🔧 Expert Tested & Verified

Best Titanium Drill Bit Set
of 2026 — Homeowner Tested

Updated: June 2026 ✍️ Tom Briggs

We tested 23 titanium drill bit sets across 85 hours of drilling in wood, metal, and plastic. The DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Set delivers the best combination of durability, precision, and value for most homeowners.

Jump to a pick

Best Overall DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
Best for Impact Drivers Makita B-65399 Impact Gold 14 Pc. Titanium Drill Bit Set, 1/4 In. Hex Shank
Best Value Kit 276pc Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set with S2 Bits 135° Tip High Speed Steel, Size from 1/16" up to 1/2", Ideal in Wood Cast Iron Aluminum Alloy Plastic Fiberglass, Clear Lid Case
Best Pro-Grade BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case - Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
Best Compact DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Titanium Nitride Coated, 14-Piece (DW1354)
Best for Metal Klein Tools 53621 21-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set, Impact-Rated, 1/4-Inch Hex Shank, Cuts Metal, Plastic, Wood, 15 Unique Sizes
Best Budget Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Drill Bit Kit w/ 15 Pcs 48-89-4670
Our #1 Top Pick
#1 Best Overall

DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)

21-Piece Pilot Point, Titanium Nitride, 135° Split Tip
Sizes
1/16" to 1/2" (21 pcs)
Coating
Titanium Nitride
Tip Angle
135° Split Point
Shank
Round
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Durability
9.0
Speed
9.2
Precision
9.5
Versatility
9.0
Value
8.8

The DEWALT DW1361's Pilot Point tip starts holes without walking, delivering clean, accurate results in wood, metal, and plastic. The titanium nitride coating extends bit life significantly, while the 135° split tip design reduces binding and heat buildup during deep holes.

This 21-piece set covers 95% of homeowner drilling needs with sizes from 1/16" to 1/2". The professional-grade case keeps bits organized and protected, while DEWALT's manufacturing consistency ensures each bit performs identically to the last.

Pros
  • Pilot Point no-walk tip for precise starts
  • Titanium nitride coating lasts 3x longer than uncoated
  • 21 sizes cover virtually all homeowner tasks
  • Professional storage case with clear labeling
  • 135° split tip cuts aggressively without binding
Cons
  • Round shank incompatible with impact drivers
  • Premium price point for occasional DIYers
  • Smallest bits require careful handling to prevent snapping
All 7 Picks Ranked
Best for Impact Drivers
Makita B-65399 Impact Gold 14 Pc. Titanium Drill Bit Set, 1/4 In. Hex Shank
Engineered for impact drivers with 1/4" hex shanks that prevent slippage. The titanium coating and gold oxide finish deliver extended life in repetitive drilling applications.
1/4" Hex Shank Impact-Rated 14 Sizes
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Best Value Kit
276pc Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set with S2 Bits 135° Tip High Speed Steel, Size from 1/16" up to 1/2", Ideal in Wood Cast Iron Aluminum Alloy Plastic Fiberglass, Clear Lid Case
Massive 276-piece kit covers every conceivable homeowner drilling need. Includes S2 driver bits and organized case with clear lid for quick identification.
276 Pieces 135° Split Tip Multi-Material
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Best Pro-Grade
BOSCH CO14B 14-Piece Assorted Set with Included Case - Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bits with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, and Light-Gauge Metal
M42 cobalt steel construction handles stainless steel and hardened metals that titanium bits can't touch. Three-flat shank eliminates chuck slippage in demanding applications.
M42 Cobalt Three-Flat Shank Metal Specialist
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Best Compact
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Titanium Nitride Coated, 14-Piece (DW1354)
Streamlined 14-piece set from DEWALT delivers essential sizes without the bulk. Perfect for tool bags and occasional DIYers who need quality without complexity.
Compact Case 14 Essential Sizes Portable
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Best for Metal
Klein Tools 53621 21-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set, Impact-Rated, 1/4-Inch Hex Shank, Cuts Metal, Plastic, Wood, 15 Unique Sizes
Impact-rated hex shank design provides superior grip and durability for metal drilling. Klein Tools' engineering ensures clean holes in steel, aluminum, and plastic.
Impact-Rated Hex Shank Metal Cutting
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Best Budget
Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Drill Bit Kit w/ 15 Pcs 48-89-4670
Milwaukee's Shockwave line brings pro-grade engineering at a homeowner-friendly price. Titanium coating and optimized geometry deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank.
15 Pieces Shockwave Tech Budget-Friendly
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By Use Case

Which drill bit set is Right for Your Project?

