Best Step Drill Bits Under $100 (2026)
We ranked tools by material (HSS vs M35 cobalt), coating, step/size range, fluting design, and overall value score to find the best options under $100
The Verdict
- Best Overall: ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set 5pc with Titanium-coated HSS bits — pick: titanium-coated HSS set offering versatile step coverage and durable finish for general metalwork
- Best Value: TEMO 3pc M35 cobalt step drill set, 6/9/13 steps — Best for hard metals: M35 cobalt set built for heat resistance and longer life when drilling stainless and tougher alloys
This roundup highlights step drill bits under $100 selected for durability, material, and value for common metalworking and electrical tasks. Picks were chosen by scoring HSS/cobalt construction, coating, step count and versatility to favor sets that deliver the most utility per dollar
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set 5pc with Titanium-coated HSS bits
pick: titanium-coated HSS set offering versatile step coverage and durable finish for general metalwork
Step drill bit set with four-cutting blades for metal, aluminum, and more. Noted for quick, smooth drilling and case quality; mixed durability and sharpness feedback from customers
- four spiral flute design
- multi-material compatibility
- titanium-coated HSS bits
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2
Best Value TEMO 3pc M35 cobalt step drill set, 6/9/13 steps
Best for hard metals: M35 cobalt set built for heat resistance and longer life when drilling stainless and tougher alloys
TEMO 3pc M35 cobalt HSS step drill bit set with 6, 9, and 13 steps. Notable for durability and sharpness, cutting through stainless steel smoothly. Users note excellent quality and quick drilling in 30 seconds
- m35 cobalt steel construction
- three-step size set (6/9/13 steps)
- maintains sharpness after many holes
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3
TEMO M35 cobalt spiral flute step drill with 12 sizes
Best spiral design: M35 cobalt spiral flute delivers smoother cutting and faster chip evacuation across many sizes
TEMO M35 cobalt step drill with titanium coating covers 12 hole sizes from 3/16" to 7/8" and a 1/4" hex shank. Durable, sharp cutting suited for steel; customers note quick work and good value
- 12 hole sizes
- M35 cobalt with titanium coating
- 1/4" hex shank
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4
3 PCS Cobalt M35 Step Drill Bits Set 1/8" to 7/8"
Best heavy-duty trio: M35 cobalt set with broad size range and durable coating for repeated metal drilling tasks
M35 HSS with TiAlN coating step bits for stainless steel, metal, aluminum, and plastic. 4-spiral flute design aids chip removal and faster cutting; includes self-centering 118° split point tip. Customer notes good quality, value, and durability with multiple hole sizes and storage case
- coated cobalt HSS for durability
- 4-spiral flute for chip ejection
- range 1/8" to 7/8" with split point
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5
Irwin Unibit 3/4 to 1/4 in. Step-Drill Bit, 3/8 in. Shank (10233)
Best single-bit solution: compact step bit with 3/8 in shank for quick thin-metal hole sizing without changing bits
Step-drill bit set for thin materials like stainless steel, copper, and brass. Known for sharp, durable cuts and clean circular holes. Customers note edge retention over many holes and good value for money
- sharp, durable edge
- efficient for thin metals
- reliable edge retention
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6
Step Drill Bits Set – 5 pcs, 50 sizes, HSS titanium coating
Best budget set: five-piece HSS kit with titanium coating that covers many sizes at a low entry cost
HSS titanium-coated step drill bits with 50 sizes in a 5-piece kit. Designed for fast cutting and self-centering, with a metal storage case. Customers note good quality and sharpness, though durability is mixed
- 50 sizes in 5 pieces
- self-centering tip with fast cutting
- dual-flute chip clearance
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7
Step Drill Bit Set 1/4" to 1-3/8", HSS M2 straight grooved double fluted
Best for large holes: long-range M2 HSS set with double flutes suited to thicker or larger-diameter sheet tasks
Step drill bit set in 1/4" to 1-3/8" range. High speed steel with straight grooved double flutes for cleaner holes across metal and wood. Customers note efficient drilling and visible target hole sizes during operation
- M2 HSS with vacuum heat treatment
- non-stop size visibility during drilling
- wide material compatibility
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8
Klein Tools Step Drill Bit 3/8 in Hex Shank, #3 1/4-3/4 in
Best for drivers: hex-shank step bit with double flutes designed for easy use with quick-change drivers
Step drill bit with double flutes and aluminum-titanium nitride coating for durable, clean cuts. Features a hex shank for secure grip; preset sizes aid quick drilling
- durable coating for extended life
- secure hex shank
- clear size gauge markings
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9
Klein Tools KTSB14 Step Drill Bit 14, 3/16 to 7/8 in w/ hex shank
Best mid-range utility: 14-step double-fluted bit with hex shank that balances size range and control
Klein Tools KTSB14 step drill bit with double flutes and aluminum-titanium nitride coating for durability. Designed for clean cuts and secure grip with a 3/8-inch hex shank. Customers cite quality and preset sizes, with mixed durability and sharpness feedback
- aluminum-titanium nitride coating
- double-fluted for chip removal
- 3/8-inch hex shank for secure grip
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10
TEMO M35 cobalt step drill with two sizes (7/8" and 1-1/8")
Best for targeted sizes: dual-size M35 cobalt bit optimized for specific larger-hole drilling with heat resistance
M35 cobalt step drill bits with 1/4" hex shank and dual holes for 7/8" and 1-1/8". Self-starting for clean holes in thin materials and efficient swarf clearance
- M35 cobalt for durability
- dual hole sizes with size marks
- quick-release hex shank and swarf clearance