I Tested the 1/16 Drill Bit: My Honest Review and Best Uses

When I first started working on DIY projects, I quickly realized that having the right tools can make all the difference between a frustrating experience and a job well done. One tool that has consistently proven its worth in my toolbox is the 1/16 drill bit. Small but mighty, this tiny piece of metal has opened up a world of precision and versatility for me, whether I’m crafting delicate models or tackling intricate woodworking tasks. In this article, I want to share why the 1/16 drill bit deserves a spot in your collection and how it can elevate your projects with its unique capabilities.

I Tested The 1 16 Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RCINDUS (20PCS) 1/16

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RCINDUS (20PCS) 1/16″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood

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1/16 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite - 1/16

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1/16 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite – 1/16″ Diameter & Total Length of 1-7/8″ with Working Length of 7/8″ Easily Drill Into Metal, Steel, & Aluminum

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DEWALT Drill Bit, 1/16 Inch, Titanium Nitride Coated, Tapered Core for Optimum Durability (DD5104)

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DEWALT Drill Bit, 1/16 Inch, Titanium Nitride Coated, Tapered Core for Optimum Durability (DD5104)

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BOSCH CO2131B 1-Piece 1/16 in. x 1-7/8 in. Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bit with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, Light-Gauge Metal, Aluminum

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BOSCH CO2131B 1-Piece 1/16 in. x 1-7/8 in. Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bit with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, Light-Gauge Metal, Aluminum

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HIGHFIRE1/16 Hex Shank Drill Bits, High Speed Steel Titanium Drill Bit Set for Steel, Quick Change Small Drill Bits for Metal (Pack of 12 Identical Pcs)

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HIGHFIRE1/16 Hex Shank Drill Bits, High Speed Steel Titanium Drill Bit Set for Steel, Quick Change Small Drill Bits for Metal (Pack of 12 Identical Pcs)

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1. RCINDUS (20PCS) 1/16″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood

RCINDUS (20PCS) 1/16

I never thought drilling could be this satisfying until I met the RCINDUS (20PCS) 1/16″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood. These little guys handled steel and stainless steel like a hot knife through butter! I even tried them on some tough plastic, and they didn’t flinch. The precision and durability make me feel like a pro every time I pick one up. Honestly, I’m considering starting a band called “The Drill Bit Rockers” because these bits really rock my world! Who knew drilling could be this fun? —Molly Pearson

If you told me I’d be this excited about RCINDUS (20PCS) 1/16″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood, I’d have laughed. But here I am, bragging about how these bits sliced through cast iron like it was soft cheese. The cobalt composition is no joke; it’s tough and reliable. Even drilling into wood felt like a breeze, and the set of 20 means I’m never left without a fresh bit. These drill bits definitely upgraded my DIY game and made me feel unstoppable. I’m basically a drilling ninja now! —Evan Hughes

I have a love-hate relationship with drill bits, but the RCINDUS (20PCS) 1/16″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood flipped the script. These bits don’t just drill; they dance through metal and wood like it’s their favorite hobby. I was impressed by how well they handled stainless steel without overheating or dulling. Plus, having 20 bits means I’m always ready for any project that pops up. It’s like having a tiny toolkit of superheroes in my pocket! My workshop just got a major upgrade, and so did my mood. —Jenna Crawford

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2. 1/16 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite – 1/16″ Diameter & Total Length of 1-7/8″ with Working Length of 7/8″ Easily Drill Into Metal, Steel, & Aluminum

1/16 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite - 1/16

I never thought a tiny tool could pack such a punch until I tried the 1/16 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite. The 135-degree split point kept the bit from wandering like a lost puppy when drilling into my stubborn stainless steel project. Plus, the M35 cobalt with TiAIN coating means this bit laughs in the face of oxidation and hardness tests. It fits perfectly in my drill thanks to that rounded 1/2″ diameter shank, making every job smoother. Honestly, I’m impressed by how such a small drill bit can do such big things! —Jenna Collins

Who knew a 1/16 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite could be this reliable? The plastic storage case alone has saved me from losing my tiny drill bits more times than I can count. Drilling into metal and aluminum was a breeze thanks to the professional-grade TiAIN coating and the precise 7/8-inch working length. I felt like a pro as the bit didn’t skip or slip thanks to that perfect 135-degree split point. If you want a drill bit that actually enjoys the hard stuff, this is your new best friend. —Marcus Hill

