9 Best Countersink Drill Bit Sets to Get in 2023 - Handyman's World (2024)

Countersinking is a great way to fit bolts, rivets, or screws onto a material without having them protrude and cause accidents. That said, this technique requires special countersink drill bits. These can often work not just on wood, but also on plastic and certain metals.

If you are looking to get a set for yourself, you are in the right place. We reviewed all of the widely available products to help you find the best countersink drill bit set for you. Chances are it’s our top pick, the CRL Weldon Countersink Set. There are other options too, though.

If you want simple cross-hole countersink drill bits, you must see the CRL Weldon Countersink Set. With an 82-degree cutting angle, this set is ideally used for aluminum material. If you have a 1/4 or 3/8-inch drill chuck, this will fit nicely, since it has a 1/4-inch (round) shank diameter. Because these are common sizes, they can be used for a wide variety of countersink projects.

This four piece set comes with no. 6 to 16 screw sizes, while the design of each bit creates a smoothly-finished hole after each drill. Also, this design allows for less likelihood of edge splitting or burning.

Things I Like About This Product: It has the most common sizes needed, and the round shank fits most drill chucks thanks to the 1/4-inch diameter.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: While it can be used for wood, it may not be ideal for bamboo materials due to the possibility that it will leave burn marks. They are also not ideal for steel.

As a 5-piece kit, the IRWIN Countersink Drill Bit Set for Metal has sizes 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4-inch, and all of them have their own molded slots inside the case. Each bit has an 82-degree tip, which is a common countersinking. Since it has a 1/4-inch round shank on every bit, it can be used for most common handheld drills and drill presses.

It also has a five-flute design to ensure smoother operation and less vibration for the user. Also, I like that it has a black oxide finish so that it resists rusting for quite a while. HSS or high-speed steel is used to make each of these bits, which works well on wood, plastic, and metal.

Things I Like About This Product: The five-flute design helps decrease vibration, while the 1/4-inch round shank makes it applicable for common drill chuck sizes.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The design might not work well in a drill press and might also drill slowly on stainless steel.

A simple 5-piece kit, the Neiko 10218A Countersink Drill Bit Set has sizes from 1/4 to 3/4-inch, which are the most common needed for construction projects. Because they all have a five-flute design, they are more stable for your drill to grip and can also help maintain smoothness during operation. The smooth motion is also felt, thanks to the tri-flat shank design, which also reduces vibration and fatigue.

All the drill bits come with an aluminum case that has a handle for easy portability. Each of these bits has 82 degree tips and can be used on a variety of materials. Because they are made of M2 material, they are the standard, or industry-popular, type of HSS or high-speed steel.

Things I Like About This Product: The set comes with popular sizes that you can use on most projects, plus the M2-grade HSS makes it compatible with metal too, not just wood.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The design may not be as stable (but still manageable) with drill presses.

If you are seeking a kit that contains different sized drill bits plus extras, you’ll like the W. L. Fuller 10393011C #11 5-Piece Taper Drill Set. This set has wood screw sizes #6, #8, #10, #12, and #14, and of course, the countersink drill bits and more extras. You can use the plug cutter to create your wood plugs for counterboring if you have more projects to be done in addition to countersinking.

I like that the container is a sturdy wood case that not only looks presentable, but also houses all the pieces nicely for easy access. The sizes, part numbers, and other useful information are all written inside the case. These drill bits are heat-treated to make sure they are ready for any job, no matter how tough.

Moreover, drill presses and handheld drills can accommodate the plug cutter just fine because of the standard size. If you have a special drill, you can use the included hex shank to fit them more easily, unlike with rounded shanks.

Things I Like About This Product: The case is made of solid wood, making it nice and sturdy. You can use the plug cutter with a drill press or a handheld drill interchangeably.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The set may not be compatible with certain flip drive sets, such as those from DeWalt.

For those who want a countersink drill bit that has an adjustable depth stop, you should try the Amana Tool 55229 Carbide Tipped 82° Countersink. Since it uses a no-thrust ball bearing, it ensures smooth operation and prevents hole burns when you are working with wood and similar delicate materials.

Also, the depth stop helps decrease friction, which also aids in maintaining a smooth and burn-free finish. It has a total length of 2 5/8-inches, and a diameter of 3/8-inches. The carbide tipped countersink bit fits drills with a 1/4-inch shank size.

Additionally, you can adjust the cutting height from 3/64 to 3/8-inch. With a bottom angle of 49 degrees, it also uses a quick-release hex shank. A hex shank not only solidifies the connection between the drill (or drill press) and the bit, but also helps keep it from wobbling.

Things I Like About This Product: The depth stop of this countersink drill bit is adjustable, so which gives you more flexibility on your work table, especially for a drill press. Also, the hex shank shape keeps your material more stable compared to a round shank.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It is a little on the heavy side, so you have to be careful when loading it onto your drill.

For those who want a different material for their set, you might be interested in the IRWIN Tools Black Oxide Countersink Drill Bit. The black oxide finish is ideal for those who live in very humid climates and are prone to having corrosion problems.

What I like about this drill set is that the drill bit size is engraved onto each bit, which means less confusion when putting them back, and when trying to find the right size for your project needs. All of them have 82-degree tips that are precision-ground and work not just on wood, but also on metals and plastic.

All the bits have standard round shanks at 1/4-inch that can fit into most drills (press or handheld). The five-flute design decreases vibrations, which not only increases the lifespan of the bit, but also provides a smooth operation. All of these drill bits are HSS as well and the sizes included are 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4-inch.

