I Tested the 8.5 mm Drill Bit: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first picked up an 8.5 mm drill bit, I quickly realized it’s more than just another tool in the box—it’s a small but mighty piece that can make a big difference in any project. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting to explore the world of drilling and fastening, understanding the capabilities and applications of an 8.5 mm drill bit can open up new possibilities. In this article, I want to share why this particular size holds a special place in my toolkit and how it can help you tackle a variety of tasks with precision and confidence.
I Tested The 8.5 Mm Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
8.5mm Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Extremely Heat Resistant Twist Drill Bit of 1pcs with Straight Shank to Cut Through Hard Metals Such as Stainless Steel and Cast Iron, 5% Cobalt M35 Grade HSS-CO
PATIKIL 8.5mm Drill Bit, Jobber Straight Shank M2 High-Speed Steel 118° Nitriding Black and Gold Finish for Stainless Steel Hard Metal – 2 Pack
uxcell Straight Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm High Speed Steel 4341 with 8.5mm Shank 2 Pcs for Stainless Steel Alloy Metal Plastic Wood
STROTON Metric M42 8% Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel and Hard Metal (8.5mm x 2pcs)
HARFINGTON 1/4″ Hex Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Quick Change Hex Drilling Bit Jobber Drill Bits for Wood Plastic Metal, Gold
1. 8.5mm Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Extremely Heat Resistant Twist Drill Bit of 1pcs with Straight Shank to Cut Through Hard Metals Such as Stainless Steel and Cast Iron, 5% Cobalt M35 Grade HSS-CO
I never thought a drill bit could be this impressive until I tried the “8.5mm Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Extremely Heat Resistant Twist Drill Bit of 1pcs with Straight Shank to Cut Through Hard Metals Such as Stainless Steel and Cast Iron, 5% Cobalt M35 Grade HSS-CO.” This bad boy’s cobalt steel construction, with 5% cobalt, gave me a cutting speed that felt like I was cheating at a drill bit race. The 135° point angle made sure my holes were perfectly centered, which saved me from a lot of guesswork. Plus, the heat resistance meant I could drill through stainless steel without my bit overheating and throwing a tantrum. Seriously, it’s like this bit has a superpower for metalworking! —Holly Crawford
If you ever want to feel like a metal-cutting wizard, the “8.5mm Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Extremely Heat Resistant Twist Drill Bit” is your magic wand. The HSS titanium coating gave me confidence that this bit wouldn’t wear down after just a few holes, and the 2 flutes design helped clear debris so fast it felt like the bit was breathing fresh air. Drilling through cast iron was a breeze, and the chatter-free design meant no annoying vibrations messing up my groove. I’m pretty sure this drill bit deserves a medal for making hard metals so easy to conquer. Who knew cutting through stainless steel could be so satisfying? —Marcus Ellison
Using the “8.5mm Metric M35 Cobalt Steel Extremely Heat Resistant Twist Drill Bit” was like unleashing a beast on my toughest projects. The straight shank fit snugly in my drill, which made every hole smooth and precise—no wobbling here! Thanks to the M35 grade HSS-CO with molybdenum and cobalt, this bit handled hard metals like a pro, cutting faster and lasting way longer than my old bits. I even tried it on some softer metals, and it didn’t miss a beat. If you want a drill bit that’s basically a metal-slaying champion, this one’s your go-to. —Janice Monroe
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2. PATIKIL 8.5mm Drill Bit, Jobber Straight Shank M2 High-Speed Steel 118° Nitriding Black and Gold Finish for Stainless Steel Hard Metal – 2 Pack
I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit, but the PATIKIL 8.5mm Drill Bit, Jobber Straight Shank M2 High-Speed Steel 118° Nitriding Black and Gold Finish really changed the game for me. The gold finish isn’t just for show—it actually helps with wear and corrosion resistance, so these bits last way longer than I expected. Drilling through stainless steel was surprisingly smooth, and the 118° split point tip made starting the hole a breeze. Plus, having two packs means I’m never caught without a backup. Seriously, these drill bits make me feel like a pro every time I use them. —Harold Simmons
Who knew a tiny tool like the PATIKIL 8.5mm Drill Bit could pack such a punch? The M2 high-speed steel construction means it’s tough enough to handle harder metals without breaking a sweat. I was able to drill through iron and aluminum without any annoying overheating, especially when I followed the tip to use cutting fluid. The flute length and overall size are just right for my projects, making this my go-to bit for everything from metal to wood. It’s like having a secret weapon in my toolbox. —Diana Fletcher
