Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Drill Index Set | Precision 135° Split Point Picks

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DEWALT’s DW1369 is the benchmark for a complete, professional-grade index set. The titanium nitride coating reduces friction noticeably, and the pilot point geometry starts holes on contact without needing a center punch — even on curved metal surfaces. The set spans 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch in 1/64-inch increments, giving you 29 sizes that cover almost any fastener or anchor requirement you’ll encounter on a job site. The tapered web design adds strength near the shank, reducing the chance of breakage when drilling through thicker stock.

The included metal storage case is a significant upgrade over plastic alternatives. It mounts to the wall, keeps every bit separated, and doesn’t crack or warp under shop heat. Owners consistently note that these bits cut clean holes in both wood and thin-gauge steel, with the pilot point producing notably less breakout on exit. The 3-pound case weight reflects the all-metal construction — this set feels substantial in hand.

Some users report that the painted size markings on the plastic bit holders wear off over time, a minor inconvenience in an otherwise premium kit. The bits themselves hold an edge through dozens of holes in mild steel when used with proper cutting speed and lubricant. For the tradesperson who needs one reliable set that covers everything from cabinet installation to light structural work, this is the set to beat.

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This set targets the most demanding material you’re likely to drill: hardened steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. The M35 cobalt composition delivers genuine heat resistance — the bits stay sharp long after standard HSS bits would need replacement. The 135-degree split point is ground accurately on every bit, providing reliable self-centering even on rounded surfaces where bit walking is a common headache. The 21-piece range goes from 1/16-inch to 3/8-inch, covering the most frequently used sizes for metal fabrication.

User feedback confirms these bits excel in stainless steel. Multiple customers report drilling through stainless plate and thick steel tubing with consistent chip formation and no edge chipping when using cutting oil and moderate rpm. The gold oxide finish adds a layer of corrosion resistance that matters for bits stored in humid shop environments. The index case is functional plastic — not premium, but snug enough to keep each size in its place.

The main compromise is the case durability. A few users note that hinge points on the case can break with rough handling. Also, the 3/8-inch maximum diameter means you’ll need a separate set for larger holes. For anyone who regularly works with stainless steel, hardened fasteners, or alloy frames, the M35 composition makes this set a clear upgrade over TiN-coated HSS alternatives at a similar price point.

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The DW1361 brings DEWALT’s pilot-point advantage to a smaller, more accessible set. Instead of a standard chisel edge, the pilot point has a sharp leading spur that bites into the material immediately, making it ideal for thin metal, wood, and plastic where bit walking is most frustrating. The titanium nitride coating reduces heat buildup during extended drilling sessions, helping the bits last longer than uncoated HSS alternatives. The set includes duplicates of the smaller sizes (1/16-inch through 1/8-inch) — a smart addition since those bits break most often.

Construction users consistently give this set high marks for everyday work. The no-spin shank design prevents the bit from slipping in the chuck under load, a feature that matters when drilling through materials that grab. The tapered web geometry reinforces the bit body, reducing the risk of breakage at the flute transition. In real-world use, these bits drill clean holes in mild steel and produce notably less burr around the hole exit compared to standard twist drills.

The plastic case is adequate but not exceptional — it holds bits securely but won’t survive being run over by a truck. Some users note that after drilling many holes in steel, the pilot point geometry does eventually wear, and resharpening a pilot point requires more care than a standard split point. For general construction, electrical work, and woodworking, this set offers an excellent balance of cutting performance and accessibility.

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HIDOTOL delivers the widest size range in the mid-tier price bracket with a full 29-piece set stepping from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch in 1/64-inch increments. The dual-finish approach — black oxide on the body and gold oxide on the tips — provides corrosion resistance while the 135-degree split point keeps the bit centered during break-in. For a set at this price point, the grind quality is surprisingly consistent; users report the smaller bits come sharp and properly beveled.

The 29-piece spread fills the gap sizes that frustrate owners of smaller sets. Having a 17/64-inch bit for a 1/4-20 tap drill, or a 27/64-inch bit for a 3/8-16 tap drill, means fewer trips to the hardware store for single bits. Customer reviews highlight that this set drills through harder materials than expected for standard HSS. The bits handled mild steel, aluminum, and hardwood without noticeable edge degradation during moderate use.

The limitation is material ceiling — this is HSS, not cobalt. For occasional stainless steel or hardened steel, the bits will work but will dull faster than M35 alternatives. The plastic index case is functional and compact, measuring about 7.5 by 4.6 inches, fitting easily into a tool bag. If your primary work is wood, plastic, mild steel, and the occasional alloy, this set offers the most sizes per dollar in the group.

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CaRoller positions this set as an affordable entry into a full-size index without sacrificing the 135-degree split point geometry. The W4 high-speed steel base with black oxide and amber coating provides adequate wear resistance for light-duty metalwork, wood, and plastic. The 29 listed pieces (with one size potentially duplicated in the case layout) cover the same fractional spread as the HIDOTOL set, making this a direct alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

User reports indicate these bits perform well in aluminum studs, mild steel, and thin stainless when run at slow speeds with cutting oil. One customer drilled 30 holes in a steel I-beam with a single bit, noting gradual wear but no catastrophic failure — a testament to the hardness consistency. The split-point grind is effective at preventing walking on curved surfaces, a common issue with cheaper bits that have unground chisel edges.

The trade-offs appear in edge longevity and case design. Multiple users mention that bits dull progressively when drilling stainless, and that resharpening knowledge is useful for extending the set’s life. The expandable plastic case is functional but feels less substantial than the HIDOTOL case. For the DIYer building a home workshop or the hobbyist who needs a broad size range for occasional metal fabrication, this set delivers adequate performance at the lowest entry point in the comparison.