Best Step Drill Bits Under $50 (2026)
We ranked options by material (HSS vs M35 cobalt), coating, step count/range, flute design, and value score to find top picks under $50
The Verdict
- Best Overall: ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set 5pc with Titanium-coated HSS bits — pick: titanium-coated HSS set that balances durability and a useful five-piece range for general metalwork
- Best Value: TEMO 3pc M35 cobalt step drill set, 6/9/13 steps — Best for hardened metals: three-piece M35 cobalt set built to cut stainless and tougher alloys with multiple step sizes
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 that balances durability and a useful five-piece range 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 hardened metals: three-piece M35 cobalt set built to cut stainless and tougher alloys with multiple step sizes
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 for tight spaces: M35 cobalt spiral flute design provides multiple sizes and faster chip evacuation in compact form
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 stainless option: three-piece M35 cobalt set with TiAlN-style coating and broad 1/8"–7/8" range for metal work
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 single step design ideal for quick thin-metal holes with a standard shank fit
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: 50-size HSS kit with titanium coating that gives a wide step selection for light to medium tasks
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 larger holes: long-range M2 HSS set with double-fluted straight grooves suited to bigger diameter steps
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 tradespeople: double-fluted hex-shank bit engineered for quick changes and durable shop use
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 all-round single-bit: 14-step double-fluted design with hex shank that covers common hole sizes reliably
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 specific large sizes: dual-size M35 cobalt bit tailored to larger diameter holes with durable cobalt cutting edges
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