Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel
Not all drill bits achieve results in the same way. To identify the best drill bits for stainless steel, learning about characteristics like material, coating, frequency of use, and drill bit number is critical. Read on to learn the factors to consider as you search for the best drill bits for your projects that involve stainless steel.
 
Material
Stainless steel is an extremely hard material. Low-carbon steel bits, like those used to drill into wood, do not perform when applied to stainless steel. Therefore, a drill bit for use with stainless steel needs to actually be harder than the steel itself. One way that manufacturers achieve this hardness is by infusing materials that facilitate penetration and protect against overheating.
 
Carbide is one such material found in drill bits for stainless steel. Titanium and tungsten carbide are nearly as hard as diamond, making them ideal for penetrating steel. These
carbide-infused drill bits are one strong option when drilling into stainless steel.
 
Infusing drill bits with cobalt is another way that manufacturers achieve ultrahard drill bits. High-speed steel, also known as HSS, is the most common drill bit for metal applications. Cobalt bits are an extension of HSS bits. They incorporate an element with between 5 percent and 8 percent cobalt that makes the drill bit harder than a typical HSS bit and thus suitable for precision drilling in stainless steel and other hard materials.
 
Coating
Many manufacturers complement construction materials like drill bits with metal coatings. These coatings promote penetration and protection of the drill bit. Black oxide coatings reduce friction and heat—a significant consideration when drilling metals. Black oxide also protects against corrosion and water, keeping the drill bits functional for a longer period of time.
 
Titanium Nitride (TiN) protects high-speed drill bits. Distinctive for their golden color, TiN-coated drill bits are ideal for high-speed drills. The coating provides the ancillary benefit of being ultradurable, making them an excellent value for consumers who intend high-frequency use.
 
Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) is likely the most durable metal coating available. TiCN bits are blue-gray in color. Their coating makes them incredibly resistant to wear and capable of enduring high-speed and high-frequency use.
 
Drill Bit Number
Because of its hardness, stainless steel is an unforgiving construction medium. Usually, there is only one chance to achieve the perfect drill hole. Another crucial consideration when purchasing drill bits for stainless steel is the drill bit number or size.
 
Drill bit numbers are related to wire gauge size. The larger the bit number, the smaller the diameter of the resulting hole. For example, a number 80 drill bit creates a hole with a diameter of 0.0135 inch. As the diameter grows larger, the bit number grows smaller. For example, a number 1 drill bit has a diameter of 0.2280 inch.
 
Considering the size of the holes you need to drill in your stainless steel is essential to choosing the best drill bits for your stainless steel job.
 
Working Frequency
High-speed metal drilling creates excessive friction and heat. The extra stress placed on standard drill bits tends to wear them out quickly. Individuals who intend to drill stainless steel frequently should be sure to buy bits designed with longevity in mind.
 
In addition to ultrahard materials and protective coatings, drill bit users who seek longevity should ensure the bit can be sharpened. While drill bits infused with carbide or cobalt keep their edge longer than a standard bit, investing in a set for life often means resharpening the dull drill bits over time.