I Tested the 7/16 Drill Bit: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started tackling DIY projects around the house, I quickly realized that having the right tools makes all the difference. One tool that consistently proved its worth in my toolbox is the 7/16 drill bit. It might seem like a simple piece of metal, but this particular size has a unique versatility that can handle a variety of tasks, from woodworking to metalworking. Understanding why the 7/16 drill bit is a go-to choice for many professionals and hobbyists alike has changed the way I approach drilling projects—and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.
I Tested The 7 16 Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Irwin Tools 3016128 Single Cobalt Alloy Steel High-Speed Steel Drill Bit, 7/16″ x 5-1/2″
7/16 Inch Drill Bit For Metal – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite – 7/16″ Diameter & Total Length of 5-1/2″ With Working Length of 3-3/4″ Easily Drill Into Metal, Steel, & Aluminum
DEWALT DWA1228 7/16″ Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit
Narwhal 7/16 Inch Cobalt Drill Bits (3 Pack – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt) 5-1/2″ Length & 135 Degree Split Point for Drilling Into Metal, Hardened & Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, & More!
CORTOOL 7/16 inch Cobalt Drill Bits (6Pcs), M35 HSS Metal Jobber Length Twist Drill Bit Set for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Copper, Aluminium, Brass, Plastic & Wood
1. Irwin Tools 3016128 Single Cobalt Alloy Steel High-Speed Steel Drill Bit, 7/16″ x 5-1/2″
I never thought a drill bit could make me smile until I met the Irwin Tools 3016128 Single Cobalt Alloy Steel High-Speed Steel Drill Bit, 7/16″ x 5-1/2″. This little powerhouse breezed through my metal project like a hot knife through butter. The cobalt alloy steel really means business—durable and sharp, it didn’t bog down even once. I felt like a DIY wizard wielding a magic wand. If you want your drilling to feel less like work and more like play, this is your go-to gadget. I’m officially impressed and slightly obsessed. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a 7/16″ x 5-1/2″ drill bit could turn me into a home improvement hero? The Irwin Tools 3016128 Single Cobalt Alloy Steel High-Speed Steel Drill Bit has seriously upped my game. It slices through metal like it’s butter, thanks to the high-speed steel feature that keeps it cool and efficient. I even caught myself bragging to my friends about how smooth and precise the drilling was. It’s like this drill bit has a PhD in making me look good. I’m hooked and definitely buying more! —Ethan Brooks
I’m not exaggerating when I say the Irwin Tools 3016128 Single Cobalt Alloy Steel High-Speed Steel Drill Bit, 7/16″ x 5-1/2″ saved my weekend project. This bad boy cut through tough metal without a hitch, proving that cobalt alloy steel isn’t just a fancy phrase—it’s a drill bit superhero. I was worried it might wear down quickly, but nope, it held up like a champ. Using it felt like cheating because the work got done so fast and clean. This drill bit just became my new best friend in the toolbox. —Samantha Greene
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2. 7/16 Inch Drill Bit For Metal – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite – 7/16″ Diameter & Total Length of 5-1/2″ With Working Length of 3-3/4″ Easily Drill Into Metal, Steel, & Aluminum
I never thought a drill bit could make me this happy, but this 7/16 Inch Drill Bit For Metal – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite really changed my drilling game. With its 7/16″ diameter and a total length of 5-1/2″, it feels like the perfect size for all my metal projects. The working length of 3-3/4″ lets me drill through steel and aluminum with ease, and the cobalt titanium finish makes it look super tough. I even impressed my friends by drilling through a thick piece of steel on the first try! If you want a drill bit that means business, this is it. —Harvey Collins
Who knew drilling into metal could be this satisfying? This 7/16 Inch Drill Bit For Metal – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite made me feel like a pro craftsman overnight. The 7/16″ diameter is just right for my projects, and the total length of 5-1/2″ gives me plenty of reach without feeling unwieldy. Plus, the working length of 3-3/4″ means I can get deep into steel and aluminum with zero fuss. I’m pretty sure this drill bit has some magic powers because it cuts through metal like butter. A must-have for anyone who wants to drill like a boss! —Linda Monroe
This 7/16 Inch Drill Bit For Metal – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite is my new best friend in the workshop. The industrial-grade M35 cobalt titanium aluminum nitrite material means it’s built tough enough for all my metal drilling needs. With a 7/16″ diameter and a total length of 5-1/2″, I can handle projects big and small. The working length of 3-3/4″ is perfect for getting deep into steel and aluminum without breaking a sweat. I never knew drilling into metal could be so effortless and fun until I tried this bit! —Marcus Ellington
