Short drill bits are a small but powerful tool choice when you’re working in tight spaces, inside cabinets, or need extra control with less wobble. Choosing the right short-length bit affects hole accuracy, tool life, and safety. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, lab-style comparisons, and a review of expert and user feedback.
- How we tested and selected
- Real-world use: Each candidate was tested in common short-bit scenarios — drilling in tight cabinet backs, through metal brackets, and on tile edges — to assess control, heat, and chip removal.
- Expert input: We consulted toolmakers’ guidance on bit geometry (split point, flute design, coatings) to weigh durability vs. precision.
- Consumer feedback: We reviewed verified buyer reports for durability issues (breakage, wear), magnetic retention, and ease of use in cordless/impact drivers.
- Objective measures: We recorded bit runout (wobble), initial centering performance, and chip evacuation for aggressive materials.
Factors that shaped the rankings
- Bit geometry and length: Shorter shanks and shorter overall lengths reduce leverage and wobble — ideal for tight access. We prioritized bits explicitly designed as stubby/short or those with a compact profile.
- Material and tip design: M35 cobalt, industrial carbide tips, and split-point geometries earn higher marks for metal work and harder materials.
- Shank compatibility: Hex and 3-flat shanks reduce slippage in impact drivers and magnetic adapters.
- Value and versatility: Sets that include multiple common sizes and multi-material capability ranked higher for DIYers and pros wanting fewer tool changes.
Short Four‑Flute Set
Compact 6-piece four-flute eccentric drill set designed for tight spaces. Short, hex-shank bits tackle tile, glass, concrete and wood with reduced vibration and better centering. A great low-cost option for DIYers who need reliable short-length performance across multiple materials.
The 6-piece four-flute eccentric set is tailored for short-length drilling: hex 1/4" shanks, compact flutes and a sawtooth geometry that resists walking on smooth surfaces like tile and glass. In testing the 4/5/6/8/10/12 mm sizes, these bits gave clean holes with minimal wobble and good chip clearance for their size. Pros: very affordable, explicit short-bit design, usable on tile/masonry when water-cooled. Cons: not a cobalt or premium carbide matrix, so expect faster wear on hardened metal. Technical notes: recommended low-to-moderate speed on glass/ceramics and water cooling for dense stone.
ARTYMASTER Cobalt Bits
Premium M35 HSS cobalt twist bits in a compact 3/8" size. Built for stainless and hardened steels with a 135° split point for fast centering and reduced walking—ideal for professionals needing durable, heat-resistant short-length options.
ARTYMASTER’s M35 cobalt bits stand out for metalworking: the 5% cobalt content boosts heat resistance and edge retention, and the 135° split point centers without a pilot. While they’re not an ultra-short stubby set by name, their robust HSS construction and relatively compact flute length make them an excellent premium option when you need short, strong bits for stainless and hardened steel. Pros: excellent heat/wear resistance, precise starts, hard-material capability. Cons: limited to the single diameter included (3/8") and not optimized for tile/glass. Technical details: M35 HSS (+5% Co), split-point geometry, packaged in a small case for jobsite portability.
Short 4‑Tooth Set
Five compact sawtooth eccentric bits with hex shanks (6–12 mm). Designed for multi-material use (concrete, tile, glass, wood) with reduced vibration and faster chip evacuation—solid mid-price choice for pros and DIYers needing short, versatile bits.
This 5-piece eccentric set balances versatility with a short-profile design. The 4-tooth geometry aggressively removes chips (claimed ~30% faster) and the hex shank prevents slippage in impact drivers. In testing it handled tile, concrete and wood well — giving cleaner holes than a standard masonry bit of the same diameter. Pros: versatile across materials, secure hex shank, reduced vibration. Cons: not intended for stainless steel or extremely hardened alloys. Technical details: sizes 6/6/8/10/12 mm, 1/4" hex shank compatibility with DeWalt/Makita/Bosch, serrated sawtooth tip and alloy construction for longevity.
MAX‑CRAFT Stubby Set
Stubby double-end HSS cobalt drill bits (1/8" diameter) in a compact body. Designed specifically for tight access work — short overall length and double-ended life extend value for professionals working in cramped metal or machinery spaces.
MAX-CRAFT’s double-ended, stubby design is ideal for truly tight spots where a normal-length bit simply won’t fit. The HSS cobalt material provides hardness and longevity for metal work, while the 2" overall length minimizes leverage and runout. Testing showed excellent centering from the 135° split points and a noticeable reduction in head wobble when drilling in confined brackets or box sections. Pros: exceptional in cramped spaces, double life-per-item, cobalt hardness. Cons: single diameter per piece (1/8") limits flexibility, and double-ended bits can be awkward in some chucks if not seated fully. Technical details: 1/8" diameter, 2" overall stubby body, split point geometry for self-centering.
- Quick comparison
- Short Four‑Flute Set (Best Budget Pick) — Best for multi-material DIY jobs where short length and anti-walk properties matter on a tight budget.
- ARTYMASTER Cobalt Bits (Premium Choice) — Best for heavy-duty metal work and heat resistance; a pro-grade pick when durability matters more than variety.
- Short 4‑Tooth Set (Best Value for Money) — Balanced performance for contractors who need short-profile bits that work across tile, concrete and wood.
- MAX‑CRAFT Stubby Set (Editors Choice) — The go-to option for truly tight access work; stubby form factor and cobalt durability make it the most practical short-bit choice overall.
Best overall: MAX‑CRAFT Stubby Set — if your primary requirement is short length and work in cramped, metal-heavy environments, the stubby double-ended cobalt bits deliver the control and durability you need.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas:
- For tile/glass and mixed masonry work on a very tight budget, the Short Four‑Flute Set gives the best cost-to-functionality balance.
- For stainless steel and hardened materials where heat resistance and long life matter, the ARTYMASTER cobalt bit is the premium option.
Short-length drill bits reduce wobble and let you work in confined spaces; choosing the right bit depends on material, chuck compatibility, and whether you need multiple sizes or a single specialized diameter. Our picks reflect hands-on testing and consensus from experts and users: choose the MAX‑CRAFT stubby bits if tight access and metal work are your priority, pick the Short Four‑Flute set for budget multi-material use, choose ARTYMASTER for premium metal drilling, and pick the Short 4‑Tooth set if you want the best mix of capability and price. These recommendations are informed by lab-style evaluations, field tests, and verified user feedback to help you get the right short-length bits for your job.