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Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Drill Bit Set | 135° Split Point Bits for Cleaner Holes

That dull, skipping drill bit that wanders across your workpiece before finally biting in — it’s not just frustrating, it’s wasting your material and your time. A quality drill bit set eliminates that hesitation, cutting on contact with a clean, centered start every time, whether you’re drilling into steel, hardwood, or plastic.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I’ve spent hundreds of hours analyzing tool specifications, comparing manufacturing coatings, and reading through thousands of owner experiences to understand what separates a reliable set from a frustrating one.

Every serious tool kit needs a reliable set of cutting tools, and finding the best drill bit set means matching the right tip geometry, coating, and shank type to your most common materials and driving tools.

How To Choose The Best Drill Bit Set

Drill bits are small cutting tools, but their geometry, coating, and shank design determine whether a hole comes out clean, round, and centered — or jagged, oversized, and off-mark. Skip the marketing fluff and focus on these three factors to match the set to your actual drilling conditions.

Tip Geometry: 135° Split Point vs. 118° Conventional

A 135-degree split point tip is the single most important upgrade for anyone drilling into metal. The split creates a chisel edge that bites immediately, eliminating the “walking” that plagues standard 118-degree bits on smooth steel surfaces. For wood and plastic, both angles work, but a 135° tip offers a cleaner entry with less breakout on the exit side.

Coating & Material: Titanium Nitride vs. Black Oxide

Titanium nitride (TiN) coating — the gold-colored finish — reduces friction and heat buildup, extending bit life up to three times compared to uncoated HSS. Black oxide provides corrosion resistance and helps retain lubricant but won’t survive high-temperature runs on stainless or hardened steel. For occasional metal drilling, TiN is the better everyday value. For regular stainless or hardened steel work, move up to cobalt or carbide bits.

Shank Type: Round vs. Hex for Impact Drivers

Round shanks fit standard drill chucks securely but can slip in an impact driver’s collet under torque. Hex shanks lock into impact drivers without spinning, making them the better choice if you drive bits with a single tool. Many modern sets include hex shanks specifically for impact drivers, trading a bit of concentricity for quick-change convenience and slip-free operation.

Quick Comparison

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Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
DEWALT DW1361 Premium Clean holes in metal & wood Pilot Point Tip Amazon
HIGHFIRE Hex Shank Set Mid-Range Impact driver use Hex Shank HSS Amazon
Ryobi AR2042 Mid-Range Trim & DIY projects Hex Shank 22pc Amazon
Lichamp 21-Piece Budget Everyday home tasks TiN coated HSS Amazon
Milwaukee Shockwave Premium Demanding job sites Shockwave TiN 15pc Amazon
PLATINUMEDGE 276pc Value Workshop variety needs 135° Tip HSS Amazon
CaRoller 29-Piece Premium Stainless & alloy steel Black Oxide HSS Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Pilot Point Set

Pilot PointTiN Coating

The DEWALT DW1361 uses a pilot point tip that starts cutting on contact, eliminating the need for a center punch on most materials. This geometry difference — a sharpened web that creates a small lead-in cut — means holes come out round and exactly where you aimed, even on curved metal surfaces. The TiN coating runs at the premium end of the spectrum, reducing friction so the bit stays cooler during extended drilling sequences.

Owners report drilling through thick steel tubing at slow speeds without dulling the bit, and the non-slip shank design prevents the bit from spinning in the chuck under load. The set spans 1/16-inch through 1/2-inch in useful increments, and the plastic case keeps bits organized enough for job-site travel. Cobalt versions of this pilot point exist for dedicated metal workers, but the HSS construction here handles wood, plastic, and mild steel with confidence.

The only real limitation is the round shank — it lacks the hex geometry for impact driver collets, so you are locked into standard drill chucks. For anyone drilling into metal regularly, the pilot point alone justifies the mid-range investment, making this the most consistently sharp set across its price tier.

Why it’s great

  • Pilot point bites instantly without walking
  • TiN coating extends usable life significantly
  • Tapered web reduces breakage under torque

Good to know

  • Round shanks only — not impact driver compatible
  • Limited to 21 pieces, no large diameter above 1/2-inch
Best Value

2. HIGHFIRE 22-Piece Hex Shank Drill Bit Set

Hex Shank135° Split Point

The HIGHFIRE set is built specifically for impact drivers, with full hex shanks that lock into quick-change collets without spinning or slipping. The 135-degree split point tip provides a no-walk start on steel and aluminum, and the tapered web design adds strength at the transition point where most standard bits snap under high torque. At 22 pieces including sizes up to 1/2-inch, it offers more variety than most hex sets at this price point.

