When you need a reliable #29 diameter drill bit, you want options that balance hardness, wear resistance, and precision. This guide highlights five top picks well-suited for metal, stainless steel, wood, and plastics. Each entry explains who benefits most, why it’s a strong choice, and a practical caveat. Use this overview to compare suitability for shop projects, DIY tasks, and professional work.
Overview at a glance:
- Drill America KFD29P12 — Best for general purpose metal and wood projects needing reliable self-centering performance.
- Drill America DWDCO29P12 — Best for hard metals due to cobalt content and good wear resistance.
- HARFINGTON 12pcs — Best for stainless steel and tough materials with strong self-centering and reduced chatter.
- PATIKIL #29 — Best for corrosion resistance and versatility across metals and plastics.
- MAXTOOL JBN02H10R29P10 — Best for broad metal, plastic, and wood cutting with standardization to industry tolerances.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drill America KFD29P12 | General purpose | 135° split point for self-centering | May not excel in extreme high-temp drilling |
| Drill America DWDCO29P12 | Hard metals | Cobalt alloy for wear resistance | Higher cost |
| HARFINGTON 12pcs | Stainless steel, tough materials | 135° point with smooth cutting | Individual bits sold in a set |
| PATIKIL #29 | Versatile metals and plastics | Gold finish boosts wear resistance | Finish may wear with heavy use |
| MAXTOOL JBN02H10R29P10 | Metal, plastic, wood | ASME/ANSI-compliant tolerances | Generic set, not specialized |
Drill America KFD29P12 #29 High Speed Steel Drill Bit
Product type: High-speed steel (HSS) drill bit in #29 diameter. Best for general-purpose drilling in wood, metal, and some stainless steel. The 135° split point minimizes walking and centers the drill quickly for accurate holes. The HSS composition provides a balance of hardness and toughness, supporting wear resistance during repeated use. This bit is particularly suited to hobbyists and light professional tasks where quick setup and reliable centering matter. Caution: not designed for extremely hard alloys or heavy continuous drilling sessions.
Drill America DWDCO29P12 #29 Cobalt Drill Bit
Product type: Cobalt steel drill bit, #29. Best for hard metals, including stainless steel and nickel alloys, due to improved hardness and wear resistance from cobalt content. The gold oxide surface is a thinner oxide treatment, offering performance similar to uncoated tools while signaling enhanced durability. The round shank supports compatibility with a wide range of toolholding systems. Caution: cobalt bits can be more brittle if used improperly or at extreme speeds; ensure proper feeds and speeds for optimal results.
HARFINGTON 12pcs Cobalt Drill Bit #29
Product type: 12-piece cobalt drill bits with a 0.136″ diameter and 135° split point. Best for stainless steel, cast iron, and other tough materials due to high hardness and sharper cutting action. The 135° split point aids self-centering and reduces wandering during drilling. The flat, short gage design reduces vibration and improves stability in fast drilling. Caution: cobalt bits require appropriate lubrication and speeds to maximize life and performance.
PATIKIL #29 Drill Bit Micro M2 High-Speed Steel
Product type: M2 high-speed steel drill bits with #29 diameter and 135° split point. Best for general-purpose drilling across metals and plastics, with a gold finish that increases wear and corrosion resistance. This set is suitable for lightweight to medium-duty tasks, including stainless steel, iron, aluminum, copper, and plastics. Caution: heat management is important; use appropriate speeds to prevent excessive tool wear.
MAXTOOL No.29 10pcs HSS M2 Drill Bits
Product type: Jobber length HSS M2 twist drill bits, #29 diameter, straight shank. Best for versatile metal, plastic, and wood drilling with long tool life. The design adheres to ASME/ANSI B94.11M tolerances and USCTI standards, offering predictable performance across tools. Caution: ensure proper clamping to prevent bit slip and maintain cutting efficiency during longer operations.
Buying Guide
Which material are you drilling?
Choose drills with cobalt for hard metals like stainless steel or nickel alloys (DWDCO29P12, HARFINGTON). For softer metals, wood, and plastics, standard high-speed steel (KFD29P12) offers faster cutting with good wear resistance.
What about the point and shank design?
A 135° split point reduces wandering and improves centering, essential for precise holes in difficult materials. Round or straight shanks enhance compatibility with different toolholding systems, depending on your drill press or handheld setup.
How important is corrosion and wear resistance?
Gold finish or cobalt content provides added wear and corrosion resistance, which extends tool life in repetitive tasks. This matters in production environments or high-use DIY shops.
Is cost a consideration?
Cobalt bits generally cost more but deliver longer life in hard metals. For mixed-use projects, a balanced set like PATIKIL or MAXTOOL can offer broad capability without overspending.
How should you select by task?
For quick, centered holes in multiple materials, KFD29P12 is a solid generalist. For heavy-duty metalworking, DWDCO29P12 or HARFINGTON provide better endurance. For mixed projects including plastics, PATIKIL is a versatile option, while MAXTOOL adds standard, toleranced performance for varied tasks.
Practical tips
- Lubricate when drilling metal to reduce heat buildup and extend bit life.
- Match drill speed to material hardness; slower speeds for harder metals.
- Secure workpieces firmly to prevent movement that could cause misalignment.
Quick FAQ
- What does #29 mean in drill bits?
It refers to the drilling diameter in the wire gauge system: approximately 0.136 inches (3.454 mm).
- Are cobalt bits worth the extra cost?
Yes, for drilling hard metals like stainless steel, cobalt bits offer longer life and better wear resistance.
- Can I use HSS bits on stainless steel?
Yes, but cobalt or reinforced HSS bits perform better and last longer on stainless steel.
- Should I use a lubricant when drilling metal?
Yes, lubrication reduces heat and extends bit life, especially at higher speeds.
- Are these bits suitable for wood and plastic?
Yes, most #29 bits work for wood and plastic, but check the material-specific recommendations in the product description.
- What is a split point and why is it useful?
A 135° split point helps self-center the bit and prevents wandering, improving accuracy on initial contact.