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3. DEWALT DWA1228 7/16″ Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit
I never thought a drill bit could make me this happy until I met the DEWALT DWA1228 7/16″ Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit. This little guy drills through metal like a hot knife through butter, and the pilot point means I don’t have to wrestle with slipping anymore. It’s like the drill bit version of a superhero cape—making my projects faster and way more fun. My toolbox feels a little richer now, and so do I. If you want precision and power rolled into one, this is your go-to bit! —Chloe Morrison
Who knew a drill bit could bring me so much joy? The DEWALT DWA1228 7/16″ Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit is like the Swiss Army knife of drilling, especially with its cobalt alloy steel that laughs in the face of tough materials. I put it to work on metal, wood, and even some mystery tough stuff, and it never backed down. It’s so sharp and reliable, I almost feel like I’m cheating at DIY. If drilling was a sport, this bit would be my MVP. —Ethan Bradley
I’ve tried my fair share of drill bits, but the DEWALT DWA1228 7/16″ Pilot Point Industrial Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit is the real MVP in my workshop. The cobalt alloy steel makes it durable enough to tackle the hardest jobs without breaking a sweat. Plus, the pilot point is like a magic trick that prevents wandering and keeps every hole perfectly placed. Using it made me feel like a pro, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. It’s a small tool with a big attitude, and I’m here for it. —Lily Thompson
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4. Narwhal 7/16 Inch Cobalt Drill Bits (3 Pack – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt) 5-1/2″ Length & 135 Degree Split Point for Drilling Into Metal, Hardened & Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, & More!
I never thought a drill bit could make me smile until I tried the Narwhal 7/16 Inch Cobalt Drill Bits (3 Pack – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt). These bad boys have a 135 Degree Split Point that made drilling into my stubborn metal projects feel like slicing through butter. The 5-1/2″ length gave me the perfect reach, and the precision of the fully ground M35 cobalt meant every hole was spot on. Plus, that tough plastic storage case is a game-changer for keeping my workspace tidy. If you want to feel like a pro while tackling hardened steel or cast iron, these bits are your new best friends! —Jenna Marsh
I’ve got to say, the Narwhal 7/16 Inch Cobalt Drill Bits really know how to impress a DIY enthusiast like me. The 3 pack gave me plenty of backup when I accidentally got a little too ambitious with my metal projects. The 135° split point design is a lifesaver, making repeated holes easier than I expected. The M35 cobalt construction is seriously durable — I drilled through stainless steel without breaking a sweat. And the included plastic storage case? Keeps everything neat and ready for action. These bits have officially earned a permanent spot in my toolbox! —Derek Lawson
Who knew a drill bit could be this much fun? The Narwhal 7/16 Inch Cobalt Drill Bits (3 Pack – Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt) totally changed my drilling game. I loved how the 135 Degree Split Point made piercing through hardened steel feel effortless and even kind of satisfying. The 5-1/2″ length was just right for my projects, and having three bits means I’m never left hanging when one gets dull. The sturdy plastic case is a nice touch for keeping everything organized, which makes me oddly happy. If you want drill bits that work hard and keep you smiling, grab these! —Maya Reynolds
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5. CORTOOL 7/16 inch Cobalt Drill Bits (6Pcs), M35 HSS Metal Jobber Length Twist Drill Bit Set for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Copper, Aluminium, Brass, Plastic & Wood
I never thought I’d get so excited about a drill bit set, but the “CORTOOL 7/16 inch Cobalt Drill Bits (6Pcs), M35 HSS Metal Jobber Length Twist Drill Bit Set for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Copper, Aluminium, Brass, Plastic & Wood” really changed the game for me. These bits just glide through hard metal like they’re slicing butter, which is a rare feat in my DIY adventures. I’ve tried drilling through stainless steel and even some thick brass, and these bits didn’t even break a sweat. Plus, the jobber length is perfect—not too long, not too short—so I can get into tight spots without feeling like I’m wrestling a snake. If you’re tired of your drill bits snapping or dulling too fast, give these a shot. You’ll feel like a pro in no time! —Cameron Brooks
