Best Drill Bits For Drilling Out Locks
If you’ve ever lost the key to your own toolbox, shed, or storage lock, you know how quickly a small problem can hold up the day. I’ve found that the best drill bits for drilling out locks are tough metal cutting bits that stay sharp, manage heat, and give you steady control.
In this guide, I’ll help you compare practical choices for different budgets without buying more than you need. Drilling should always be a last resort and used only on a lock you own or have permission to remove.
Budget Pick For Occasional Metal Work
RAINPOT Cobalt Coated Twist Drill Bit Set
If you only need a small set for occasional metal projects, this RAINPOT set gives you several useful metric sizes from 3mm to 8mm. The listing shows 135 degree fully ground points, which may help the bits start more cleanly without wandering across the metal. I also like the compact size range for a homeowner who doesn’t want to buy a large drill set for one repair.
Why The Right Drill Bit Matters
A drill bit designed for metal is built differently from one intended for wood, masonry, or other materials. Using the wrong bit can lead to poor cutting, excess heat, premature wear, or a damaged bit.
Lock hardware also varies widely. Some components are relatively soft, while others are intentionally made from harder metals. That is why I look at the material first instead of assuming one drill bit will work well for every job.
Material Compatibility
The bit should be designed for the type of metal being worked on. High speed steel handles many general metal drilling jobs, while cobalt and carbide are better suited to harder materials.
Heat Resistance
Metal drilling creates heat. A drill bit that handles heat well is less likely to lose its cutting edge quickly during demanding work.
Durability
A quality metal drilling bit should hold its edge and resist premature wear. Paying a little more for the correct bit can be cheaper than repeatedly replacing inexpensive bits that are not suited to the material.
Specialty Pick For Large Diameter Metal Work
Miskamro 9/16 Inch M35 Cobalt Drill Bit
Most homeowners will get more use from a drill bit set with several smaller sizes. Still, this Miskamro bit may be useful when a specific repair calls for a 9/16 inch hole. According to the listing, it uses M35 cobalt alloy high speed steel with a TiAlN coating for demanding metal work.
1. High Speed Steel Drill Bits
High speed steel, usually called HSS, is one of the most common drill bit materials. These bits are useful for many general metalworking jobs and are widely available.
For softer metal components, a good HSS bit can provide a practical balance of price and performance.
High Speed Steel Pros
- Affordable compared with cobalt and carbide
- Easy to find in hardware stores
- Useful for many general metal drilling jobs
- Available in a wide range of sizes
High Speed Steel Cons
- Can wear faster on hardened steel
- Does not tolerate heat as well as cobalt
- May not be suitable for heavily hardened components
STROTON 19 Piece M42 Cobalt Drill Bit Set
If metal repairs come up regularly around your home or workshop, I’ve found that a wider set is worth the extra cost. This STROTON set includes 19 metric sizes from 1mm to 10mm in half millimeter steps. That range gives you more choices for damaged locks, cabinet hardware, brackets, and other metal projects without filling a drawer with duplicate bits.
2. Cobalt Drill Bits
Cobalt drill bits are a popular step up when working with harder metals. They are commonly made from high speed steel blended with cobalt, which improves heat resistance and hardness.
I like cobalt bits for tougher metalworking because they can hold their cutting edge better under demanding conditions than standard HSS bits.
Cobalt Drill Bit Pros
- Very good heat resistance
- Designed for harder metals
- Good edge retention
- Available in many common drill bit sizes
Cobalt Drill Bit Cons
- Costs more than basic HSS bits
- Harder material can also make the bits more brittle
- May be more than you need for occasional light duty work
3. Carbide Drill Bits
Carbide is extremely hard and is used in cutting tools designed for demanding materials. Carbide drill bits can perform well where ordinary metal bits struggle.
The tradeoff is that carbide is brittle. These bits are less forgiving of side pressure, poor alignment, and rough handling, so they are normally better suited to specialized or professional work.
Carbide Drill Bit Pros
- Extremely hard cutting material
- Strong wear resistance
- Suitable for some very hard materials
- Can maintain a cutting edge under demanding conditions
Specialty Pick For Hardened Lock Metal
YFTOOL 3/16 Inch Solid Carbide Drill Bits
Some hardened metal can quickly dull an ordinary high speed steel bit. This two piece YFTOOL option is listed as solid tungsten carbide with a TiAlSi coating and 135 degree points. The 3/16 inch size may be useful when you’ve confirmed that your authorized repair calls for that exact diameter.
