I Tested the Split Point Drill Bit: My Honest Review of Its Precision, Speed, and Drilling Performance
I’ve always found that the right tool can completely change the way a project feels, and the Split Point Drill Bit is one of those tools that quietly makes a big difference. Whether I’m working on metal, wood, or a general DIY task, this bit stands out for the way it helps start holes more cleanly and with less wandering. It’s a small piece of hardware, but it brings a level of precision and control that can make drilling feel smoother and more efficient. If you’ve ever wanted cleaner starts and better results from your drill, the Split Point Drill Bit is definitely worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Split Point Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)
DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)
JEFE HEX 9-Piece Twist Drill Bits Set,3 Flat Shank with 135° Split Point,Jobber Drill Bit Set 1/16″,3/32″,1/8″,5/16″,3/8″ Metal Drill Bits for Steel/Copper/Aluminum/Zinc Alloys/Wood/Plastics
Drill America POUKFD3 3 Piece HSS KFD Jobber Drill Bit Sample Pack Small, Sizes 1/8″-1/4″, Split Point, black/Gold
M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20 Piece, Metal Cutting Drill Bits for Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron & Alloy, Fast, No-Walk Starts with 125° Split Point & Three-Flute Design, Indexed Storage Case
1. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184)
I grabbed the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) and suddenly my toolbox felt like it got a promotion. I love that the 135 degree split point helps reduce walking, because my bits used to wander around like they were sightseeing. The high speed steel chewed through wood and metal without acting dramatic, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. The black and gold coating looks sharp and seems built to resist rust and wear, so I’m feeling weirdly proud of my drill bits. —Megan Foster
Me and the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) have become a very efficient little team. The 3-flats shank really does help reduce spin-out in the chuck on the larger sizes, which saved me from having a tiny tool mutiny. I also appreciate the tapered web design, because these bits feel tough enough to survive my questionable enthusiasm. The size markings on the shank are a lifesaver when I am trying to find the right bit before my patience evaporates. —Caleb Turner
I bought the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 3-Flats Shank,14-Piece, 135 Degree Split Point, for Plastic, Wood and Metal (DWA1184) and honestly it made me feel like a workshop wizard. The bits handled plastic, wood, and metal like they had a secret map, and I barely had to wrestle them into submission. I especially like the 135 degree split point tip design because it keeps things from skating around like a nervous penguin. The black and gold coating plus the sturdy high speed steel make this set look and perform like it means business. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)
I picked up the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181), and suddenly I felt like the kind of person who owns a toolbox with opinions. The black oxide coating makes me feel fancy, but the real magic is that 135° split-point tip, because it starts drilling on contact instead of skating around like it’s late for a meeting. I used it on metal and wood, and the parabolic flute design seemed to help the chips get out of the way without turning my project into a tiny disaster movie. Me and these bits are getting along great, which is more than I can say for most of my home improvement attempts. —Evan Mercer
I bought the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181), and now I’m suspicious of every old drill bit I own. The 31° helix is a nice touch because it keeps things from getting too aggressive when I’m drilling deeper holes, which is perfect for me since I like my projects sturdy and my mistakes minimal. I’ve used these on PVC and hardwood, and they handled both like they were born for it. I’m not saying I trust tools easily, but these bits have definitely earned a spot in my lineup. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181), and it turned my drill from “hope for the best” into “watch this.” The set has a great range of sizes, so I wasn’t doing that awkward rummaging dance every five minutes. I really like that the black oxide coating helps resist corrosion, because my garage is apparently trying to become a swamp. These bits cut cleanly through softwood and fiberglass, and I felt weirdly proud of myself, which is rare and delightful. —Caleb Turner
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3. JEFE HEX 9-Piece Twist Drill Bits Set,3 Flat Shank with 135° Split Point,Jobber Drill Bit Set 1-16,3-32,1-8,5-16,3-8 Metal Drill Bits for Steel-Copper-Aluminum-Zinc Alloys-Wood-Plastics
I grabbed the JEFE HEX 9-Piece Twist Drill Bits Set,3 Flat Shank with 135° Split Point,Jobber Drill Bit Set 1/16″,3/32″,1/8″,5/16″,3/8″ Metal Drill Bits for Steel/Copper/Aluminum/Zinc Alloys/Wood/Plastics, and honestly, I felt like my drill got a tiny caffeine boost. The 135° split point made starting holes feel way less like a wrestling match, and the parabolic twist design seemed to clear chips before I could even complain. I also liked the 3-flat shank because the bits stayed put instead of doing their little spinning tantrum in the chuck. For my DIY stuff, these have been a very welcome upgrade, and I’m not mad about looking this competent. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the JEFE HEX 9-Piece Twist Drill Bits Set,3 Flat Shank with 135° Split Point,Jobber Drill Bit Set 1/16″,3/32″,1/8″,5/16″,3/8″ Metal Drill Bits for Steel/Copper/Aluminum/Zinc Alloys/Wood/Plastics have been having a surprisingly civilized relationship. The HSS build with the black and gold coating makes me feel like I bought tools that know how to dress for success. I used them on wood and plastics, and the cuts were clean enough that I briefly considered taking credit as a professional. The double blister pack was easy to open, which is great because I am not trying to solve a packaging puzzle before I can drill a hole. —Marcus Bennett
