You want a cobalt set when ordinary bits start skating, heating up, or wearing down too quickly on harder material. That usually means stainless steel, cast iron, and mixed shop jobs where the bit’s edge matters more than shiny packaging. The right set saves time, keeps holes cleaner, and makes your drill feel less like it’s fighting the work.
Below, you’ll find compact kits, fuller indexes, and a few heavy-duty choices that suit home garages, jobsite tool bags, and busy workshops. The differences come down to size range, storage, and how much consistency you want across the set.
Quick Look At The Shortlist
IRWIN Drill Bit Set 29-Piece
Chicago-Latrobe 550 Heavy-Duty Cobalt Jobber Length Drill Bit Set 29 Piece
Norseman Drill Bits 44170 Ultra Dex Type 240-UB 135 Degree Split Point Magnum Super Premium Jobber Drill Set
CaRoller Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29-Piece M35 Cobalt Steel Metal Drill Bits Durable Round Shank Drill Sets for Steel, Wood
CaRoller Cobalt Drill Bit Set 115 PCS High Speed Steel M35 Drill Bits Durable Round Shank Drill Sets for Hardened Steel
RCINDUS 20PCS 3/16 Cobalt Drill Bit HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits
M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20PCS 1/16-1/2 Jobber Length Drill Bit Kit
KENDO M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29PCS 1/16-1/2 Inch Metal Index
IRWIN gives you a familiar 29-piece spread with sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in 1/64-inch steps, so the set fits the kind of work where you need a gradual jump between holes. The 135-degree split point helps the tip start cleaner on metal and reduces that annoying skating you get on slick surfaces. In a busy garage, that makes the set feel calm and predictable.
The trade-off is simple, it’s a general-purpose layout rather than a specialty kit with extra indexing or niche sizes. For most home metalworking tasks, that’s enough, especially when you want one set that stays easy to grab and sort.
What We Like
- 29 sizes cover a useful drilling range.
- 1/64-inch steps help you size holes precisely.
- The split point supports steadier starts on metal.
- Good for mixed repair work around the shop.
Small Caveats
- It leans toward breadth, not extras.
- The set may feel more basic than indexed-case options.
- Cleaning and reordering bits still depend on your storage habits.
Feature Snapshot
Who It Suits Best
Home fixers and weekend garage users who want a straightforward metal-drilling set will get the most out of this one.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
KENDO M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29PCS 1/16-1/2 Inch Metal Index suits you better when you want the same broad range with a more orderly storage box.
Chicago-Latrobe leans into hard-use drilling, and that matters when your project keeps moving between steel, cast iron, and other stubborn materials. The jobber length format gives you a familiar straight-shank profile, so it slots into standard drill setups without fuss. In a fabrication bay, that kind of plain reliability is often worth more than flashy packaging.
Compared with IRWIN, this set feels more purpose-built for demanding metal work than for all-around household use. The honest read is that you’re paying attention to durability first, convenience second, which suits frequent shop use very well.
Bright Spots
- Built for tougher drilling jobs.
- Jobber length fits common drill setups.
- Good match for hard metal work.
- Set size stays practical for a toolbox slot.
Worth Noting
- It’s more workshop-oriented than casual-use friendly.
- Storage discipline matters once the bits start multiplying in a drawer.
- You may find it more than you need for light home repairs.
Core Details
Built With In Mind
You’re the best fit for this set when your workbench sees frequent drilling into hard stock and you want a more industrial feel.
Another Choice May Suit
IRWIN Drill Bit Set 29-Piece suits you better for everyday mixed use, especially when you want a friendlier all-round layout.
Norseman’s 135-degree split point and Magnum Super Premium positioning tell you this set is aimed at cleaner starts and more controlled drilling. Compared with the Chicago-Latrobe option, it reads a bit more tuned for careful work where tip placement matters. That can feel especially useful on thin sheet metal or finished surfaces where wandering is a nuisance.
The trade-off is that this is the pick that asks a little more attention from the user, which is normal for a set built around precision-minded drilling. For pro shops and careful DIY work, that’s a fair exchange.
Reasons To Buy
- The split point helps the bit seat quickly.
- Jobber length keeps it familiar in hand drills and presses.
- Well suited to work that calls for cleaner starts.
- Strong fit for detail-focused metal jobs.
- Feels like the set for more deliberate drilling.
Areas To Watch
- It rewards careful technique more than rushed drilling.
- Organization still depends on how you store the case.
Technical Sheet
Right Fit For
Skilled DIYers and shop users who care about starting holes cleanly will appreciate this set most.
Look Elsewhere When
IRWIN Drill Bit Set 29-Piece makes more sense for a broader, simpler household toolbox.
