Step drill bits (also known as a unibit) are outstanding at fast drilling.
The best step drill bits are durable, enable high-speed drilling, and works on round surfaces.
On the other hand, a lousy step drill bit is a complete waste of money – falling apart after just a few usages.
So to help you separate the good from the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 5 Step Drill Bits of 2024. Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best unibits available.
Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
Contents
Top 5 Best Step Drill Bits (Unibits)
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | DEWALT Step Drill Bit Set, 7/8-Inch to 1-1/8-Inch (DWA1789IR) |
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Premium Choice  | Klein Tools KTSB15 Step Drill Bit #15 Double Fluted 7/8 to 1-3/8-Inch with... |
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Excellent Value  | Greenlee 30008 Multi-Hole Step Bit, 1-1/8" |
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 | Milwaukee Electric Tool 48-89-9209 Electric Step Drill Bit, No 9, Silver... |
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 | Lenox VARI BIT VB9 1PK HOLE SIZE 7/8"-1 7/32" |
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DeWalt Step Drill Bit (Unibit)
- Titanium Nitride Coated two flute spiral design provides longer life and better chip removal
- Split point tip increases speed
- Laser engraved numbers increases step visibility
This drill bit is made from dual flute spiral design that is made from Titanium which makes it a long-life product and also ensures enhanced chip removal performance. The drill bit has a split point tip that contributes heavily towards speedy drilling.
The drill bit has numbers that are engraved with a laser which improves their visibility on every step. The bit is optimized for the use of impact drivers as well. The bits work extremely well with the rotary drills. You can conveniently drill holes through solid steel beams with this little dynamo as well.
This bit excels in drilling crisp, clean pilot holes. For optimal longevity, start with a smaller drill bit to initiate your hole, then switch to this DeWalt bit to complete the job. Its lightweight design, at just 2.2 pounds, and its compact dimensions (6″ x 2.9″ x 1.1″) with a cutting diameter of 1.125 inches, ensure ease of handling and precise results.
Pros
- The bit has a dual flute spiral design that drills holes quickly.
- It is made of Titanium which makes it incredibly sturdy item.
- The drill bit is ideal for pilot holes.
- Optimized for impact driver usage.
- It does a great job with solid steel beams as well.
- Excellent price – great value for money
Cons
- It is not an ideal product for hard surface drilling like stainless steel.
Verdict
Dewalt Impact Ready Step Drill Bit is a very durable product provided that you don’t use it on hard metal surfaces too frequently. It can drill quick holes so you can move onto your next task. An excellent choice for those looking for a durable unibit at a great price.
Greenlee Step Drill Bit (Unibit)
- Penetrates through steel Fast- with split tip design
- Resists walking or skidding
- Requires less pressure with balanced double flute construction
Greenlee’s multi-hole step bit, while on the pricier side, delivers exceptional value with its versatility and steel-cutting prowess. Its finely engineered tip ensures rapid, efficient drilling, while the innovative split-tip design maintains stability, preventing any skid even on the slickest surfaces.
Impressively versatile, this bit seamlessly slices through a variety of materials, from mild steel to laminates and wood, creating holes ranging from ½-inch to 1-1/8 inch. While it’s a premium product, its comprehensive capabilities and the weight of just 4 ounces justify the investment, offering unparalleled performance and convenience.
Pros
- Offers a unique split-tip design to provide faster penetration that resists walking or skidding.
- Made in the USA
- The Greenlee step bits are made from hi-grade tool steel with a steam oxide coating allowing for longer tool life.
- Even with the slow speed, it drills holes through stainless steel
- Greenlee step drill bits are engineered to drill through 10 gauge mild steel, copper, brass, and aluminum, as well as wood, plastic, and laminates.
- The dual cutting edge improves the tool balance and cutting speed, providing a consistent tool performance.
- Runs cool for a long time
Cons
- Slightly pricier than alternatives
Verdict
Despite being an expensive product, this step bit is excellent for working. It enables you to drill holes in stainless steel as well but make sure that you oil the surface regularly to keep it cool.
Klein Tools Step Drill Bit (Unibit)
- DURABLE COATING: Step bits are coated with aluminum titanium nitride, providing a durability that is 10 times greater than black oxide, ensuring an extended bit lifespan
- CLEAN CUTS: Two straight flutes on this Step Drill Bit provide chip removal and cleaner cuts
- SECURE GRIP WITH DURABLE HEX SHANK: The thick 3/8-Inch hex shank prevents rounding out in the drill chuck, providing a more positive grip and secure operation
The Bit #15 from Klein Tools is also equipped with dual flutes that enable it to cut through surfaces faster. Cutting through faster allows the bit to remain cool during the drilling process. The huge bonus of this drill bit is that it does walk on smooth or round surfaces.
The drill bit comes with silver targets for various holes. It enables you to see the size of the hole that you want to achieve. The hex shank is thick measuring 3/8-inch, and it doesn’t round out in the chuck of the drill which provides outstanding gripping as well. The best thing about this drill bit is that you can get three different sizes of the holes.
An interesting feature about this drill bit is that it comes with a glow-in-the-dark handle and stays lit for half an hour and if you are working the dark then you won’t lose sight of it. This glow charges itself from direct sunlight or any artificial light as well. The item weighs 5.8 ounces, and its dimensions are 5.2-inch x 3.4-inch x 0.7-inch.
Pros
- Thick 3/8-Inch hex shank won’t round out in the drill chuck for a more positive grip.
- Two flutes cut faster and keep bit cooler.
