Best Spotting Drill Bits of 2026

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

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Spotting drill bits are essential tools used in metalworking and woodworking applications. These specialized drill bits have a pointed tip that helps in accurately locating the center of a hole before drilling. By creating a small pilot hole, spotting drill bits ensure precision and improve the efficiency of subsequent drilling operations. They are commonly used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, where accuracy is crucial. Spotting drill bits come in various sizes and materials, catering to different drilling needs, and are a must-have for professionals seeking precise and reliable results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BestParts High Performance Carbide Spotting Drill 5Pcs Cover #TOP 1
BestParts High Performance Carbide Spotting Drill 5Pcs
ftb score rating icon 9.9
uxcell 1mm Carbide Spotting Drill Bit Cover #TOP 2
uxcell 1mm Carbide Spotting Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BestParts 5Pcs Solid Carbide Spotting Drill Cover #TOP 3
BestParts 5Pcs Solid Carbide Spotting Drill
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Spotting Drill Bits

#TOP 1

BestParts High Performance Carbide Spotting Drill 5Pcs

BestParts-BB-423-5
1/8 in
BestParts High Performance Carbide Spotting Drill 5Pcs Cover
BestParts High Performance 5Pcs Solid Carbide Spotting Drill - AlTiN Coated, 90 Degree, 2 Flute, 1/8" Shank Diameter, 5/8" Flute Length, 2" Overall Length

The BestParts Carbide Spotting Drill is designed to help you achieve precise and clean starts in drilling tasks. With a 1/8" shank and a 90-degree tip angle, it’s perfect for accurate positioning before deeper drilling. The AlTiN coating enhances durability, allowing you to work with harder materials and higher temperatures without worrying about wear. Made from solid carbide, this drill offers a longer lifespan and faster cutting speeds compared to steel bits, so you can get your work done efficiently. Precision grinding ensures each bit is tough and reliable, giving you a tool that’s both easy to use and durable for various projects.

What We Like
AlTiN coating for durability
Solid carbide for long life
Precise 90-degree tip angle
High cutting speed capability
Precision ground for accuracy
#TOP 2

uxcell 1mm Carbide Spotting Drill Bit

a22031000ux1227
1mm x 4mm
uxcell 1mm Carbide Spotting Drill Bit Cover
uxcell Spotting Drill Bits 1mm Dia 4mm Shank 60 Degree Solid Carbide AlTiSin Coated 2 Flutes Round Shank Drilling Cutter

The uxcell Carbide Spotting Drill is designed for precision drilling with a 1mm cutting edge and a 4mm shank, making it easy to handle and clamp securely. Its 60-degree point angle and large spiral flutes help you achieve smooth, clean cuts while efficiently removing metal chips to keep your work area clear. Made from durable tungsten carbide with an AlTiSin coating, this drill bit resists wear and heat, allowing for longer use and better performance on hard materials like stainless and alloy steel. You can use it comfortably with CNC machines and engraving tools for precise, stable drilling results.

What We Like
High hardness and wear resistance
Efficient chip removal
Precision 60° point angle
Compatible with CNC machines
#TOP 3

BestParts 5Pcs Solid Carbide Spotting Drill

BestParts-BB-424-5
3/16 in
BestParts 5Pcs Solid Carbide Spotting Drill Cover
BestParts High Performance 5Pcs Solid Carbide Spotting Drill - AlTiN Coated, 90 Degree, 2 Flute, 3/16" Shank Diameter, 3/4" Flute Length, 2" Overall Length

The BestParts Spotting Drill Set includes five high-performance drills designed for precision and durability. With a 3/16" shank diameter and a 3/4" flute length, these solid carbide tools are coated with AlTiN to enhance their lifespan and efficiency, especially in tough materials or high-temperature situations. Their ability to cut faster and withstand wear makes them ideal for various applications, including milling steel, brass, and iron. Additionally, their precision grinding ensures you get the best results, making your work easier and more efficient.

What We Like
Long-lasting tool life
Faster cutting speeds
High heat resistance
Precision grinding
#TOP 4

uxcell 5mm Spotting Drill Bit

a22031000ux1233
5mm x 5mm
uxcell 5mm Spotting Drill Bit Cover
uxcell Spotting Drill Bits 5mm Dia 5mm Shank 60 Degree Solid Carbide AlTiSin Coated 2 Flutes Round Shank Drilling Cutter

The uxcell Spotting Drill Bit is designed for precision drilling with a 5mm cutting edge and a 60-degree point angle. Its large spiral flutes ensure clean and smooth cuts, making it ideal for drilling various types of steel, including stainless and carbon steel. The high-performance AlTiSin coating enhances hardness and wear resistance, extending the bit's lifespan. Made from fine-grained tungsten carbide, this drill bit offers excellent toughness and heat resistance, allowing you to achieve faster cutting speeds and better results in your projects.

