Answering the common search for durable, accurate #36 drill bits, this guide highlights five solid choices suited for metal, wood, and plastic work. Best for metal fabricators, hobbyists drilling mild steel, and DIY enthusiasts seeking reliable precision, each option balances hardness, wear resistance, and price. Read on to see which set fits your projects, from cobalt-coated precision bits to versatile HSS options. The table below compares key points for quick reference.
| Product | Best For | Material | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drill America DWDCO36P12 | Metal and stainless drilling | Cobalt steel | Coated/cobalt blend |
| HARFINGTON 12pcs | Stainless steel and tough alloys | HSS with cobalt | 118° split point |
| PATIKIL 5 Pack | General metal and light-duty work | 4341 HSS | Gold finish |
| Drill America KFD Series 12Pack | General purpose and metal | High-Speed Steel | 135° split point |
| CoCud 10-Pieces | Plastic, wood, soft metal | 4341 HSS | 118° angle |
Drill America DWDCO36P12 #36 Cobalt Drill Bit Pack
Product use: cobalt drill bits designed for harder metals. Best for machining stainless steel and nickel alloys due to enhanced hardness. The DWDCO series uses cobalt steel with a thin gold oxide surface. Round shanks support wide toolholding compatibility. This pack is well-suited for metal fabrication professionals and serious hobbyists who frequently drill into hard metals. No-walk tip is not specifically described, but round shanks help with toolholding stability.
Best for: metal shops, engineers, and DIYers needing reliable cobalt performance for harder metals. Caution: cobalt alloys can wear carbide-coated surfaces faster if misused; ensure correct speed and lubrication to maximize life.
HARFINGTON 12pcs Cobalt Drill Bit Set
Product use: HSS with cobalt for tougher materials. Best for drilling stainless steel, cast iron, or other tough metals. Features include a 118° split point for self-centering and reduced wandering, plus a 64 mm overall length to reach deeper into parts. The 36 mm cutting length supports mid-thickness drilling. The smooth baked surface reduces friction and improves cutting efficiency.
Best for: metal fabricators and automotive or HVAC technicians tackling stainless steel or alloys. Caution: the set notes high-speed rotation and high-temperature environments; use appropriate feeds and speeds to maintain edge life.
PATIKIL #36 Drill Bit Pack
Product use: 4341 HSS twist drills with a gold finish. Best for soft to medium-hard materials and light-duty metal drilling, including low-carbon steel, aluminum alloys, brass, cast iron, wood, and acrylic. The 118° point improves self-centering and reduces walking. The pack offers balanced value with multi-material applicability.
Best for: budget-conscious DIYers and general shop tasks. Caution: high-speed use in harder metals may reduce bit life; for thicker metals, slower speeds and coolant help maintain performance.
Drill America #36 KFD Split Point Drill Bit
Product use: KFD series, high-speed steel with gold oxide surface. Best for general purpose drilling in wood, metal, and stainless steel. The 135° split point helps prevent wandering when starting holes. Round shanks enable compatibility with common drill chucks and toolholding systems.
Best for: workshops needing a reliable all-round drill bit for metal and wood. Caution: not specified for heavy-duty stainless steel work; ensure appropriate speeds and lubrication.
CoCud Drill Bit Pack, #36
Product use: 4341 HSS micro drill bits with a gold finish and 118° angle. Best for drilling plastic, wood, and soft metals, with broader applications including automotive sheet metal and fastener mounting tasks. The small cutting diameter makes it suitable for precision work in electronics housings or panel fabrication.
Best for: hobbyists and technicians performing lightweight drilling in plastics and soft metals. Caution: not recommended for hardened steels or high-alloy metals; use at appropriate speeds to avoid dulling.
Buying Guide
What material will you drill?
For hard metals like stainless steel, cobalt or high-performance HSS bits (such as cobalt blends) tend to last longer. For softer metals, plastics, or wood, standard HSS or gold-finish bits can be sufficient and cost-effective.
What is the desired tip geometry?
Split-point tips (135° or 118°) reduce walking and help start holes accurately. A pointed 135° tip is often preferred for metalworking, while 118° is common across many general-purpose bits.
How important is wear resistance?
Cobalt-enhanced bits provide improved wear resistance at higher temperatures, helpful in metal drilling. Gold or black oxide coatings offer corrosion resistance and smoother cutting, but rarely substitute for cobalt when drilling hard alloys.
Shank type and compatibility
Round shanks ensure broad compatibility with standard chucks and toolholding systems. Check your drill’s chuck size and adapt accordingly to avoid slipping or slipping under load.
Budget and usage pattern
For frequent metal drilling, investing in cobalt or high-speed steel options with favorable coatings pays off in longer life. For occasional tasks, multi-pack HSS sets provide good value without sacrificing essential performance.
Maintenance tips
- Use proper lubrication or coolant for metal drilling to extend bit life.
- Run at recommended speeds to minimize overheating and edge wear.
- Clean chips away after use to prevent built-up heat and sticking.
FAQ
- What is the difference between cobalt and high-speed steel drill bits?
Answer: Cobalt bits are harder and handle higher temperatures, making them better for stainless steel and other hard metals. HSS bits are versatile and suitable for many materials but may wear faster in hard alloys. - When should I use a split-point tip?
Answer: A split-point tip reduces walking on startup, useful for metal drilling and materials that tend to wander. - Are gold-finish bits better than black oxide?
Answer: Gold finishes often indicate a coating that improves wear resistance and reduces friction, but performance varies by alloy and application; cobalt remains the bigger factor for hard metals. - Can these bits drill through stainless steel?
Answer: Yes, particularly cobalt-enhanced bits, but maintain appropriate speeds and lubrication to optimize tool life. - What is the best pack size for a hobbyist?
Answer: A mixed set with several #36 bits plus a few larger sizes covers most small-to-medium metalworking tasks. - Do I need a special drill for #36 bits?
Answer: Ensure your drill’s chuck can hold a round shank of corresponding diameter and that your RPM is suitable for the material.