Best Letter Size Short Drill Bits of 2025

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

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Letter size short drill bits are a must-have for any handyman or DIY enthusiast looking to tackle precision drilling tasks. These bits are designed to drill holes in materials such as wood, plastic, and metal with great accuracy and efficiency. With a shorter length, these bits are perfect for drilling in tight or hard-to-reach spaces. Available in a range of sizes, from A to Z, these letter size short drill bits are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Whether you're working on a small home improvement project or a larger construction job, these drill bits are sure to come in handy.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Chicago Latrobe 26-pc Short Drill Bit Set Cover #TOP 1
Chicago Latrobe 26-pc Short Drill Bit Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Chicago Latrobe 2159 Drill Bit Cover #TOP 2
Chicago Latrobe 2159 Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Chicago Latrobe 559 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Cover #TOP 3
Chicago Latrobe 559 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 8 Letter Size Short Drill Bits

#TOP 1

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 2

Chicago Latrobe 2159 Drill Bit

Chicago Latrobe 2159 Drill Bit Cover
Chicago Latrobe 2159 High-Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit, TiN Coated, Round Shank, 135 Degree Split Point, Letter Size N (Pack of 6)

The Chicago Latrobe 2159 Drill Bit, also known as the Latrobe Drill Bit, is a high-quality short-length drill bit that is perfect for various drilling tasks. Manufactured to NAS 907 Type C geometry aerospace specifications, this drill bit is made from premium high-speed steel, ensuring durability and longevity. Its 135 degree P3 split point is self-centering, reducing thrust and making penetration easier. The shorter flute and overall length of the drill bit provide superior rigidity, minimizing deflection when using heavy feed rates. Additionally, the titanium nitride coating adds a hard layer of gold-colored ceramic to the surface, extending tool life and allowing for faster cutting speeds. Made in the USA, the Latrobe Drill Bit is a reliable and efficient tool for all your drilling needs.

What We Like
Durable
Self-centering split point
Superior rigidity
#TOP 3

Chicago Latrobe 559 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit

Chicago Latrobe 559 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Cover
Chicago Latrobe 559 Cobalt Steel Short Length Drill Bit, Gold Oxide Finish, Round Shank, 135 Degree Split Point, Letter Size M (Pack Of 6)

The Chicago Latrobe Short Drill Bit is designed for durability and efficiency. Its short length enhances rigidity, helping to prevent bending and breakage during use. Made from cobalt steel, this drill bit lasts longer when working with tough materials, making it a smart choice for your projects. The gold oxide finish not only provides lubrication but also resists wear on ferrous materials, ensuring smooth drilling. Additionally, the 135-degree split point allows you to penetrate hard surfaces effortlessly, eliminating the need for a pilot hole and minimizing clogging by producing smaller chips.

What We Like
Durable cobalt steel construction
Reduces tool deflection
Wear-resistant gold oxide finish
Efficient 135-degree split point

Chicago Latrobe 559 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Set

Chicago Latrobe 559 Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Set Cover
Chicago Latrobe 559 Series Cobalt Steel Short Length Drill Bit Set In Metal Case, Gold Oxide Finish, 135 Degree Split Point, Letter Size, 26-piece, A - Z

The Chicago Latrobe 559 Series Cobalt Steel Short Length Drill Bit Set is a collection of 26 high-quality drill bits made in the USA. The set includes letter sizes A through Z, made of cobalt steel, which offers an extended tool life compared to high-speed steel drill bits when drilling hard materials. The gold oxide finish helps lubricate and provides wear resistance on ferrous materials. The self-centering 135-degree split point allows you to penetrate hard material without a pilot hole and produces small chips to reduce clogging. Additionally, the extra thick web provides increased strength and rigidity compared to standard drill bits, making it a great choice for short drill bits.

