Best Taper Shank Drill Bits of 2026

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

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Taper shank drill bits are a type of drilling tool that is widely used in various industries. These drill bits have a tapered shank, which allows them to be easily inserted into a drill chuck. They are known for their high precision and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty drilling applications. Taper shank drill bits are available in various sizes and materials, including high-speed steel and carbide. With their efficient drilling performance and reliable design, these drill bits are a popular choice among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Drill America DWDTS 1" High-Speed Steel Taper Shank Drill Bit Cover #TOP 1
Drill America DWDTS 1" High-Speed Steel Taper Shank Drill Bit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Make it Snappy 11/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill #49408 Cover #TOP 2
Make it Snappy 11/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill #49408
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Drill America 7/8" HSS 3MT Taper Shank Drill Bit DWDTS Cover #TOP 3
Drill America 7/8" HSS 3MT Taper Shank Drill Bit DWDTS
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Taper Shank Drill Bits

#TOP 1

Drill America DWDTS 1" High-Speed Steel Taper Shank Drill Bit

DWDTS1INCH
Black Oxide
1 in
Drill America DWDTS 1" High-Speed Steel Taper Shank Drill Bit Cover
Drill America 1" High Speed Steel 3MT Taper Shank Drill Bit, DWDTS Series

The Drill America DWDTS Drill Bit is crafted from high-speed steel, giving you a great balance of strength and durability for everyday drilling tasks. Its black oxide coating not only reduces friction but also helps keep coolant near the cutting edge, which means less overheating and longer tool life. The Morse taper shank design lets you insert the bit directly into your machine’s spindle, making it easier to handle tough jobs that require more torque. Plus, its spiral flutes are designed to clear chips efficiently when drilling in a counterclockwise direction, helping you avoid clogs and keep your work smooth.

What We Like
High-speed steel durability
Black oxide coating
Morse taper shank
Efficient chip removal
#TOP 2

Make it Snappy 11/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill #49408

Make it Snappy 11/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill #49408 Cover
Make it Snappy Tools Replacement 11/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill (Replaces Part # 49411) #49408

The Make it Snappy Tapered Drill is designed with a round drive shank, which makes it easy to fit into most drill chucks securely. The drill bit itself measures 11/64 inch and is made from high-speed steel (HSS), providing durability and efficient cutting for your projects. It’s specifically shaped as a tapered twist drill, which helps in smooth drilling and precise hole creation. This drill is ideal for use with #8 tapered wood screws, ensuring you get the right size for your fastening needs. Changing the drill bit is hassle-free—just loosen the set screw on the reusable hex shank, align the drill properly, and tighten for a solid grip.

What We Like
Round drive shank
11/64 inch HSS bit
Tapered twist design
Fits #8 wood screws
Reusable hex shank
#TOP 3

Drill America 7/8" HSS 3MT Taper Shank Drill Bit DWDTS

DWDTS7/8
7/8"
Drill America 7/8" HSS 3MT Taper Shank Drill Bit DWDTS Cover
Drill America 7/8" High Speed Steel 3MT Taper Shank Drill Bit, DWDTS Series

The Drill America Taper Shank Bit is made from high-speed steel, giving you a great mix of strength and durability for everyday drilling tasks. Its black oxide coating helps reduce friction and keeps coolant close to the cutting edge, which helps the bit last longer and work smoother. The Morse taper shank design lets you fit the bit directly into your machine's spindle, making it perfect for tough jobs that need high torque, like drilling larger holes. Plus, the spiral flutes are designed to spin counterclockwise, which efficiently clears out debris to keep your work clean and prevent clogging.

What We Like
High-speed steel durability
Black oxide coating
Morse taper shank
Spiral flute chip removal
#TOP 4

Snappy Tools Replacement 9/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill

Snappy Tools Replacement 9/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill Cover
Make it Snappy Tools Replacement 9/64 Inch HSS Tapered Drill (Replaces Part # 49409) #49406

The Snappy Tools Tapered Drill is a high-speed steel drill bit designed to replace the worn-out drill bits in your toolkit. With its round shank and 9/64 inch size, it is perfect for drilling holes for #6 tapered wood screws. The drill bit is easy to replace - simply loosen the set screw on the reusable hex shank and align the flat on the twist drill with the set screw for a secure hold. This convenient feature saves you time and ensures a firm grip on the drill bit. With the Snappy Tools Tapered Drill, you can easily tackle your woodworking projects with precision and efficiency.

What We Like
High-speed steel
Easy replacement
Precise drilling
#TOP 5

Drill America HSS 2MT Taper Shank Drill Bit 49/64"

DWDTS49/64
Black Oxide
49/64"
Drill America HSS 2MT Taper Shank Drill Bit 49/64" Cover
HSS 2MT Taper Shank Drill Bit Size: 49/64"

The Drill America 2MT Drill Bit is crafted from high-speed steel, giving you a durable and reliable tool for drilling through various materials. Its size of 49/64" allows for precise and accurate hole making, perfect for projects requiring specific dimensions. The black oxide finish helps reduce friction and resist corrosion, so you get longer-lasting performance. Additionally, the 6-inch flute length provides efficient chip removal, keeping your drilling smooth and preventing clogging. This drill bit combines quality materials and smart design to make your drilling tasks easier and more efficient.

