best step drill bit

Best Step Drill Bit: Top 6 Unibits of 2024 Reviewed

Last updated on February 28th, 2024.

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 2024.

Check our recommendations so you could avoid poor-quality bits. The market offers many options, so choose wisely.

Preview Product Key Features
Milwaukee Electric Tool 48-89-9209 Electric Step Drill Bit, No 9, Silver metallic Milwaukee Electric Tool 48-89-9209 Electric Step Drill Bit, No 9, Silver metallic
  • 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
DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set, 3-Piece (DWA1790IR) DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set, 3-Piece (DWA1790IR)
  • 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
Irwin Tools IRWIN Step Drill Bit, 3/16-Inch to 7/8-Inch, 3/8-Inch Shank (10234) Irwin Tools IRWIN Step Drill Bit, 3/16-Inch to 7/8-Inch, 3/8-Inch Shank (10234)
  • 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.
Klein Tools KTSB15 Step Drill Bit #15 Double Fluted 7/8 to 1-3/8-Inch with Easy-to-Read Step... Klein Tools KTSB15 Step Drill Bit #15 Double Fluted 7/8 to 1-3/8-Inch with Easy-to-Read Step...
  • 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
Greenlee 30008 Multi-Hole Step Bit, 1-1/8' Greenlee 30008 Multi-Hole Step Bit, 1-1/8"
  • Penetrates through steel Fast- with split tip design
  • Resists walking or skidding
  • Requires less pressure with balanced double flute construction

Top 6 Best Step Drill Bits (Unibits)

Milwaukee Step Drill Bit

Milwaukee Electric Tool 48-89-9209 Electric Step Drill Bit, No 9, Silver metallic
  • 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 top pick is the Milwaukee Step Drill Bit, renowned for its enduring sharpness and its double flute design that ensures smooth drilling experiences.

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. 

Its efficiency shines, capable of drilling 50% more holes per battery charge, and its durable design significantly delays the dulling of the bit.

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
Advantages
  • Perfect for high-speed cordless drills
  • Boasts a double flute design
  • Designed for metal drilling
  • Safe to use as it does not overheat
Disadvantages
  • Not working very well on hard surfaces

Dewalt Step Drill Bit

Sale
DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set, 3-Piece (DWA1790IR)
  • 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
Advantages
  • Two-flute spiral design
  • Designed for impact driver usage
  • Split point tip increseas speed
  • Offset design on each step
  • Laser-engraved numbers
Disadvantages
  • Bits might get lost in walls

Irwin Step Drill Bit

Sale
Irwin Tools IRWIN Step Drill Bit, 3/16-Inch to 7/8-Inch, 3/8-Inch Shank (10234)
  • 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.

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
Advantages
  • Fairly priced
  • Non-skid tip eliminates need for central punches
  • Full lifetime warranty
  • Made in USA
Disadvantages
  • Not for industrial usage

Lenox Step Drill Bit

Sale
Lenox Tools Step Drill Bit, 7/8-Inch to 1-3/8-Inch with 3/8-Inch Shank (30912VB12)
  • Accurate, burr-free holes
  • Starts drilling on contact
  • Shank Size (inches): 3/8"

We’ve also examined the Lenox Step Drill Bit, unique for its non-rotating outer surface, enhancing safety and precision for electrical enclosures, coupled with an impressively 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. 

Optimal results with these step drill bits are achieved by pairing them with a robust drill motor and moderating the feed pressure, complemented by clear, legible diameter markings for accuracy.

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
Advantages
  • Enhanced two-flute design
  • Outer surface doesn't rotate
  • Drills burr-free holes
  • Steam oxide coating for durability
Disadvantages
  • Gets dull on stainless steel surfaces

Klein Tools Step Drill Bit

Sale
Klein Tools KTSB15 Step Drill Bit #15 Double Fluted 7/8 to 1-3/8-Inch with Easy-to-Read Step...
  • 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

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
Advantages
  • 3 Hole sizes bit
  • Two-flute design
  • Features highly visible silver targets
  • Non-walking drill bit
Disadvantages
  • Wears out fast
  • Leaves burrs

Greenlee Step Drill Bit

Greenlee 30008 Multi-Hole Step Bit, 1-1/8"
  • 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. 

Versatile and robust, the Greenlee step drill bit effortlessly penetrates wood, brass, copper, aluminum, and laminates, offering fast, clean cuts for 5/8-inch, ⅞ inch, and 1 ⅛ inch holes, while its design ensures efficient chip removal.

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
Advantages
  • Special split tip design
  • Increased cutting speed through a variety of materials
  • Resists walking or skidding
  • Balanced two-flute build
Disadvantages
  • Tend to dull out quickly

About Thomas Hawkins

I run Electrician Apprentice Headquarters, a one-stop-shop for learning how to become a licensed electrician in the USA. I'm a licensed Master Electrician with over 20 years experience working in the Mining & Construction industries. Why do I do it? Well, because even plumbers need heroes.

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