Split point drill bits help prevent walking on contact, start cleaner holes, and deliver accurate drilling through metal, wood, and plastic. This guide highlights five top options ideal for buyers seeking reliable performance across common DIY and light professional tasks. The selections favor durable steel, advanced coatings, and tip designs that reduce wandering. Best for metalworkers, woodworkers, and general handymen who want consistent results with limited tool adjustments.
| Product | Brand | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel (DWA1181) | DEWALT | 135° split point; strong black oxide coating; versatile for metal and wood |
| DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 14-Piece 135° Split Point (DWA1184) | DEWALT | Three-flats shank; durable HSS; reduces walking |
| DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated (DW1361) | DEWALT | Titanium Nitride coating; cleaner starts; no spin shanks |
| Norseman Drill Bits 44170 Ultra Dex 29-Piece | Norseman | Ultra Dex design; premium HSS; precision for accuracy |
| VALYRIANTOOL 12PCS 1/4″ HSS Black Gold (135° Split Point) | VALYRIANTOOL | Long-lasting black gold HSS; three-flat shank; versatile |
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel (DWA1181)
Best for general-purpose drilling in metal, wood, PVC, and fiberglass. The 135-degree split point helps reduce walking on contact, and the parabolic flute design improves chip ejection for smoother holes. The black oxide coating adds corrosion resistance and durability, extending bit life. Choose this set if you need broad material coverage with reliable performance in a single purchase.
Best for: DIY enthusiasts and small shops that require a versatile, durable all-rounder. Limitation: The full set may include larger bits that aren’t ideal for very thin materials.
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 14-Piece 135° Split Point (DWA1184)
Best for projects requiring consistent starts in plastics, wood, or light metal. The 3-flats shank minimizes slippage in keyless chucks, while the 135-degree split point reduces walking and ensures precise hole initiation. The high-speed steel composition offers solid durability for everyday tasks. Choose this if you want a compact, reliable subset of split-point bits for mixed materials.
Caution: The smaller selection means fewer sizes for heavy-duty metal work.
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated (DW1361)
Best for extended bit life and cleaner starts. The Titanium Nitride coating reduces wear, while the pilot point helps start holes with less wandering. The kit includes 21 bits and features a no-spin shank design that enhances compatibility with modern drill chucks. Ideal for frequent drilling in metal and wood where longevity matters.
Limitation: Titanium nitride coatings can wear over long-term heavy use; expect some performance changes with extreme use.
Norseman Drill Bits 44170 Ultra Dex 29-Piece
Best for precision and heavy-duty use. The 135° split point and Ultra Dex design emphasize accuracy, with a comprehensive range from 1/16 to 1/2 inch. High-speed steel construction and precision-ground points support clean entry and reduced wander. This set is well-suited for professionals needing dependable, long-lasting bits for metal and wood.
Note: The 29-piece range is broad; for focused projects, you may not need every size.
VALYRIANTOOL 12PCS 1/4″ HSS Black Gold (135° Split Point)
Best for versatile general purpose drilling in mild steel, copper, aluminum, zinc alloy, wood, and plastic. The black gold coating enhances heat resistance and durability, reducing wear during repeated use. The 3-flat shank improves fit in older and modern chucks. Choose this if you want robust bits with broad material compatibility and fewer tool changes.
Caution: Black gold coatings may wear with heavy use; inspect bits for glazing or dull edges before continuing work.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when selecting split point drill bits:
- Material compatibility: Choose bits designed for the primary materials you work with (metal, wood, plastic).
- Coatings: Black oxide and titanium nitride coatings improve wear resistance and longevity in challenging materials.
- Point geometry: A 135-degree split point reduces walking and starts cleaner. Some sets include pilot-point features for easier starts.
- Shank design: Three-flats or no-spin shanks improve grip and reduce slippage in chucks.
- Set size: Consider whether you need a broad range or a compact subset for travel or toolkits.
- Durability vs. precision: Wider ranges offer flexibility; premium sets prioritize precision and long life for professional use.
- Intended projects: For metalwork, prioritize high-speed steel with protective coatings; for wood, clean starts and chip ejection matter more.
FAQ
- Q: What is a split point drill bit? A: It has a self-centering tip that reduces walking and creates cleaner holes on contact.
- Q: Are titanium or black oxide coatings better? A: Titanium nitride coatings last longer under heavy use; black oxide offers corrosion resistance and cost efficiency.
- Q: Should I use a pilot point with split point bits? A: Pilot point tips help initiate holes, especially in harder metals.
- Q: Do I need different bits for metal versus wood? A: Yes; metal bits (HSS, coated) differ from standard wood bits in flute design and edge geometry.
- Q: How many bits should a starter kit include? A: A balanced starter kit often includes 14–21 pieces for broad coverage.
- Q: What is the best practice to avoid dulling bits? A: Use appropriate drill speed, apply steady pressure, and drill with proper lubrication or cutting fluid on metal.