CaRoller adds a round shank and a cup-style holder, which gives this set a more practical feel than the previous three. The round shank works with standard chucks, and the holder helps keep the 29 bits from drifting around the toolbox. That makes it a decent match for mixed materials like steel, wood, plastic, and sheet metal.
For garage users who want a no-fuss set with basic organization built in, this one lands in a comfortable middle ground. The honest catch is that the broad use claim is only as good as your drilling technique, so steady feed pressure still matters.
Best Bits
- Round shank fits common drill chucks.
- Cup-style holder helps keep the set together.
- Useful across several common project materials.
- Good everyday carry for a garage shelf.
Points To Note
- The holder is helpful, but it still takes space.
- Mixed-material use depends on matching the bit to the job.
- It’s more practical than polished.
Details At A Glance
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
You’re a good fit for this set when you want everyday utility and a simple way to keep bits grouped together.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
KENDO M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29PCS 1/16-1/2 Inch Metal Index suits you better if you want a tighter metal case instead of a cup holder.
This CaRoller set is the storage-heavy option in the group, and the 115-piece count changes the whole conversation. Instead of covering a narrow band of sizes like the 20-piece RCINDUS set, it’s built for a shop that wants lots of choices close at hand. The metal index box helps make that breadth usable instead of chaotic.
The honest trade-off is space, because a set this large asks more from your drawer, cart, or wall storage. For maintenance crews, makers, or anyone drilling a wide variety of holes, that extra range can be worth the footprint.
Highlights
- Large 115-piece spread supports many hole sizes.
- Metal index box makes sorting easier.
- Round shank fits common drilling tools.
- Good match for mixed workshop tasks.
Room For Improvement
- The set takes more storage room than smaller kits.
- Keeping the box organized takes a little discipline.
- It can be more set than a casual home user needs.
Core Details
Who Will Love This
You’ll get the most value here in a workshop that sees many bit sizes and regular drilling across different materials.
Swap It Out When
RCINDUS 20PCS 3/16 Cobalt Drill Bit suits you better when your work is centered on one repeated bit size instead of a large spread.
RCINDUS takes a narrower path, because every piece in the set is built around 3/16 inch. That can be exactly what you want in a shop that repeats the same hole size over and over in metal, plastic, or wood. Compared with the broad 29-piece sets above, this one is more specialized and less general.
That specialization is the point, though the trade-off is obvious: you’re buying depth in one size instead of flexibility across many. For installers, fixture work, and repeated-hole tasks, the focus can be a real advantage.
Positives
- Single-size focus keeps the kit very straightforward.
- Handy for repeat 3/16-inch drilling.
- Cobalt and HSS M35 suit harder materials better than basic bits.
- Useful across steel, cast iron, and common shop materials.
Things To Consider
- It’s only the right fit for one diameter.
- Storage is simple, but flexibility is limited.
- Best used where the job spec stays consistent.
Feature Card
Made For
Installers and shop users who drill 3/16-inch holes repeatedly will appreciate the direct, no-extra-noise setup.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
CaRoller Cobalt Drill Bit Set 115 PCS High Speed Steel M35 suits you better if you need a much wider range of sizes for general shop duty.
WildBossy keeps things compact with 20 pieces, yet still stretches from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, which makes the set feel surprisingly versatile for its size. The index storage case is the real everyday advantage, because small kits get lost in clutter fast. In a truck box or small garage shelf, that matters a lot.
Compared with the larger 29-piece sets, this one gives up some fine stepping between sizes, but it gives you a tidier footprint in return. That trade-off suits mobile work, light maintenance, and owners who value a neat case more than a long size ladder.
Upsides
- Compact 20-piece layout stays easy to store.
- 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch range covers common needs.
- Index case helps keep bits in order.
- Good for portable kits and smaller workspaces.
Minor Gripes
- Fewer size steps than larger 29-piece sets.
- Compact storage means less room for extras.
- It fits best when you do not need many intermediate diameters.
Quick Facts
Best Suited To
You’re the right match for this kit if you want a smaller set that still handles a broad range of common drilling jobs.
Reach For A Different Pick When
IRWIN Drill Bit Set 29-Piece suits you better if you prefer finer size steps and a fuller spread for metal work.
KENDO closes the list with a familiar 29-piece spread and a metal index box, which gives the set a tidy, workshop-friendly feel. The 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch range matches what many garages need most, and the metal box helps the bits stay visible instead of vanishing into a drawer. That makes the set easy to live with day after day.
Compared with the CaRoller cup-holder option, this one feels more structured and less loose in storage. The trade-off is a slightly less casual carry profile, though the box is a real plus for anyone who likes a clear home for every bit.
Strong Points
- Metal index box keeps the set organized.
