DEWALT Step Drill Bit, Impact Ready, 1/8-Inch-1/2-Inch (DWA1783IR)

Use it often, really like the bit.

I don't know what it's made of, but it is hard and sharp. Goes through structural steel so much better and faster than other drill bits that are supposed to be good. I haven't tried it on stainless steel yet, but the holes it drills into structural steel are comparable to how good individual M35 bits perform on structural steel, and since those same M35 bits will go through stainless, then I'm confident this Dewalt step bit will go through stainless steel just as well. I will have an opportunity to test it on stainless steel in about a week from now and can give an update afterwards. Update: I picked up 2 other step bits, one Oxmul M35 (5% cobalt) and one Stroton (6% cobalt). The Dewalt similarly outperformed those as well. I drilled stainless steel with the Dewalt and got a surprise---it quickly accelerated in expanding/drilling out the hole once a pilot hole was created. All drilling was done with moderate even pressure at relatively slow speed.

I began my project using bits from a local hardware discount store (Warrior brand) on sale for $8.99: drilled the first hole okay though I had to drill a pilot hole to get it started; then it got dull quickly and I struggled to do a couple more holes in my new fire pit ring. Watched a You Tube review of the Dewalt bits that showed it beating all other brands so I forked out the 5x cost to try it. Total "game changer"! The 3/16" starter step eliminated the pilot hole drilling other brands seem to require. This Dewalt bit cut through the steel like butter. I drilled a total of 56ea, 9/16" holes and the last hole cut just as easy as the first with no apparent dulling. Will never buy another drill bit brand; I'm completely sold. BTW, I also used an impact driver instead of your standard drill. Performed beautifully together!

These step bits stand up to constant torture and remain sharp. I have cut through 1/2" plate steel with them (though I am sure that is not advisable) and was able to make clean holes. These bits are more expensive than some, but for the quality I think they are worth it.

I love these because of the the 1/4" impact shank. Work great if you need length you can put them in an impact extension. I have drilled 1/4" thick steel and they drill right through without bogging down your drill. One issue I have is the hex part has rounded and have gotten stuck in the impact extension. I have used Milwaukee, Unibit, Greenlee, Lenox and generics, Dewalt has changed everything with the spiral flute design.

I've been using step drills since they came out in the 70's. This is the best all around I have ever used. Sharp and stays sharp, cuts clean and easy!

Hands down, the best one I have. Cudo’s dewalt……..well done!

Very nice solid tool. Would definitely buy again. Very sharp.

Best step drill bits out there

If you're the "Not sure I'll need to use a step bit but want one just in case." type. Buy this one. Especially when it's on sale. This is the one. I've used mine at work for over 2 years, and even lent it out to others in the shop. It drills just as nicely as the first time I used it. Cutting edges hold up, even the tip has held up after being dropped on concrete. Full disclosure, I always start with a pilot hole and mine has mostly been used on aluminum, but it has also been used on mild or stainless steel on occasion without severely degrading it. The price to performance is wild.

Yes this is very expensive but having blunted so many cheap step bits I " bit" (see what i did there) the bullet and lashed out for this one based on reviews - it doesn't disappoint... "hot knife through butter" is the expression commonly used and its true, its incredible through thick steel so is definitely worth having in your tool kit

Nice quality

Very high quality, makes quick work of steel as well as aluminum and plastic etc. Not this is NOT metric sizes, but there is enough small steps to make most sizes ok.