The cordless drill may be one of the most versatile tools in any home or shop. Recent advances in battery technology have made cordless drills more powerful, convenient, and long-lasting than ever before. Accompanying this development is the vast market of quality drill bits designed for jobs ranging from carpentry to engineering.
Drill bits range in size, application, and construction material. They often come in sets dedicated to a specific purpose. Possible uses for drill bits include but are not limited to screwing, drilling, and socket applications. Additionally, there are as many different drill heads as there are types of screw heads. Finding the best screwdriver bit set for a cordless drill can be confusing. In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best screwdriver bit sets for your cordless drill to tackle your next job.
- BEST OVERALL: DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set with Tough Case
- RUNNER UP: BOSCH T4047 Multi-Size Screwdriver Bit Set
- BEST LONG BITS: Neiko 10224A Extra Long Security Power Bit Set
- BEST HEX SET: AMARTISAN Hex Head Allen Wrench Drill Bit Set
- BEST MAGNETIC SET: Rocaris 10pcs 1/4 Inch Magnetic Screwdriver Bits Set
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Screwdriver Bit Set
Learning about characteristics like comfort, durability, and usability is critical when identifying the best screwdriver bit sets for your cordless drill to ensure you choose the right set for the job. Read on to learn how these factors contribute to a quality drill bit set purchase.
Comfort
Drill bits that penetrate smoothly contribute to comfort, ease of use, and safety in any job for which you’re using them. Using the wrong bits for the material or poorly maintained bits may result in pressing on the drill with too much pressure, which can create muscle fatigue and hazardous conditions caused by drill slippage.
The proper drill heads contribute to the ease of a project by reducing the discomfort and hazard that occurs when applying too much pressure. Some drill heads have specially designed tips to aid in penetration. Check the type of bit against the intended use. Drill bits made for wood vary in design compared to those built for steel or other materials.
Researching and comparing intended applications against the bit’s design contributes to comfort and ease of use. In other words, the right tools for the job lead to a comfortable, easy, and safe experience.
Usability
The drill bit’s function should be a top priority when searching for the best screwdriver bit set. Consider factors such as the construction material with which you’re working, bit length, screw head type, and circumference.
Ultrahard bits with flatter heads are better suited to drilling more rigid materials like steel. This hardness is derived from high-speed steel infused with materials like cobalt or carbide. Special chemical finishes are added to these options to further increase hardness and durability.
Many drill bit sets cover most size eventualities. While specialty uses might not be offered in any one particular set, drill bits typically adapt to nearly any operation that requires a high-torque or high-speed operation, including attachments for sockets, ratchets, and other tools.
Durability
Finding a set that is durable enough to withstand the job at hand is critical when choosing drill bits. Durability is primarily a function of the material and coating with which drill bits are constructed. Steel is the most common material in drill bit construction. High-speed steel differs in that it is designed to withstand the added friction and heat associated with higher speeds, while cobalt drill bits resist heat.
The coating also contributes to durability. Drill bits coated with black oxide last longer because they defend against corrosion. Titanium-coated bits produce less friction and are ideal for use against stainless steel. Titanium carbonitride is the ultimate in protective coatings, as it stands up to high-speed steel and protects against corrosion.
Our Top Picks
The market for the best screwdriver bit set is as varied as the job that requires it. The top picks are excellent choices based on characteristics like function, price, durability, and size. Read on to discover some of the best screwdriver drill bit sets for your cordless drill as you tackle the next project on your list.
Photo: amazon.com
Don’t let the diminutive size of this set fool you. Even at just under 9 inches by 9 inches, this durable organization and storage case houses a lot of functionality. DEWALT manufactures its bits from hardened high-speed steel. This set offers a total of 45 total drill bits, and each bit is double-sided.
The bits are also magnetic to aid in setting and retaining screws. The set includes a wide array of the most commonly used drill bits, a bit holder, two nut drivers, and a magnetic sleeve. Overall, this solid offering covers a wide variety of applications.
Pros
- Double-sided bits for better organization
- Durable carry case
- Bits are magnetic
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not many heads outside of Phillips
Photo: amazon.com
This 47-piece set of steel screwdriver drill bits from BOSCH is built from the highest-quality S2 steel for durability. The plastic case, measuring approximately 9 inches by 9 inches, makes this collection easy to store, organize, and transport.
