10 Best Short Drill Bits

Review Analysis Conclusion

Based on analysis of 7,561 reviews across the ten ranked sets, a few patterns are worth highlighting before you commit to a purchase.

Review volume is heavily skewed toward the top of the list. The two leading NEIKO sets together account for more than 5,600 reviews, and both maintain a 4.6-star average, which suggests that M2 HSS and brad-point stubby formats have been broadly validated by long-term owners. By contrast, the lower-ranked cobalt and TiAlN-coated sets draw on smaller review pools—sometimes under 100 ratings—so individual experiences carry more weight in their averages.

Material choice consistently drives satisfaction. Reviews of M35 cobalt sets repeatedly mention successful drilling in stainless steel, hardened bolts, and cast iron, while HSS sets earn praise for value and easier resharpening rather than heat resistance. Owners of TiAlN-coated bits note longer edge life but fewer total data points, so the long-term verdict is still forming.

Hex-shank compatibility shows up as a quiet but frequent positive in nearly every well-reviewed set, especially among buyers using right-angle attachments or impact drivers. Sets that ship with a storage case or indexed holder tend to earn slightly higher marks for organization and bit longevity.

Finally, purchase velocity in the past month is highest among the cobalt and industrial-size sets, indicating that contractors and trades users are actively restocking these formats. For buyers prioritizing proven track records over novelty, the higher-ranked sets remain the safer starting point.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right stubby drill bits starts with understanding how length, material, and shank design interact in confined spaces. Short bits sacrifice reach for rigidity, but that advantage disappears if the cutting edge, point angle, or shank style does not match your project. Below is a practical breakdown of what to look for before adding a set to your cart.

Sizing and Capacity

Short drill bits are typically described by their fractional diameter and their stubby overall length. Most sets cover common SAE sizes between 3/32 and 3/8 inch, which is sufficient for electrical boxes, cabinet hardware, and light metal fabrication. If you work across multiple trades, a wider range is usually a better value than a single-size pack. A 29-piece stubby collection can eliminate the need to stop mid-project and hunt for an intermediate size. Keep in mind that larger diameters generate more heat, so a stubby bit in the 1/4-to-3/8-inch range benefits from a stronger substrate than a small pilot bit.

Material and Feature Tradeoffs

The two most common substrates for short drill bits are high-speed steel and cobalt steel. Standard HSS, such as M2, is well suited for wood, plastic, and mild steel. It sharpens easily and is inexpensive to replace. When you move into stainless steel, hardened fasteners, or cast iron, M35 cobalt steel becomes the better choice because the cobalt blend resists the softening effect of high temperatures. Some newer sets add a TiAlN coating over cobalt steel, which reduces friction and can extend cutting-edge life under heavy use.

For woodworkers, brad-point tips are preferable to split points. A brad point has a small central spur that bites first and prevents the bit from skating across the grain. Split points, usually ground at 135 degrees, are optimized for metal because they penetrate faster and require less feed pressure. If you split time between lumber and sheet metal, dedicated stubby sets for each material usually outperform a one-size-fits-all compromise.

Shank Style and Chuck Compatibility

Round-shank bits are the traditional choice and work in any keyed or keyless chuck. In tight spaces, however, you are often using a right-angle attachment or an impact driver. A 1/4-inch quick-change hex shank lets you swap bits with one hand and prevents the bit from spinning in the chuck under heavy load. Hex-shank stubby bits also seat more securely in impact-rated collets, which matters when you are driving into hard metal and cannot afford cam-out. Before buying, verify whether your driver or attachment accepts hex-shank accessories, especially if you own older drill chucks that lack a quarter-inch quick-change collet.

Point Geometry and Cutting Edges

Standard 118-degree points are common and forgiving on softer materials. A 135-degree split point is stronger on contact, starts cutting with less walking, and is the better choice for hardened or stainless stock. A handful of premium sets add multiple cutting edges—often seven per bit—to improve chip evacuation and reduce heat buildup. For high-friction work, that extra geometry can noticeably extend bit life.

