Top Drill Bit Sets (2026): Best Metal & Wood Drill Bits, Ranked

By J.F.

J.F. is a career automotive mechanic and former auto-shop owner. He evaluates the picks in Auto, Car Care & Tools — every product availability-checked against live Amazon data. More →

Updated August 8, 2026

The best drill bit set for most people is the DEWALT DW1177 20-Piece — a black-oxide set that covers the sizes you actually use, at a great price. A good set of quality bits drills cleaner holes, wanders less on start, and lasts far longer than the cheap bits that dull after a few holes. Below are the best drill bit sets we’d actually chuck up — every one confirmed in stock.

How we chose the best drill bit sets

Every pick was scored against the same criteria, and we confirmed each product is currently in stock on Amazon before including it:

Real-world quality — materials, construction, and durability, not marketing claims.
Fit for purpose — sound design and the right fit for the job each product is meant to do.
Value across budgets — from a solid budget pick to a premium best-in-class option.
Owner consensus — thousands of verified reviews and Amazon’s Choice standing, cross-checked against known failure points.

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Drill bit sets: the 2 best, compared

Preview	Product	Price
	DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177) 20 Pieces Single Unit	$19.98	Buy on Amazon
	IRWIN Tools Black Oxide Metal Index Drill Bit Set with Case, 29-Piece (3018004) 29pc Pro Case Black...	$96.99	Buy on Amazon

The 2 best drill bit sets, ranked

1DEWALT DW1177 20-Piece Black Oxide Best overall

A 20-piece black-oxide twist-bit set spanning the common sizes for wood, metal, and plastic, with a split-point tip that starts on contact without walking or wandering, all organized in a compact case. Everything the average person drills, in one affordable, durable set. The drill bit set most people should buy.

Sale

DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177) 20 Pieces Single Unit

135-degree split point tip of the drill bits for wood, metal or plastic is designed to help reduce walking
DEWALT drill bit set is made from High Speed Steel to be used in plastic, wood, and metal
Tapered web design for extreme durability and resisting breakage of the drill bits
Black and gold coating to help prevent rust and wear
3-Flats shank to reduce spin-out in the chuck*

2IRWIN 29-Piece Black Oxide Index Set Best complete set

A comprehensive 29-piece indexed set covering a wider range of sizes in fine increments, in a sturdy metal index case that keeps every bit in order and easy to find — black-oxide coated for heat and corrosion resistance. The pick if you want the fullest size range on hand for varied work, not just the common bits.

IRWIN Tools Black Oxide Metal Index Drill Bit Set with Case, 29-Piece (3018004) 29pc Pro Case Black Oxide

Oxide treatment: Resists corrosion, helps prevent bit from rusting
Flatted shanks above 11/64": "Eliminates slippage in drill chuck
Reduced shank above 3/8": "Allows use of larger drill bits in a 3/8-inch chuck
Rubber over molded case: Protects kit if dropped
Tap & Drill selection chart: Convenient reference available

Drill bit sets: buyer’s guide & FAQ

What drill bits do I actually need?

For general home and DIY use, a black-oxide or titanium twist-bit set covering roughly 1/16″ to 1/2″ (like these) handles wood, metal, and plastic — the vast majority of drilling. Beyond that, add spade or Forstner bits for large holes in wood, masonry bits for brick and concrete, and driver bits for screws. But a good twist-bit index set is the essential foundation; start there and add specialty bits only as specific projects require.

Black oxide, titanium, or cobalt drill bits — which is best?

Black-oxide bits (both picks here) resist rust and heat and are a great, affordable all-rounder for wood, plastic, and general metal — the right choice for most people. Titanium-coated bits are harder and stay sharp a bit longer, good for frequent metal drilling, but the coating eventually wears. Cobalt bits are the toughest, made for drilling hard metals like stainless steel, and can be resharpened — overkill for household use. For everyday drilling, black oxide offers the best value and versatility.

What does a "split point" tip do?

A split-point (135-degree) tip has a self-centering point that bites into the material immediately, so the bit doesn’t “walk” or skate across the surface when you start a hole — a common frustration with cheap bits, especially on metal. It means cleaner, more accurate holes and less need to punch a starter dimple first. The DeWalt set here features split-point tips; it’s a genuinely useful feature worth looking for in any set.

How do I keep drill bits from breaking or dulling?

Let the bit do the work with steady, moderate pressure — forcing it overheats and dulls (or snaps) the bit. Use the right speed (slower for metal and large bits, faster for wood and small bits), and for metal, a drop of cutting oil reduces heat. Back the bit out to clear chips on deep holes, and keep bits in their case so the tips don’t bang together and dull. Quality bits like these last far longer when used correctly.

More tools & DIY picks, ranked

Meet your guide

J.F.

Auto, Car Care & Tools

I spent years as an automotive mechanic and ran my own shop, so I’ve worked hands-on with just about every kind of car-care product, tool, and gadget out there. For Golden’s List, I put that experience into the Auto, Car Care, and Tools rankings — choosing picks on the merits, not the marketing, and making sure every one is actually in stock with a live price before it earns a spot. Meet the whole team →