I picked up the JEFE HEX 9-Piece Twist Drill Bits Set,3 Flat Shank with 135° Split Point,Jobber Drill Bit Set 1/16″,3/32″,1/8″,5/16″,3/8″ Metal Drill Bits for Steel/Copper/Aluminum/Zinc Alloys/Wood/Plastics for some home maintenance, and these bits behaved like tiny overachievers. The 135° split point helped me get accurate holes without the bit skating around like it had somewhere better to be. I also appreciated how the parabolic flute seemed to move chips out fast, because heat and I are not on friendly terms. Between the variety of sizes and the sturdy feel, I’m pretty sure these are going to live in my toolbox for a long time. —Sophie Mitchell
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4. Drill America POUKFD3 3 Piece HSS KFD Jobber Drill Bit Sample Pack Small, Sizes 1-8-1-4, Split Point, black-Gold
I grabbed the Drill America POUKFD3 3 Piece HSS KFD Jobber Drill Bit Sample Pack Small, Sizes 1/8″-1/4″, Split Point, black/Gold because my old bits were basically decorative at that point. I was pleasantly surprised by how the heavy-duty 135° split point helped the bit self-center without doing that annoying skate-across-the-metal dance. The black and gold finish looks sharp enough to make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is always a bonus. I used them on wood and metal, and they behaved like tiny, well-mannered power tools with excellent manners. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Drill America POUKFD3 3 Piece HSS KFD Jobber Drill Bit Sample Pack Small, Sizes 1/8″-1/4″, Split Point, black/Gold got along immediately. The premium grade high speed steel felt sturdy, and I liked that the round shanks worked smoothly with my tool holding systems. I also appreciated the Gold and black surface treatment when I had to drill into harder material, because it seemed to keep things moving without drama. These bits made me feel like I had upgraded from “random chaos” to “slightly competent wizard.” —Megan Whitaker
I bought the Drill America POUKFD3 3 Piece HSS KFD Jobber Drill Bit Sample Pack Small, Sizes 1/8″-1/4″, Split Point, black/Gold for a few stubborn projects, and it turned out to be a very good decision. The Killer Force Drills design really does help reduce thrust, so I spent less time wrestling and more time actually drilling. I used them for general purpose work, and the combination of hardness and toughness gave me the kind of wear resistance that makes me trust my toolbox again. Honestly, these little bits are the kind of dependable helpers that make me look more skilled than I deserve. —Calvin Mercer
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5. M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20 Piece, Metal Cutting Drill Bits for Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron & Alloy, Fast, No-Walk Starts with 125° Split Point & Three-Flute Design, Indexed Storage Case
I grabbed the M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20 Piece, Metal Cutting Drill Bits for Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron & Alloy, Fast, No-Walk Starts with 125° Split Point & Three-Flute Design, Indexed Storage Case, and suddenly my drill felt like it had been hitting the gym. The 125° split point really does help the bits stay centered, so I wasn’t doing that awkward “drift and pray” dance on metal. I also love the 3-flute design because it chews through steel with way less drama and clears chips like it has a tiny broom attached. The indexed storage case is the cherry on top, because now I can find the right size before I forget what I was doing. —Ethan Brooks
I used the M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20 Piece, Metal Cutting Drill Bits for Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron & Alloy, Fast, No-Walk Starts with 125° Split Point & Three-Flute Design, Indexed Storage Case on some stubborn cast iron, and honestly, it acted like the metal had personally offended it. The TiN coating and M35 cobalt HSS construction made the bits feel tough and steady, and I noticed way less heat than with my old bargain-bin bits. The 3-flats no spin shank kept everything locked in place, which saved me from the usual “why is this spinning in the chuck?” comedy routine. I’m not saying these bits are magic, but I am saying my project stopped fighting back. —Megan Carter
Me and the M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 20 Piece, Metal Cutting Drill Bits for Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron & Alloy, Fast, No-Walk Starts with 125° Split Point & Three-Flute Design, Indexed Storage Case have become best friends in the workshop. I especially like that this set includes both 3-flute and 2-flute bits, because it feels like having a tiny drill squad ready for anything. The larger bits with the three-flat shank mounted securely in my hand drill, and I got clean holes without the usual wobble circus. Even the gold TiN coating looks fancy enough to make me feel more professional than I actually am. —Lucas Bennett
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Why Split Point Drill Bit Is Necessary
I have found that a split point drill bit is necessary because it starts drilling much more accurately than a standard bit. The split tip helps the bit stay in place right away, so it does not wander or “walk” across the surface when I begin. That makes a big difference, especially when I need a clean, precise hole.
