into two types- tapered or straight. You can use any of the types as per your requirements.

How to Use Your Step Drill Bit on Metal?

Ensure you wear all the safety equipment because it’s risky to work with a step drill bit without wearing any safety measures. If you’re unaware of what to wear, take a quick look at the given list below:

• Googles: It will safeguard your eyes from coolant liquid and metal shavings.
• Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves can help you protect your hands from metal shavings.
• Clothing Types: Well-fitting clothes with short sleeves are seemingly more protective than long sleeves. Also, you should remove if you have any jewelry

Now to begin the process of drilling on a metal sheet, follow the given steps below-

Clamp the Object

The clamp is needed to keep your metal sheet in a safe position in its place. Also, it will help you to keep the sheet right in place.

Mark the Sheet in the Centre

This time you have to mark the sheet so that you don’t have to drill in the wrong place. You can employ a center punch for that and it will place the punch tip in your targeted position to get the desired hole. Strike your center punch through a hammer and it will save the drill bit from unwanted swinging during the drilling time.

Add Lubricating Oil

During the metal cutting time, you should apply lubricating oil so that the drill bit won’t get stuck. Moreover, the lubricating oil will also keep the step drill bit away from overheating. As a result, no drilling friction will happen in your metal sheet. You also can use coolant, and cutting fluid besides lubricating oil. These will also work fine.

Drill Your Hole

If you’re done with all the above steps, you can step forward for drilling holes now. However, make sure the shank of the drill bit is fastened securely before you connect it to the power source. When you need to drill a large hole, we recommend you use a smaller size step drill bit and drill a pilot hole. Then go for the larger holes gradually. 

Also, ensure the drill bit is in the center position. Keep the speed low and drill vertically to have your required outcome.

Best Step Drill Bits: Buying Guide

Consider the material you’ll be drilling into when deciding which drill to use. Both the hardness and the mechanical properties of various materials vary. So many varieties of drill bits exist for this reason. Here’s how you should choose the right drill bits-

Type

Two primary categories of practice sessions exist. Huge holes can get drilled with the help of insert drill bits. They are commonly utilized in machine tool applications. They are more versatile than solid drill bits and can be of higher speed.

Material

There are many options for the materials used in drill bits and cutting inserts, each with its own set of pros and cons.

The drill bits made from hard metal are for a variety of purposes. High-speed steel drill bits are cheaper than carbide tools and can be used for faster machining speeds without losing their versatility.

However, while the cutting speed of carbide drill bits is four times that of high-speed steel (HSS) bits, they are also much more prone to breakage. Their lack of shareability makes them difficult to use. Ceramic drill bits can withstand high temperatures and can cut and feed at high speeds without chipping the tool. These can be preferable on refractory materials but are not sharpenable.

Necessity

Whether you’re drilling into metal, wood, plastic, or any number of other materials, chances are you’ll be using a twist drill bit. High-speed steel is typically used for the majority (HSS). But they can’t be suitable for bricklaying.

The conical shape of a step drill bit, also known as a unibit, is characterized by a stairstep-like pattern along its length. Using the same drill bit, you can make holes in wood and plastic of varying diameters. Sheet metal can be easily drilled with this specific drill bit.

Bits for drilling in wood are made specifically for that purpose. The bit’s head typically features a sharp tooth that helps with centering. In addition, the drills and hole saws have a core bit and a guiding point. When the speed slows down, the core bit lasts longer and works better.

Concrete and brick can both get drilled with masonry equipment. Tungsten carbide gives this tool a distinctive tip that stands out in a toolbox. You can’t use a masonry bit in a regular drill or rotary hammer.

FAQs

Who makes the best step drill bit?

It’s an IRWIN Unibit. In order to avoid over-drilling, the sizes of its flutes have been laser etched for easy identification.

It also comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing flaws. Because these parts are expensive, they need to get handled in a certain way to make sure they last a long time.

Are stepped drill bits any good?

Yes, they are. Sheet metal is an ideal material for use with step drills. Using them on other materials is possible, but in solid materials thicker than the step height, you won’t be able to get a straight, smooth-walled hole. For jobs that only require a single hole for drilling, step bits are indispensable.

Are cobalt or titanium bits better?

When drilling, use a cobalt drill bit compared to titanium drill bits, which are more expensive but last longer and can withstand higher temperatures. To make holes in the hardest metals, cobalt drill bits are also stronger.

What are the strongest types of drill bits?

To make cobalt drill bits, high-speed steel gets alloyed with between 5% and 8% cobalt. For drilling metal, these are the best bits to use because of how well they withstand extreme heat.  When drilling through treated stainless steel or other hard, rough materials, you have to use this tool.

What are step-down drill bits used for?

Step drill bits are widely used on building sites to widen holes in thin metals and other materials like drywall, particleboard, and plywood.

What is a step drill bit and what is it useful for?

The primary purpose of a step bit is to drill holes in thin metal (up to 1/4 inch), but it can also be used to drill holes in wood.

What materials can I use a step drill bit with?

Step drill bits are widely used on building sites to widen holes in thin metals and other materials like drywall, particleboard, and plywood.

Can I sharpen a step drill bit?

With a step drill, you can only take off about.010 to.015 of the face. Any shop that sells saws or sharpening tools should be able to do the resharpening for you.

Is a cobalt drill bit better than a titanium drill bit?

Compared to titanium drill bits, which are more expensive but last longer and can withstand higher temperatures, cobalt drill bits are also stronger.

Are drill bits suitable for thick metal workpieces?

Because regular drill bits can’t go through steel, you’ll need to buy a heavy-duty and strong drill bit to finish the job.

To Wrap Up

This best step drill bits article provides a stand-up product list in which each tool is designed with a versatile feature. So, whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can unquestionably follow our information.

Also, the right tools in the drilling unit bring out their quality, so you should pick and choose the necessary ones. Many of the best step drills are not readily accessible online or in stores. This means you’ll need to go over drill bits reviews in depth or consider a lot more factors to find the best product out of all of them.

Hopefully, after reviewing our top-step drill bits, you’ve decided which useful tools are best for you. Furthermore, our review undoubtedly assisted you in locating stylish, high-quality, and functional products that come in a variety of materials and shapes