What We Like
High wear resistance
Long tool life
Suitable for various steels
Stable cutting process
#TOP 5

YG-1 0241L High Speed Steel Spotting Drill Bit

YG
0241L
1 Count (Pack of 1)
YG-1 0241L High Speed Steel Spotting Drill Bit Cover
YG-1 - 0241L High Speed Steel NC Spotting Drill Bit, Uncoated (Bright), Straight Shank, Slow Spiral, 90 Degree, 3/8" Diameter x 3-1/2" Length (Pack of 1)

The YG Spotting Drill Bit is designed for precise centering on NC and CNC machines. Its 90-degree point angle allows for accurate drilling, ensuring that you hit the mark every time. Made from a blend of 8 percent cobalt and high-speed steel, this drill bit offers durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for your projects. Additionally, its larger diameter compared to standard drill bits lets you center and chamfer at the same time, saving you time and effort while enhancing your work's overall quality.

What We Like
Precise centering
Durable materials
Time-saving design
Simultaneous centering and chamfering
#TOP 6

Geevorks Spotting Drill Bit, M42 HSS High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set, 7PCS 90 Degree Drilling Chamfering Tool - 3 4 5 6 8 10 12mm

TWA3834081270940HP
Silver, Gold
12 millimeters
Geevorks Spotting Drill Bit, M42 HSS High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set, 7PCS 90 Degree Drilling Chamfering Tool - 3 4 5 6 8 10 12mm Cover
Geevorks Spotting Drill Bit, M42 HSS High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set,7PCS 90 Degree Drilling Chamfering Tool - 3 4 5 6 8 10 12mm

The Geevorks Spotting Drill Bit Set is a versatile and durable tool that every DIY enthusiast should have. Made from M42 high-speed steel, these drill bits are resistant to high temperatures and abrasion, ensuring a long service life. With 7 different sizes ranging from 3mm to 12mm, you can easily find the perfect drill bit for your needs. The 90-degree angle of these spotting drills allows for precise positioning and chamfering, making your drilling tasks more efficient. Additionally, these drill bits are designed to prevent edge breakage, ensuring that the holes you make are clean and precise. Upgrade your drilling experience with the Geevorks Spotting Drill Bit Set.

What We Like
Durable
Precise positioning
Prevents edge breakage
#TOP 7

YG1 NC Spotting Drill 3 Pc Set 8% Cobalt HSS

YG
YG1-10022
YG1 NC Spotting Drill 3 Pc Set 8% Cobalt HSS Cover
YG1 NC Spotting Drill 8% Cobalt HSS 1/8, 3/16, 1/4" 120 Degree 3 Pc Set CNC

The YG1 Cobalt Spotting Drills come as a convenient 3-piece set with sizes of 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch. Each drill features a 120-degree tip angle, which helps you achieve precise centering when working on NC or CNC machines. The different lengths and diameters in the set allow for accurate centering and chamfering in one step, saving you time and effort. Made with 8% cobalt high-speed steel, these drills offer durability and performance for your machining needs, ensuring you get clean and accurate results every time.

What We Like
Three size options
120-degree tip angle
Durable 8% cobalt steel
Precise centering
Combines centering and chamfering
#TOP 8

Generic 2Pcs 1/4in Carbide Spotting Drill

Generic
02towl01
1/4in
Generic 2Pcs 1/4in Carbide Spotting Drill Cover
2Pcs 1/4in Solid Carbide Spotting Drill,2 Flute, 120 Degree Bits Tool for Medium Hardness Steel, Brass, Iron

The Generic Carbide Spotting Drill is designed with a 1/4 inch shank and cutting diameter, making it perfect for precise milling tasks on medium hardness materials like steel, brass, and cast iron. Its 120-degree angle and two-flute design help you create clean and accurate spots before drilling. The drill bits are coated with AlTiN, which boosts performance and extends tool life, especially when working with harder materials or high temperatures. Made from high-quality tungsten carbide, these bits feature sharp and durable edges that resist wear and reduce the chance of sticking or breaking during continuous use.