- Fast-starting, non-walking drill tip.
- The drill bit comes with silver linings that provide you with clear visibility of the size of the hole.
- The drill does not walk on the surfaces while drilling.
- It is equipped with a glow-in-the-dark light that charges itself in sunlight or any artificial light.
- You don’t have to change your drill bits when you want to make different holes with this gizmo.
- 3 hole sizes.
Cons
- Slightly pricer than alternatives.
Verdict
It is an ideal product for quick drilling and for the tasks that don’t require a high intensity. The product is perfect for drilling pilot holes and comes at an excellent price. This is the best inexpensive unibit available – a great option for those on the budget.
Milwaukee Step Drill Bit (Unibit)
- 7/8” and 1-1/8” step bit
- For use in cordless drills in high speed
- Highly visible reference marks make it easy to stop on any hole size
Milwaukee’s step drill bit as a very smooth surface which enables it to deliver a jam-free performance during the drilling job. The step bit comes with double flute design as well which allows it to drill quickly and comfortably. The dual-flute design also ensures excellent control during drilling.
This step bit makes drilling two times faster, and it is optimized for drilling without cords with top speed. The item is 4.8 ounces in weight and has dimensions of 3.9-inch x 0.1-inch x 4.9-inch. It can drill holes of size varying from 7/8-inch to 1-1/8-inch.
The bit is constructed from silver metallic and is finished with black oxide. It is designed for high-speed drilling. It cuts through like butter and leaves a very clean. The smooth design enables it to cut fast and does not allow the shreds to fly off as well.
Pros
- It has a smooth surface which allows it to cut through metals very quickly.
- The double flute edge makes sure that the drilling is precise.
- Because the drilling process if quick, you are in control all the time.
- It does not produce much heat while cutting.
Cons
- It is not designed for drilling holes in hard surfaces.
- Don’t apply excessive pressure while drilling or its shank will break.
Verdict
The step drill bit from Milwaukee is very swift to cut through, and it does not make much of a mess. It is a fast cutting tool that drills holes through some surfaces very quickly.
Lenox Step Drill Bit (Unibit)
- VARI BIT VB9 1PK HOLE SIZE 7/8"-1 7/32"
- VARI BIT VB9 1PK HOLE SIZE 7/8"-1 7/32"
- VARI BIT VB9 1PK HOLE SIZE 7/8"-1 7/32"
This step bit enables you to drill accurate holes that are also burr-free. It instantly starts drilling into the surface as soon as it gets into contact with it. It comes with the shank that is 3/8-inch in size which makes it extremely durable even if you apply pressure while drilling.
The durability of this bit is even increased with the steam oxide coating plus it also comes with dual flute tip to make clean round holes. The bit also removes the metal chips quickly to extend the durability. The double flute design ensures that the tip penetrates faster.
Vari-Bit can drill holes of 7/8-inch, 1-1/8-inch and 1-7/32-inch as well. The weight of the item is nearly 5 ounces, and the product dimensions are 4-inch x 0.8-inch x 5-inch. The most important aspect of this product is that you don’t need a speared drill for the pilot hole.
Pros
- The drill bit comes has a double-flute tip for easy drilling.
- The bit comes with a shank which makes it a very durable product.
- The step bit is coated with steam oxide for additional strength.
- The item is designed to make burr-free holes with full precisions.
Cons
- It might skid a bit on smooth surfaces; therefore, you have to be careful.
- If it is frequently used on hard surfaces without oiling, it will wear out.
Verdict
It is a highly durable product that comes with its shank attached. The product is ideal for hard drilling as it can drill accurate holes very swiftly.
Buying Guide
How to use a step drill bit?
As each size of bit drill makes a hole less than ¼-inch in-depth, it is used to drill holes in the thin metal sheet. If your drip bit does not have the measurement number on it, you can use masking tape on the bit to make the correct sized hole. It will allow you to know how deep to plunge the drill bit for the hole that is required.
How do step drill bits work?
The step bits are used for working on metals. The bits cut through the metal with the help of the ridges and grooves that it has on it. Therefore, you only need one tool for numerous jobs. Because they are mainly associated with metal-working, it is recommended that you should not use them on wood because they are capable of splitting the wood into two halves.
How to maximize step drill bit uses?
Maximizing your step drill bit’s utility involves careful handling; avoid exerting excessive pressure to prevent shank breakage. Additionally, regular lubrication of the bit, especially when working with tough metals like stainless steel, is crucial to maintain its condition and ensure smooth operation.
What is the purpose of the stair-step profile of these Unibits?
The conically shaped bit has a stair-stepped profile because it allows you to drill holes of different sizes. Some of the bits come to a point and self-start. Most of the bits that are large have very sharp tips that are used for enlarging the holes.
Do step drill bits come in different shapes and sizes?
Step drill bits come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You can find brad-shaped drill bits, dowel bits for wood, Auger bits, paddle bits, metal drill bits, masonry drill bits, SDS bits, countersink bits, tile and glass bits, the hole-cutter, and much more. The cone-shaped drill bits are used for cutting mild surfaces, and they have step-shapes which allow you to drill the hole as per your requirements.
Conclusion
After the above discussion and analysis, we highly recommend DeWalt Impact Ready Step Drill Bit. It is one of the best items that you will find on the market. It is a highly durable product and does not make any mess. You can drill a hole very quickly plus the product also comes with a DeWalt warranty to keep your tool protected in case of any product issue. It does cost you some money, but the features that come with it are exceptional as well.
