Best Step Drill Bits (2026 Guide)

• 10 products compared from 6 brands • avg ItemOracle score 4.0/5

Selections prioritized material (HSS vs M35 cobalt), coating, flute design, step range, and high review volume and ratings across retailers

The Verdict

This guide compares top-rated step drill bits chosen for broad metalworking use, durability, and customer feedback volume. Picks were selected by analyzing material (HSS, M35 cobalt), coatings, flute design, and high review volume to surface reliable options for professionals and DIYers

Top Picks

  1. 1
    ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set 5pc with Titanium-coated HSS bits

    Best Overall ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set 5pc with Titanium-coated HSS bits

    ZELCAN • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Versatile set: titanium-coated HSS bits that offer a balance of durability and value for general metal and sheet tasks

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  2. 2
    TEMO 3pc M35 cobalt step drill set, 6/9/13 steps

    Best Value TEMO 3pc M35 cobalt step drill set, 6/9/13 steps

    TEMO • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Durable choice: M35 cobalt set built for heat resistance and reliable cutting in tougher metals like stainless

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  3. 3
    TEMO M35 cobalt spiral flute step drill with 12 sizes

    TEMO M35 cobalt spiral flute step drill with 12 sizes

    TEMO • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Spiral-flute option: M35 cobalt with multiple sizes and spiral design for faster chip evacuation and cleaner holes

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
    3 PCS Cobalt M35 Step Drill Bits Set 1/8" to 7/8"

    3 PCS Cobalt M35 Step Drill Bits Set 1/8" to 7/8"

    IRONANT • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    Heavy-duty set: M35 cobalt steps with TiAlN-style finish aimed at cutting stainless and thicker materials

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  5. 5
    Irwin Unibit 3/4 to 1/4 in. Step-Drill Bit, 3/8 in. Shank (10233)

    Irwin Unibit 3/4 to 1/4 in. Step-Drill Bit, 3/8 in. Shank (10233)

    IRWIN • ★ 4.0/5 • Budget

    Single-bit solution: compact Unibit-style step for quick, incremental holes in thin metal with a common shank size

    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
    Buy at Amazon →
  6. 6
    Step Drill Bits Set – 5 pcs, 50 sizes, HSS titanium coating

    Step Drill Bits Set – 5 pcs, 50 sizes, HSS titanium coating

    IRONANT • ★ 4.0/5 • Budget

    Budget multi-size set: HSS titanium-coated kit offering many step sizes for light to moderate metal drilling 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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  7. 7
    Step Drill Bit Set 1/4" to 1-3/8", HSS M2 straight grooved double fluted

    Step Drill Bit Set 1/4" to 1-3/8", HSS M2 straight grooved double fluted

    Jerax tools • ★ 4.0/5 • Budget

    Extended range set: straight-grooved M2 HSS double-fluted bits suited for larger diameter holes and stainless work

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  8. 8
    Klein Tools Step Drill Bit 3/8 in Hex Shank, #3 1/4-3/4 in

    Klein Tools Step Drill Bit 3/8 in Hex Shank, #3 1/4-3/4 in

    KLEIN TOOLS • ★ 4.0/5 • Budget

    Pro-oriented pick: double-fluted design with hex shank for reduced slipping and reliable performance in trades 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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  9. 9
    Klein Tools KTSB14 Step Drill Bit 14, 3/16 to 7/8 in w/ hex shank

    Klein Tools KTSB14 Step Drill Bit 14, 3/16 to 7/8 in w/ hex shank

    KLEIN TOOLS • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    Trade-ready bit: 14-step, double-fluted design with hex shank for efficient, repeatable hole sizing on metal sheets

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  10. 10
    TEMO M35 cobalt step drill with two sizes (7/8" and 1-1/8")

    TEMO M35 cobalt step drill with two sizes (7/8" and 1-1/8")

    TEMO • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    Focused option: M35 cobalt dual-size bit built for high durability when cutting larger holes in tougher metals

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide

Choose the right material

M35 cobalt resists heat and cuts stainless better, while HSS with titanium or TiAlN coatings is fine for general sheet metal and softer metals

Check coating and finish

Titanium nitride (TiN) or TiAlN coatings extend bit life and reduce friction; uncoated HSS wears faster on abrasive metals

Match flute type to task

Spiral flutes eject chips faster and cut cleaner in thicker metal, while straight flutes are common for thin sheet metal

Consider step range and increments

Sets with many steps or wide diameter ranges reduce tool changes; single-piece stepped bits are convenient for incremental hole sizes

Prefer hex or round shanks for your drill

Hex shanks reduce slipping in quick-change chucks, while round shanks are standard for drill presses and keyed chucks