Best Step Drill Bits Under $50 (2026)
We scored tools by material and coating, flute design, step range, shank type and overall value to recommend options under $50
The Verdict
- Best Overall: ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set 5pc with Titanium-coated HSS bits — Great value: a 5-piece titanium-coated HSS set that balances versatility and budget for general metal and sheet work
- Best Value: TEMO 3pc M35 cobalt step drill set, 6/9/13 steps — Best for tough metals: M35 cobalt 3-piece set built for durability when working stainless and harder alloys
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set 5pc with Titanium-coated HSS bits
Great value: a 5-piece titanium-coated HSS set that balances versatility and budget for general metal and sheet work
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 tough metals: M35 cobalt 3-piece set built for durability when working stainless and harder 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 for progressive hole sizes: M35 cobalt spiral flute design offers smooth cutting across 12 stepped 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"
Heavy-duty choice: 3-piece M35 cobalt set with TiAlN-style coating designed for repeated use on stainless steel
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)
Precision option: single Unibit with stepped profile and 3/8-inch shank suited to controlled, repeatable hole sizing
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
Budget multi-pack: 5-piece HSS titanium-coated set that provides many sizes for light to moderate metal drilling
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
Versatile straight-groove set: M2 HSS double-fluted design offers clean cuts across a wide size range up to 1-3/8 in
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
Pro electrician pick: double-fluted hex-shank bit built for quick changes and reliable performance on sheet materials
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
Durable contractor bit: 14-step double-fluted design with hex shank for efficient hole progression and quick swapping
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
Four Spiral Flute Cobalt Step Drill Bit, 1/4"-1-1/8", Hex Shank, 1/4"
High-chip-ejection option: four spiral flutes and cobalt construction help clear chips and maintain cutting speed in thicker metal
Four-spiral flute cobalt step drill bit for metal, wood, and plastic with TiAlN coating for hardness. Noted for sharpness and fast cutting; some users report tip wear over time
- four-spiral-cutting blades
- TiAlN coating for hardness
- M35 cobalt HSS step drill with 1/2" to 1-1/8" range