Best Step Drill Bit: Top 6 Unibits of 2023 Reviewed

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It doesn’t matter if you’re drilling wood, concrete, or plastic walls, working with a poorly designed drill bit is a little slice of hell.

The best step drill bits can be used on round surfaces, has unique split tips, and get the job done without becoming dull.

On the other hand, a poor quality step drill bit is a complete waste of time and money – always getting stuck behind walls and having limited usage.

To help separate from the good and the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 6 Best Step Drill Bits of 2023.

Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best step drill bit on the market. Let’s get straight to the reviews.

best overall rating
Milwaukee Step Drill Bit
  • Double Flute Design
  • Optimized for high speed cordless drills
  • Black oxide finish
premium choice rating
Dewalt Step Drill Bit
  • Great for impact driver usage
  • Flute spiral design
  • Laser engraved
great value rating
Irwin Step Drill Bit
  • Good for DIY projects
  • Great price
  • Speed Point Tip for faster starts

Contents

Top 6 Best Step Drill Bit (Unibit)

Milwaukee Step Drill Bit

Milwaukee Electric Tool 48-89-9209 Electric Step Drill Bit, No 9,...
  • 7/8” and 1-1/8” step bit
  • For use in cordless drills in high speed
  • Highly visible reference marks make it easy to stop on any hole size

First on our list is the Milwaukee Step Drill Bit. The drill bit stays sharp and saves electricians precious time. 

One advantage is that it has is a double flute design which helps it drill quickly and smoothly. When in use, it leaves a smooth hole, allowing you to add a bolt, wire, etc in the affected area. This drill bit gives you excellent control as soon as you start drilling and doesn’t falter when it comes to getting the job done. 

The bit is created out of silver metallic and has a black oxide finish. This allows it to work well during high-speed drilling. The smooth design allows it to cut quickly and not have additional shards flying off the wall. 

The Milwaukee Step Drill Bit allows users to drill 2x faster, and is useful for drilling cords at fast speeds. The bit weighs 4.8 ounces and has a dimension size of 3.9-inch x 0.1-inch x 4.9-inch. It’s able to drill holes the size of  7/8-inch to 1-1/8-inch.

Electricians will also like this drill bit because it doesn’t produce too much heat while cutting. This allows for a safer operation and reduces the chance of sparks flying on you.

Overall, this is the right drill bit for any cutting project. It extends the lifespan by 4x and gives 50% more holes in battery charge than competing drill bits. So if you’re looking for the best option out there, look no further. 

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What We Like
  • Double Flute Design
  • Optimized for high speed cordless drills
  • Black oxide finish
  • Safe operation
What We Don’t Like
  • Not designed for hard surface drilling

Dewalt Step Drill Bit

DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3 Piece, Titanium Nitride Coated, Longer Life...
  • Titanium Nitride Coated two flute spiral design provides longer life and better chip removal for the DEWALT drill bit set
  • Split point tip of the drill bit increases speed
  • Laser engraved numbers increases step visiblity

Dewalt has been a popular name within the electrical industry that it’s no surprise that the Dewalt Step Drill Bit ranks in the top three on this list. The drill bit comes in a 3-piece pack and has split tips to increase drilling speed. 

Also, the numbers are laser engraved to help with step visibility. Each of the drill bits are optimized for impact driver usage, making it easier for you to drill in a precise hole every time. Electricians noticed that it cuts through stainless steel with ease, allowing you to improve your results while drilling. 

Another feature to notice is the offset design that’s on each step. This keeps the drill’s steps sharp longer than competing brands whose steps are adjacently spaced. The Dewalt Step Drill Bit is a must-have for installing LEDs, toggle switches, etc into aluminum, stainless steel, and metal. 

This step drill bit set is designed for multi-diameter hole drilling. Users can drill multiple diameter holes without having to change their bits. The drill bit has so much versatility that can it be used on plastic and metal surfaces. 

The Dewalt Step Drill Bit is created for impact drivers. The titanium two flute spiral design allows for easier chip removal and longer life. So you’ll get a lot of utility when having these drill bits in your toolbox. 

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What We Like
  • Good for impact driver usage
  • Flute spiral design
  • Laser engraved numbers
  • Split point tip for faster speed
What We Don’t Like
  • Bits can be lost in walls

Irwin Step Drill Bit

Sale
IRWIN Step Drill Bit, 3/16-Inch to 7/8-Inch, 3/8-Inch Shank (10234)
  • STEP DRILL #4 3/16-7/8" 12 SZ
  • STEP DRILL #4 3/16-7/8" 12 SZ
  • STEP DRILL #4 3/16-7/8" 12 SZ

Next on our list is the Irwin Step Drill Bit. This drill bit gives electricians maximum drill control and can create up to 12 hole sizes. It has the same bit in the 1/16” steps ranging from 3/16 to ⅞. With its single flute design, it works to create clean and precise holes. 

