Cobalt & Black Oxide Step Drill Bit Kit (6-Piece)

SUMMARY: A VERY NICE STEP BIT SET FOR WORKING MILD AND STAINLESS STEEL. BACKGROUND: I have several Milwaukee step bits, and a set of Milwaukee cobalt drill bits for stainless steel work. But drilling larger holes in stainless is a problem because my cobalt bits only go to 1/2” diameter. The chance to evaluate the 48-89-9291 bit set was too good to pass up. FIT AND FINISH: These bits have the same quality as my other Milwaukee cobalt bits and are on par to much better than my non-cobalt step bits. FEATURES: From the Home Depot page, with my comments as appropriate. • Engineered to deliver up to 15X the life in stainless compared to current solutions and up to 1000 holes in mild steel. o A nice statement. I expect they will last me for years with my limited workload. • Recommended up to 14ga. o In mild steel I was able to drill through thick-wall square tubing with no problem. In stainless they also drill through 14 gauge with no problem. • Elongated dual-flute design also offers users the best heat management. o Drilling through thick-wall tubing I found the heat buildup was minimal. These bits seem to make a cleaner, cooler cut. • Smaller steps for smoothest drilling experience. o These bits have about twice the steps of my Milwaukee HSS step bits. The smaller step sizes take less meter per step, reducing the power needed and give more hole sized available per bit.. • Rapid Strike tip allows for 2X faster starts in stainless. o It appears this is Milwaukee Tools name for the profile of their tip. The tips look about half the size of my Milwaukee HSS step drill bits. They are also different that my regular twist drill point. • Made in the USA with global materials. • Use on low-speed in Stainless Steel and high speed for mild steel. o That seems to be the general consensus on drilling in general. • Optimized for use in a cordless drill. o Not sure what that means since all my drills have high and low speed ranges. • 2 steps with laser engraving for clear stop on size identification. o Time will tell if the markings get covered or worn off. • 3-flat secure-grip shanks reduce bit slippage in the chuck. o The 3-flat shank is not cut all the way to the base of the drill bit body. I spun a couple of bits out of the chuck before I noticed the rounded part. This means you can’t just drop the bit in the drill and tighten the chuck. For me that is a down-check. OPERATION: Except for being a pain to chuck in the drill due to the round part of the shaft the bits work well. I drilled a couple of holes in thick-wall tubing with no issues at all. I think the cobalt worked much better than my Milwaukee HSS step bits. SUMMARY: A great set of step bits for mild and stainless sheet metal work. PROS: Cuts clean and cool. More steps per bit. CONS: Shanks aren’t flatted all the way up.

The step bits worked well for my needs. I used them for a project that I am working on with soft metals, tin, and sheet metal. For harder metals it is recommended that you go slow and use a cooling fluid to preserve the bit. The etchings are inside the bit and can be hard to see, I recommend using painters tape to mark your desired size prior to drilling. I was able to make a hole quickly and cleanly while using the bits. The tray is removable, so if you wanted to use the case that the bits come in for something else, like nails or screws

Ripping open the packaging is impossible, but once you get these step bits going they really rip through metal and plastic. The packaging is sealed from all angles including the middle. Be careful when opening. A good sharp knife is required. This is my first time using a step bit. It tore right into the metal. Making a perfect cut. Didn't require significant force or oil to keep everything cool. Perfect for thinner mettles and plastics where normal large wood drill bits simply don't work. I received this MILWAUKEE COBALT STEP BIT KIT (3-PIECE) for free to write this review.

Step bits are nice, and I use them for everything. But there is a huge difference between cheap bits and these. These bits are quality and will last. They do not get so hot like cheaper bits do when drilling thicker metal. I often drill out breaker boxes for wiring or simply make a hole larger in all kinds of material including aluminum, steel and even plastic/PVC. They have held their edge well. When I use them to start a hole, they fast to start and will drill through almost any kind of material. These are my now “go to” step bits. They are in my tool bag as I have been very impressed these bits. Nice case to keep them in too. I recommend them.

