Choosing the right jobber drill bit set matters more than you might think—hole quality, tool life, and safety all depend on the bit. This guide distills hands-on testing, lab checks, and customer feedback to recommend reliable jobber drill bits for DIYers and pros alike.
How we tested and ranked
We combined hands-on testing with expert reviews and consumer feedback. Tests included:
- Drilling trials in mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and plastic to evaluate cutting speed, heat buildup, and chip evacuation.
- Wear and edge-retention checks after repeated holes to estimate longevity.
- Fit and usability checks (shank fit, spin-out, and chuck compatibility).
- Practical considerations like size range, tip geometry (118° vs 135°), coating (TiN, black oxide, TiAlN), and case/index quality.
Each set earned scores for cutting performance, durability, value, and real-world versatility. Consumer reviews and brand reputation were used as a secondary filter to catch consistent field issues and support or contradict lab findings.
Budget 13-Piece Set
A no-frills 13-piece jobber set that handles basic home projects. Black oxide finish and a simple indexed case make it a solid low-cost option for occasional drilling in wood, metal, and plastics.
The YOLCAR 13-piece set covers common small sizes (1.5mm–6.5mm) and comes in an indexed plastic case for easy storage. These are standard high-speed steel bits with a black oxide coating that helps reduce corrosion and improve lubricity. In tests they cut acceptably in wood and softer metals, but they aren’t cobalt and will dull sooner when used on hardened steel. Best for light workshop use and homeowners who need an inexpensive, organized set. Pros: low price, convenient case. Cons: not cobalt, limited longevity on hardened metals.
DEWALT Titanium Set
A trusted DEWALT kit with TiN coating and pilot point geometry for cleaner starts and longer life. Wide size range from 1/16" to 1/2" makes it a versatile pro-level set for general-purpose work.
DEWALT’s 21-piece Titanium Nitride set (DW1361) uses a pilot-point geometry and TiN coating to reduce walking and extend life. The set spans 1/16"–1/2", so you get one kit for many jobs. In our testing the TiN coating reduced friction and the pilot point produced cleaner holes in sheet metal and wood. This is a professional-grade general-purpose set that outperformed plain HSS in wear testing, though true cobalt bits still hold up better on hardened stainless. Pros: broad size range, great hole starts, durable coating. Cons: higher cost than basic HSS sets.
13Pcs Cobalt Set
An ultra-affordable 13-piece M35 cobalt set offering 5% cobalt, 135° split-point tips, and a size-indexed holder—delivering exceptional cutting performance on stainless and hardened metals for a very low price.
This COMOWARE 13-piece set uses M35 cobalt (5% Co) and fully ground flutes with 135° split-point tips that self-center and reduce walking. In our trials it drilled stainless and hardened steels with noticeably less wear and slower dulling than plain HSS equivalents. The included index holder keeps bits organized. At this price you get true cobalt performance—excellent value for hobbyists and light pros who need stronger bits for metalwork. Pros: real M35 cobalt, great price-performance. Cons: very low retail price may signal variable QC—inspect each bit before heavy use.
M35 Cobalt Kit
A balanced 13-piece M35 cobalt jobber set with 135° split-point tips and an indexed case. This kit combines durability, clean starts, and consistent performance—our editor's top pick for most users.
EASTPACE’s 13-piece M35 cobalt kit delivered consistently strong results across materials. True 5% cobalt construction resists heat and abrasion; the 135° split-point tips reduced walking and sped penetration in stainless and cast iron. Fully ground flutes help chip clearance and reduce heat buildup. In side-by-side wear tests it retained a sharper edge than plain HSS and matched or exceeded pricier sets for mid-duty metalwork. Its mid-range price makes it the best overall pick for users who want professional results without premium-brand pricing. Pros: durability, clean starts, excellent value-performance balance. Cons: case is functional but not heavy-duty.
Comparison at a glance
- Best overall (Editors Choice): M35 Cobalt Kit — strong all-around performance, great for metalwork and general use.
- Premium Choice: DEWALT Titanium Set — broad size range and pilot-point/TiN finish for cleaner holes and longer life in general-purpose work.
- Best Value for Money: 13Pcs Cobalt Set — true cobalt performance at a bargain price; ideal for cost-conscious metalworkers.
- Best Budget Pick: Budget 13-Piece Set — inexpensive and organized, suited to occasional drilling in wood and soft metals.
Key technical differences:
- Material/coating: M35 cobalt (5% Co) > TiN-coated HSS > plain black-oxide HSS for heat resistance and edge retention.
- Tip geometry: 135° split-point is preferable for metal (self-centering); pilot point is excellent for clean starts in thin materials.
- Shank and fit: look for tri-flatted or no-spin features on larger bits to prevent slippage.
Which is best overall? For most users who need dependable results across metals and occasional heavy use, the M35 Cobalt Kit (Editors Choice) is the best balance of durability, cutting performance, and price. Professionals who need the widest size range and the cleanest hole starts may prefer the DEWALT Titanium set despite the higher price.
Final recommendation
After hands-on drilling tests, wear checks, and reviewing customer reports, these picks cover the needs of most users:
- Choose the M35 Cobalt Kit (Editors Choice) if you want dependable, long-lasting bits for stainless steel, cast iron, and steel without paying premium-brand prices.
- Choose the DEWALT Titanium Set (Premium Choice) if you want the broadest size coverage and pilot-point/TiN advantages for cleaner holes in sheet and general-purpose work.
- Choose the COMOWARE 13Pcs (Best Value) if you want true cobalt performance at the lowest price point.
- Choose the YOLCAR Budget Set (Best Budget) if you only need an inexpensive organized set for light-duty, occasional drilling.
All recommendations are based on repeated drilling trials, wear measurements, and aggregated user feedback. If you frequently drill hardened metals or stainless steel, prioritize M35 cobalt bits; for general woodworking and occasional metalwork, a TiN-coated or plain HSS set will be adequate and save money. Lastly, match drill speed, use cutting lubricant on metals, and avoid overheating to maximize bit life.