Best Short Drill Bits of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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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

DEWALT DT4842-QZ Chrome Vanadium Flat Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 1
DEWALT DT4842-QZ Chrome Vanadium Flat Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ASUSARA 5-Piece 4-Tooth Eccentric Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 2
ASUSARA 5-Piece 4-Tooth Eccentric Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
29PC Stubby Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 3
29PC Stubby Industrial Black & Gold Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Short Drill Bits

#TOP 1

DEWALT DT4842-QZ Chrome Vanadium Flat Drill Bit Set

DT4842-QZ
DEWALT DT4842-QZ Chrome Vanadium Flat Drill Bit Set Cover
Dewalt DT4842-QZ Pro Hard Case Wood Flat Drill Bit (Pack of 8)

The DEWALT Flat Drill Bits offer a reliable choice for your woodworking needs. Made from high-quality chrome vanadium steel, these bits are built to last and handle tough materials. The sharp central point helps you start drilling precisely where you want, reducing mistakes and improving accuracy. With carefully shaped cutting edges, these bits create smooth, clean holes, making your work look professional. Additionally, the chip breaker design helps minimize splintering around the hole, which means your projects will have a cleaner finish and you'll spend less time sanding or fixing edges.

What We Like
Durable chrome vanadium steel
Precise central point
Clean cutting edges
Reduced splintering
Improved drilling efficiency
#TOP 2

ASUSARA 5-Piece 4-Tooth Eccentric Drill Bit Set

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ASUSARA 5-Piece 4-Tooth Eccentric Drill Bit Set Cover
5 Piece 4 Tooth Drill Bit High Strength Eccentric Drill Bit Set for Concrete/Glass/Cast Iron/Tile/Wood. Hexagonal Shank Drills, Short bits, Reduced Vibration, Dry Drills, Sizes: 6+6+8+10+12 mm

The ASUSARA Eccentric Drill Bits set offers a smart design that speeds up chip removal by about 30%, helping you drill faster and keep the bits cooler for longer life. This means less overheating and more efficient work, especially when drilling deep holes in hardwood or aluminum. The set includes five different sizes, so you can easily choose the right bit for concrete, glass, tile, wood, and more. Made from strong alloy with a serrated and eccentric build, these bits are built to last and resist wear. Plus, the hexagonal shank ensures a firm grip, preventing slipping and maintaining accuracy during use, making your drilling tasks smoother and more precise.

What We Like
Faster chip removal
Versatile size options
Durable alloy construction
Secure hex shank grip
#TOP 3

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 4

HSS Cobalt Double End Drill Bit Set-10Pcs

DE0108
Gold
1/8" (10Pcs)
HSS Cobalt Double End Drill Bit Set-10Pcs Cover
HSS Cobalt Drill Bit Double End 1/8 in. Stubby Body Drill Steel Metal Iron-10Pcs

This HSS Cobalt double end drill bit set includes 10 pieces with a size of 1/8" diameter, 5/8" flute length, and 2" overall length. Made from the best hardened HSS Cobalt material, these bits offer a long lifespan. With a double end cutting point, you can use one end when the other end is worn out. The 135-degree split point design allows for self-centering and quick penetration, making drilling through stainless steel, general steel, metal sheet, iron, copper, aluminum, and plastic easy and fast.

What We Like
Long lifespan due to the best hardened HSS Cobalt material
Double end cutting point for extended use
Self-centering and quick penetration with 135-degree split point design
#TOP 5

Artymaster AM07G M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 3/8"

WT107G
f. 5PCS 3/8 inch
Artymaster AM07G M35 Cobalt Drill Bit Set 3/8" Cover
Artymaster Drill Bit Set, 5pcs (3/8") M35 HSS Twist Cobalt Drill Bits for Stainless Steel, Hardened Steel, Cast Iron, Plastic and Wood,AM07G

The Artymaster Cobalt Drill Set is made from high-grade M35 steel with 5% cobalt, giving you drill bits that resist heat, wear, and damage for longer use. This means you can easily drill through tough materials like stainless steel, cast iron, and even plastics and wood. The drill bits have a 135° split point design, which helps you start drilling more accurately and quickly with less force, reducing mistakes. Plus, the twisted shape helps clear away debris smoothly, making your work faster and more efficient. This set also comes with a handy case for easy storage and transport.

What We Like
Durable cobalt steel
Fast, precise drilling
Effective chip removal
Suitable for various materials
Compact storage case
#TOP 6

Ceksezx 5 PCS Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Set

DBS001
Ceksezx 5 PCS Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Set Cover
5 PCS Masonry Drill Bit Set, Professional Carbide Concrete Drill Bit Set for Concrete, Tile, Brick, Glass, Ceramic, Wood and Plastic, Quick Change 1/4" Hex Shank, Size 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2"

The Ceksezx Carbide Drill Bits offer fast chip removal thanks to a four-flute design that keeps the bits cool and efficient, making deep drilling in wood, aluminum, and masonry easier for you. These bits are built with durable, heat-treated carbide that resists bending and breaking, so you can rely on them for tough tasks without worrying about damage. Their serrated tips allow you to drill smoothly through tile and glass, as well as concrete, brick, wood, and metal, giving you versatility for various projects. Plus, the 1/4 inch hex shank fits standard drills securely, reducing slipping and wobbling for more precise and controlled drilling every time.

