Last updated on July 30th, 2023.
Concrete or wood, a well-equipped electrician can pierce through them if his toolbox includes high-quality step drill bits.
What can be worse than a dull step drill bit? Well, the same drill lost inside the wall. Using it on round surfaces is a nightmare too.
Although we always imagine hard-working men surrounded by sparks, the reality is we need high-quality step drill bits that do not dull too fast, can pierce through a multitude of materials, and do not create a sparkly halo around us.
Precisely for these reasons, we’ve reviewed the Top 6 best Step Drill Bits of 2023.
Check our recommendations so you could avoid poor-quality bits. The market offers many options, so choose wisely.
Preview | Product | Key Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall ![]() | Milwaukee Electric Tool 48-89-9209 Electric Step Drill Bit, No 9, Silver metallic |
| CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice ![]() | DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3 Piece, Titanium Nitride Coated, Longer Life and Better Chip Removal... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Excellent Value ![]() | IRWIN Step Drill Bit, 3/16-Inch to 7/8-Inch, 3/8-Inch Shank (10234) |
| CHECK PRICE |
![]() | Klein Tools KTSB15 Step Drill Bit #15 Double Fluted 7/8 to 1-3/8-Inch with Easy-to-Read Step... |
| CHECK PRICE |
![]() | Greenlee 30008 Step Bit |
| CHECK PRICE |
Top 6 Best Step Drill Bits (Unibits)
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
Our best overall is the Milwaukee Step Drill Bit, a product that stays sharp and has a double flute design that helps to drill smoothly.
Made out of silver metallic, with a black oxide finish, the Milwaukee drill bit works perfectly during high-speed drilling. No shards flying off the wall will jeopardise your safety.
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. Plus, this bit lets you drill 2x faster.
Electricians are particularly fond of this step drill bit due to the fact that it does not produce too much heat when used so no sparks flying around.
Another important feature is its ability to drill 50% more holes on a battery charge. Also, the bit will not become dull too soon.
No matter what cutting project are you working on, we strongly believe the Milwaukee step drill bit is the best choice for you.
CHECK PRICE- Perfect for high-speed cordless drills
- Boasts a double flute design
- Designed for metal drilling
- Safe to use as it does not overheat
- Not working very well on hard surfaces
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
Our premium choice is the step drill bit offered by the most popular name in the electrical industry, Dewalt. The 3-piece set is particularly preferred due to the bits’ capability to cut through stainless steel.
Designed for multi-diameter hole drilling, the Dewalt Step Drill Bit is an important tool when it comes to installing LEDs or toggle switches into aluminium or other metals. It works perfect on plastic as well.
The titanium two-flute spiral design helps to easily remove the bit and also offers a longer life to it. This bit was made for impact drivers so you will drill in precise holes.
Another great feature is the offset design present on each step so your bits’ steps will stay sharp longer than other models. Moreover, the laser engraved numbers enhance visibility.
Due to the fact that the Dewalt drill bits can be used on both plastic and metal surfaces, there is no need to change the bits too often.
The Dewalt Step Drill Bit is a must-have for any electrician since it offers such great versatility. Drilling through metal is awesome, especially with the right bits from Dewalt.
CHECK PRICE- Two-flute spiral design
- Designed for impact driver usage
- Split point tip increseas speed
- Offset design on each step
- Laser-engraved numbers
- Bits might get lost in walls
Irwin Step Drill Bit
- 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
Irwin Step Drill Bit is our recommendation when it comes to performance and excellent value. Durable and highly performant, this drill bit creates clean and precise holes.
Featuring a single flute design, this bit can drill up to 12 hole sizes. It has the same bit in the 1/16” steps ranging from 3/16 to ⅞.
This pair of drill bits has laser etched sizes so they won’t break anytime soon. The bits work great on thin surfaces of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, laminates and brass.
The speed point tips were specially designed to pierce faster than other models. Also, they prevent walking. Moreover, these drill bits have three flatted shanks that prevent slipping on the drill chuck.
If you are an electrician looking for an affordable drill bit that makes accurate cuts, the Irwin Step Drill Bit is the perfect choice for you. Make sure you get this pair.
CHECK PRICE- Fairly priced
- Non-skid tip eliminates need for central punches
- Full lifetime warranty
- Made in USA
- Not for industrial usage
Lenox Step Drill Bit
- Accurate, burr-free holes
- Starts drilling on contact
- Shank Size (inches): 3/8"
The next product we’ve reviewed is the Lenox Step Drill Bit, the only bit where the outer surface doesn’t rotate. Perfect for drilling holes in electrical closures, this step drill bit has a long lifespan.
It has a shank size of ⅜ inches that allows you to make deep cuts into materials. Also, its enhanced two-flute design creates burr-free holes.
The tip of the bit is designed for faster drilling and prevents walking. Moreover, the steam oxide coating offers increased durability to the bits.
Although the Lenox step drill bit works great on soft metal, it doesn’t have a good performance on stainless steel – it gets dull quickly. Drilling holes in air gaps or for sinks might prove difficult.
The key to success in using these step drill bits is to use a strong drill motor and reduce the feed pressure. Also, the drill bit has clearly legible diameter markings.
Overall, these step drill bits from Lenox are a must-have for any electrician. Some people say they have these bits for decades. Can you refuse such a thing?
CHECK PRICE- Enhanced two-flute design
- Outer surface doesn't rotate
- Drills burr-free holes
- Steam oxide coating for durability
- Gets dull on stainless steel surfaces
Klein Tools Step Drill Bit
- 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
Our next favourite is the Klein Tools Step Drill Bit, a quick starting and non-walking drill bit. This drill bit offers great precision and it’s perfect for multitasking.
Klein Tools Step Drill Bit includes 3 different hole sizes and also has a ⅜ hex shank that gives you a firm grip. This shank also prevents it from spinning out of the drill.
The drilling process is safe and efficient due to the two-flute design that cuts faster and keeps the bit cooler. Also, the silver targets for primary holes sizes are highly visible.
A drawback of this step drill bit is the fact that it starts to dull out after 4 – 6 holes. If this happens, you need to replace it as soon as possible.
However, similar to other Klein tools, the step drill bit is an awesome addition to any electrician’s toolbox. Highly performant, this bit is perfect for drilling even through stainless steel.
CHECK PRICE- 3 Hole sizes bit
- Two-flute design
- Features highly visible silver targets
- Non-walking drill bit
- Wears out fast
- Leaves burrs
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 last item we’ve checked out is the Greenlee Step Drill Bit, a durable and top-notch drill bit specially designed for electricians.
Boasting a two-flute design, this step drill bit will take you less force when drilling holes. Moreover, the split-tip design is perfect for drilling holes in metal. This comes in handy when working on wire installations.
The Greenlee step drill bit can cut through wood, brass, copper, aluminum, and laminates. Depending on your needs, it can cut 5/8-inch, ⅞ inch, and 1 ⅛ inch holes with an increased cutting speed. Efficiently removing chips is another plus.
Its steam oxide coating is another cool feature that improves durability. However, these step drill bits tend to dull out fast.
Nevertheless, the Greenlee step drill bit gets the job done and is perfect for electrical work. As a responsible electrician, you might want to add this product to your shopping list.
CHECK PRICE- Special split tip design
- Increased cutting speed through a variety of materials
- Resists walking or skidding
- Balanced two-flute build
- Tend to dull out quickly