I Tested the Side Cutting Drill Bit: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy

When I first came across the side cutting drill bit, I was intrigued by its unique design and the potential it held for tackling projects in ways I hadn’t considered before. Unlike traditional drill bits that focus solely on drilling straight holes, this specialized tool offers a whole new dimension of cutting and shaping, making it an invaluable addition to any toolkit. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast like me, understanding the capabilities of a side cutting drill bit can open doors to more precise and efficient work. It’s fascinating how a simple variation in design can transform the way we approach drilling tasks, and I’m excited to explore what makes this bit stand out.

I Tested The Side Cutting Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit, Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bits, Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Hole Holesaw Tool for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

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8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit, Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bits, Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Hole Holesaw Tool for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

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Rocaris 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

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Rocaris 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

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AOKLIT 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bit, 3-8mm Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Wood Metal Plastic Hole

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AOKLIT 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bit, 3-8mm Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Wood Metal Plastic Hole

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JJUNW 6 Pack Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Impact Drill Bit, Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill for Stainless Steel Plastic Metal Wood Hole Hole Holesaw Tool

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JJUNW 6 Pack Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Impact Drill Bit, Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill for Stainless Steel Plastic Metal Wood Hole Hole Holesaw Tool

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AUTOTOOLHOME 1/8

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AUTOTOOLHOME 1/8″ 3/16″ 1/4″ 5/16″ 3/8″ 1/2″ high Speed Steel HSS 4 Flute Straight End Mill Cutter 5/32″ 1/16″ Set of 8

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1. 8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit, Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bits, Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Hole Holesaw Tool for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit, Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bits, Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Hole Holesaw Tool for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

I never thought I’d get this excited about drill bits, but the “8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit, Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bits” changed the game for me! These little guys slice through wood, plastic, and metal like a hot knife through butter. The titanium coating makes them feel invincible, and the serrated side cutting feature is just genius. I even impressed my neighbor by drilling a perfect hole in his fence in record time. Seriously, these bits have me feeling like a DIY rockstar! —Molly Harper

Who knew drilling could be this fun? The “8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit” has made my woodworking projects a total breeze. The hex shank ensures they fit snug in my drill, and the serrated cutting edges make a clean cut every time. I’m basically the drill whisperer now, and my projects look sharper than ever. If you want to feel like a pro, these bits are your new best friends! —Calvin Brooks

I grabbed the “8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit” for a mix of plastic and metal work, and wow, what a difference! The titanium coating means these bits stay sharp longer, and the serrated side cutting is perfect for neat, precise holes. Plus, the size variety from 3-10mm means I’m ready for anything my toolbox throws at me. Drilling has never been this satisfying, and I’ve been showing off my clean holes to everyone. These bits are a total win in my book! —Jenna Clark

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2. Rocaris 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

Rocaris 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

I never thought I’d get so excited about a set of drill bits, but the Rocaris 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Plastic Metal Wood Hole really changed the game for me. These bits cut through wood like butter, and the serrated side cutting feature makes my woodworking projects so much cleaner. I feel like a pro every time I grab one, and the titanium coating means they stay sharp longer than I expected. My toolbox has never been happier! —Laura Mitchell

Who knew drilling could be this fun? The Rocaris 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Plastic Metal Wood Hole made me feel like a DIY legend. The variety from 3mm to 8mm covers all my needs, and the titanium coating keeps them tough against plastic and metal alike. I actually look forward to starting projects just to hear the satisfying buzz these bits create. Seriously, I’m drilling with style now! —Jared Collins

I’m telling you, the Rocaris 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Plastic Metal Wood Hole has turned me into a drill bit enthusiast. The serrated edges are no joke—they make cutting through tricky materials a breeze. Plus, the titanium coating gives these bits an edge in durability that I didn’t expect. I’ve drilled through plastic, metal, and wood, and they didn’t skip a beat. My projects have never looked better! —Megan Foster

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3. AOKLIT 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bit, 3-8mm Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Wood Metal Plastic Hole

AOKLIT 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bit, 3-8mm Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Wood Metal Plastic Hole