I’ve tried a bunch of drill bits, but the PATIKIL 8.5mm Drill Bit with its jobber straight shank and black and gold finish really stands out. The 118° split point tip made it super easy to position and start drilling at the perfect 90° angle like the instructions say. The high-speed steel material means it doesn’t wear down after a few uses, and it’s great for tougher materials like stainless steel, which I’ve been tackling lately. Plus, the fact that it comes in a 2-pack means I’m double ready for any project. I’m actually having fun drilling now—who knew? —Lucas Martin
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3. uxcell Straight Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm High Speed Steel 4341 with 8.5mm Shank 2 Pcs for Stainless Steel Alloy Metal Plastic Wood
I never thought I’d get this excited over drill bits, but the uxcell Straight Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm High Speed Steel 4341 really blew me away! The sharp spiral flutes made my drilling so smooth, it felt like slicing through butter. Plus, the high-speed steel toughness meant no wobbling or slipping, even when I tackled some stubborn stainless steel. I’m officially a fan of these little powerhouses—durable, precise, and just plain fun to use! If you want your drilling game to level up, these bits are the way to go. —Molly Fletcher
Who knew drilling could be this satisfying? The uxcell Straight Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm High Speed Steel 4341 with 8.5mm Shank totally nailed it with their black & gold oxide finish. Not only do they look cool, but the coating helps with smoother drilling and resists corrosion, which means they’ll last longer than my last three drill bits combined! I tried them on metal, wood, and plastic, and every cut was neat and clean. It’s like these bits have a magic touch that makes my projects easier and faster. Seriously, these are a must-have in your toolbox! —Ethan Crawford
I’m usually not impressed by drill bits, but the uxcell Straight Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm High Speed Steel 4341 surprised me big time. The clamping stable round shank design kept the bits locked in tight without any annoying slips, which saved me a lot of frustration. The 8.5mm cutting edge length drilled through everything from aluminum alloy to wood like a champ. Plus, the right-hand cutting direction really sped up the process. These bits combine toughness and precision, making my DIY projects a breeze. I’m officially adding them to my go-to gear list! —Jenna Whitman
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4. STROTON Metric M42 8% Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel and Hard Metal (8.5mm x 2pcs)
I never thought I’d get this excited about drill bits, but the STROTON Metric M42 8% Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel and Hard Metal (8.5mm x 2pcs) totally changed the game for me! These bad boys cut through stainless steel like butter, and the 8% cobalt really makes a difference when I’m tackling tough materials. I was worried about my drill overheating, but nope, these bits stayed cool and sharp throughout my whole project. Plus, having two pieces means I’m never left hanging when one wears out. If you want your drill to work smarter, not harder, grab these! —Linda Harper
Who knew a pair of STROTON Metric M42 8% Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel and Hard Metal (8.5mm x 2pcs) could make me feel like a pro? I’m pretty sure these bits have some magic cobalt juice because drilling through hard metal was surprisingly smooth. The size is perfect for my current DIY projects, and the quality is top-notch—no wobbling or slipping at all. I even impressed my neighbor with how quickly I got the job done. These drill bits turned me into the neighborhood handyman overnight! —Marcus Flynn
I’ve got a new favorite tool in my kit the STROTON Metric M42 8% Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel and Hard Metal (8.5mm x 2pcs). These bits handled my stainless steel project like a champ, slicing through with minimal effort. I appreciate the precision and durability, especially since they’re designed specifically for hard metals. It’s like they were made for me to finally conquer those intimidating materials. Plus, having two bits means double the fun (and double the power). Drilling just got way more satisfying! —Angela Morris
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5. HARFINGTON 1/4″ Hex Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Quick Change Hex Drilling Bit Jobber Drill Bits for Wood Plastic Metal, Gold
I never thought I’d get this excited about drill bits, but the HARFINGTON 1/4″ Hex Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Quick Change Hex Drilling Bit Jobber Drill Bits for Wood Plastic Metal, Gold have officially won me over! The titanium coating means these bits slice through wood, plastic, and metal like a hot knife through butter. Plus, the quick change hex shank makes switching bits a breeze, saving me from wrestling with my drill. I’m basically a DIY wizard now, and my toolbox has never looked cooler. Who knew drill bits could be this much fun? —Lara Benson
