Best Short Drill Bits of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Short drill bits are essential tools for anyone who needs to make precise holes in tight spaces. These bits are shorter than standard drill bits, making them ideal for working in small areas or drilling at awkward angles. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, including high-speed steel and carbide, to match the needs of different projects. Short drill bits are commonly used in woodworking, metalworking, and electrical work, and are a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson. With their compact size and versatility, they are a valuable addition to any toolbox.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

29PC Stubby Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 1
29PC Stubby Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Drill America Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit Cover #TOP 2
Drill America Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Short Length Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 3
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Short Length Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Short Drill Bits

#TOP 1

29PC Stubby Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set

10033
29PC Stubby Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set Cover
29PC Stubby Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set 135 Degree Split Point

This 29-piece drill bit set includes sizes ranging from 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/64" increments, making it a versatile addition to your toolkit. The 135-degree split point, fully ground, self-centering, stubby length allows for precise and accurate drilling. The black/gold colored finish adds durability and style. The set comes in a metal case with a drill index, providing neat organization for easy storage and access.

What We Like
Versatile range of sizes
Precise and accurate drilling with 135-degree split point and stubby length
Durable and stylish black/gold colored finish
#TOP 2

Drill America Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit

D/ASTCO3/16P12
3/16 in
Drill America Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit Cover
Drill America - D/ASTCO3/16P12 3/16" Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit (Pack of 12), D/ASTCO Series

The Drill America Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit is perfect for cutting harder metals like stainless steel or nickel alloys. Its cobalt steel material provides improved performance, and the gold oxide surface treatment makes it easy to identify. The round shanks allow for use in a wide variety of toolholding systems, while the counterclockwise direction helps reduce clogging. Whether you're using a portable or machine drilling system, this is the ideal drill bit for your needs.

What We Like
Improved performance when cutting harder metals
Gold oxide surface treatment for easy identification
Round shanks compatible with many toolholding systems
#TOP 3

Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Short Length Drill Bit Set

69889
Black oxide
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series Short Length Drill Bit Set Cover
Chicago Latrobe 159 Series High-Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit Set In Metal Case, Black Oxide Finish, 135 Degree Split Point, Inch, 15-piece, 1/16" - 1/2" in 1/32" increments

The Chicago Latrobe 159 Series is a set of 15 short length drill bits made of high-speed steel with a black oxide finish. The set includes inch sizes from 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/32" increments. The 135-degree split point is self-centering and produces small chips to reduce clogging, making it easy to penetrate hard materials without a pilot hole. An extra thick web provides increased strength and rigidity compared to standard drill bits. Made in the USA, this set is ideal for drilling into ferrous materials, reducing wear and promoting chip and coolant flow.

What We Like
Self-centering 135-degree split point reduces clogging
Extra thick web provides increased strength and rigidity
Black oxide finish reduces wear and promotes chip and coolant flow
#TOP 4

Champion Cutting Tool Screw Machine Stubby Drills: 1705-5/16

1705-5/16
1705-5/16
Champion Cutting Tool Screw Machine Stubby Drills: 1705-5/16 Cover
Champion Cutting Tool Screw Machine Stubby Drills: 1705-5/16 (6per Pack)- Made In USA, 1705-5/16

Champion Stubby Drills are heavy-duty screw machine drills with a short flute and overall length. The short design increases rigidity, enhancing hole accuracy and tool lifespan. Made of black oxide treated high-speed steel, they resist heat and offer long-lasting performance. With a 135 Degree split point, these drills are ideal for precise drilling in sheet metal, steel, and stainless steel. Crafted in the USA, these drills ensure quality and reliability for your drilling needs.

What We Like
Short design for rigidity
Black oxide treated steel
Precise 135 Degree split point
#TOP 5

Chicago Latrobe 159 Series HSS Short Length Drill Bit Set

Chicago Latrobe 159 Series HSS Short Length Drill Bit Set Cover
Chicago Latrobe 69852 159 Series High-Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit Set In Metal Case, Black Oxide Finish, 135 Degree Split Point, Inch, 21-piece, 1/16" - 3/8" in 1/64" increments

The Chicago Latrobe 159 Series HSS Short Length Drill Bit Set includes 21 pieces of drill bits with inch sizes ranging from 1/16" to 3/8" in 1/64" increments. The high-speed steel material provides hardness for wear resistance, while the black oxide finish reduces wear and promotes chip and coolant flow on ferrous materials. The self-centering 135-degree split point design allows for penetration of hard material without a pilot hole and produces small chips to reduce clogging. The extra thick web adds strength and rigidity compared to standard drill bits. Made in the USA.

What We Like
Includes 21 pieces of drill bits with various sizes, providing convenience for different drilling needs.
The HSS material is wear-resistant and durable for long-term use.
The black oxide finish reduces wear on ferrous materials and promotes chip and coolant flow, making drilling easier and smoother.
#TOP 6

Drill America DWDST Series Stub Drill Bits

DWDST21P12
Drill America DWDST Series Stub Drill Bits Cover
Drill America #21 High Speed Steel Split Point Stub Length Drill Bit (Pack of 12), DWDST Series

The Drill America Stub Drill Bits are designed for versatility and efficiency in various drilling tasks. Made from high-speed steel, these bits provide a strong balance of hardness and toughness, making them suitable for general-purpose applications. The black oxide treatment enhances lubricity and helps maintain coolant near the cutting edge, improving performance. Additionally, the round shanks ensure compatibility with different toolholding systems, giving you flexibility in your projects. When used in a right-hand cut, the spiral flutes effectively remove chips from the cutting area, minimizing the risk of clogging and allowing for smoother operation.