The sizes are laser etched in the metal so they won’t wear out after extended usage. This allows electricians to make accurate cuts while drilling. For those wanting an affordable drill bit, consider grabbing this pair. 

Also, the Irwin Step Drill Bit is ideal for drilling holes in thin materials such as stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, brass and laminates. The speed point tips are designed to penetrate faster than competing unibits and can prevent walking. Because of this, you’re getting drill bits that have improved performance.

Durability is important when looking for a drill bit and the Irwin Step Drill Bit fails to disappoint. It features three flatted shanks that prevent slipping on the drill chuck, while its non-skid tip takes away the need for center punches. 

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What We Like
  • Good for DIY
  • Affordable
  • Speed Point Tip for faster starts
  • Engineered for control and speed
What We Don’t Like
  • Not suited for industrial usage

Klein Tools Step Drill Bit

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Klein Tools KTSB15 Step Drill Bit #15 Double Fluted 7/8 to 1-3/8-Inch...
  • Two flutes on this Step Drill Bit cut faster and keep bit cooler
  • Fast-starting, non-walking drill tip
  • High-visibility silver targets for primary hole sizes

The Klein Tools Step Drill Bit consists of 3 different hole sizes to help cut with precision. It’s ⅜ hex shank gives you a positive, firm grip and prevents it from spinning out of the drill. 

Another reason why we like this drill bit is due to its quick starting, non walking drill tip. This prevents errors from occurring, making the drilling process safe and efficient. 

One problem with the Klein Tools Step Drill Bit is the amount of holes it can drill in. On average, a drill bit will drill in 4-6 holes before dulling out. And they start to dull out on the ¾ and 13/6. So consider getting a replacement if this issue occurs.

Still, we believe that the Klein Tools Step Drill Bit is a great replacement in any electrician’s tool box. It has the performance to help with multitasking, but always keep an eye out for its durability. 

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What We Like
  • Dual flute drill bit
  • 3 Hole sizes
  • High visibility silver targets
What We Don’t Like
  • Dulls out quickly

Greenlee Step Drill Bit

Greenlee 30008 Step Bit
  • Penetrates through steel Fast- with split tip design
  • Resists walking or skidding
  • Requires less pressure with balanced double flute construction

The Greenlee Step Drill Bit is a high quality piece that’s built for all of your electrical needs. The bit has a split-tip design which helps you drill holes in metal, which helps with wire installation purposes. You can use this step drill it to cut through 10 gauge metal with ease.

Another feature lies in its versatility. For example, it can cut through aluminum, wood, brass, laminates, and copper. Based on your project, this versatile step drill bit can cut 5/8-inch, ⅞ inch, and 1 ⅛ inch holes and leave a smooth result each time.

The double flute design takes less operator force when drilling holes. As a result, you’ll experience an increased cutting speed and better efficiency at removing chips. However, you might want to watch the bit as it can dull out quickly.

For added durability, this step drill bit is coated in steam oxide coating which extends its lifespan. The dual cutting edge works to improve the cutting speed and balance. For those wanting a persistent tool that performs well, look into the Greenlee Step Drill Bit.

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What We Like
  • Double flute design
  • Resists walking/skidding on round surfaces for better control
  • Unique Split tip design
What We Don’t Like
  • Limited usage

Lenox Step Drill Bit

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LENOX Step Drill Bit, 7/8-Inch to 1-3/8-Inch with 3/8-Inch Shank...
  • Accurate, burr-free holes
  • Starts drilling on contact
  • Shank Size (inches): 3/8"

The Lenox Step Drill Bit is the only step drill bit where its outer surface doesn’t rotate. It has a two flute design which creates holes that are burr free. With its enhanced flute design, the drill bit has a longer lifespan than other tools.

And, the drill bit have diameter markings and is clearly legible. We suggest using it for drilling holes in electrical closures. The key to success in using these is to use a strong drill motor and reduce the feed pressure for this bit to work correctly. 

While this drill bit works well on soft metal, it won’t last on stainless steel. Some consumers found difficulty drilling holes in air gaps and for sinks. So consider getting one of our top 3 drill bits if you’re looking for better quality. 

It has a shank size of ⅜ inches, making it easier to make deep cuts into materials. But be warned, it bit will dull after extended usage. For the electrician that needs quick replacement bit, definitely look at the Lenox Step Drill Bit.

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What We Like
  • Enhanced
  • Steam Oxide Coating
  • Creates Burr Free Holes
What We Don’t Like
  • Not suggested for stainless sinks

About Blake Sutton

Blake has worked as an electrician for over 10 years, receiving his Journeyman Electrician license in 1998. Looking to take his professional electrical career further, in 2008 he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the University of Texas in Austin. Blake now works full time as an electrical engineer, specializing in power systems.