Best Reduced Shank Drill Bits of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Reduced Shank Drill Bits are a versatile tool designed to fit into standard drill chucks while featuring a smaller shank diameter. These bits are ideal for drilling larger holes in materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. The reduced shank allows for a more secure grip, providing stability and reducing the risk of slippage during drilling. Whether for DIY projects or professional use, these drill bits offer efficiency and precision, making them a valuable addition to any toolbox.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Drill America 5/8" Reduced Shank Drill Bit Cover #TOP 1
Drill America 5/8" Reduced Shank Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
uxcell 14mm Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bit Cover #TOP 2
uxcell 14mm Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Astro Tools TurboStep TS29 ONYX Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 3
Astro Tools TurboStep TS29 ONYX Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Reduced Shank Drill Bits

#TOP 1

Drill America 5/8" Reduced Shank Drill Bit

KFD3F5/8
Black and Gold
5/8"
Drill America 5/8" Reduced Shank Drill Bit Cover
Drill America 5/8" Reduced Shank High Speed Steel Black & Gold Contractor Drill Bit with 3-Flat 1/2" Shank, KFD3F Series

The Drill America Reduced Shank Bit is designed for heavy-duty drilling in various metals, including aluminum, iron, and steel. Made from M1 High Speed Steel, this contractor-grade bit ensures durability and reliability. The 135-degree split point tip helps the bit stay centered and reduces the thrust force, making it easier for you to drill precise holes without worrying about the bit wandering off. Additionally, the 3-flat 1/2" reduced shank provides a secure grip in your chuck, enhancing stability during use. With a 3" flute length and a total length of 6", it minimizes the need for adjustments when changing tools, making your work smoother and more efficient.

What We Like
Durable M1 High Speed Steel
Self-centering split point tip
Secure 3-flat shank design
Minimal adjustments needed
#TOP 2

uxcell 14mm Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bit

a19102500ux0063
Black, Gold
14mm x 10mm
uxcell 14mm Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bit Cover
uxcell Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bits 14mm Black Nitride & Gold Titanium Coated High Speed Steel 4341 with 10mm (3/8") Shank for Stainless Steel Alloy Metal Plastic Wood

The uxcell 14mm Drill Bit is designed with a 14mm cutting edge and a 10mm shank, making it easy to fit in most drill chucks while providing a strong cutting surface. Made from high-speed steel, it combines toughness and hardness to ensure long-lasting wear resistance and fast drilling speeds. Its reduced shank design allows you to use larger drill sizes with portable drills without needing extra adjustments. The dual black nitride and gold titanium coating helps the bit stay cool, reduces friction, and resists corrosion, so you can drill smoothly and efficiently through various materials with less effort and longer tool life.

What We Like
High-speed steel durability
Reduced shank for versatility
Dual black nitride and titanium coating
Sharp spiral cutting edge
#TOP 3

Astro Tools TurboStep TS29 ONYX Drill Bit Set

AP Astro Pneumatic Tool Company
TS29
Standard
Astro Tools TurboStep TS29 ONYX Drill Bit Set Cover
Astro Tools TurboStep TS29 ONYX 29pc HSS Reduced Shank Mechanics Length 1/16" - 1/2" Drill Bit Set

The Astro Tools TurboStep Bits feature a unique stepped tip design that helps you drill more accurately without wandering, making your work easier and more precise. You won’t need to create pilot holes, saving you time and effort. These bits are especially great for tough materials like hard alloys and sheet metal, as they handle difficult-to-start holes with ease. Made from high-quality, heat-treated M2 high-speed steel and coated with Onyx oxide, they resist chip build-up, ensuring smoother drilling and longer tool life. This set is perfect for anyone needing reliable and efficient drill bits for challenging tasks.