Installation and Setup Considerations

Stubby bits demand a different drilling rhythm than jobber-length bits. Because there is less flute length to evacuate chips, you should withdraw the bit more frequently to clear debris. In metal, use cutting fluid or lubricant to compensate for reduced clearance. In wood, a slower feed rate with a brad-point stubby bit produces a cleaner entry hole with less blowout on the back face. If you are using a right-angle drill attachment, make sure the stubby bit is fully inserted into the chuck or collet. The shorter shaft can make it tempting to clamp only part of the shank, which invites wobble and broken bits.

Maintenance and Reliability

Even the best short drill bits will dull eventually. Cobalt bits can be resharpened on a bench grinder, but take care not to overheat the edge. HSS bits are easier for most owners to sharpen at home with a basic drill bit sharpener. After use, wipe bits clean of metal shavings or sap and return them to the provided case. Loose bits rolling around a tool bag nick each other and lose their edge prematurely. If you work in humid environments, a light coat of oil on the shank prevents corrosion that could later seize inside a chuck.

Comparing Stubby Drill Bits at a Glance

Best For

• Electricians and cabinetmakers working inside boxes and tight corners.
• Auto technicians drilling through thin gauge metal in confined bays.
• Woodworkers boring clean pilot holes for hinges and hardware.
• HVAC and plumbing installers using right-angle attachments overhead.
• Production shops that want one drawer of bits covering most fractional sizes.

Avoid If

• You routinely drill deep holes past one inch of workpiece depth—stubby bits cannot reach.
• You mainly work in stainless plate thicker than 1/4 inch, where longer cobalt bits evacuate heat better.
• You need a single set that handles both thick hardwood and hardened metal without compromise.
• Your drill only accepts round shanks and you do not want to add a quick-change collet.

Common Mistakes

• Buying a cobalt set for softwood and plastic—M2 HSS performs the same job at lower cost.
• Choosing a round shank for an impact driver and expecting a secure grip.
• Skipping cutting fluid on stainless, which shortens cobalt life faster than anything else.
• Forcing a stubby bit deeper than its flute allows and cracking the cutting edge.
• Storing bits loose in a drawer where they knock against each other and dull prematurely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a stubby bit and a screw-machine bit? Both share a short overall length designed for rigidity. Screw-machine bits typically follow a tighter length standard, while stubby bits are a broader commercial category that includes screw-machine lengths and similar compact formats.

Can I use stubby drill bits in a standard cordless drill? Yes. As long as the shank matches your chuck—round for keyed and keyless chucks, 1/4-inch hex for quick-change collets—stubby bits work in any standard cordless or corded drill.

Are cobalt stubby bits worth the higher cost? For stainless steel, hardened fasteners, and cast iron, yes. The cobalt content resists the heat that softens standard HSS. For wood, plastic, and mild steel, M2 HSS performs nearly as well and cost less.

Do I need TiAlN coating for home projects? Usually not. TiAlN shines in production environments where bits run hot for long stretches. Occasional users will see minimal difference compared with uncoated cobalt.

How do I keep stubby bits from snapping? Match the bit to the material, use steady feed pressure rather than leaning on the drill, clear chips often, and make sure the bit is fully seated in the chuck before you start.

Final Recommendations

If you need one stubby set that covers everyday metal drilling with proven reliability, the top-ranked M2 HSS option with thousands of reviews is the safest starting point. Woodworkers who prioritize clean entry holes should lean toward the brad-point stubby sets that earned the highest accuracy ratings. For those who regularly drill stainless or hardened hardware, an M35 cobalt set with a hex shank will outlast standard HSS and transfer torque more efficiently from an impact driver. Buyers who want maximum coverage in a single purchase should look at the large industrial set, while those who value advanced coatings and cutting geometry can choose the TiAlN-coated option for demanding, high-friction work. Match the bit material to your primary workpiece, favor hex shanks for tight-space attachments, and always store the set in its case so your short drill bits stay sharp and ready.