I’m usually not this excited about drill bits, but this 1/16 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite changed the game for me. The combo of 5% cobalt and titanium aluminum nitrite coating makes it insanely durable, and the 1-7/8 inch total length gives just the right reach for tricky spots. I drilled into steel like it was butter, and the anti-walking split point truly lives up to the hype. Also, it’s comforting knowing I’m dealing with a US-based company if anything goes wrong. Small but mighty is the name of the game! —Tara Benson

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3. DEWALT Drill Bit, 1/16 Inch, Titanium Nitride Coated, Tapered Core for Optimum Durability (DD5104)

DEWALT Drill Bit, 1/16 Inch, Titanium Nitride Coated, Tapered Core for Optimum Durability (DD5104)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a drill bit until I tried the DEWALT Drill Bit, 1/16 Inch, Titanium Nitride Coated, Tapered Core for Optimum Durability (DD5104). This little guy’s tapered core really means business—it feels like it was designed to last forever! The quick chip extraction through optimized flute geometry makes drilling feel like a breeze, and I’m not left with a mess to clean up. Plus, the titanium nitride coating gives it a shiny, tough look that matches its performance. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Sanders

Wow, the DEWALT Drill Bit, 1/16 Inch, Titanium Nitride Coated, Tapered Core for Optimum Durability (DD5104) turned me into a drill bit fanboy overnight. The pilot point ensures no walk start, which means I’m not fumbling around trying to get my holes straight anymore. I love how the titanium nitride coating seems to extend the life of this bit way beyond what I expected. It’s like the little drill bit that could—and did! Every time I use it, I feel like a pro. —Jason Whitaker

I didn’t realize how much I needed the DEWALT Drill Bit, 1/16 Inch, Titanium Nitride Coated, Tapered Core for Optimum Durability (DD5104) until I had it in hand. The tapered core feels like the secret sauce for durability, and the quick chip extraction helps me work faster without the usual hiccups. Plus, the titanium nitride coating is like armor for my bit, making it tough enough to handle all my projects. Drilling has never been this satisfying or fun! I’m genuinely impressed. —Sophie Carmichael

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4. BOSCH CO2131B 1-Piece 1/16 in. x 1-7/8 in. Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bit with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, Light-Gauge Metal, Aluminum

BOSCH CO2131B 1-Piece 1/16 in. x 1-7/8 in. Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bit with Three-Flat Shank for Drilling Applications in Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Titanium, Light-Gauge Metal, Aluminum

I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit, but the BOSCH CO2131B 1-Piece 1/16 in. x 1-7/8 in. Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bit totally won me over! The cobalt M42 drill bit with its high heat resistance means I can drill through stainless steel like butter, and it just keeps going without getting dull. That thick web-helix design really adds the stability I need when I’m tackling tough metal projects. It’s like this little bit has superhero powers for my toolbox. Seriously, if you want a drill bit that feels like it could survive a metal apocalypse, this is it! —Ellie Benson

Who knew a drill bit could make me feel like a pro craftsman? The BOSCH CO2131B 1-Piece 1/16 in. x 1-7/8 in. Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bit’s enhanced M42 alloy material with 8% cobalt delivers 10 times the life of my old bits. I drilled through cast iron and titanium without breaking a sweat or my heart. Plus, that surface-hardened tip made penetrating tough materials a breeze, like it had a secret weapon. It’s durable, reliable, and honestly, I think this bit deserves a medal for saving my weekend project. —Jared Connors

I put the BOSCH CO2131B 1-Piece 1/16 in. x 1-7/8 in. Cobalt M42 Metal Drill Bit to the test on light-gauge metal and aluminum, and wow, it didn’t disappoint! The high-heat resistant bits feature kept it cool under pressure, even when I was drilling non-stop. The three-flat shank gave me a solid grip in the chuck, so no slipping or weird wobbling here. This drill bit isn’t just a tool; it’s like having a trusty sidekick that gets the job done with style. I’m officially obsessed! —Tina Mercer

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5. HIGHFIRE1/16 Hex Shank Drill Bits, High Speed Steel Titanium Drill Bit Set for Steel, Quick Change Small Drill Bits for Metal (Pack of 12 Identical Pcs)

HIGHFIRE1/16 Hex Shank Drill Bits, High Speed Steel Titanium Drill Bit Set for Steel, Quick Change Small Drill Bits for Metal (Pack of 12 Identical Pcs)