The Milwaukee 3-Piece Cobalt Step Drill Bit Set is all you need to drill 1/8“ through 1 1/8“ diameter holes in stainless steel or mild steel sheet metal. These bits are perfect for drilling up to 1 1/8” holes in instrument or control panels. The Cobalt Step Drills are recommended for up to 14-gauge material. I like the flats machined into shank of the drills that keep the bit from twisting in the drill chuck that you thought was tight. These drill bits eliminate the drill bit from grabbing the sheet metal as the drill begins to penetrate though the metal. For example, the 1 1/8” Step Bit there are 29 intermediate steps as the bit progresses through the sheet metal to the final 1 1/8” size. The common dimensions of the steps (like 5/8, 11/16 and ¾) are embossed in the fluted area of the drill bit. I have found for the best accuracy if I use a drill press, I don’t overshoot the step of the diameter you need as often. The case for these bits is first class, holding all 3 bits securely on the way to the job site. The step drill bits are a little pricey but I would recommend this kit to a friend or professional who drill a lot of holes in sheet metal.

I have always been a big fan of Milwaukee power tools. I thought it was time to test some of their accessories. The Milwaukee cobalt 3 piece step drill set is a great addition to anyone's shop. Starting with the high quality hinged case, it's sturdy and has a place for each bit. Each bit has a very nice hand finish on it. There were no burrs or sprues on any of the bits. These are double cut step drills and on each flat the flange is labeled based on the diameter of the step. The driving shafts are tri-cut to minimize slipping. I used the #4 step drill to widen up a hole in a metal PSU, so I could add a fuse-holder and an LED. The bit drilled right thru with no jamming or straining. The step drills also have a burnished section on the side to correspond to the most common hole sizes. 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 etc. (look at the photos for more info) No need to use tape or a marker to know when=en to stop drilling! I highly recommend this Milwaukee cobalt step drill set. Milwaukee not only makes great power tools they make high quality accessories too!

Milwaukee 3-piece Cobalt Step Drill Bit Set needs to be in your truck or workshop if you regularly work with stainless steel, mild steel or PVC. There are three step bits that cover the 1/8" to 1-1/8" range. The packaging gives the exact breakdown by bit. Milwaukee states they will work in material up to 14 gauge; for stainless steel, slow speeds and a cutting fluid is recommended. A nice feature is each bit has a hole starting tip to get things moving, so you don't have to grab a regular drill bit to make that initial starter hole. In addition, several hole widths are listed (on an inside material removing depression) on each bit. Maybe not a bit deal to some, but when you need to a precise hole width it's really helpful - you don't need to wrap that blue painter's tape around the bit at the right spot. The shank is not a pure cylinder that can spin on you under use, but it has 3 flat sides to insure it doesn't move on you. Personally, I appreciate when a case is provided, especially for expensive and quality tools. Here's a tip: When you store the drills in the case, the sharp tip goes under the plastic and then snaps in place. Aside from anchoring the tip, it prevents you from getting jabbed from the sharp tips. The hard plastic case has a unique snap locking clasp that is integrated into the case with minimal movement (so it won't break off after a week). Quality, added features, and attention to detail is a hallmark of this step drill bit set by Milwaukee.

PROS The Milwaukee step bit kit has three bits that allow you to enlarge holes in almost any metal from 1/8" to 1-1/8". The three flat sides on the shank provide an excellent grip for the drill chuck to prevent slippage. The step sizes are small enough so that you are not taking too much metal at one time, which typically makes for a smoother cut. CONS Plastic clamshell packaging is difficult to open and dispose of.

the best step bits i have used. highly visible markings make it easy to see and use without checking, time saver in my opinion. my use is mainly in plastics and aluminum for installation of switches and lamps. and they so far have shown very little wear. the bits and the case is just what you expect from a Milwaukee tool/accessory. no doubt i will purchase more in the future and be recommending them as well.

Another hit by one of the industry leaders.Milwaukee tools. The three (3) step bit set is made in America and will drill or enlarge any hole from 1/8" all the way to 7/8". The set comes with three separate step bits. The number one is sized for 1/8" to 1/2". The number two is sized from 3/16" to 1/2" and the number three is sized from 3/16" to 7/8". All with convenient markings so your sure what size hole you have and where to stop. The kit comes with a carrying case so you do not loose any step bits in the bottom of you tool bag. The case also has a 1/4" threaded mount for add and accessory. I use step bits everyday and Milwaukee is the best hands down. Highly recommended.