Cobalt Drill Bit Set 15-Piece (1/16 in - 1/2 in) - Heavy Duty

In this review of the Drill America 15 Piece Cobalt Drill Bit Set, the bottom line is simple: this set is for users who need durable, high-speed drilling into tough metals and want a wide range of inch sizes in one case. The reviewer found the biggest reason to buy is the set's m35 5% cobalt construction, which allows higher red hardness and up to 30% faster cutting speeds than conventional high speed steel, making these bits especially useful when drilling stainless steel, titanium, or other high tensile materials.

Key Features

• Heat-resistant cobalt: The M35 5% cobalt alloy sustains hardness at high temperatures so bits maintain edge and cut longer in demanding metals.
• 135 degree split point: The self-centering tip reduces walking for faster penetration and more accurate hole starts without pilot holes.
• Wide inch size range: The set covers 1/16 in through 1/2 in in 1/32 in increments, so a matching size is available for many common tasks.
• Jobber length with round shank: Standard length and round shanks make these bits compatible with most chucks and holders for general workshop use.
• Gold finish and round case: The finish helps chip clearance and the round case provides organized storage and portability on the bench or in a toolbox.

Who It's For

This set is best for machinists, fabricators, and serious DIYers who regularly drill high tensile materials like stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium, or who want a single kit that covers a broad range of inch sizes. The higher red hardness and cobalt alloy make it a practical choice when you need faster cutting and longer edge life than typical HSS bits.

Those who primarily drill soft materials with infrequent metal work, or who require metric sizes or extremely long bits for deep holes, should look elsewhere; this kit is focused on jobber length inch sizes and rugged applications rather than specialized or metric drilling needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent cutting performance in hard metals due to cobalt construction.
• 135 degree split point offers accurate starts and reduced walking on contact.
• Comprehensive size selection from 1/16 in to 1/2 in covers most common tasks without gaps.
• Convenient round case provides neat storage and easy transport.

Cons

• Jobber length may be limiting for very deep holes or specialty setups.
• A few users report mixed durability on larger sizes, so heavy repeated use may wear certain bits faster.

Specifications

Brand	Drill America
Material	M35 5% cobalt
Tip angle	135 degree split point
Sizes included	1/16 in to 1/2 in in 1/32 in increments (15 pieces)
Shank style	Round shank, jobber length
Finish	Gold finish
Case	Round storage case

Our Verdict

The Drill America 15 Piece Cobalt set is a solid choice for anyone who needs reliable inch-size drills for hard metals; its heat-resistant cobalt alloy and split point geometry deliver speed and cleaner holes, and the size spread is very practical. It represents good value for workshops that want one versatile kit, while heavy-production shops should monitor wear on the largest sizes and consider supplemental spares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these bits suitable for stainless steel?
Yes. The M35 5% cobalt composition and high red hardness make them effective for stainless steel and other high tensile materials.

Do the bits fit standard drill chucks?
Yes. They are jobber length with round shanks designed to fit most standard chucks and holders used in drills and drill presses.

Is metric sizing available in this kit?
No. This particular set includes inch sizes from 1/16 in to 1/2 in in 1/32 in increments only.