- 29-piece layout gives familiar size coverage.
- Good for steel, cast iron, wood, and plastic use.
- Easy to store on a shelf or in a drawer.
Softer Spots
- The box adds structure, but also a little bulk.
- It overlaps with other 29-piece sets in the group.
- You may prefer a smaller kit for travel use.
Feature Rundown
The Right Fit
You’ll like this set most if you want a tidy all-purpose kit with a storage box that feels ready for regular use.
Skip It When
CaRoller Cobalt Drill Bit Set 115 PCS High Speed Steel M35 is the better match when your workbench needs a much larger spread of sizes.
How To Choose The Right Cobalt Drill Bit Sets
Match The Set To The Material You Drill Most
Cobalt bits earn their keep on harder materials, especially stainless steel, cast iron, and other stubborn metals. That’s why an M35 set matters: M35 is a cobalt-alloy high-speed steel blend that tends to hold up better under heat than basic steel bits. For lighter household work, that strength can be more than you need, but for metal-heavy projects it’s the whole point.
Think about your usual stock before size count. A broad 29-piece kit helps in mixed repair work, while a focused 20-piece or single-size set suits repetitive tasks better.
Look Closely At Size Range And Step Size
The size spread tells you how much flexibility lives in the box. Sets that run from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch cover many common jobs, while 1/64-inch steps give you finer control between diameters. That smaller step spacing can matter in sheet metal work or anywhere a hole needs to fit a specific fastener cleanly.
Smaller sets save space, but they can leave gaps between sizes. Larger sets fill those gaps, though the box gets bulkier and the sorting load goes up.
Storage Matters More Than It Sounds
On paper, a case looks like a minor detail. In a garage drawer, truck box, or jobsite cart, it decides whether you can find the right bit in seconds or waste a minute digging through loose steel shanks. A metal index box usually feels sturdier and easier to keep organized, while a cup-style holder is simpler and less formal.
Owners who move tools often usually appreciate a tighter storage footprint. Shop users with a fixed bench often care more about clear labeling and easy re-slotting after each job.
Choose The Shank And Point Style With Purpose
A round shank works with common drill chucks, so it’s the plainest path for most cordless and corded drills. A split point, such as the 135-degree style on a few picks here, helps the bit start with less walking on slick surfaces. That matters when you’re starting on metal that wants to skate before it cuts.
None of that replaces steady pressure and proper speed control, though. The bit only does part of the job, and the rest comes from matching the tool to the material.
Things Worth Knowing First
Common Shopping Slip Ups
One common mistake is choosing size count before thinking about the actual work. A 115-piece set sounds complete, yet it can be overkill for a homeowner who only needs a handful of diameters. Another slip is ignoring storage, which turns a neat drill set into loose hardware.
Another easy miss is buying a cobalt set for soft, everyday materials without a real reason. You still can use it there, but the value shows up most clearly on harder stock and repeated drilling.
What The Higher Tier Buys
More expensive sets usually pay for tighter size coverage, stronger storage, and a more careful grind on the bit tips. You also tend to get better organization, which saves real time when you’re switching between holes on a busy bench. That extra polish can feel small in the listing and large in daily use.
The upgrade makes sense for frequent metal work, shared shop spaces, and anyone who hates missing sizes. For casual once-a-month drilling, a simpler set often covers the need without extra bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes cobalt drill bits different from ordinary steel bits?
Cobalt drill bits are built for tougher drilling jobs and are often better suited to hard metals. They also tend to tolerate heat better than basic bits during repeated use.
Are 29-piece sets enough for most garages?
Yes, 29-piece kits usually cover a very practical range for common home and shop work. The 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch spread handles a lot without feeling oversized.
Is a larger set always the smarter choice?
Not always, because bigger sets take up more storage and can be harder to keep organized. A smaller set makes more sense when your drilling stays focused on a few sizes.
Do I need a metal index box?
You don’t need one, but it helps keep the bits sorted and easier to return after use. That matters most in busy shops where loose tools tend to disappear into drawers.
Which set fits repeat-size drilling best?
A single-size set like the RCINDUS 20PCS 3/16 Cobalt Drill Bit works well for repeated holes of one diameter. It keeps the kit simple and avoids paying for size ranges you won’t use.
Closing Thoughts
The best cobalt set for you depends on how often you drill hard material, how many sizes you reach for, and how much storage room you can spare. IRWIN and KENDO make the broadest everyday sense, while Chicago-Latrobe and Norseman lean harder into serious metal work. CaRoller’s 115-piece set fits a fuller toolbox, and the smaller RCINDUS and WildBossy kits suit repeat tasks or tighter storage. Pick the one that matches your real projects, not just the longest spec list.
