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Best Drill Bit Set Under $150 for Wood, Metal, and Masonry
The Bosch MS4091 91-Piece Drilling and Driver Set is the best drill bit set under 150 for most homeowners because it combines useful wood and metal sizes with masonry bits, driver accessories, and a reasonably compact case; professionals who drill metal frequently should instead choose a smaller cobalt set plus separate masonry bits.
A large piece count does not automatically mean broad drilling coverage. Many “100-piece” kits count duplicate driver tips, nut setters, and short accessories, while offering only a narrow range of actual drill diameters. The right choice depends on the materials you drill, how often you use the set, and whether replacing a worn bit is easy.
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Quick comparison of the leading choices
| Set or format | Approx. pieces | Typical drill-size coverage | Bit material and coating | Best use | Typical market range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch MS4091 | 91 | About 1/16 to 1/2 in, depending on accessory type | HSS metal bits, carbide-tipped masonry bits, mixed driver accessories | General household wood, metal, and masonry work | $45–$80 |
| DEWALT DWA2FTS100 | 100 | About 1/16 to 1/2 in across the assortment | Black-oxide or titanium-coated twist bits, masonry bits, driver bits | Mixed repair and installation work | $50–$90 |
| Makita B-65399 | 70 | Roughly 1/16 to 1/2 in, with hole saw and specialty coverage | Black-oxide twist bits, masonry bits, spade bits, impact-rated accessories | Drilling plus fastening with a compact kit | $45–$85 |
| 29-piece cobalt metal set plus separate masonry set | Usually 35–45 total | Commonly 1/16 to 1/2 in in 1/64-in increments | M35 cobalt or cobalt-alloy HSS; carbide-tipped masonry bits separately | Frequent metal drilling and longer service life | $70–$145 combined |
Piece counts and included sizes can change between regional packages and revised SKUs, so confirm the contents printed on the box before buying. The figures above are useful comparisons, not a substitute for the manufacturer’s current contents list.
How the best options differ
Bosch MS4091: best all-around coverage
The Bosch MS4091 is the most balanced choice when one case must cover furniture assembly, household repairs, pilot holes, occasional sheet metal, and brick or block. Its value comes from breadth rather than premium drill-bit metallurgy. It normally includes standard twist bits for light metal work, wood-oriented bits or accessories, carbide-tipped masonry bits, and a substantial selection of driver tips.
For wood, the small twist bits are useful for pilot holes, while larger wood holes are better handled by the included spade-style accessories where available. For metal, use low speed, cutting lubricant, and moderate pressure; the standard HSS bits are appropriate for mild steel and aluminum, but they are not the best choice for repeated drilling in stainless steel. For masonry, the carbide tips are suitable for brick, block, and light concrete when used with a hammer drill.
The case is a practical strength, but a 91-piece layout can make small bits easy to misplace. This is the set to choose when you want the widest range of ordinary tasks without spending the full budget.
DEWALT DWA2FTS100: best for mixed drilling and fastening
The DEWALT DWA2FTS100 emphasizes versatility and driver accessories. It is a good fit for someone who alternates between drilling holes and installing screws, anchors, cabinet hardware, and light construction fasteners. The case usually provides more bit and driver variety than a dedicated drill-bit set, although its actual metal-drilling range may be less comprehensive than a 29-piece cobalt assortment.
Coated twist bits resist surface corrosion and can run cooler than untreated bits during light work, but coating does not turn a general-purpose bit into a cobalt bit. Avoid using ordinary coated bits on hardened steel, and do not confuse impact-rated driver tips with impact-rated drill bits. The latter must be specifically labeled for use in an impact driver.
Choose this kit if your “drill bit set” also needs to solve fastening jobs. Choose another format if you already own plenty of driver bits and need maximum diameter coverage.
Makita B-65399: best compact multipurpose kit
The Makita B-65399 is attractive when storage space matters. It combines drill bits, masonry accessories, wood-drilling options, and fastening pieces in a case that is less bulky than many larger assortments. The inclusion of specialty accessories can be more useful than another dozen duplicate driver tips.