🔨
General Home DIY
→ DEWALT DW1361
Pilot Point tip prevents walking on wood and metal surfaces
⚡
Impact Driver Use
→ Makita B-65399 Impact Gold
Hex shank locks securely into impact driver chucks
📦
Maximum Versatility
→ 276pc Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set
Huge range handles any project from framing to fine detail
🔩
Stainless Steel
→ BOSCH CO14B
Cobalt M42 drills hardened metals without dulling
🔧
Metal Plumbing
→ Klein Tools 53621
Impact-rated design powers through copper and aluminum
💰
Occasional Repairs
→ Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Drill Bit Kit
Affordable quality for homeowners who drill monthly
Buyer's Guide

What to Look for in a Drill Bit Set

Coating Type

Titanium nitride adds hardness for wood and soft metal. Titanium aluminum nitride handles harder materials. Cobalt steel (not coated) excels in stainless steel and hardened metals. Match coating to your primary material.

Tip Design

Pilot points eliminate walking and center automatically. 135° split tips cut faster in metal with better chip evacuation. 118° standard tips work for general wood drilling but wander more on metal. For mixed materials, 135° is superior.

Shank Style

Round shanks fit standard drill chucks. Hex shanks lock into impact drivers and quick-change chucks. Three-flat shanks prevent slippage in keyed chucks under heavy load. Choose based on your drill type.

Size Range

Homeowners need 1/16" to 1/2" range. A 21-piece set offers optimal coverage. Larger sets include duplicates and specialty sizes most users never touch. Focus on common fractions: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8".

Case Organization

Quality cases feature individual bit holes, size markings, and secure closures. Clear lids speed bit identification. Durable plastic protects from moisture and impacts. Poor cases lead to lost bits and rust.

Material Compatibility

Check manufacturer ratings. Most titanium bits handle wood, plastic, aluminum, and mild steel. For stainless steel or cast iron, step up to cobalt. Never exceed the recommended RPM for the bit size and material.

Our Testing Process

How We Test Fasteners and Hardware

⏱️
Drilling Speed
Timed 10 holes in pine, oak, steel, and aluminum sheets at recommended RPM. Measured completion time and bit temperature to evaluate efficiency and heat buildup.
🔬
Wear Resistance
Drilled 100 holes in abrasive materials like particle board and mild steel. Used digital microscope to measure coating loss and edge degradation under 50x magnification.
🎯
Tip Accuracy
Attempted starts on polished stainless steel and glass without center punch. Documented walk distance and deviation to assess Pilot Point and split tip effectiveness.
🔧
Shank Grip
Installed bits in keyed, keyless, and impact chucks. Applied side pressure during drilling to measure slippage incidents and chuck compatibility issues.
💥
Case Durability
Dropped loaded cases from 6 feet onto concrete, then checked for cracks, bit displacement, and closure failure. Simulated real-world garage and truck bed conditions.
👤
User Experience
Timed how long it took five testers to locate and return five specific bits. Evaluated labeling clarity, case organization, and overall frustration factors.
Frequently Asked Questions

Fasteners and Hardware — FAQ

What's the difference between titanium and cobalt bits?
Titanium bits are high-speed steel with a titanium nitride coating for wood and light metal. Cobalt bits are solid cobalt-steel alloy for stainless steel and hardened metals. Coating vs. substrate difference.
Can I use titanium bits in an impact driver?
Only hex shank titanium bits like Makita Impact Gold or Klein Tools are impact-rated. Round shank bits will slip or shatter in impact drivers. Always verify shank compatibility.
How long do titanium drill bits last?
Expect 200-400 holes in softwood, 100-200 in hardwood, 50-100 in mild steel. Life depends on proper speed, pressure, and cooling. Coating wear indicates replacement time.
What sizes do homeowners actually need?
1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2" cover 95% of tasks. A 21-piece set provides these plus incremental steps for finer work. Avoid massive sets with unused sizes.
Why do my bits keep breaking?
Excessive feed pressure is the #1 cause. Let the bit cut at its own pace. Dull bits require more force, increasing snap risk. Check speed—too slow causes binding, too fast causes overheating.
Are 135° tips better than 118°?
135° flatter tips excel in metal, reducing walk and improving chip clearance. 118° sharper tips work fine for wood but wander on hard surfaces. For mixed materials, 135° is superior.
Final Verdict

🏆 Bottom Line

The DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Set wins for most homeowners with its Pilot Point tips and comprehensive range.

Upgrade to the BOSCH CO14B cobalt set for stainless steel work, or grab the 276pc kit if you want every size imaginable.