IRIrwin
Irwin
Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch
- M42 cobalt
- 1/4 inch
- 135-degree split point
Sponsored link · confirm price and availability on Amazon · updated
On this page
Is the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch worth it?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch ranks #2 in our Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel 2026 list (best single bit). Its biggest strength: cobalt steel holds its edge in hard metals. The main caveat: cobalt bits are brittle and can snap if side-loaded.
Overview
What the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch does well
A single 1/4-inch cobalt drill bit from Irwin for drilling hardened steel, stainless and other tough metals.
Specs that matter
Key features
- M42 cobalt
- 1/4 inch
- 135-degree split point
The trade-offs
Pros & cons
Pros
- Cobalt steel holds its edge in hard metals
- Heat resistant for drilling stainless steel
- Buy only the size you need instead of a full set
- Widely available replacement size
Cons
- Cobalt bits are brittle and can snap if side-loaded
- Needs low speed and cutting fluid for best life
- More expensive than standard HSS bits
Fit check
Should you buy the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4?
Buy it if you're…
- Shopping for hardened steel 2026
Think twice if this matters to you
- Cobalt bits are brittle and can snap if side-loaded
- Needs low speed and cutting fluid for best life
- More expensive than standard HSS bits
Where it ranks
Featured in 1 best-of list
| List | Rank |
|---|---|
| Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel 2026· Best Single Bit | #2 / 10 |
Cross-shop
Alternatives to the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch
Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.
Buying advice: power tools
- Major platforms each cover hundreds of tools. Choose one with the specialty tools you may need later.
- Brushless motors are more efficient and durable. Brushed tools are fine for occasional light use.
- Kits include batteries and a charger. Once you own batteries, bare tools are much cheaper.
- 12V tools are compact for light work. 18V or 20V max tools handle most home projects. Higher-voltage platforms suit heavy cutting.
- Check tool and battery warranty lengths and whether registration is required.
Read the full guides
Answers
Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch: common questions
Is the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch worth buying?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch ranks #2 in our Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel 2026 list (best single bit). Its biggest strength: cobalt steel holds its edge in hard metals. The main caveat: cobalt bits are brittle and can snap if side-loaded.
Who is the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch best for?
Based on our research it suits hardened steel 2026. It's ranked #2 of 10 in our Best Drill Bits for Hardened Steel 2026 list.
What are the downsides of the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch?
The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: cobalt bits are brittle and can snap if side-loaded; needs low speed and cutting fluid for best life; more expensive than standard HSS bits.
What are the key features of the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch?
M42 cobalt, 1/4 inch and 135-degree split point.
What are the best alternatives to the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch?
Worth comparing: Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29-Piece, DeWALT DWA1269 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 29-Piece and Bosch CO14B Cobalt M42 Drill Bit Set 14-Piece. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.
Where can I buy the Irwin Cobalt Drill Bit Individual 1/4 Inch?
It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.
Which drill is more powerful, DeWALT or Milwaukee?
At comparable price tiers, Milwaukee M18 FUEL brushless drills are more powerful than DeWALT XR brushless. At budget tiers (brushed motors), the difference is smaller. For drilling through concrete and hardwood repeatedly, Milwaukee FUEL has the edge. For standard home use (drywall, softwood framing, assembly), the difference is imperceptible.
If I already have DeWALT batteries, should I switch to Milwaukee?
The battery platform transition cost makes switching rarely worthwhile. If you have DeWALT batteries, buy DeWALT tools. The performance difference between professional-tier DeWALT XR and Milwaukee FUEL is real but small, not worth replacing a battery library over.
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