What We Like
Fast chip removal
Durable carbide construction
Versatile multi-surface use
Secure hex shank grip
#TOP 7

Drill America - D/ASTCO1/8P12 1/8" Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit (Pack of 12), D/ASTCO Series

D/ASTCO1/8P12
1/8 in
Drill America - D/ASTCO1/8P12 1/8" Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit (Pack of 12), D/ASTCO Series Cover
Drill America - D/ASTCO1/8P12 1/8" Cobalt Heavy Duty Split Point Stub Drill Bit (Pack of 12), D/ASTCO Series

The Drill America Cobalt Drill Bit is a high-performance tool designed for cutting harder metals such as stainless steel or nickel alloys. Made from cobalt steel, this drill bit offers improved durability and strength compared to regular high-speed steel tools. The gold oxide surface treatment not only adds a sleek look to the bit but also provides similar performance to uncoated tools. With its round shank design, it can be used with a wide variety of toolholding systems. The counterclockwise spiral fluted feature ensures efficient chip evacuation, reducing clogging during drilling. Whether you need a portable or machine drilling solution, the Drill America Cobalt Drill Bit is an ideal choice for its superior cutting performance and versatility.

What We Like
Durable and strong
Wide compatibility with toolholding systems
Efficient chip evacuation
#TOP 8

Eatingre 3/4" Reduced Shank HSS Drill Bit

DB01
3/4 Inch
Eatingre 3/4" Reduced Shank HSS Drill Bit Cover
3/4 Inch Drill Bit, Reduced Shank High Speed Steel Bit with 1/2" Shank, HSS 4241 Black & Gold Drill Bits for Mild Steel, Metal and Hard Wood

The Eatingre 3/4" HSS Drill Bit features a 1/2-inch reduced shank, making it compatible with most power tools and drill presses, so you can use it easily with your existing equipment. Made from durable 4241 high-speed steel with dual gold-titanium and black nitride coatings, this bit offers strong wear and corrosion resistance, giving you a longer-lasting tool. Its 135° split tip helps you drill more precisely by centering the bit and reducing the force needed, which means less effort and cleaner holes. The 3-flat reduced shank design ensures a secure grip in your drill chuck, improving stability during tough jobs. Overall, this bit is built for reliable performance on metal and hard wood.

What We Like
Reduced shank compatibility
Durable high-speed steel
Dual corrosion-resistant coatings
Precise 135° split tip
Secure 3-flat shank grip
#TOP 9

toolant 3/8" Pro Cobalt Drill Bit Set

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Dark Blue
3/8 in (5pcs)
toolant 3/8" Pro Cobalt Drill Bit Set Cover
toolant 3/8" Cobalt Drill Bit Set(Pro) Titanium Aluminum Nitride Coated (TiAlN) with Bullet Point Tip, 5-Piece Bulk

The toolant Pro Cobalt Bits come in a set of five 3/8" drill bits, perfect for heavy-duty drilling tasks. They feature a titanium aluminum nitride coating that makes the bits extra hard and heat-resistant, so they stay sharp and work faster. The specially designed bullet point tip helps you drill precisely by preventing the bit from wandering off target. Made from M35 cobalt high-speed steel, these bits offer excellent strength and durability, especially when drilling through metal. This set is a great choice if you want reliable and efficient tools for tough jobs.

What We Like
Titanium aluminum nitride coating
Self-centering bullet point tip
M35 cobalt high-speed steel
Heat resistance and durability
5-piece 3/8" drill bit set
#TOP 10

Generic 6-Piece Four-Flute Eccentric Twist Drill Set

Generic
Generic 6-Piece Four-Flute Eccentric Twist Drill Set Cover
6 Pcs Four-Flute Sawtooth Eccentric Twist Drill Bit, Concrete and Masonry Drill Bit Set, Set for Concrete/Glass/Tile/Wood/Metal, Hexagonal Shank Drills, Short bits, (4/5/6/8/10/12mm)

The Generic Four-Flute Drill Set offers a durable design made from high-strength alloy with tough carbide tips, letting you drill through hard materials like concrete and ceramics with ease. Its unique four-blade sawtooth design cuts down friction and prevents slipping, so you get clean, precise holes every time. The universal 1/4” hex shank fits most drills and impact drivers, giving you a secure grip and great compatibility for various tools. Plus, this versatile set can handle many materials like glass, tile, wood, and metal, making it a handy choice for both professionals and DIY users looking for reliable performance.

What We Like
High-strength carbide tips
Four-blade sawtooth design
Universal 1/4” hex shank
Versatile material compatibility
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 6,205 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 $12.09.

The short drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of short drill bits, including DEWALT, ASUSARA, vector tools, MAX-CRAFT, ARTYMASTER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 415 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.