Carbide Drill Bit Cons
- Usually more expensive
- Brittle compared with HSS
- Less forgiving of poor technique
- Often unnecessary for basic DIY metalworking
What About Titanium Coated Drill Bits?
Titanium coated drill bits are usually steel bits with a hard surface coating such as titanium nitride. The coating can reduce friction and improve wear resistance when used correctly.
One thing to remember is that the coating is only on the surface. Once it wears away or the bit is sharpened, you no longer have the same coating benefit.
Value Pick For Softer Lock Metal
VISTAKTOOL Titanium M2 HSS Drill Bit Set
Not every damaged lock requires an expensive cobalt or carbide bit. For a small brass padlock on a tool chest, storage cabinet, or backyard shed, this 10 piece VISTAKTOOL set offers practical sizes from 1/16 to 1/4 inch. The titanium finished M2 high speed steel bits also have 135 degree split points to help reduce wandering when starting on smooth metal.
What To Look For When Choosing Drill Bits
Bit Material
Start by matching the drill bit material to the metal being worked on. HSS is a good general purpose choice, while cobalt is better suited to harder steel. Carbide is generally reserved for more specialized applications.
Size Range
A set with several common sizes gives you more flexibility for repair and general metalworking projects. It also means you are less likely to stop halfway through a job because you do not have the right size.
Shank Design
The shank needs to fit your drill chuck securely. Some larger bits use a reduced or flattened shank to help improve grip in the chuck.
Storage Case
A sturdy case is easy to overlook, but it helps keep the bits organized and protects the cutting edges from damage.
Replacement Availability
Even quality drill bits eventually wear. I prefer sets from manufacturers that make individual replacement sizes easy to find.
Are Cobalt Drill Bits Better Than High Speed Steel?
For harder metals, cobalt bits generally offer better heat resistance and edge retention than standard HSS bits. That does not automatically make cobalt the best choice for every project.
HSS remains a practical option for lighter metalworking because it costs less and works well on many common materials. The right choice depends on what you are drilling and how frequently you expect to use the bits.
Are Carbide Drill Bits Worth It?
Carbide can be worthwhile for specialized work involving very hard materials. For ordinary household drilling and occasional metalworking, however, a quality HSS or cobalt set is usually more practical and easier to use.
Carbide also requires more care because it can chip or break if it is subjected to sideways pressure or improper handling.
Drill Bit Safety For Metalworking
Metal drilling can produce sharp chips, heat, and damaged bits if the tool or accessory is used incorrectly. Basic safety matters even on a small repair.
- Wear safety glasses or appropriate eye protection.
- Secure loose workpieces before drilling.
- Inspect drill bits for cracks, chips, or excessive wear.
- Use a drill and bit that are rated for the material.
- Keep loose clothing and hair away from rotating tools.
- Allow hot bits and metal surfaces to cool before touching them.
- Follow the drill bit and power tool manufacturer’s instructions.
When To Call A Locksmith
Drilling is destructive and can permanently damage a lock and surrounding hardware. For an installed door lock, vehicle lock, safe, commercial lock, or high security system, calling a qualified locksmith is usually the better option.
A locksmith can often identify a less destructive repair or replacement method and help avoid unnecessary damage to the door, frame, or surrounding hardware.
FAQ’s About The Best Drill Bits For Drilling Out Locks
Are cobalt twist drill bits good for metal locks?
Cobalt twist drill bits are a practical choice because they’re made to handle hard metal and higher drilling temperatures.
Do I need a complete drill set for one damaged lock?
A small drill set offers useful size choices, but one quality metal cutting drill bit may be enough for a one time repair.
Can I use an impact driver or other power tools on a lock?
A variable speed drill usually provides better control than an impact driver, and power tools should only be used on locks you’re authorized to remove.
Final Thoughts On The Best Drill Bits For Drilling Out Locks
The best drill bit depends on the metal and the type of authorized repair work you are doing.
For general metalworking, high speed steel is affordable and versatile. For harder metals, cobalt provides better heat resistance and durability. Carbide is extremely hard but is usually better reserved for specialized applications.
I would rather buy a smaller set of good quality bits that match the material than a huge inexpensive set that struggles when the job gets tough. The right bit makes metalworking cleaner, safer, and much less frustrating.
Willie Drew
I’m Willie Drew, and I’m here to help you turn your home into a space you’re proud to show off using simple projects, smart tools, and realistic budgets.