Best #36 Drill Bit Guide for Home and Shop
Answering the common question “which #36 drill bit should I buy for metal, stainless, and mixed projects?” this guide highlights five solid options and compares their strengths. The top picks cover high-speed steel, cobalt, and versatile M2 steel, making them suitable for metal, wood, and hard alloys. This overview helps buyers choose based on material hardness, drilling speed, and intended use. Ideal buyers include DIY homeowners, jewelry and small-assembly hobbyists, machinists, and workshop professionals who need reliable precision for hard metals and thin materials.
Summary at-a-glance: the table below contrasts key traits to help quick comparisons. Columns show product name, material type, intended use, and best-for notes.
| Product | Material | Best For | Notable Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drill America #36 High Speed Steel KFD | High-Speed Steel | General purpose metal and wood drilling | 135° split point prevents walking |
| HARFINGTON 12pcs Cobalt Drill Bit #36 | Cobalt Alloy | Hard metals like stainless steel | Strong self-centering tip for fast starts |
| Drill America DWDCO36P12 | Cobalt | Hard metals and routine stainless work | Gold oxide finish; round shanks |
| PATIKIL #36 Drill Bit Micro M2 HSS | M2 HSS | Medium to high-hardness alloys and plastics | 135° tip; gold finish enhances wear resistance |
| MAXTOOL No.36 10pcs HSS M2 Bits | HSS M2 | Metal, plastic, and wood in bulk projects | Identical jobber-length set |
Drill America #36 High Speed Steel KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12)
Material and design: High-speed steel provides a balance of hardness and toughness for wear resistance in wood, metal, stainless steel, and other hard metals. The 135° split point helps prevent walking and ensures a sharper start. Best for general-purpose drilling where speed and accuracy are key. Caution: Avoid heavy impacts or extreme drilling speeds that could overheat the bit in extremely hard alloys.
HARFINGTON 12pcs Cobalt Drill Bit, #36 0.1065″ HSS-CO
Material and design: Cobalt composition offers superior hardness and wear resistance, maintaining stable cutting under high-speed rotation and high temperatures. The bits feature a 118° split point with a sharp self-centering edge, aiding precise starting position. Best for stainless steel and tough metals. Caution: The cobalt bits may be stiffer and harder to re-sharpen than standard high-speed steel.
Drill America DWDCO36P12 #36 Cobalt Drill Bit
Material and design: Cobalt steel tools provide enhanced performance on harder metals such as stainless and nickel alloys. Gold oxide is a thinner surface treatment that helps maintain cutting efficiency. Best for repeated drilling into hard metals. Caution: Cobalt bits can be more brittle if overheated or abused in extremely hard materials.
Drill America #36 Cobalt Heavy Duty Drill Bit (Pack of 12)
Material and design: The cobalt steel tool improving performance for harder metals, with a thinner gold oxide finish for wear resistance. Suitable for stainless steel and nickel alloys. Best for users needing durable bits for recurring hard-metal drilling. Limitation: Similar performance to other cobalt tools; consider dedicated bit sets for varied diameters.
MAXTOOL No.36 10pcs HSS M2 Twist Drill Bits
Material and design: HSS M2 bits with straight shanks provide broad compatibility with toolholding systems and are suitable for metal, plastic, and wood. Best for bulk projects and general-purpose drilling where consistent diameter control matters. Limitation: For very hard metals, cobalt alternatives may offer longer bit life in high-temperature environments.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a #36 drill bit?
- Material type: Choose high-speed steel for general use, cobalt for hard metals, or M2 HSS for versatile applications and affordability.
- Tip design: Split point tips (e.g., 135° or 118°) improve starting accuracy and reduce walking on hard surfaces.
- Coating and finish: Gold oxide finishes can reduce wear and friction; black oxide is common on many HSS bits.
- Shank type: Round shanks fit a wide range of drills and holders; consider compatible toolholding systems for precise seating.
- Bit size and quantity: Pack sizes vary; for ongoing projects, a larger pack ensures you have the right diameter on hand.
- Application focus: Stainless steel, nickel alloys, and hardened metals benefit from cobalt; softer metals and wood are well served by standard HSS.
How to use and maintain these bits effectively?
- Set appropriate speed: Softer materials use higher speeds; harder materials require slower speeds to manage heat buildup.
- Lubrication: Use cutting fluid or oil on metals to reduce heat and extend bit life.
- Drilling technique: Apply steady pressure and avoid forcing the bit; let the tool cut at its own pace.
- Sharpening and replacement: Inspect tips for wear; replace dull bits to maintain clean holes and accuracy.
FAQ
- What is the difference between HSS and cobalt drill bits?
HSS bits are versatile for general use; cobalt bits offer enhanced hardness for hard metals and longer life under high heat. - What diameter is #36 in inches?
Approximately 0.1065 inches (2.705 mm). - When should I choose a split-point tip?
Split-point tips improve starting accuracy and reduce walking on hard materials. - Are these bits suitable for plastics and wood?
Yes, most HSS and cobalt bits can drill wood and some plastics, but performance varies with material and speed settings. - Should I use a coating on my drill bits?
Gold oxide coatings reduce wear and improve friction in some cases; however, performance depends on material and drilling conditions.