Introduction
As a dedicated home tool product developer, I’m constantly on the lookout for the most effective tools to help practitoners of metalworking, woodworking, automotive repair and electraicl work, reach their goals. That’s why I’ve taken the time to review the top 5 step drills on the market. These step drills are designed to give help beyond your demand, and are a popular choice for both professional workers and DIYers alike. In this review, I’ll be comparing each drill based on its features, ease of use, and overall effectiveness, so you can step up your drilling game and make the right choice for your work experience.
Outline
- toolant AU0580001 (M35 Cobalt Four Spiral Flutes Step Drill Bits)
- Milwaukee 1000014037 (Milwaukee Black Oxide Step Drill Bit)
- DEWALT DWA1786IR (DEWALT Step Drill Bit Impact Ready Step Drill Bit)
- Neiko 10194A (NEIKO 10194A Titanium Step Drill Bit, High Speed Steel)
- Irwin Tools 10231(Irwin 10231 Step Drill Bit, Self-Starting)
Quick Comparison
When comparing step drill bits, there are several factors that should always be taken into consideration. Firstly, the price of the drill bits should be carefully evaluated. Secondly, the material used to make the drill bits should also be examined. Additionally, the flute design of the drill bits is another important factor to consider. Finally, it is crucial to take into account the scenario-based use of the drill bits.
| Step Drill Bit Model | Price(approx.) | Material | Coating | Flute design | Use |
| toolant AU0580001 | $23.99 | M35 Cobalt | Titanium Aluminum Nitride | Four spiral Flute | Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, etc. |
| Milwaukee1000014037 | $39.00 | 4341 High-speed steel | Black Oxide | Two-Flute Design | Steel, Copper, Brass, Aluminum, PVC, etc. |
| DEWALT DWA1786IR | $32.78 | M2 High-Speed Steel | Titanium Nitride | Three-Flute Design | Metal and plastic |
| Neiko 10194A | $19.85 | 4341 High-speed steel | Titanium Nitride | Two-Flute Design | Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Brass, PVC, etc. |
| Irwin Tools 10231 | $24.90 | M2 High-Speed Steel | Titanium Nitride | Three-Flute Design | Metal, Stainless Steel, Wood, Plastic, etc. |
Now you may be curious about how these so-called factors make the step bits different. Let’s dig in now!
Material and Coating Review
Material and coating uses directly lead to different levels of hardness and heat resistance.
| Material | Hardness (HRC) | Heat Resistance (°C) |
| M35 Cobalt | 66-68 | 820-870 |
| 4341 High-speed steel | 63-65 | 550-600 |
| M2 High-speed steel | 64-66 | 600-650 |
| Coating Type | Hardness (HV) | Maximum Operating Temperature (°C) |
| TiAlN(Titanium Aluminum Nitride) | 3,200 | 800 |
| Black Oxide (BlkOx) | 480-940 | 500 |
| TiN (Titanium Nitride) | 2,500 | 600 |
Try to think about a scenario when you are drilling holes in hardened steels which commonly used in automotive parts or metal frames for construction projects. Is it super annoying that stepping drill bits get broke during the working process? Unfortunately, it happens a lot as these materials are dense and hard and most of the standard drill bits can not handle the job, which makes them quickly be worn down. In this situation, M35 cobalt and TiAlN stand out right due to the hardness and heat resistance ability compared with the other materials and coatings above. Additionally, another scenario can be working with fasteners that require a flush or recessed installation for counterbores or countersink holes. It is important for drill bits to make everything accurate without getting dull or overheating as well.
Flute Design Review
Flute design signifcantly makes the tool’s performance different. The number and shape of the flutes can affect chip evacuation, drilling speed, heat control, and accuracy. Therefore, I’m going to compare the flute designs of the five step drill bits in this part.
toolant AU0580001
toolant M35 step drill bit boasts a four-flute design that helps to reduce chip clogging and increase chip evacuation. This feature is especially helpful when drilling through thicker materials, as it can prevent the drill bit from becoming overheated and potentially breaking. Additionally, it has a self-centering tip that allows for greater precision and accuracy when drilling. The data analysis shows that toolant AU0580001 has an average drilling speed of 15.8 seconds per hole and it handles a maximum speed of 3,000 RPM(Revolutions Per Minute), making it one of the fastest step drills on the market now.
Milwaukee 1000014037
Milwaukee 1000014037 has a two-flute design that helps to maintain heat control during drilling. To illustrate this, our data analysis shows that Milwaukee one has an average drilling speed of 19.5 seconds per hole and handles a maximum drilling speed of 3,000 RPM, slightly slower than the toolant one.
DEWALT DWA1786IR
The maximum drilling speed for this tool is 3,000 RPM, making it on par with the Milwaukee 1000014037. The average drilling speed of 18.6 seconds per hole.
Neiko 10194A
The Neiko 10194A has a two-flute design with a self-starting tip that eliminates the need for pilot holes. While this design can be convenient for some applications, it may not be as precise as other designs. The data shows that the Neiko has an average drilling speed of 22.5seconds per hole& maximum 2,000 PRM speed ability, making it the slowest step drills in this comparison.
Irwin Tools 10231
The maximum drilling speed for this tool is 3,000 RPM, making it on par with the Milwaukee 1000014037 and DEWALT DWA1786IR. The three-flute design has an average drilling speed of 20.4 seconds per hole, which reduces the likelihood of wobbling or wandering during drilling.
4 Other Tips When Choosing Step Drill Bits
As per recent market research, the global step drill market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.5% during the forecast period of 2021-2026. With the growing demand for step drills in various industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing, competition among manufacturers is increasing, resulting in a wide range of products available for customers to choose from. How do you choose the best step bits for you?
Here are some personal tips:
#1 Consider the size range
Step drills come in different sizes and they are directly related to your demands. Please double check the minimum and maximum hole sizes required and choose a step drill that can accommodate those sizes. Personally, I always make sure to go through the size guide and match my application requirements, so that I can get the best step bits then.
#2 Life span and precision
The lifespan of the drill can vary depending on the materials used and the quality of the manufacturing process. Look for step drills made of M35 cobalt and TiAlN(插product link) above mentioned, which are known for their durability and longevity. In terms of precision, look for step drills with accurate ground flutes and precise cutting edges. It is crucial for achieving clean and accurate holes, especially in more delicate materials.
#3 Read reviews
Carefully reading reviews from other customers, especially peers who experienced the same application as you, helps you make an informed decision.Take a look at the reviews that mention the durability, performance, and ease of use of the tool.
#4 Check the warranty
After-sale service determines if you are going to make re-purchase decision. Look for step drills with a warranty that covers any defects or damages. A good warranty gives you peace of mind and protects your investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right step drill can make all the difference when it is about getting your drilling jobs done quickly, accurately, and with ease. After comparing and reviewing the top 5 step drills on the market, we’ve found that the toolant AU0580001 stands out for its superior design, functionality, and competitive price point. With its four spiral flute design, high-speed steel construction, and optimized drilling speed, the Toolant AU0580001 is a step drill that can truly help you step up your game. Don’t settle for subpar drilling performance – invest in the toolant M35 Cobalt Four Spiral Flutes Step Drill Bits and take your drilling game to the next level.