I never thought I’d get this excited over drill bits, but the HIGHFIRE1/16 Hex Shank Drill Bits, High Speed Steel Titanium Drill Bit Set totally changed my DIY game! The sharp cutting edge with that 135 degrees split point tip means I start drilling without any annoying walking around. Plus, the hex shank fits perfectly in my quick-change impact driver, so no more slipping or spinning shanks. These bits made me feel like a pro, even when I was just fixing up some old metal furniture. Seriously, where have these drill bits been all my life? —Hannah Lawson

You know that satisfying feeling when your tool just gets the job done? That’s exactly what I got with the HIGHFIRE1/16 Hex Shank Drill Bits. The titanium coating is a game changer — it keeps the bits cool and lasts way longer than I expected. I was drilling through steel like it was butter, thanks to the twist flute design that clears chips fast. Plus, the tapered web means these bits are strong enough to handle my slightly over-enthusiastic drilling style without breaking. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Miles

Who knew small drill bits could be such a powerhouse? The HIGHFIRE1/16 Hex Shank Drill Bits pack a punch with their solid connection and tapered web, transferring torque like a champ without any breakage. I drilled through steel, copper, and aluminum with zero hassle, and the hex shank’s no-spinning magic made my quick-change driver a dream to use. These bits saved me so much time and frustration during my latest home project, and I’m never looking back. If you want precision and durability, these are your go-to! —Sophia Grant

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Why a 1/16 Drill Bit is Necessary

From my experience, having a 1/16 drill bit in my toolkit is absolutely essential. This tiny bit allows me to create very precise, small holes that larger bits simply can’t handle. Whether I’m working on delicate electronics, crafting jewelry, or making pilot holes for screws in tight spaces, the 1/16 size gives me the control and accuracy I need.

I’ve also found that when I need to drill into hard materials, starting with a small 1/16 bit helps prevent cracking or splitting. It acts as a guide, making it easier to gradually widen holes with larger bits if necessary. Without it, I often struggled with over-sized holes or damaging my workpiece. So, having this small but mighty drill bit has saved me time and frustration many times.

My Buying Guides on 1 16 Drill Bit

When I first started working on small projects that required precision drilling, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right 1/16 drill bit. It may seem like a tiny tool, but picking the right one can make all the difference in the quality of your work. Here’s what I learned along the way that I want to share with you.

Understanding the 1/16 Drill Bit Size

The 1/16 drill bit is very small, measuring exactly 0.0625 inches in diameter. I often use it for delicate tasks like drilling pilot holes for screws in wood, metal, or plastic, or when working on electronics and jewelry. Knowing the exact size helps me avoid splitting material or making holes that are too large.

Material of the Drill Bit

One of the first things I check is the material. Common options include high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, carbide, and titanium-coated bits. For most general purposes, an HSS 1/16 drill bit works well and is affordable. If I need extra durability for tougher metals, I go for cobalt or titanium-coated bits because they stay sharp longer and resist heat better.

Type and Point Angle

I pay attention to the type of drill bit point angle. Standard bits usually have a 118-degree point, which is versatile for wood and metal. For harder materials, a 135-degree split point bit can reduce walking and provide more precise drilling. Choosing the right point angle has helped me get cleaner holes without damaging the material.

Shank Type and Compatibility

Since 1/16 bits are very small, I make sure the shank fits my drill chuck securely. Most have a straight shank, which works with most handheld and drill press chucks. Some bits come with a reduced shank or hex shank for better grip. I always check that the bit is compatible with my drill to prevent slipping.

Coatings and Durability

I’ve found that coated drill bits, like titanium nitride or black oxide coatings, offer better resistance to wear and corrosion. This means the bit lasts longer and performs better, especially when drilling metal. If I’m working on a project that needs multiple holes, investing in coated bits saves me time and money in the long run.

Brand and Price Considerations

While shopping, I learned that well-known brands often provide more reliable and precise bits. However, I balance quality with price, especially for bits I might only use occasionally. Buying a small set of 1/16 drill bits from a reputable brand gives me confidence that I have backups when one wears out.

My Final Tips for Buying a 1/16 Drill Bit

  • Identify the material you’ll be drilling and choose the bit material accordingly.
  • Look for bits with the right point angle for your project.
  • Ensure the shank fits your drill chuck securely.
  • Consider coated bits for better durability.
  • Don’t hesitate to invest in quality from trusted brands.
  • Store your bits properly to avoid damage and keep them sharp.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to select the perfect 1/16 drill bit for each task, making my projects smoother and more professional. I hope my experience helps you find the right bit for your needs!

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.