What We Like
AlTiN coating for durability
Sharp tungsten carbide tips
Suitable for medium hardness materials
Two-flute design for precision
Wear-resistant and long-lasting
#TOP 9

YG-1 - 0161L Spotting Drill Bit

YG
0161L
1/4 in
YG-1 - 0161L Spotting Drill Bit Cover
YG-1 - 0161L High Speed Steel NC Spotting Drill Bit, Uncoated (Bright), Straight Shank, Slow Spiral, 90 Degree, 1/4" Diameter x 2.76" Length (Pack of 1)

The YG-1 Spotting Drill Bit is a high-quality tool designed for precise centering work on NC/CNC machines. Made of 8 percent cobalt and high-speed steel, this drill bit ensures durability and long-lasting performance. With a 90-degree point angle, it allows for accurate centering and chamfering simultaneously. The slow spiral design enhances chip evacuation, reducing the risk of clogging and improving drilling efficiency. Its straight shank provides stability during operation. The YG-1 Spotting Drill Bit is a reliable tool that guarantees precise and efficient centering, making it ideal for various machining applications.

What We Like
Precise centering
Durable and long-lasting
Efficient chip evacuation
#TOP 10

uxcell 6mm Carbide Spotting Drill Bit

a22031000ux1234
6mm x 6mm
uxcell 6mm Carbide Spotting Drill Bit Cover
uxcell Spotting Drill Bits 6mm Dia 6mm Shank 60 Degree Solid Carbide AlTiSin Coated 2 Flutes Round Shank Drilling Cutter

The uxcell Carbide Spotting Drill is designed with a 6mm cutting edge and shank, featuring a 60-degree point angle that helps you make precise starter holes for your projects. Its large spiral grooves efficiently remove metal chips, giving you clean and smooth cuts. This drill bit is coated with a tough AlTiSin layer, making it highly resistant to wear and heat, so it lasts longer when working with steel and other hard metals. Made from fine tungsten carbide, the bit offers excellent toughness and durability, allowing you to work faster and with better results. Its round shank is easy to clamp securely, ensuring steady and reliable drilling, especially when used with CNC machines.

What We Like
Durable carbide material
Efficient chip removal
Wear-resistant AlTiSin coating
Precise 60-degree point
Easy clamping round shank
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a spotting drill and a center drill?

Spotting drills and center drills have different purposes and advantages. Spot drills are more accurate and prevent secondary drilling cycles from wandering. Center drills, on the other hand, are used to drill support holes in the workpiece for a lathe center and create a starting point for a larger diameter hole.

2. What size spotting drill to use?

The ideal spot drill diameter should be around 70% of the ultimate drill diameter. Additionally, the point angle of the spot drill should be different from the point angle of the final drill. It is not recommended to use spot drilling in hardened steel.

3. How deep should you spot drill?

To calculate the depth of a hole to be spot-drilled, divide the diameter of the spot-drilled hole. For example, if you have drilled a 0.25" diameter hole and want a 0.031" chamfer, the diameter to be spot drilled will be 0.312". Spot drills typically have a 90-degree point angle.

4. Is spot drilling necessary?

Spot drilling is necessary to ensure accurate hole location. The short and rigid nature of spot drills minimizes deflection during the drilling process. However, if you are using a carbide drill or a screw machine length drill, spot drilling is usually not required.

5. What does a spot drill look like?

Spot drills differ from center drills in two key ways. Spot drills are thinner and lack the conical tips of center drills. Their accuracy in drilling a precise starting point is also superior. In general, spot drills have a more specialized design for accurate hole placement.

6. What are the different types of spot drills?

There are various types of spot drills available, including KEO Spotting Drill- Narrow Chisel, MICRO 100 QCS Solid Carbide Quick Change Countersink & Chamfer Tools, MICRO 100 CS Solid Carbide Double Ended Countersink & Chamfer Tools, and KEO Spotting Drills- Metric- Long 90° and 120° Pt Angle Cobalt.

7. Do carbide drills need spot drilling?

Carbide drills or insertable drills are more rigid than HSS tools and generally do not deflect, eliminating the need for spot drilling. In fact, some manufacturers recommend against using a spotting drill with carbide drills or inserts to avoid chipping.

Editor's Notes

During our spotting drill bit research, we found 24 spotting drill bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,045 customer reviews through our big data system to write the spotting drill bits list. We found that most customers choose spotting drill bits with an average price of $20.46.

The spotting drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of spotting drill bits, including BestParts, uxcell, YG, Geevorks. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 368 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.