What We Like
High-speed steel material
Precise 49/64" size
Black oxide finish
6-inch flute length
#TOP 6

Michigan Drill 202 Series High-Speed Steel Drill Bit

202 27/64
27/64"
Michigan Drill 202 Series High-Speed Steel Drill Bit Cover
Michigan Drill 202 Series High-Speed Steel General Purpose Drill Bit, 2 Morse Taper Shank, Spiral Flute, 118 Degrees Conventional Point, 27/64" Size (Pack of 1)

The Michigan Drill 202 Bit is designed for general drilling tasks, made from high-speed steel that balances strength and durability to resist wear. Its 118-degree point ensures precise starts and smooth penetration, making your drilling more accurate. The Morse taper shank fits directly into your machine’s spindle, which helps when you need extra torque for larger holes. Additionally, the spiral flute design clears away debris efficiently when drilling counterclockwise, reducing clogging and keeping your work clean and efficient. This bit is a reliable choice for various projects where performance and convenience matter.

What We Like
High-speed steel durability
Precise 118-degree point
Morse taper shank fit
Spiral flute chip removal
#TOP 7

Drill America 3/4" Taper Shank Bit

DWDTS3/4
Black Oxide
3/4"
Drill America 3/4" Taper Shank Bit Cover
HSS 2MT Taper Shank Drill Bit Size: 3/4"

The Drill America Taper Shank Bit, sized at 3/4", is crafted from high-speed steel, making it ideal for tough drilling tasks. Its black oxide finish not only enhances durability but also resists corrosion, ensuring a longer lifespan. With a flute length of 5-7/8 inches, it efficiently removes chips and debris, allowing for smoother drilling operations. The overall length of 9-3/4 inches provides a good reach for various applications, making it a versatile tool in your collection. This bit is designed for right-hand cutting, offering ease and precision in your drilling projects.

What We Like
Durable high-speed steel
Corrosion-resistant finish
Efficient chip removal
Versatile length
#TOP 8

Drill America HSS 4MT Taper Shank Drill Bit 1-1/4"

DWDTS1-1/4
Black Oxide
1-1/4"
Drill America HSS 4MT Taper Shank Drill Bit 1-1/4" Cover
HSS 4MT Taper Shank Drill Bit Size: 1-1/4"

The Drill America 4MT Drill Bit is designed with a 1-1/4 inch size, making it ideal for drilling larger holes with precision. Made from high-speed steel, this bit offers durability and excellent cutting performance, helping you complete your projects efficiently. The black oxide finish adds extra protection against rust and wear, extending the tool's lifespan. With a flute length of 7-7/8 inches, it allows for effective chip removal, keeping your work area clean and improving drilling speed. This bit combines strength and convenience to support your drilling needs.

What We Like
Durable high-speed steel
Rust-resistant black oxide finish
Large 1-1/4 inch size
Efficient chip removal
#TOP 9

HHIP 5302-3108 High Speed Steel Taper Shank Drill

5302-3108
1-1/8" Dia. x 3MT
HHIP 5302-3108 High Speed Steel Taper Shank Drill Cover
HHIP 5302-3108 High Speed Steel 3MT Taper Shank Drill, 118 Degree Split Point, 1-1/8" Diameter X 7-1/8" Flute Length X 11-3/4" Overall Length

The HHIP High Speed Steel Drill features a 118-degree split point that helps you start drilling more easily and accurately, reducing walking on the surface. It's designed to work well on a variety of materials, making it a versatile tool for many projects. The drill has a special surface treatment that improves chip removal, so you can work faster without clogging. Plus, with its taper shank built to standard Morse dimensions, it fits securely in your drill press or machine, giving you better control. This drill also has a black oxide finish that resists wear and helps reduce friction, which means it lasts longer and performs more smoothly.

What We Like
118-degree split point
Versatile material use
Improved chip flow
Standard taper shank
Black oxide finish
#TOP 10

Make it Snappy 1/4 Inch Tapered Plug Cutter #40316

40316
1/4 inch
Make it Snappy 1/4 Inch Tapered Plug Cutter #40316 Cover
Make it Snappy Tools 1/4 Inch Tapered Plug Cutter (1/4 Inch Quick Change Shank) #40316

The Make it Snappy Plug Cutter is designed to give you a perfect, tight fit without needing glue, thanks to its tapered plug design. The chamfered nose helps you easily insert the plug into the hole, making your work smoother and faster. Its four precision-milled angles on each flute ensure your cuts are smooth and consistent, so every plug fits just right. Plus, it's heat-treated for durability, meaning it will stay sharp and last longer, saving you time and money on replacements.

What We Like
Tapered plug for tight fit
Chamfered nose for easy insertion
Precision-milled flutes for smooth cuts
Heat-treated for durability
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are taper shank drill bits for?

Taper shank drill bits are designed to fit directly into the tapered holes of drill press spindles, driving sleeves, or sockets. They are used for general-purpose drilling in both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

2. What is the difference between a straight shank and a taper shank drill bit?

The main difference between a straight shank and a taper shank drill bit is the shape of the shank. Taper shank drill bits have a tanged conical shank with a tang at the base for holding and removing the bit. On the other hand, a straight shank drill bit has a cylindrical shank, which may or may not be the same diameter as the body of the drill.

3. What degree is a taper shank drill?

Taper shank drills are available in various sizes and point angles. They typically fit in American Standard (Morse) tapered holders of sizes MT1 to MT5. The point angles for taper shank drill bits can be either 118 degrees or 135 degrees, conforming to standards such as DIN 7822 or BS 328.

Editor's Notes

During our taper shank drill bit research, we found 24 taper shank drill bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,697 customer reviews through our big data system to write the taper shank drill bits list. We found that most customers choose taper shank drill bits with an average price of $17.74.

The taper shank drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of taper shank drill bits, including Drill America, Make it Snappy, MICHIGAN DRILL, HHIP. 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.