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 2024.
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.
- Double Flute Design
- Optimized for high speed cordless drills
- Black oxide finish
Contents
Top 6 Best Step Drill Bit (Unibit)
Milwaukee Step Drill Bit
- 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.
Crafted from durable silver metallic and coated with black oxide, this bit excels in high-speed drilling scenarios. Its sleek design not only ensures rapid cutting but also minimizes the mess by preventing shards from scattering.
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.
- Double Flute Design
- Optimized for high speed cordless drills
- Black oxide finish
- Safe operation
- Not designed for hard surface drilling
Dewalt Step Drill Bit
- 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’s reputation in the electrical field sets high expectations, and its Step Drill Bit doesn’t disappoint, securing a top three spot on our list with ease. This 3-piece set features split tips designed to speed up the drilling process, making quick work of any task.
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.
Check Price- Good for impact driver usage
- Flute spiral design
- Laser engraved numbers
- Split point tip for faster speed
- Bits can be lost in walls
Irwin Step Drill Bit
- Save time because you don't need to change drills for different-sized round holes in thin materials. Each drill acts as a pilot for the next size.
- Made from industrial-grade high-speed molybdenum steel heat treated for maximum durability. SpeedPoint tip penetrates faster and prevents walking.
- Ideal for drilling holes into thin materials such as stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, plastic and laminates.
The Irwin Step Drill Bit, a standout choice for electricians, offers unparalleled drilling control with the capability to create up to 12 different hole sizes. Its efficient single flute design guarantees clean, precise holes for every task.
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.
Check Price- Good for DIY
- Affordable
- Speed Point Tip for faster starts
- Engineered for control and speed
- Not suited for industrial usage
Klein Tools Step Drill Bit
- DURABLE COATING: Step bits are coated with aluminum titanium nitride, providing a durability that is 10 times greater than black oxide, ensuring an extended bit lifespan
- CLEAN CUTS: Two straight flutes on this Step Drill Bit provide chip removal and cleaner cuts
- SECURE GRIP WITH DURABLE HEX SHANK: The thick 3/8-Inch hex shank prevents rounding out in the drill chuck, providing a more positive grip and secure operation
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.
A limitation of the Klein Tools Step Drill Bit is its lifespan per sharpening, typically handling 4-6 holes before showing signs of wear, especially at sizes ¾ and 13/6. Keep a replacement handy to maintain efficiency.
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.
Check Price- Dual flute drill bit
- 3 Hole sizes
- High visibility silver targets
- Dulls out quickly
Greenlee Step Drill 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.
- Double flute design
- Resists walking/skidding on round surfaces for better control
- Unique Split tip design
- Limited usage
Lenox Step Drill Bit
- 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.
Optimal for soft metals, this bit may falter with stainless steel, where users report challenges in drilling precise holes for air gaps and sinks. For superior performance, exploring our top three selections is advisable.
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.
Check Price- Enhanced
- Steam Oxide Coating
- Creates Burr Free Holes
- Not suggested for stainless sinks
