When you’ve got a cordless drill in hand and a job to get done, nothing feels worse than bits that can’t keep up. They spin, they slip, they strip. Or worse—they snap clean in half. Whether you’re hanging shelves in a studio apartment or building decks every weekend, your bits need to do their job without complaint. But walk into any hardware store or scroll through Amazon, and you’re bombarded with options that all claim to be the best. So how do you really pick the right set?
The good news: you don’t have to settle for low-grade kits anymore. Today’s best cordless drill bits come engineered for durability, precision, and smooth performance. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about the sets that actually work—at home, on the job, or anywhere in between.
The High-End Picks That Are Worth It
If you’re serious about your tools, don’t waste time on bargain bin kits that wear out after five uses. Go straight for the heavy hitters. These drill bit sets don’t just promise—they deliver, and they’ll serve you well for years.
1. DEWALT Cobalt Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point (29-Piece)
- Price: Around $220
- Material: Industrial-grade cobalt
- Best for: Metal, stainless steel, and hardwood
This DEWALT set is not cheap—and that’s the point. It’s built to handle the stuff that melts weaker bits. The pilot point tips cut fast and don’t wander across the surface. It’s a favorite among contractors who drill into heavy steel and need the bits to stay sharp under pressure. This isn’t for casual weekend tasks—it’s for those who demand high performance every time.
2. Makita Titanium Coated Drill Bit Set (75-Piece)
- Price: Around $200
- Material: Titanium nitride-coated high-speed steel
- Best for: Mixed-use (wood, plastic, metal)
Makita delivers an all-in-one powerhouse here. With 75 pieces, this set is as close to “one-size-fits-all” as you’ll get without compromise. The titanium coating keeps the bits cooler and sharper, which means less strain on your drill and better battery life. It comes in a rugged hard case with a bit index so you’re not hunting for the right size. A solid choice for pros and experienced DIYers alike.
For the Everyday DIYer: Reliable Mid-Tier Picks
You don’t need a commercial-grade bit set for hanging drywall or installing curtain rods. But you still want something better than the $10 kits that chip after one use. These next picks strike a balance between durability and affordability—and they perform far above their price tag.
3. Bosch 91-Piece Drill and Drive Bit Set
- Price: Around $50–$70
- Best for: Wood, metal, masonry, and plastic
This Bosch kit is for the person who dabbles in everything. It’s got bits for drilling and driving, including masonry bits, which are rare in general-purpose kits. The storage case is smartly laid out and doesn’t feel like a cluttered mess. For a homeowner who likes to fix and build without breaking the bank, this is a dependable go-to.
4. BLACK+DECKER 109-Piece Drill Bit Set
- Price: Around $40
- Best for: Light-duty projects around the house
This is the kit for beginners or people who only pick up a drill once in a while. It’s affordable, but it doesn’t feel like a toy. The bits handle wood and drywall with ease, and while they won’t last through heavy-duty metal work, they’ll get the job done for shelving, furniture assembly, or quick fixes. A solid starter kit.
What to Look for in a Cordless Drill Bit Set
Not all bits are created equal. Here’s what actually matters when picking out a set for your cordless drill:
Material
The strongest bits are made from cobalt or carbide. These are built for metal and won’t burn out fast. Titanium-coated bits are the next step down—they’re great for wood and plastics, and still durable. High-speed steel (HSS) is the baseline for most general use, but it wears down faster under pressure.
Coating
Coatings like black oxide or titanium nitride help reduce friction and heat buildup. This keeps your bits sharper longer and helps you drill cleaner holes without burning out your drill motor.
Tip Style
Split-point tips (135°) start quickly without skidding. Pilot-point tips are great for metal because they bore in fast without walking. Avoid cheap flat-tipped bits—they take forever to start and often slip around on slick surfaces.
Shank Type
Hex shanks are best for cordless drills—they lock into the chuck and prevent slipping. Round shanks are more common on cheaper sets but can spin loosely under torque.
Bits for Specific Jobs
Woodworking Bits
If you’re drilling into pine, plywood, or hardwoods, brad point bits are your best friend. They drill straight and prevent the bit from drifting, especially on smooth surfaces.
Metal Bits
Stick with cobalt or titanium-coated HSS bits. Go slow and use cutting oil to keep things cool. Your drill will thank you, and your bits will last longer.
Masonry Bits
Drilling into brick or concrete? You’ll need carbide-tipped masonry bits. They’re made to take abuse and work best with a hammer drill. But a powerful cordless drill can handle them too—just expect a slower pace.
Drill Bit Sizes: The Truth About Quantity
Don’t be dazzled by a 200-piece kit if half of those are duplicates or weird-sized driver bits you’ll never use. What matters more is whether the set includes the sizes you’ll need for your specific projects. For most DIY work, a range from 1/16″ up to 1/2″ will cover 90% of what you’ll ever drill. Pros will want fractional and metric sizes, especially when working from project plans or blueprints.
How to Keep Your Bits Sharp (and Yourself Safe)
Bits wear out, no matter how tough they are. If you hear screeching, feel resistance, or see smoke—stop. A dull bit not only ruins your project but can destroy your cordless drill.
- Store your bits in their case, not tossed in a tool bag
- Use cutting oil for metal jobs
- Let the bit do the work—don’t force it
- Keep a sharpening tool on hand if you work with wood often
Final Word: Buy Once, Cry Once
When it comes to cordless drill bits, cheap gets expensive. The frustration of a snapped bit halfway through a project, or a stripped screw on your last board—it’s not worth it. For people who work with their hands regularly, investing in a high-end set like the DEWALT Cobalt 29-Piece Set or the Makita Titanium 75-Piece will save time and money long term. Casual users will do well with a reliable kit from Bosch or Black+Decker that covers basic needs without falling apart after two weekends.
Your cordless drill is only as good as the bits you feed it. Buy the right ones, and your projects will run smoother, cleaner, and a lot more enjoyable.