What We Like
High-speed steel durability
Black oxide for better lubrication
Compatible with various tools
Efficient chip removal
#TOP 7

Chicago Latrobe 26-pc Short Drill Bit Set

Chicago Latrobe 26-pc Short Drill Bit Set Cover
Chicago Latrobe 69901 157 Series High-Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit Set with Metal Case, Bright Finish, 118 Degree Conventional Point, Letter Size, 26-piece, A - Z

This Chicago Latrobe 26-piece short length drill bit set includes one each of letter sizes A through Z. Made of high-speed steel (HSS), the uncoated (bright) finish can be used on a range of materials including soft metals. The 118-degree conventional point is ideal for a range of drilling applications, while the short length drill bits offer the strength and rigidity required for heavy-feed rate applications. Made in the USA.

What We Like
Includes 26 short length drill bits from A to Z letters
Made of high-speed steel for wear resistance
Uncoated (bright) finish can be used on soft metals
118-degree conventional point is ideal for various drilling applications
Short length drill bits offer the strength and rigidity required for heavy-feed rate applications
#TOP 8

Tight Fit Stub Series Drill Bit Set

00134
Tight Fit Stub Series Drill Bit Set Cover
Drill Bits Short Length Threaded Shank, Stub Series Drill Bit Set 4 Tight Fit Tools 00134

The Tight Fit Drill Bit Set features bits crafted from M7 high-speed steel, making them ideal for drilling into tough materials. The 135-degree split-point design ensures precise drilling and minimizes walking, giving you better control. Each bit comes with 1/4-28 threads and includes a 5/16 inch hex adapter for easy removal, saving you time and effort. Additionally, these bits are black oxided to resist corrosion and prevent welding, enhancing their durability. With three different lengths, you can choose the best fit for your project needs.

What We Like
High-speed steel construction
Precise split-point design
Easy removal with hex adapter
Corrosion-resistant black oxide
Multiple lengths available
#TOP 9

KnKut 17/64 Short Stubby Drill Bit

KnKut
KKN7-17/64
Factory
KnKut 17/64 Short Stubby Drill Bit Cover
KnKut 17/64 Fractional Short Stubby Length Drill Bit

The KnKut Stubby Drill Bit is designed for convenience and efficiency. Made in the USA, it eliminates the need for a center punch or pilot hole, allowing you to start drilling immediately. Its 135° split point tip ensures precise entry into materials, making your drilling tasks smoother. Additionally, the gold surface treatment enhances lubricity, reducing friction and heat build-up during use. This bit is capable of drilling through tough materials like stainless steel and titanium alloy, making it an excellent choice for demanding projects.

What We Like
No need for pilot hole
Precision split point tip
Gold surface treatment
Effective on tough materials
#TOP 10

Drill America Cobalt Short Threaded Shank Drill Bit

TSD3/8S
Black Oxide
3/8 in
Drill America Cobalt Short Threaded Shank Drill Bit Cover
Drill America 3/8" Cobalt Short Threaded Shank Drill Bit Overall Length 1-1/4, TSD Series

The Drill America Cobalt Short Threaded Shank Drill Bit is made of cobalt steel with a threaded shank for use with threaded-spindle tools. It has a gold oxide surface treatment and 135 degrees heavy duty split point to drill harder metals such as stainless steel or nickel alloys. The spiral fluted tool evacuates chips up and out of the cut to reduce clogging. It is surface treated for drilling hard, tough, high tensile strength materials, making it ideal for aerospace and automotive applications.

What We Like
Durable cobalt steel material
Threaded shank for use with threaded-spindle tools
Gold oxide surface treatment for easy identification
135 degrees heavy duty split point for improved drilling performance
Spiral fluted tool evacuates chips to reduce clogging
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does drill bit length matter?

Yes, the length of a drill bit does matter. Short drill bits, also known as mechanics length drill bits, have a shorter overall length and flute length. This makes them suitable for use in tight spaces and provides increased resistance to breakage. They are particularly useful for drilling into harder materials and for hard metal drilling.

2. Why are drill bits so long?

Drill bits are long because they were originally designed for the aircraft industry. In this industry, laborers needed to drill deep cavities and penetrate thin materials. During World War II, extended shanks with short or jobber-length flutes were used. Today, long drill bits continue to be used by workers to drill deep holes of various depths and lengths.

Editor's Notes

During our short drill bit research, we found 24 short drill bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,486 customer reviews through our big data system to write the short drill bits list. We found that most customers choose short drill bits with an average price of $15.31.

The short drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of short drill bits, including vector tools, Drill America, Chicago-Latrobe, Champion, Tight Fit. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 428 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.