Drilling through titanium isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s one of the toughest metals to cut. If you’ve ever tried it with the wrong bit or drill, you know the frustration: dull edges, broken bits, or worse, wasted time. So, how do you get clean, precise holes without damaging your tools? That’s exactly what this guide on the best drills for titanium will help you solve. But wait—before diving in, let’s get clear. Choosing the right drill isn’t just about power; it’s about torque, speed, and durability. If you’ve already checked our list of the best drills, or compared models in the best high torque cordless drills category, you’ll notice titanium demands even more. And here’s the kicker—tools tough enough for this job often overlap with the best drills for steel. Ready to see which ones truly deliver? Let’s dive in.
Top pick
Best Speed Tip: DEWALT DW1341 14-Piece Titanium Nitride Speed Tip Drill Bit Set
The DEWALT DW1341 14-Piece Titanium Nitride Speed Tip Drill Bit Set is designed for versatility, allowing smooth drilling through metal, wood, and plastics. Its titanium nitride coating enhances durability, while the speed tip minimizes walking for precise starts. The no spin shanks keep bits steady during use, and the tough case ensures convenient storage and organization.
From a customer and expert perspective, users appreciate the sharp cutting performance and reliability for common drilling tasks, though it may not handle harder materials like masonry. The set is valued for its combination of efficiency, long-lasting construction, and ease of use.
Overall, this drill bit set delivers strong performance and dependable quality at a fair value, making it a solid choice for both DIY projects and professional use.
Best Impact Duty: Milwaukee 48-89-4680 18-Piece Shockwave Impact Duty Thunderbolt Titanium Drill
The Milwaukee 48-89-4680 18-Piece Shockwave Impact Duty Thunderbolt Titanium Drill Bit Set is built for demanding drilling tasks, especially when paired with heavy-duty drill drivers. Its Shockwave geometry provides durability under high torque, while the parabolic flute form ensures efficient chip removal, reducing friction and heat. The titanium coating further extends bit life by resisting wear and overheating. A rugged storage case with slide lock and molded slots keeps every bit organized and protected.
From a user perspective, professionals value the precision, durability, and cooling efficiency of this set, particularly for frequent drilling in metal and wood. Some note it is not suitable for concrete, and the cost is slightly higher compared to standard sets, but the performance justifies the investment.
Overall, this drill bit set offers excellent reliability, durability, and control, making it a strong choice for professionals and serious DIY users who need impact-ready performance.
Best Cobalt Strength: BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case
The BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Cobalt M42 Drill Bit Set is engineered for durability and performance in tough materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, and light-gauge metals. The M42 alloy with 8% cobalt content delivers ten times the lifespan of standard bits, while its high-heat resistance allows consistent drilling in demanding conditions. A thick web-helix design adds stability and reduces breakage, and the surface-hardened tip helps penetrate abrasive surfaces with precision.
From an expert and customer perspective, this set is praised for its ability to handle challenging jobs that standard titanium-coated bits cannot. While drilling speed may be slower and the price higher than entry-level options, the durability and reliability make it worthwhile for heavy-duty metalworking.
Overall, the BOSCH CO14B offers exceptional strength and long-term performance, making it a smart investment for professionals and advanced DIY users who frequently drill into hardened metals.
FAQs
What is the best tooling for titanium?
The best tooling for titanium is typically cobalt drill bits or carbide drill bits. Cobalt bits, made from a high-speed steel alloy with 5–8% cobalt, are extremely durable and maintain their hardness even under high heat. Carbide bits, while more brittle, are harder and can cut through titanium with exceptional precision. For heavy-duty or industrial applications, solid carbide is the go-to choice. Additionally, using cutting fluid and working at a slower speed helps prolong bit life and improves results.
Why is titanium so hard to drill?
Titanium is hard to drill because of its strength-to-weight ratio and heat resistance. Unlike softer metals, titanium doesn’t conduct heat well. That means when drilling, heat builds up quickly at the cutting edge, causing bits to dull faster. Titanium also has a tendency to harden as you drill, making the process even more difficult if the wrong speed, pressure, or tooling is used. This is why proper technique—low speed, steady pressure, and lubrication—is essential.
Is titanium the best drill bit for metal?
Not exactly. While titanium-coated drill bits are widely marketed, they aren’t always the best option for drilling titanium or other hard metals. Titanium bits are essentially high-speed steel (HSS) bits coated with titanium nitride (TiN). The coating helps reduce friction and improves wear resistance, but once the coating wears off, the bit performs like standard HSS. For long-lasting performance on tough metals, cobalt or carbide bits are generally more reliable than titanium-coated ones.
What is the strongest drill bit for metal?
The strongest drill bit for metal is typically a solid carbide drill bit. Carbide is harder and more heat-resistant than cobalt or titanium-coated HSS, making it the top choice for extremely hard materials like stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium alloys. However, because carbide is brittle, it’s best used in drill presses or CNC machines where stability is high. For handheld drills, cobalt drill bits are usually considered the strongest practical choice since they balance toughness, heat resistance, and durability.
Conclusion
In the end, working with titanium is no small task—it requires patience, the right technique, and above all, the right tools. The best drills for titanium stand out because they combine strength, precision, and durability to handle one of the toughest metals around. Whether you’re a professional machinist or a DIY enthusiast tackling advanced projects, choosing the proper drill can make the difference between frustration and flawless results. By investing in quality bits and following best practices, you not only extend the life of your tools but also achieve cleaner, more accurate holes every time. Titanium may be tough, but with the right drill in hand, it’s absolutely manageable.