What We Like
Stepped-tip design
No pilot holes needed
Excellent on hard materials
Onyx oxide coating
#TOP 4

Drill America DWDCO1 Reduced Shank Cobalt Drill Bit

DWDCO1-1/4
3-Flat
1-1/4"
Drill America DWDCO1 Reduced Shank Cobalt Drill Bit Cover
Drill America - DWDCO1-1/4 1-1/4" Reduced Shank Cobalt Drill Bit with 1/2" Shank, DWDCO Series

The Drill America Cobalt Drill Bit is designed for tougher jobs, especially when drilling through hard metals like stainless steel and nickel alloys. Its cobalt steel construction makes it more durable and efficient compared to regular high-speed steel bits. The bit features a gold oxide coating, which provides a protective surface without affecting its cutting power, helping the bit last longer during use. Its round shank design fits a wide range of tool holders, giving you flexibility in your setup. Additionally, the spiral flutes are designed to remove metal chips quickly when drilling, reducing clogs and allowing you to work more smoothly and efficiently.

What We Like
Durable cobalt steel
Gold oxide coating
Versatile round shank
Efficient chip removal
#TOP 5

AIMLENTOOL Reduced Shank Drill Bit Set

RS-8pcs
0.5 inches
AIMLENTOOL Reduced Shank Drill Bit Set Cover
AIMLENTOOL Reduced Shank Drill Bit Set, 8Pcs High-Speed Steel, 1/2” Reduced Shank Deming Large Drill Bit Set for Home DIY and General Building, Engineering, Woodworking with Indexed Storage case

The AIMLENTOOL Drill Bit Set is crafted from high-speed steel, providing exceptional durability and sharpness, making it ideal for various drilling tasks. The 135-degree split point design enhances cutting speed and keeps the drill steady, preventing any wobbling. This versatility allows you to easily use it on materials like steel and aluminum. Additionally, the 1/2" reduced shank fits most drills, ensuring compatibility and a secure grip. With eight different sizes included, this set offers the flexibility needed for home DIY projects and general construction work.

What We Like
High-speed steel construction
135-degree split point design
Compatible with most drills
Includes multiple sizes
#TOP 6

uxcell M35 Cobalt Reduced Shank Drill Bit 1-1/4"

f24103100ux0116
Black and Gold
1-1/4 in
uxcell M35 Cobalt Reduced Shank Drill Bit 1-1/4" Cover
uxcell 1-1/4" Drill Bit 1/2" Reduced Shank 3-Flat M35 5% Cobalt High-Speed Steel Twist Black and Gold Finish 135° Bits for Hard Metal Stainless Steel,1pcs

The uxcell Cobalt Drill Bit is designed with a 1-1/4 inch cutting edge and a 1/2 inch shank, making it easy for you to handle and fit into various drills. Made from M35 high-speed steel with 5% cobalt, this bit is tough enough to drill through hard metals like stainless steel and alloys, ensuring durability and long-lasting use. Its black and gold coating helps resist rust and wear, so you get more life out of the bit. The 135-degree split-point tip keeps the drill stable, reduces chipping, and improves the quality of your holes, especially when working with tougher materials.

What We Like
High hardness M35 cobalt steel
Corrosion and wear resistant finish
Stable 135-degree split-point tip
Fits standard 1/2" drill chucks
Effective on hard metals
#TOP 7

COMOWARE Reduced Shank Drill Bit Set

TGReduced- 8p
8 Pcs Set (9/16
COMOWARE Reduced Shank Drill Bit Set Cover
COMOWARE Reduced Shank Drill Bit Set, 8 Sizes from 9/16" to 1", HSS M2, Black & Gold Drill Bit with 3-Flat 1/2" Shank, 135° Split Point, Drills Bits for Metal/Plastic/Wood, with Storage case

The COMOWARE Reduced Shank Drill Bit Set is made of high-speed steel black and gold oxide finish for durability, sharpness, and corrosion resistance. It features a 135-degree split point that increases cutting speed and prevents walking, clears chips and particles faster, and produces small chips to reduce clogging. The set includes eight pieces of 6-inch long silver and deming drill bits in a heavy-duty aluminum storage case for easy carrying and organization. It is ideal for drilling steel, copper, aluminum, brass, and various other materials.