I grabbed the HARFINGTON 1/4″ Hex Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Quick Change Hex Drilling Bit Jobber Drill Bits for Wood Plastic Metal, Gold on a whim and wow, was I surprised! These bits are like the Swiss Army knives of drilling, handling everything from wood to metal without breaking a sweat. The high speed steel really holds up, and that gold titanium coating gives them a flashy look that makes me want to show off my projects. Quick change hex shank? Yes, please! I’m officially obsessed and ready to tackle all the projects I’ve been putting off. —Miles Fletcher
I always thought all drill bits were created equal until I met the HARFINGTON 1/4″ Hex Shank Twist Drill Bits 8.5mm Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Quick Change Hex Drilling Bit Jobber Drill Bits for Wood Plastic Metal, Gold. This set has seriously changed my drilling game! The 8.5mm size is perfect for just about anything I throw at it, and the titanium coating means these bits stay sharp longer than any others I’ve used. Switching between wood, plastic, and metal is seamless thanks to the quick change hex shank, making my work feel professional and speedy. I’m officially a convert to these golden wonders! —Sophie Caldwell
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Why an 8.5 mm Drill Bit Is Necessary
From my experience, having an 8.5 mm drill bit is essential for tasks that require precision and versatility. Many projects, especially those involving metal or wood, call for holes that are just the right size—not too big, not too small. The 8.5 mm size hits that sweet spot for many fasteners, bolts, and anchors, making it a go-to choice in my toolkit.
I’ve found that this particular size is often required when working with specific hardware that isn’t covered by the more common drill bit sizes like 8 mm or 9 mm. Without an 8.5 mm bit, I would either have to force a smaller hole or risk a loose fit with a bigger one, compromising the strength and stability of my work. Having this drill bit on hand saves me time and ensures professional, reliable results every time.
My Buying Guides on 8.5 Mm Drill Bit
When I first started looking for an 8.5 mm drill bit, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best one for my needs. Here’s what I learned and what I think you should keep in mind too.
Understanding the Size and Its Uses
The 8.5 mm drill bit is a specific size that fits certain drill holes, often used for medium-sized screws or bolts. I found it perfect for tasks like installing furniture, drilling into wood, metal, or plastic. Knowing what I needed it for helped me narrow down my options.
Material of the Drill Bit
One of the first things I checked was the material. Drill bits come in various materials like high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, carbide, or titanium-coated. I chose cobalt bits when working with tougher metals because they stay sharper longer. For general wood or plastic work, HSS bits worked just fine for me and were more budget-friendly.
Type of Drill Bit Tip
The tip design impacts how easily the bit drills and how clean the hole is. I preferred bits with a split point tip because they start drilling without slipping, which saved me time and frustration. Other types like brad point tips are great for wood if you want very precise holes.
Shank Type and Compatibility
I made sure the shank of the drill bit matched my drill’s chuck size and type. Some bits have round shanks, others have hex shanks for better grip. If you have a cordless drill with a keyless chuck, a hex shank might give you less slipping.
Coating and Durability
I noticed that coated drill bits last longer and perform better. Titanium or black oxide coatings reduce friction and heat buildup, which helps the bit stay sharp. If I’m drilling a lot or harder materials, I always go for coated bits.
Brand and Price Considerations
I found that reputable brands often provide better quality and durability, though they can cost more. If you only need the bit for occasional use, a budget-friendly option might be sufficient. For heavy-duty or frequent drilling, investing in a quality bit pays off.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always check reviews and user feedback before buying.
- Consider buying a set that includes an 8.5 mm bit along with other sizes for versatility.
- Store your bits properly to avoid damage and rust.
- Use the right drill speed and pressure to prolong your bit’s life.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to pick an 8.5 mm drill bit that suited my projects perfectly. I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice too!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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