What We Like
Set includes every letter size from A to Z
Cobalt steel offers extended tool life
Gold oxide finish lubricates and provides wear resistance
Self-centering 135-degree split point makes drilling easier
Extra thick web increases strength and rigidity
#TOP 5

CLEVELAND 2133 Style Cobalt Steel Drill Bit

CLEVELAND
C14649
CLEVELAND 2133 Style Cobalt Steel Drill Bit Cover
Cleveland 2133 Style Cobalt Steel Short Length Drill Bit, Bronze Oxide, Round Shank, 135 Degree Split Point, Letter Size F (Pack of 10)

CLEVELAND Cobalt Drill Bit is a high-speed steel drill bit that contains cobalt, offering a great balance of toughness and hardness. With a 135-degree split-point angle, it self-centers to prevent wandering during drilling on tough materials. The straw oxide coating reduces tool stress, enhancing durability. The screw machine length provides rigidity and strength, making it ideal for hard substances. This Made in the USA drill bit with round shanks fits various tool-holding systems, ensuring versatility and ease of use.

What We Like
Tough and Hard
Self-centering
Reduced tool stress
#TOP 6

Cleveland 2120 High Speed Steel Drill Bit

CLEVELAND
C04573
Cleveland 2120 High Speed Steel Drill Bit Cover
Cleveland 2120 Style High Speed Steel Short Length Drill Bit, Uncoated (Bright), Round Shank, 118 Degree Point, Letter Size V (Pack of 5)

The Cleveland High Speed Drill Bit is designed for durability and versatility. Its screw machine length enhances rigidity, ensuring you can tackle tough materials with confidence. Made from high-speed steel, this bit is suitable for drilling through various surfaces, making it a reliable choice for many projects. The uncoated, bright finish allows for compatibility with a wide range of drilling materials, while the 118-degree point angle is ideal for general drilling tasks, providing precision and efficiency in your work.

What We Like
Durable screw machine length
Versatile high-speed steel
Uncoated for broad use
Precision 118-degree angle
#TOP 7

Generic M42CO Heavy Duty Drill Bit

Generic
PREDO-42322
Generic M42CO Heavy Duty Drill Bit Cover
Drill Bit, Screw Machine Drill M42CO Heavy Duty Short Length Drill Bit, V Drill - Letter, 0.377 in Drill - Decimal Inch, HSS-E, Bronze (Pack of 1)

The Generic Heavy Duty Drill Bit is designed for durability and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for your drilling needs. This drill bit is made from high-speed steel (HSS-E), ensuring it can withstand tough materials and heavy use. With a letter size of V, it is perfect for various applications requiring precision. The straight shank type allows for easy installation in compatible machines, providing convenience during operation. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this drill bit can enhance your performance and help you achieve clean, accurate holes.

What We Like
Durable HSS-E material
Precision letter size V
Easy to install
Heavy-duty performance
#TOP 8

Chicago Latrobe 559 Series Drill Bit

Chicago Latrobe 559 Series Drill Bit Cover
Chicago Latrobe 559 Series Cobalt Steel Short Length Drill Bit, Gold Oxide Finish, Round Shank, 135 Degree Split Point, Letter Size S, (Pack of 6)

The Chicago Latrobe Drill Bit is crafted from high-quality 8% cobalt M42 steel, which enhances its ability to withstand high temperatures and prolongs its lifespan. The unique 135-degree split point design helps you drill more easily by centering itself, reducing the force needed for penetration. Its shorter flute and overall length contribute to increased stability, allowing you to work with heavier feed rates without worrying about bending or deflection. Additionally, the drill bit features a gold oxide finish that not only looks appealing but also helps with durability. This combination of features makes it a reliable choice for any drilling task.

What We Like
High-temperature resistance
Self-centering design
Increased stability
Durable gold oxide finish
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are short drill bits called?

Screw Machine Length: Also called "stubby length", these are the shortest common drill bits. Originally designed for screw machines, many people prefer these due to their high strength and added working clearance.

2. What are the sizes of letter drills?

Number and letter gauge drill bit sizes Number drill bit gauge sizes range from size 80 (the smallest) to size 1 (the largest) followed by letter gauge size A (the smallest) to size Z (the largest).

3. What are letter size drill bits used for?

Letter and numbered drill bits were developed to make up the gaps in between metric and fractional sizes. The most common use is for using taps. There will not be an exact match for fractional sizes but you can refer them to closest fractional bit that is larger than the numbered bit.

Editor's Notes

During our letter size short drill bit research, we found 24 letter size short drill bit products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,396 customer reviews through our big data system to write the letter size short drill bits list. We found that most customers choose letter size short drill bits with an average price of $31.51.

The letter size short drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of letter size short drill bits, including Chicago-Latrobe, CLEVELAND. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,713 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

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.