What We Like
Durable and corrosion-resistant
Increased cutting speed with a 135-degree split point
Comes with a heavy-duty aluminum storage case
#TOP 8

uxcell 13mm Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bit

a19102500ux0061
Black, Gold
13mm x 10mm
uxcell 13mm Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bit Cover
uxcell Reduced Shank Twist Drill Bits 13mm Black Nitride & Gold Titanium Coated High Speed Steel 4341 with 10mm (3/8") Shank for Stainless Steel Alloy Metal Plastic Wood

The uxcell 13mm Drill Bit offers a 13mm cutting edge with a smaller 10mm shank, allowing you to use it in drills with limited chuck sizes. Made from high-speed steel, it combines toughness and hardness, giving you fast and durable cutting performance. The black nitride and gold titanium coatings help reduce friction and resist corrosion, which means smoother drilling and longer tool life. Plus, the spiral design efficiently removes metal chips, saving you time and effort while working. This bit is a reliable choice for various materials and ensures clean, precise holes every time.

What We Like
Reduced shank size
High-speed steel durability
Dual black & gold coating
Efficient spiral chip removal
#TOP 9

Neprift 3/4 Inch Reduced Shank HSS Drill Bit

MQQ002
3/4 Inch
Neprift 3/4 Inch Reduced Shank HSS Drill Bit Cover
3/4 Inch Drill Bit | Reduced Shank High Speed Steel HSS 4241 for Metal & Steel | 1/2" Shank, Black & Gold Coated for Structural Beams, Thick Plates

The Neprift 3/4" HSS Drill Bit is crafted from tough high-speed steel, making it ideal for drilling through hard metals quickly and efficiently. If you work with structural steel or heavy machinery parts, this bit is designed to provide the precision and strength you need. Its reduced shank design means you can use it in most common drill chucks while still drilling larger holes, giving you flexibility on different projects. Plus, the cutting design reduces the effort required, helping you work faster with less fatigue and better control. This bit is a reliable choice for anyone needing clean, accurate holes in metal.

What We Like
Durable high-speed steel
Fits common drill chucks
Ideal for structural metal
Reduced operator fatigue
#TOP 10

Drill America DWDCO Series 7/8" Cobalt Drill Bit

DWDCO7/8
3-Flat
7/8"
Drill America DWDCO Series 7/8" Cobalt Drill Bit Cover
Drill America - DWDCO7/8 7/8" Reduced Shank Cobalt Drill Bit with 1/2" Shank, DWDCO Series

The Drill America Cobalt Bit is designed for tough jobs, especially when working with hard metals like stainless steel or nickel alloys. Its cobalt steel construction boosts durability and cutting power, so you can drill through challenging materials with less wear. The gold oxide coating helps protect the bit’s surface without adding bulk, keeping performance smooth and reliable. Plus, its round shank fits many tool holders, giving you flexibility in your setup. When you use it in a counterclockwise motion, the spiral flutes efficiently clear away metal chips, preventing clogs and letting you work faster and cleaner.

What We Like
Durable cobalt steel
Protective gold oxide coating
Versatile round shank
Efficient chip removal
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different shank types of drill bits?

There are several types of shanks for drill bits, including brace shank, straight shank, hex shank, SDS shank, triangle shank, Morse taper shank, square shank, and threaded shank. Each type of shank is designed for specific purposes and compatibility with different types of drill presses or drill drivers.

2. What is a taper shank drill used for drilling?

A taper shank drill is used for general-purpose drilling in both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It has a tanged conical shank that fits directly into tapered holes of drill press spindles, driving sleeves, or sockets. This design allows for a secure and precise fit, ensuring efficient and accurate drilling.

3. What is the advantage of the taper shank?

One advantage of using taper shank drills is the improved depth control they offer. The taper shank design prevents slipping either forward or backward during drilling, unlike parallel shank drills. This ensures more precise and consistent drilling depths, making taper shank drills ideal for applications where accuracy is crucial.

4. Can I use hex shank drill bits in a regular drill?

Yes, you can use hex shank drill bits in a regular drill. The 1/4" hex shank is compatible with standard, keyless, quick-change, and impact drill/driver chucks. This versatility allows you to use hex shank drill bits in various drilling applications, including wood, metal, and plastic materials.

Editor's Notes

During our reduced shank drill bit research, we found 24 reduced shank drill bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,647 customer reviews through our big data system to write the reduced shank drill bits list. We found that most customers choose reduced shank drill bits with an average price of $21.07.

The reduced shank drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of reduced shank drill bits, including Drill America, uxcell, AP Astro Pneumatic Tool Company, AIMLENTOOL, COMOWARE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.