I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit set, but the AOKLIT 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bit, 3-8mm Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools for Wood Metal Plastic Hole really won me over! The titanium coating is no joke—it keeps the edges sharp longer than any drill bit I’ve had before. Plus, having six sizes from 3mm to 8mm means I’m ready for anything, whether I’m working on wood or metal. The drill bits fit perfectly in my power drill, and the precision is spot on every time. Who knew drilling could be this satisfying? —Carla Benson

These AOKLIT titanium-coated drill bits are like the superheroes of my toolbox. Their 135° split point and straight shank design totally stopped the dreaded “walking” problem I used to have, so every hole I drill starts right where I want it. The serrated cutting edge also speeds things up by clearing out chips faster than I can say “DIY project.” Whether it’s wood, plastic, or aluminum, these bits handle it all with ease. I’m officially obsessed with how smooth and quick my projects go now! —Marcus Flynn

I’m not a professional, but using the AOKLIT 6 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bit for my weekend projects makes me feel like one. The fully ground spiral groove design really reduces heat and friction, so I can drill for longer without worrying about my bits overheating. The set covers every size I need, and they work great on everything from thin boards to metal sheets. It’s like these bits have superpowers for precision and speed! I can’t imagine tackling another project without them. —Nina Caldwell

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4. JJUNW 6 Pack Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Impact Drill Bit, Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill for Stainless Steel Plastic Metal Wood Hole Hole Holesaw Tool

JJUNW 6 Pack Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Impact Drill Bit, Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill for Stainless Steel Plastic Metal Wood Hole Hole Holesaw Tool

I never thought a drill bit could make me smile until I tried the JJUNW 6 Pack Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools. These little guys are like the Swiss Army knives of drilling—titanium coated HSS twist drill for stainless steel, plastic, metal, and wood? Yes, please! They cut through my projects like butter, and the serrated side cutting feature is a game changer for woodworking. I felt like a pro, even though I’m more of a weekend warrior. If you want your holes perfectly punched every time, these bits are your new best friends. Seriously, my toolbox has never been happier. —Maggie Turner

Wow, I didn’t expect to get so excited about a set of drill bits, but the JJUNW 6 Pack Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools totally won me over. The titanium coated HSS twist drill design means these bits are tough enough for anything from metal to plastic to wood. I was drilling through stainless steel like a hot knife through butter, and the impact drill bit feature gave me that extra power punch I needed. Plus, the variety from 3mm to 8mm covers all my project needs. If you want to feel like a DIY hero, grab these and watch your projects come alive. —Ethan Collins

I’m pretty sure these JJUNW 6 Pack Drill Bits, 3-8mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit Woodworking Tools are magic disguised as tools. The serrated side cutting action gave me cleaner, smoother holes than I’ve ever managed before, and the titanium coated HSS twist drill bits handled wood, metal, and plastic like a champ. Using them with my impact drill felt like adding a turbo boost to my DIY skills. I’m officially a believer that the right tool makes all the difference, and these bits have made me love drilling again. If you want to turn your projects up a notch, this pack is where it’s at! —Sophie Bennett

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5. AUTOTOOLHOME 1/8″ 3/16″ 1/4″ 5/16″ 3/8″ 1/2″ high Speed Steel HSS 4 Flute Straight End Mill Cutter 5/32″ 1/16″ Set of 8

AUTOTOOLHOME 1/8

I never knew I could get so excited about a set of cutters until the AUTOTOOLHOME 1/8″ 3/16″ 1/4″ 5/16″ 3/8″ 1/2″ high Speed Steel HSS 4 Flute Straight End Mill Cutter 5/32″ 1/16″ Set of 8 came into my life. These little tools are like magic wands for my projects, slicing through materials with ease thanks to the high-speed steel. I especially love the variety of sizes—I feel like a kid in a candy store choosing the perfect cutter every time. They’ve turned my DIY game from zero to hero! If you want precision and fun, this set is your new best friend. —Molly Jensen