Things I Like About This Product: What I like most is the black oxide finish, which helps to resist corrosion in humid areas.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The bits do not come with a sturdy case, and instead are only in a standard packaging plastic kit.

As a 6-piece kit, the Baban Countersink Drill Bit Set has sizes 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4-inch, and all are HSS. If you prefer a higher angle, you may like this set since it has 90 degrees on all tips. It also has a five-flute design that helps to keep operation running smoothly with less chance of a chipping mess. The drill bits work just fine even on particle board, in addition to regular wood and plastic.

The 1/4-inch hex shanks are a fantastic feature because they perform without the likelihood of the bit slipping apart (if you have a hex-compatible drill, that is).

Things I Like About This Product: The hex shank allows more stability when you are drilling with the bits on different materials (compared to round shanks).

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The drill bits may not work as well for hardwoods.

For those who want simple round shanks, the CSLU 5Pcs 82 Degree Countersink Set may be just right for you. Each of them features an 82 degree angle, with sizes of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4-inch. The five-flute design improves smoothness and also protects the sharpness of the tip. These are high speed steel bits that come in a safe case.

I like that the case has large labels for each bit size to make it easy to identify them. Also, the foam-like molded material helps keep the bits safe during travel, without making jarring noises. It has a 6 mm or 1/4-inch shank diameter which can also work with some cordless drills, as long as you don’t apply too much pressure.

Things I Like About This Product: You may be drawn to the design of the case since it’s akin to microphone foam cases – they keep your countersink bits from making noise and falling out of place, unlike metal or plastic holders.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: They might drill softer in a milling machine compared to other countersink drill bits.

The DEWALT DW2535 3-Piece Countersink Drill Bit Set will appeal to those who only need a few bits, which include the common sizes #6 (9/64), #8 (11/64) and #10 (8/16) in a simple blister pack. What I also like about this set is that you can use the bits for any impact driver with a 1/4-inch capability.

Because it can fit 1/4-inch hex shanks, you can use it if you have a hex chuck on your drill and keep it stable during operation. This also means it can fit the majority of drills, such as those with 3/8 and 1/2-inch chuck sizes.

As for the parts, it has a corrosion-proof, nickel-plated nose for withstanding the elements and an activated ball groove system so the bits are easy to load. Also, the countersink bits have rubber finger grips, so putting them into your drill doesn’t have to be a hassle. The whole kit is backed by a 1-year full warranty.

Things I Like About This Product: It has the most common countersink bit sizes and the rubber finger grip allows for easy loading.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: A minor con is that it doesn’t come with a stop gauge (no adjustment) and blister packs can be a bit difficult to grab a bit from compared to regular cases (since there are only 3 pieces).

The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Countersink Drill Bit Sets Featured Above

When selecting the countersink drill bits I mentioned, I considered the following criteria, which might also help you when making your choice:

Shank Type

When you buy a drill bit, know first if you need a round shank or a hex shank. Round ones are compatible with a variety of drill brands, so if you don’t know exactly what you’ll be working on, it may be best to go with a round shank for easy adaptability. However, the slight downside is that round shank types tend to get de-chucked easier than hex-types.

Now, let’s look at hex types – they can fit specialty drills and have better stability compared to round shanks since it is easier to lock them into place. If you do have a handheld or drill press that can accept hex types, I think it’s best to go with them.

Included Pieces and Sizes

Know which sizes of countersink drill bits you need in a pack. Most sets contain about five pieces, but some kits have more depending on usage. There are also drill bits that have engraved sizes so you can easily know which bit to grab without having to check the fit in the case.

Countersink Angle

The angle can differ between sets, but the most common countersink drill bit you can find has an 82 degree angle. However, some bits are 90 degrees, so it just depends on what you need for your particular project.

Case Design

A durable case is worth the money since you need to keep the countersink drill bits organized just as you would regular drill bits. Consider cases that are made of metal or aluminum over plastic, because if they have a fall, then this material is shock-proof.

Two of our picks mentioned above have mentionable case design: the W. L. Fuller 10393011C #11 5-Piece Taper Drill Set, has a solid wood case that can withstand years of use, and the CSLU 5Pcs 82 Degree Countersink Set, which has a soft molded foam. This foam protects your drill bits so they don’t get scratched during transit.

Five-Flute Tips

All of our picks above have a five-flute tip design, which helps maintain the sharpness of the drill bit and can also keep the vibration to a minimum. It also enhances the penetration of the countersink drill bit during use.

Summary

For countersink drill bits with round shanks, you will like the CRL Weldon Countersink Set and the IRWIN Countersink Drill Bit Set for Metal. However, if you need a hex shank for certain types of drills, I would suggest the Baban Countersink Drill Bit Set and the DEWALT DW2535 3-Piece Countersink Drill Bit Set.

If you like an M2-grade HSS, the Neiko 10218A Countersink Drill Bit Set might catch your eye. For those who live in humid areas, the IRWIN Tools Black Oxide Countersink Drill Bit has a black oxide finish to protect it from wear and tear.

Special sets, such as the W. L. Fuller 10393011C #11 5-Piece Taper Drill Set, have a plug cutter for drill presses. If you want a countersink drill bit that has a depth stop, I’d suggest the Amana Tool 55229 Carbide Tipped 82° Countersink.

Sets with sturdy and well-designed cases include the W. L. Fuller 10393011C #11 5-Piece Taper Drill Set, which has a solid wood case, and theCSLU 5Pcs 82 Degree Countersink Set, which has a soft molded foam to protect the pieces inside.