The bits range in size and function, with drill bits ranging from magnetic nut setters (for aid in driving fasteners) to power bits designed specifically for power tools.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made from durable S2 tool steel
- Trusted, quality brand
Cons
- Not suitable for impact drivers
Photo: amazon.com
Consider these long drill bits from Neiko for hard-to-reach screwing and drilling applications. Made from premium S2 shock-resistant steel, these bits are optimal for power tools, extending a full 6 inches beyond the drill head for ultra-long reach.
The 32-piece set offers a multitude of screwdriver heads ranging in size and variety, including most standard and some uncommon bits for security heads. The ¼-inch drive is suitable for nearly every cordless drill. Overall, this is a quality, versatile set, able to handle most screw head applications.
Pros
- Great for hard-to-reach applications
- Multiple head sizes and varieties
- The only solution to access deep recesses
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- No carry case
- Prone to rust
Photo: amazon.com
This 20-piece hex head set from AMARTISAN includes 10 each of both metric and SAE-size drill bits for hex head screws. The bits are forged from premium S2 industrial-grade steel and feature hardened and tempered construction for additional durability. AMARTISAN packs its bits into a sturdy 6-inch by 6-inch case for easy transportation and storage.
The sizes range from 5/64 inch to 5/16 inch for the SAE drill bits, while the metric bits cover 1-1/2 millimeters to 8 millimeters. Though perfectly suitable for power drill use, these bits also function well as screwdrivers in tandem with a ¼-inch hex handle. Whether pairing with a cordless drill or a typical screwdriver, this set can be used with most common hex head screw sizes.
Pros
- Industrial-grade steel for added durability
- Works with both power drills and screwdrivers
- Includes both SAE and metric bits
Cons
- Storage case is rather flimsy
- Paint can wear off over time
Photo: amazon.com
Magnetic drill bits help prevent lost screws. They also make it easy to steady and set screws when sinking them for the first time. This 10-piece set of magnetic drill bits from Rocaris combines effective reach, quality construction, and magnetism.
Tough S2 alloy steel construction ensures the bits in this set are durable and resistant to impact. They are 4 inches in length for use in hard-to-reach situations and employ a 1/4-inch hex shaft that pairs well with electric and hand screwdrivers, in addition to power drills.
Pros
- Makes it easy to set screws
- Extra-long length for more reach
- Impact-resistant
- Good for DIY projects
Cons
- May require anti-rust treatment
- Not suitable for heavy-duty work
Our Verdict
For a full range of magnetized drill bits in a neatly organized carry case, the DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set with Tough Case is a top choice. For shoppers looking to figure out how to gain access to hard-to-reach screw holes in an appliance, consider the Neiko 10224A Extra Long Security Power Bit Set, which works with both power drills and manual screwdrivers.
How We Chose the Best Screwdriver Bit Sets
The best screwdriver bit sets come with a wide variety of sizes and head types, are made of durable materials to withstand the job at hand, and are kept organized inside a durable carrying case. Our research has helped us come across the top picks for a range of specific uses. Our recommendations are all made from high-quality materials at a reasonable price, with several options available in terms of size and shape.
We are aware that small drill bits are easily lost, so all of the choices listed here are either delivered organized in a convenient carry case or anchored in a holder to keep all the pieces in one place when not in use. We also made sure to include as many high-quality magnetized sets as possible since this feature is known to be a vast improvement to users when dealing with fiddly screws and attempting to set them in the correct location.
FAQs
Do you still have some lingering inquiries about the best screwdriver bit sets? Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions to help you choose the best drill bits for your project.
Q: How do you choose a screwdriver bit?
Choosing a screwdriver bit should depend entirely on its intended use. Consider the screw head type, the desired circumference and depth, and the material being used before selecting a drill bit set.
Q: Are screwdriver bits universal?
Most screwdriver bits are ¼-inch in size, and cordless drill heads adjust to accommodate drill bits in a variety of sizes.
Q: Can you use a screwdriver bit in a drill?
Most screwdriver bits on the market are designed to withstand the pressure of use in a power drill, but always consult a product’s packaging and manufacturer’s recommendations before proceeding.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series, including This Old House and Bob Vila’s Home Again, he popularized and became synonymous with “do it yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today in the expert yet accessible home advice at the heart of BobVila.com. Today, the Bob Vila editorial team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Mike Bruton is a former carpenter turned copywriter and novelist. When not writing, Mike is surfing as much as he can along the coast of Charleston, South Carolina.
