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10 Best Step Drill Bits 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Irwin Tools IRWIN Step Drill Bit Set, General Purpose, 4-Piece (10225)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Material
Size Range
Number of Steps

Most important from
88 reviews

Material
Using a good cutting oil can protect your investment, especially when cutting through 1/8 inch mild steel.
Size Range
The quality expected from Irwin, delivering reliable performance in drilling up to 1 and 3/8 inches.
Number of Steps
This set proves to be useful with various sizes and step heights, making it worth the money by reducing the need for single unit workarounds.

The IRWIN Step Drill Bit Set (10225) is a versatile 4-piece set designed for general-purpose use, making it suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. One of its standout features is the high-speed steel (HSS) material, known for its durability and long-lasting performance.

The set includes four of the most popular Unibit sizes, ensuring a wide range of applications, and the single-flute cutting edge provides precise, clean, and round holes, which is ideal for a smooth finish. Additionally, the laser-etched size markings make it easy to select the right drill bit, enhancing user convenience. The hex shank type offers a secure grip in the drill chuck, preventing slipping during use, and the SpeedPoint tip eliminates the need for a pilot hole, allowing for quick and efficient starts without 'walking' on the material.

The non-skid, self-starting tips further add to its reliability, minimizing the risk of skidding. Some users might find the limited number of steps a drawback if they require more precision in size options. Additionally, while the HSS material is robust, it lacks any additional coating that could extend the lifespan of the bits further, particularly under heavy-duty use. Given its features, this product is best suited for users needing a reliable and versatile step drill bit set for various drilling tasks.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,286
Material
Size Range
Number of Steps

Most important from
88 reviews

Material
Using a good cutting oil can protect your investment, especially when cutting through 1/8 inch mild steel.
Size Range
The quality expected from Irwin, delivering reliable performance in drilling up to 1 and 3/8 inches.
Number of Steps
This set proves to be useful with various sizes and step heights, making it worth the money by reducing the need for single unit workarounds.
#2

Milwaukee 48-89-9224 Step Bit 6-Piece Set (#1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)

The Milwaukee 48-89-9224 Step Bit 6-Piece Set is designed for users who need a variety of sizes to tackle different drilling tasks. This set includes six bits, ranging from #1 to #9, making it versatile for various applications. One of its standout features is its durability, thanks to the alloy steel construction, which offers long-lasting performance even in tough materials. The black oxide finish adds further protection against corrosion, enhancing the lifespan of the bits.

Users will appreciate the ease of handling these bits, which are designed to be user-friendly, making them suitable for both beginners and those with experience. The straight shank type allows for straightforward setup in drills, ensuring better grip and control during use.

In terms of practical application, this step bit set is ideal for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike who need reliable bits for metal, wood, and plastic drilling. If you're looking for a solid, all-around step drill bit set with a good balance of size variety and durability, this Milwaukee set could be a great addition to your toolkit.

#3

NEIKO 10198A Step Drill Bit Set | 5 Piece, 4mm- 35mm | Metric Titanium High Speed Steel Unibit, Stepper Cone Drill Bit | Two Flute Step Down Bits, 135 Degree Point

Rating
8.5
Material
Size Range
Coating

Most important from
23760 reviews

Material
Delivers excellent value with sharp, durable bits that perform as expected for general drilling tasks.
Size Range
A handy and reliable addition to any toolbox, offering multiple hole sizes in one bit to minimize bit changes and improve convenience.
Coating
The titanium coating and split point tip contribute to long-lasting sharpness and reduce slipping during use.

The NEIKO 10198A Step Drill Bit Set offers a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile tool to drill clean holes in metal, wood, and plastic. Made from high-speed steel with a titanium coating, these bits are designed to last longer and resist wear. The 135-degree split point tip helps the bits start drilling quickly and stay steady without slipping, which is great for beginners and ensures precision. The two-flute design efficiently clears debris, reducing heat and improving hole quality. With a tri-flatted straight shank, the bits fit securely in most drill chucks, preventing slipping during work.

The set covers a wide range of hole sizes (4mm to 35mm) spread across five bits, each with multiple steps, which means fewer bit changes and more convenience for drilling different hole diameters. However, managing multiple steps on one bit can sometimes be tricky if you only need a specific size, and the straight shank may not fit every specialized drill without an adapter. Also, while the titanium coating improves durability, it can wear off over time with heavy use on very hard materials.

If you want an affordable, reliable set for general purpose use in sheet metal, wood, and plastics, this NEIKO set performs well, especially for home projects or light industrial work.

Rating
8.5
Material
Size Range
Coating

Most important from
23760 reviews

Material
Delivers excellent value with sharp, durable bits that perform as expected for general drilling tasks.
Size Range
A handy and reliable addition to any toolbox, offering multiple hole sizes in one bit to minimize bit changes and improve convenience.
Coating
The titanium coating and split point tip contribute to long-lasting sharpness and reduce slipping during use.

Buying Guide for the Best Step Drill Bits

Step drill bits are essential tools for anyone who needs to drill holes of various sizes in materials like metal, plastic, or wood. They are particularly useful for tasks that require precision and versatility, such as electrical work, plumbing, or DIY projects. When choosing the right step drill bit, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and durability for your needs.
MaterialThe material of the step drill bit is crucial because it determines the bit's durability and effectiveness. Common materials include high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, and titanium-coated bits. HSS is suitable for general-purpose drilling in softer materials. Cobalt bits are more durable and can handle harder materials like stainless steel. Titanium-coated bits offer a balance of durability and performance, making them ideal for frequent use. Choose the material based on the type of material you will be drilling most often.
Size RangeStep drill bits come with different size ranges, indicating the range of hole diameters they can create. This is important because it determines the versatility of the bit. A bit with a wide size range can handle more tasks, reducing the need for multiple bits. For general use, a bit with a size range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch is often sufficient. For more specialized tasks, you might need a bit with a larger or smaller range. Consider the typical sizes of holes you need to drill and choose a bit that covers those sizes.
Number of StepsThe number of steps on a step drill bit refers to the number of incremental sizes the bit can drill. More steps mean more precision and versatility, as you can create holes of various sizes without changing bits. However, more steps can also mean a longer bit, which might be less convenient in tight spaces. For general use, a bit with 10-15 steps is usually adequate. If you need more precision or versatility, look for bits with more steps. Consider the range of hole sizes you need and the space you have to work in when choosing the number of steps.
Shank TypeThe shank type of a step drill bit affects how it fits into your drill and how securely it stays in place. Common shank types include round, hex, and tri-flat. Round shanks are standard and fit most drills, but they can slip under heavy use. Hex shanks provide a more secure fit and are less likely to slip, making them ideal for high-torque applications. Tri-flat shanks offer the best grip and are designed for heavy-duty use. Choose the shank type based on the type of drill you have and the intensity of the tasks you will be performing.
CoatingThe coating on a step drill bit can enhance its performance and longevity. Common coatings include black oxide, titanium nitride, and cobalt. Black oxide provides basic protection against rust and wear. Titanium nitride offers better durability and reduces friction, making it suitable for frequent use. Cobalt coatings are the most durable and are ideal for drilling hard materials. Choose a coating based on how often you will use the bit and the types of materials you will be drilling.

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