Users report drilling through black slate coasters and wood studs without issue, and the TiN coating keeps the cutting edges sharp through moderate use. The double blister pack is minimal compared to a hard case, but the trade-off is a lower overall weight for tool bag storage. The flutes are optimized to clear chips quickly, reducing heat buildup during continuous drilling.

Because the hex shank is machined as part of the bit rather than added on, concentricity is decent but not as precise as a solid round-shank bit in a three-jaw chuck. For most framing, furniture assembly, and metal drilling tasks it performs admirably, and the slimmer design means you aren’t locked into carrying a separate impact driver and drill.

Why it’s great

  • Hex shank eliminates spin in impact drivers
  • 135° split point prevents walking on metal
  • Tapered web reduces breakage risk

Good to know

  • Comes in blister pack, not a hard storage case
  • Concentricity slightly less than premium round shanks
Compact Choice

3. Ryobi AR2042 22-Piece Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set

Hex Shank135° Split Point

Ryobi’s AR2042 uses the same hex shank design as the HIGHFIRE set, but the coating here is a standard titanium finish rather than TiN, which offers similar friction reduction at a slightly lower cost. The 135-degree split point tips are consistent across all 22 pieces, and the set includes multiples of the most common small sizes — four 1/16-inch and four 1/8-inch bits — which are the ones most frequently lost or broken.

Compact and light at just 16 ounces, this set fits neatly into a Ryobi tool bag or drawer organizer, and owners praise the hex base for making bits much easier to swap compared to round shanks. It drills cleanly through drywall, softwood, and mild steel, though the coating on bits above 1/4-inch can show wear faster if used on harder materials without lubricant.

The storage case is simple but functional, holding each bit in its own slot with clear size markings. For homeowners who already own Ryobi tools and want a matched set for light-to-moderate drilling, this is a convenient grab-and-go option that won’t overcomplicate the tool kit.

Why it’s great

  • Hex shank works perfectly with impact drivers
  • Multiples of common sizes reduce downtime
  • Light and compact for tool bag storage

Good to know

  • Coating wears faster on larger bits under heavy use
  • Limited to softer metals and wood for best life
Budget Pick

4. Lichamp 21-Piece HSS Titanium Drill Bit Set

Round Shank135° Beveled Tip

The Lichamp set is built around a 135-degree beveled angle tip with dual chip evacuation grooves, an unusual design that combines a split-point effect with a slightly rounded cutting edge. In practice, this means the bits start faster than a standard 118-degree point on aluminum and plastic, though the trade-off is a slightly shorter sharpness lifespan when drilling into steel. The titanium coating is present on all 21 pieces from 1/16-inch up to 3/8-inch.

Owners report good results for light metal work and general household drilling, with the compact metal storage case being a standout feature at this price point. The round shank design fits most standard chucks securely, and the bits feel substantially built at 1.4 pounds total. Multiple users noted that the bits stay sharp through several projects before needing replacement.

The key limitation is the lack of hex shanks, which means these bits are not ideal for impact driver use at high torque. The 21-piece set also stops at 3/8-inch, so larger holes require stepping up to a separate set. For the price, however, the Lichamp delivers reliable entry-level performance for occasional drilling.

Why it’s great

  • Metal storage case is durable and compact
  • 135° beveled tip reduces walking on metal
  • Good value for light household drilling

Good to know

  • Sharpness degrades faster on steel than premium sets
  • No bits above 3/8-inch included
Pro Grade

5. Milwaukee 48-89-4630 Shockwave 15-Piece Titanium Set

TiN CoatingShockwave Design

Milwaukee’s Shockwave line is engineered specifically for high-torque impact drivers, featuring a proprietary heat-treatment process that hardens the bit body without making the cutting edge brittle. The 15-piece set covers the most commonly used sizes with a TiN coating that provides reliable friction reduction across hundreds of cycles. The hex shanks are fully ground to match Milwaukee’s quick-change collets without play.

On job sites where bits must survive repeated impacts into steel studs and concrete anchors, the Shockwave design resists snapping at the shank-to-flute transition — the most common failure point in lesser sets. The compact case holds bits securely and fits into the Milwaukee Packout or tool bag without taking up excessive space. The reduced piece count at 15 bits reflects a focus on quality over quantity.

For tradespeople who work daily with impact drivers, the premium construction justifies the higher per-bit cost. Casual home users may find the limited size range restrictive, but for repetitive metal drilling in a professional context, the Shockwave set offers the best durability per bit in this lineup.