My experience is that it also reduces the need for a center punch in many jobs. Since the bit bites into the material faster, I can work more efficiently and save time. It is especially useful when I am drilling into metal, where control and accuracy matter a lot.
I also like that a split point drill bit can make the drilling process feel easier. Because it cuts more aggressively at the start, I usually need less pressure to get it moving. For me, that means better results, less frustration, and a lower chance of damaging the material.
My Buying Guides on Split Point Drill Bit
What I Look for in a Split Point Drill Bit
When I shop for a split point drill bit, the first thing I check is how well it starts a hole without wandering. I like bits that center quickly on metal, wood, or plastic because that saves me time and frustration. I also pay attention to the point angle, coating, and overall build quality since those details affect performance and durability.
Why I Prefer Split Point Tips
In my experience, split point tips are much easier to control than standard drill bits. They reduce walking on slick surfaces, which helps me make cleaner, more accurate holes. I find this especially useful when I’m drilling into hard materials where precision matters.
Material and Durability
I always check what the bit is made of before buying. High-speed steel works well for general use, while cobalt bits are my choice for harder metals. If I want extra wear resistance, I look for titanium or black oxide coatings. The material makes a big difference in how long the bit lasts and how smoothly it cuts.
Size Range and Set Options
I usually decide whether I need a single bit or a full set. If I do a lot of different projects, I prefer a set with multiple sizes so I’m ready for anything. For one specific job, I just buy the exact size I need. Having the right size on hand helps me avoid forcing a bit that’s too small or too large.
Shank Type and Compatibility
I always make sure the shank matches my drill. Some bits have a round shank, while others have a hex shank for better grip in quick-change chucks. If I want less slipping, I lean toward a shank style that fits my drill securely and gives me better control.
Best Uses for Split Point Drill Bits
From my experience, these bits work best when I need accurate starts and reduced bit walking. I use them often for metalworking, automotive repairs, and general home projects. They also help me when I’m drilling on curved or polished surfaces where ordinary bits can slide around.
Things I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I compare cutting performance, coating, heat resistance, and customer reviews. I also look at whether the bits come in a sturdy case, since that keeps my tools organized. A good warranty or brand reputation gives me extra confidence in the purchase.
My Final Advice
If I want cleaner starts, better control, and less wandering, I choose a split point drill bit. I think the best option is the one that matches my material, drill type, and project needs. When I buy carefully, I get better results and save myself a lot of hassle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a split point drill bit is a smart choice when I want cleaner starts and less bit wandering. My main takeaway is that its self-centering tip makes drilling more accurate, especially on metal and other hard materials. If I want better control, smoother holes, and less frustration, this is the kind of bit I reach for.
Author Profile
- I’m Victoria Ramirez, a Philadelphia-based writer who cares about products that actually make daily life easier. Years of community and office support work taught me how much clear instructions, sturdy tools, and dependable details matter when people are already busy or tired. At Truth for David, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a few purchases I wish I had skipped. I notice the awkward setup, the flimsy part, the hidden hassle, and the quiet little feature that makes something worth keeping. My goal is simple: help readers buy with less guessing and regret.
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