It is particularly suitable for apartment maintenance, occasional woodworking, shelving, and general installation. Its limitation is the same as most mixed kits: the supplied metal bits are general-purpose rather than specialist cobalt bits. If you routinely drill thick steel, buy a dedicated metal set instead of judging this kit by its piece count.
Cobalt set plus masonry set: best for frequent metal work
A dedicated M35 cobalt-alloy HSS set, commonly containing 29 bits from approximately 1/16 to 1/2 inch, is the strongest technical choice for repeated metal drilling under the $150 budget. Cobalt bits tolerate more heat than ordinary HSS, but they are also more brittle. They need controlled pressure, slower speeds, and lubricant; forcing them or letting them chatter can chip the cutting edges.
Add a small carbide-tipped masonry set and you can remain within the budget while obtaining better metal coverage than a large household assortment. This route is less convenient for wood because it may omit brad-point or spade bits, and it gives you fewer driver accessories. It is the right decision for a fabricator or maintenance worker, not necessarily for a homeowner.
Decision matrix: which format fits your situation?
| Your situation | Recommended choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Under $60 and occasional repairs | General mixed kit | Provides useful sizes and accessories without buying specialist bits you may rarely use |
| Frequent screw installation | DEWALT mixed drilling and driving kit | Greater value from driver tips, nut setters, and fastening accessories |
| Small workshop or limited storage | Makita B-65399 or similar compact kit | Broad coverage in a smaller footprint |
| Regular steel or stainless-steel drilling | Cobalt metal set plus masonry bits | Better heat resistance and more complete metal size progression |
| Mostly wood projects | Mixed kit with brad-point or spade bits | Wood-specific geometry makes cleaner holes than standard twist bits |
| Concrete-anchor installation | Mixed kit with carbide masonry bits, or separate SDS set for heavy work | Standard round-shank masonry bits suit light work; SDS bits suit rotary hammers and harder concrete |
What to inspect before purchasing
- Size progression: Look for the diameters you actually use, not just the highest piece count. A kit that jumps from 1/4 to 3/8 inch may leave an inconvenient gap.
- Material: HSS is adequate for general metal. Cobalt is preferable for frequent or heat-producing metal work. Carbide tips are intended for masonry, not ordinary steel.
- Coating: Black oxide provides basic wear and corrosion resistance. Titanium coatings can improve sliding and surface durability, but only while the coating remains on the cutting area.
- Shank design: A three-flat shank reduces slipping in a chuck. Hex shanks change quickly in compatible holders but may be less universal for larger drilling.
- Case quality: Hinges, latches, bit retention, and readable size markings matter more than a glossy exterior. Loose bits disappear quickly in a case with weak sockets.
- Specialty coverage: Check for brad-point or spade bits for wood, carbide masonry bits for brick and block, and step bits or cobalt bits if sheet metal is part of the work.
How to make the set last longer
In wood, clamp the workpiece and withdraw the bit periodically to clear chips. In metal, mark the hole, center-punch it, use a slower speed, and apply cutting fluid. A simple sizing rule is that doubling the bit diameter requires roughly half the rotational speed for similar surface speed. For example, if a 1/8-inch bit works acceptably at 2,000 revolutions per minute, a 1/4-inch bit should be run near 1,000 revolutions per minute under comparable conditions.
For masonry, use hammer action only when the bit and drill support it. Let the carbide tip cut instead of leaning heavily on the tool, and clear deep dust from the hole. Do not use a standard masonry bit as a substitute for an SDS bit in a rotary hammer.
The cutting edges usually wear before the case or shank does. Replace bits that require excessive pressure, leave a rough hole, turn blue from overheating, or wander despite a center mark. Clean and dry bits before returning them to the case; masonry dust and metal chips accelerate corrosion and can damage neighboring bits.
Final verdict
For one affordable case serving wood, metal, and light masonry, buy the Bosch MS4091. Pick the DEWALT DWA2FTS100 when fastening accessories are as important as drilling, or the Makita B-65399 when compact storage and specialty coverage matter more than maximum piece count. If metal drilling is a regular part of your work, skip the oversized mixed kit and spend the same budget on cobalt bits plus a separate carbide masonry set. That combination costs more per individual accessory but delivers the most useful coverage where ordinary combination kits wear out first.