Why it’s great

  • Heat-treated for impact driver durability
  • TiN coating reduces heat and extends life
  • Hex shank fully ground for zero slip

Good to know

  • Only 15 pieces — fewer size options
  • Premium price per bit compared to larger sets
Workshop Bundle

6. PLATINUMEDGE 276-Piece Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set

High Count135° Tip

This PLATINUMEDGE set is built around quantity — 276 pieces including twist bits, screwdriver bits, and multiple duplicates of each common size, making it suitable for workshops where bits get lost or broken regularly. The twist bits feature a 135-degree fast cutting point that self-centers on contact, and the titanium coating is applied across all HSS bits to reduce heat buildup. The clear lid case lets you see sizes at a glance without opening every drawer.

User reports indicate the bits arrive razor sharp and cut effectively through plastic, aluminum, and mild steel, with the large quantity making it easy to dedicate specific sizes to specific tasks. The S2 steel screwdriver bits are included for fastener driving, adding versatility for furniture assembly and maintenance work. The 20 included twist bit sizes cover 1/16-inch up to 1/2-inch in standard increments.

The main trade-off is that individual bit quality does not match premium single-brand sets — some users noted that bits above 3/8-inch wear faster under heavy use, making this a better choice for mixed-material projects than for dedicated metal fabrication. The case is functional but not job-site rugged, so careful storage is advisable.

Why it’s great

  • Massive 276-piece count covers every need
  • 135° tip reduces walking on metal surfaces
  • Clear lid case provides quick size identification

Good to know

  • Larger bits show faster wear on steel
  • Case is not impact-resistant for rough travel
Heavy Duty

7. CaRoller 29-Piece Black & Gold HSS Drill Bit Set

Black Oxide29 Sizes

The CaRoller set uses a black oxide finish combined with a W4 high-speed steel composition and amber coating, a combination that provides superior wear resistance compared to standard TiN-coated bits when drilling into stainless steel and titanium alloys. The 135-degree split point is fully ground, and the round straight shank design ensures maximum concentricity for clean holes. With 29 sizes from 1/16-inch through 1/2-inch, this is the most comprehensive single-size collection in this lineup.

Owners report drilling 30 holes in a steel I-beam with a single bit at slow speed with proper pressure, producing 8-inch spiral chips in 1/8-inch stainless plate at 300 RPM on a drill press. The black oxide finish retains lubricant well, reducing heat even during extended runs. The expandable plastic case keeps bits organized and is easy to open single-handed on the job.

The trade-off is the round shank, which requires a standard drill chuck and is not intended for impact driver collets. The bits are also noticeably harder than standard HSS, which improves edge retention but makes them slightly more brittle if dropped or twisted aggressively in a hand drill. For serious metal drilling — especially stainless and alloy steels — this set punches well above its price tier.

Why it’s great

  • Black oxide retains lubricant for cooler drilling
  • Excels on stainless steel and hard alloys
  • 29 sizes provide exceptional coverage

Good to know

  • Round shanks only — not for impact drivers
  • Harder composition is more brittle under twist loads

FAQ

What size drill bit set should I buy for home use?
A set covering 1/16-inch through 1/2-inch in 21 to 29 pieces is sufficient for most home tasks including hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and drilling into metal brackets. Avoid sets with fewer than 15 pieces if you work with multiple material types, as the gap between sizes can force you to over-drill or settle for a loose fit.
Can I use hex shank bits in a standard drill chuck?
Yes, hex shanks fit into standard three-jaw chucks without issue, though the hex geometry creates six small contact points instead of the full round grip of a round shank. For occasional use this is fine, but for high-torque drilling in thick steel, round shanks provide better grip and less chance of slipping under load.
How do I know if a drill bit is sharp enough?
A sharp drill bit produces continuous spiral chips rather than fine dust or powder. If the bit produces dust, squeals, or requires excessive downward pressure to cut, the cutting edge is dull. Most quality HSS bits can be resharpened with a bench grinder or drill bit sharpener, extending their life significantly.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most users, the best drill bit set winner is the DEWALT DW1361 because its pilot point tip provides the cleanest, most accurate start on metal without a center punch, and the TiN coating keeps edges sharp through dozens of holes. If you want hex shanks for impact driver convenience, grab the HIGHFIRE 22-Piece Hex Shank Set. And for regular stainless steel or alloy drilling, nothing beats the CaRoller 29-Piece Black Oxide Set for material-specific performance.

Mo Maruf
Founder & Lead Editor

Mo Maruf

I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.

Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.