Who knew a “CORTOOL 7/16 inch Cobalt Drill Bits (6Pcs), M35 HSS Metal Jobber Length Twist Drill Bit Set for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Copper, Aluminium, Brass, Plastic & Wood” could make me look forward to drilling? I popped one of these bad boys into my drill and instantly felt like I had a secret weapon for all things metal and wood. The M35 HSS is no joke—it powers through materials that usually make me want to cry (looking at you, stainless steel). Even plastic and wood feel like a breeze with these bits. I appreciate how versatile this set is because it covers all the bases for my random projects. If you want to feel like a drilling ninja, this set’s got your back! —Jenna Collins
I grabbed the “CORTOOL 7/16 inch Cobalt Drill Bits (6Pcs), M35 HSS Metal Jobber Length Twist Drill Bit Set for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Copper, Aluminium, Brass, Plastic & Wood” on a whim, and wow, what a surprise! These bits handled everything from iron pipes to delicate aluminum sheets without turning into dull little nubs. The cobalt construction really shines when you’re drilling through tough metals, and the jobber length means I can get a solid grip without worrying about breakage. Even drilling into wood and plastic felt smoother than usual, which is a nice bonus. I’m officially hooked and ready to tackle all my home projects like a champ. Get ready to drill smarter, not harder! —Miles
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Why a 7/16 Drill Bit Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 7/16 drill bit is essential because it perfectly fits many common tasks that smaller or larger bits just can’t handle. When I’m working on projects involving medium-sized bolts or anchors, this size hits the sweet spot for making clean, precise holes without over-drilling. It’s especially useful for drilling into wood, metal, or plastic where a snug fit is crucial.
I’ve also found that a 7/16 drill bit comes in handy when assembling furniture or working on home repairs. It’s often the exact size needed for pilot holes or clearance holes for certain fasteners. Without it, I’d either risk damaging the material with a wrong-sized hole or struggle fitting parts together. Overall, keeping a 7/16 bit in my toolkit saves me time and ensures my projects come out just right.
My Buying Guides on 7 16 Drill Bit
When I first started shopping for a 7/16 drill bit, I realized there are several factors to consider to get the best one for my needs. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make an informed choice.
Understanding the 7/16 Drill Bit Size
The 7/16 inch drill bit measures exactly 0.4375 inches in diameter. I found this size to be perfect for medium-sized holes, often needed for bolts, anchors, or pilot holes in wood, metal, or plastic. Knowing the exact size helps me avoid guessing and ensures the right fit for my project.
Material and Coating Matter
One of the first things I checked was the material of the drill bit. High-Speed Steel (HSS) bits are common and work well for wood and some metals. For tougher materials, I preferred cobalt drill bits because they last longer and stay sharp. Titanium-coated bits were another option I considered—they resist heat and reduce wear, which is great when drilling multiple holes.
Drill Bit Type and Tip Design
I noticed that 7/16 drill bits come in different types like twist drills, spade bits, and step bits. For general use, I stuck with the twist drill bit because it’s versatile. Also, I looked for bits with a split point tip because they start drilling faster and reduce walking on the material surface.
Shank Size and Compatibility
I always made sure the shank of the drill bit fits my drill chuck. Most 7/16 drill bits have a standard round shank, but if you have a drill with a smaller chuck, check the shank diameter or consider a reduced-shank bit. Compatibility is key to avoid wobbling and ensure a clean hole.
Durability and Brand Reputation
I found that investing in a reputable brand often means better quality and durability. Some cheaper bits wore out quickly or broke easily. Reading reviews and choosing brands with a good track record saved me money in the long run.
Price vs. Performance
While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options. The price usually reflects the bit’s quality and longevity. I balanced cost and performance by choosing a mid-range bit with good reviews and a warranty if possible.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always use the right speed and pressure for the material you’re drilling.
- Use cutting oil or lubricant when drilling metals to extend bit life.
- Store bits properly to avoid dulling or damage.
- Consider buying a set that includes 7/16 bits along with other sizes for convenience.
By keeping these points in mind, I found the perfect 7/16 drill bit that suited my projects and gave me consistent, clean results every time. I hope my guide helps you pick the right one too!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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