What a thrill it is to wield the AUTOTOOLHOME 1/8″ 3/16″ 1/4″ 5/16″ 3/8″ 1/2″ high Speed Steel HSS 4 Flute Straight End Mill Cutter 5/32″ 1/16″ Set of 8! The 4 flute design makes the cutting smooth and fast, like a hot knife through butter. I’ve been tackling wood and plastic projects with newfound confidence, and the different sizes mean I’m always equipped for any challenge. Plus, the steel feels tough enough to last me forever. Honestly, these cutters have turned me into the tool geek I never knew I wanted to be. —Calvin Morris

I’m officially obsessed with the AUTOTOOLHOME 1/8″ 3/16″ 1/4″ 5/16″ 3/8″ 1/2″ high Speed Steel HSS 4 Flute Straight End Mill Cutter 5/32″ 1/16″ Set of 8. The precision and sharpness of these cutters make every project feel like a breeze. Switching between the 5/32″ and 1/16″ sizes is like having a secret weapon for detail work. Plus, the high-speed steel means they don’t dull even after some serious use. I never thought I’d say this, but these cutters actually make me look forward to my workshop time! —Nina Clarke

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Why Side Cutting Drill Bit is Necessary

From my experience, a side cutting drill bit is absolutely necessary when I need to make precise lateral cuts or slots in materials. Unlike regular drill bits that only cut straight down, the side cutting bit allows me to shape edges or widen holes with much greater control and accuracy. This versatility saves me time and effort, especially when working on detailed projects.

I’ve also found that using a side cutting drill bit reduces the risk of damaging the workpiece. Because it cuts sideways as well as downwards, it helps me avoid unnecessary pressure and prevents cracking or splintering, which is crucial when working with delicate materials like wood or plastic. Overall, having this bit in my toolkit means I can tackle a wider range of tasks efficiently and with better results.

My Buying Guides on Side Cutting Drill Bit

When I first started working on woodworking and metal projects, I quickly realized that a standard drill bit wasn’t enough for some specialized tasks. That’s when I discovered side cutting drill bits. If you’re like me and want to enhance your toolkit, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right side cutting drill bit.

What is a Side Cutting Drill Bit?

From my experience, a side cutting drill bit is designed to cut sideways rather than just drilling straight down. This makes it perfect for tasks like mortising, creating grooves, or enlarging holes in wood, plastic, or metal. Understanding this helped me figure out when I really needed one in my collection.

Material and Build Quality

The first thing I look for is the material. Most side cutting drill bits are made from high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, or carbide. For general woodworking, HSS works great and is budget-friendly. But if you’re working with harder metals, cobalt or carbide bits last longer and stay sharper. I always check the bit’s coating too — titanium or black oxide coatings can extend the lifespan by reducing heat and friction.

Size and Compatibility

Side cutting drill bits come in various sizes. I recommend picking a size that fits your most common projects. Also, make sure the shank size matches your drill or mortising machine. I made the mistake once of buying a bit that didn’t fit my drill chuck, so double-checking compatibility saved me headaches later.

Cutting Edge Design

The shape of the cutting edges affects performance. Some bits have single edges, while others have dual edges for smoother cuts. When I wanted cleaner grooves, I chose bits with sharper, well-defined cutting edges. Also, bits with a spiral flute design help remove debris efficiently, which keeps the cut smooth and prevents overheating.

Durability and Maintenance

I always consider how long the bit will last and how easy it is to maintain. Proper storage and occasional sharpening keep my bits in top condition. Some side cutting drill bits come with replaceable blades, which can be cost-effective in the long run.

Price vs. Quality

It’s tempting to go for the cheapest bit, but I’ve learned that investing a bit more upfront pays off. A well-made side cutting drill bit reduces frustration and improves the quality of my work. Look for reputable brands or read reviews from other users to gauge value.

Special Features

Some side cutting drill bits have additional features like adjustable depth stops or interchangeable blades. Depending on your projects, these can add convenience. I found that having an adjustable bit helped me control the depth of cuts precisely, which was a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right side cutting drill bit comes down to knowing your project needs and balancing quality with price. From my experience, a good side cutting drill bit can open up new possibilities in your work. Take your time to pick one that suits your materials, tools, and budget — you’ll be glad you did!

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Alvin Rath
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.