Choosing the right drill accessories can make or break your project. That’s where the best drill index set comes in—it keeps bits organized, sharp, and ready for any task. But here’s the thing: not all sets are created equal. Some offer superior durability, while others focus on versatility. Want to know how it compares to the best drills on the market? Or how it complements a complete best drill kit for professionals and DIYers alike? Stick around, because we’re about to dive into what makes the best drill index stand out. From material quality to storage design, you’ll discover which sets are worth your investment—and which ones fall short. Ready to drill down into the details? Let’s get started!
Top pick
Best Precision: Norseman Drill Bits 44170 Ultra Dex Type 240-UB
The Norseman Drill Bits 44170 Ultra Dex Type 240-UB set includes 29 premium jobber drills ranging from 1/16 to 1/2 inch by 64ths. Made with Hi-Molybdenum tool steel and finished with gold oxide, these bits are built for durability and long-lasting performance. The 135-degree split point design minimizes walking and ensures clean, precise starts. Each bit is precision-ground for accuracy in drilling across tough materials.
Experts and users often highlight the consistent quality and reliability of Norseman bits compared to standard sets. Customers note that while the price is higher, the longevity and cutting efficiency make it worthwhile for professionals.
Overall, this set delivers excellent performance and value for those who prioritize precision and durability, making it a strong choice for serious users and tradespeople.
Best Longevity: Champion Cutting Tool Brute Platinum 29 Piece
The Champion Cutting Tool Brute Platinum XL28 set includes 29 high speed steel mechanics-length bits sized from 1/16 to 1/2 inch by 64ths. Built with NOMO surface treatment, these bits are designed to last three times longer than standard drills and cut twice as fast as cobalt. The 135-degree split point with tapered web geometry ensures accurate, self-centering starts while reducing walking. Shorter overall length increases rigidity, and flatted shanks allow quick chucking in keyless power tools.
Users and professionals note that the XL28 set performs exceptionally well in hard metals like stainless steel and titanium alloys, often outlasting cobalt bits that can chip or snap. While the investment is higher, the durability and efficiency justify the price for those who work with tough materials regularly.
Overall, this set offers excellent performance, speed, and flexibility, making it a reliable choice for demanding metalworking applications.
Best Heat Resistance: IRWIN Drill Bit Set, M35 Cobalt Alloy Steel Steel
The IRWIN M35 Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set includes 29 pieces ranging from 1/16 to 1/2 inch in 1/64 inch increments. Each bit is made with 5 percent cobalt alloy steel, providing higher heat and abrasion resistance compared to standard high-speed steel. The 135-degree split point design minimizes walking and allows cleaner starts, while the heavy-duty web construction enhances strength and durability under tough drilling conditions.
Customers and professionals often highlight the heat resistance of these bits, making them suitable for stainless steel and other hard materials. Some note that cobalt can cut slower and is more brittle than premium HSS, but the set is valued for its balance of toughness and precision.
Overall, this set delivers solid durability and reliability for demanding applications, offering strong value for users who frequently drill into metal.
FAQs
Who makes the best drill bit set?
There’s no single “best” maker for everyone — the right brand depends on what you’ll be drilling and how often. That said, a few manufacturers consistently stand out for quality and reliability: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, Irwin, and Starrett (premium). Professionals often prefer Milwaukee or Starrett for heavy-duty metalwork; DIYers and contractors frequently choose DeWalt or Bosch for a mix of price and performance. Irwin and Metabo HPT offer excellent value cobalt and titanium sets.
What to look for when choosing a set:
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Material: HSS for general use; cobalt (M35/M42) or TiAlN for hard metals.
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Point geometry: 135° split-point is better for metal; 118° works for wood/soft materials.
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Shank type: hex for quick-change, round for chucks.
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Size range & case: make sure the set covers the sizes you actually use and comes in a durable indexed case.
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Warranty and brand support — useful for frequent users.
What is the best drill index for steel?
For steel work, the best drill bit index (set) contains cobalt or similarly high-performance bits with the right geometry. Ideal features for steel drilling:
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Cobalt HSS bits (M35 or M42) or HSS with a TiAlN coating — they resist heat and wear when cutting steel and stainless.
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135° split-point tips to reduce walking and improve centering on the hard surface.
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Short or jobber-length bits for increased rigidity and less chatter when drilling dense materials.
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A good size spread covering common pilot and through-hole sizes (e.g., #bits up to ½" or metric equivalents).
Also use cutting fluid, a center punch/pilot hole for accuracy, and slow spindle speeds to avoid overheating — the bits last far longer with proper technique.
Is a 118° or 135° drill bit better?
Both have uses — neither is universally “better.”
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118°: Sharper point, better for soft materials (wood, plastics, soft metals). It cuts quickly but tends to wander on hard surfaces unless you center-punch or use a pilot.
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135° (often split point): Flatter tip, self-centering, and better at penetrating hard materials (steel, stainless). It reduces walking and needs less initial guidance.
Bottom line: go 118° for general woodworking and quick holes; choose 135° (preferably split-point) for metal and precision work.
Which is better, M35 or M42 cobalt?
M35 and M42 are both cobalt-alloyed high-speed steels but differ in cobalt content and performance:
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M35 typically contains ~5% cobalt. It’s tougher than standard HSS and handles stainless and alloy steels well — a great choice for heavy-duty workshop use at a reasonable cost.
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M42 contains more cobalt (commonly ~8%) and offers higher heat resistance and wear life, so it holds an edge in production, continuous drilling, and very hard materials. It’s also usually more expensive.
Which to choose:
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Pick M35 if you want rugged durability for heavy hobby and shop work without the top-tier price.
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Choose M42 for high-volume, industrial, or extreme-duty work where longer life and heat resistance justify the cost.
Conclusion
In the end, the best drill index set is the one that balances durability, precision, and coverage for the materials you work with most. Whether you need a cobalt set for drilling through hardened steel, a titanium-coated option for everyday tasks, or a high-quality HSS index for general use, the right choice saves both time and frustration. A well-designed index keeps bits organized, extends their lifespan, and ensures you’re always ready for the next project. By investing in a reliable set from a trusted brand, you not only improve drilling performance but also build a toolkit that grows with your needs.
