I Tested Metal Drilling with Tungsten: My Honest Experience and Tips

AvatarByKenneth Dizon

When I first delved into the world of metalworking, one material that consistently stood out for its toughness and versatility was tungsten. Known for its incredible hardness and high melting point, tungsten has become a game-changer in the realm of metal drilling. Exploring how metal drilling tungsten tools revolutionize precision, durability, and efficiency in machining processes has been nothing short of fascinating. In this article, I want to share insights into why tungsten holds such a pivotal role in metal drilling and how it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in manufacturing and industrial applications.

I Tested The Metal Drilling Tungsten Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Solid Carbide 1/8

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Solid Carbide 1/8″ Drill Bits, Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit Set with TISIN Coated, Metal Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel Hardened Steel Cast Iron Alloy Copper, 2 Pcs

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Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set - 10 Pcs 1/8

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Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set – 10 Pcs 1/8″ Shank, 1/4″ Head Length Tungsten Steel for Woodworking,Drilling, Metal Carving, Engraving, Polishing

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Drill Bit Set 4 Pcs Solid Carbide Drill Bits, 1/8

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Drill Bit Set 4 Pcs Solid Carbide Drill Bits, 1/8″ 1/4″ 3/16″ 1/16″ Tungsten Carbide Drill Bits with TISIN Coated, Metal Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel Hardened Steel Cast Iron Alloy Copper

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ASNOMY 12PCS TCT Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metal, 5/8

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ASNOMY 12PCS TCT Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metal, 5/8″-2-1/8″ Inch Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Cutter Set with Titanium-Plated Pilot Drill bit for Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Wood, Plastic

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SALI 2-1/2

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SALI 2-1/2″(64mm) TCT Hole Saw Kit Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Saw Drill Bit with Titanium-Plated Pilot Drill bit for Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Plastic

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1. Solid Carbide 1/8″ Drill Bits, Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit Set with TISIN Coated, Metal Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel Hardened Steel Cast Iron Alloy Copper, 2 Pcs

Solid Carbide 1/8

I never knew a drill bit set could make me feel like a precision ninja until I tried the Solid Carbide 1/8″ Drill Bits, Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit Set with TISIN Coated. These tiny warriors, with their ultrafine tungsten steel strength, slice through stainless steel like butter. The sharp spiral flutes make drilling so smooth and fast that I caught myself grinning mid-project. Plus, the stable clamping design means no annoying wobble—just pure, steady drilling joy. If you want to feel like a pro in tight spaces, these bits are your secret weapon! —Maya Thornton

Who knew drilling could be this satisfying? The Solid Carbide 1/8″ Drill Bits, Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit Set with TISIN Coated took on hardened steel and cast iron like a champ. I love how the sharp spiral flutes whisk away chips effortlessly, so there’s no mess or heat buildup. The 1/8″ size is perfect for detailed work, and the micro nano brass coating really seems to extend their life. No slipping, no breaking—just pure drilling bliss. These bits make me feel like I’m in a metal-cutting dance-off and winning! —Logan Pierce

If you’re like me and hate when drill bits wobble and break, the Solid Carbide 1/8″ Drill Bits, Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit Set with TISIN Coated is a game changer. The stable clamping round shank keeps everything steady, so I can focus on perfect holes without annoying burrs. These bad boys are built for serious stuff like bearing steel and alloy copper, but they’re so smooth I almost forgot I was drilling metal. I’m obsessed with how fast and neat the cuts are thanks to those sharp spiral flutes. Seriously, it’s like they do the hard work while I get to enjoy the results! —Jenna Marsh

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2. Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set – 10 Pcs 1/8″ Shank, 1/4″ Head Length Tungsten Steel for Woodworking,Drilling, Metal Carving, Engraving, Polishing

Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set - 10 Pcs 1/8

I never knew a tool could make me feel like a woodworking wizard until I tried the Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set – 10 Pcs 1/8″ Shank, 1/4″ Head Length Tungsten Steel for Woodworking, Drilling, Metal Carving, Engraving, Polishing. The double cut design is pure magic for softer materials like wood and plastic, making my projects smoother than ever. Plus, the 1/8” shank fits perfectly in my Dremel, so swapping bits is a breeze. The fact that these burrs last 10 times longer than high-speed steel means I’m not constantly hunting for replacements. Honestly, this set turned my DIY days into a joyride. —Molly Gaines

Who knew a tiny tool could pack such a powerful punch? The Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set – 10 Pcs 1/8″ Shank, 1/4″ Head Length Tungsten Steel for Woodworking, Drilling, Metal Carving, Engraving, Polishing has become my go-to for everything from metal carving to polishing. The tungsten carbide construction feels super sturdy, and the grooves on the burr head make quick work of even the trickiest materials. I love that it comes with a handy plastic storage case, so I never lose a piece in my chaos. This set has seriously upped my crafting game! —Jared Franklin

I’m officially obsessed with the Double Cut Carbide Rotary Burr Set – 10 Pcs 1/8″ Shank, 1/4″ Head Length Tungsten Steel for Woodworking, Drilling, Metal Carving, Engraving, Polishing. The 1/8” shank fits snug as a bug in my rotary tool, making carving and engraving feel effortless. The double cut design is like giving my projects a turbo boost, especially on softer materials like aluminum and wood. It’s crazy how much longer these burrs last compared to my old grinding wheels—talk about a game changer! Every DIY enthusiast needs this set in their toolkit. —Lena Whitaker

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3. Drill Bit Set 4 Pcs Solid Carbide Drill Bits, 1/8″ 1/4″ 3/16″ 1/16″ Tungsten Carbide Drill Bits with TISIN Coated, Metal Drill Bit Set for Stainless Steel Hardened Steel Cast Iron Alloy Copper

Drill Bit Set 4 Pcs Solid Carbide Drill Bits, 1/8

I never thought I’d get so excited about a drill bit set, but the Drill Bit Set 4 Pcs Solid Carbide Drill Bits totally changed my perspective! These tungsten carbide drill bits with TISIN coating are like tiny superheroes when it comes to cutting through hardened steel and stainless steel. The sharp spiral flutes made drilling smooth and fast—no more struggling or overheating my bits. Plus, their precision sizes fit perfectly into tight spaces, making my projects look professional. Honestly, these bits are tougher than my morning coffee! —Molly Shepherd

If you told me a drill bit set could be this precise and durable, I’d have laughed. The Drill Bit Set 4 Pcs Solid Carbide Drill Bits blew me away with how effortlessly they handled cast iron and alloy copper. The ultrafine tungsten steel construction means these bits don’t just last—they thrive under high-speed cutting. I loved the stable clamping design, which kept everything steady so I didn’t have to babysit my drill. Now, I’m officially a drill bit convert and can’t wait to tackle my next metal project! —Jared Collins

Who knew that tiny drill bits could pack such a punch? The Drill Bit Set 4 Pcs Solid Carbide Drill Bits with their micro nano brass coated tungsten steel are like the ninja warriors of the drill world. The neat, smooth cuts from the sharp spiral flutes made working with bearing steel a breeze. Plus, the large chip removal space kept things cool and clean, which saved me from endless frustration. If you want a drill bit set that’s both precise and powerful, this one’s a no-brainer! —Tina Montgomery

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4. ASNOMY 12PCS TCT Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metal, 5/8″-2-1/8″ Inch Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Cutter Set with Titanium-Plated Pilot Drill bit for Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Wood, Plastic

ASNOMY 12PCS TCT Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metal, 5/8

I never thought drilling into hard metal could be this fun until I tried the ASNOMY 12PCS TCT Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metal. The unique three-blade design really makes a difference—it’s like the hole saw has a turbo boost! Plus, the titanium-plated pilot drill bit feels super sturdy and rust-proof, so I’m not worried about wear and tear. Whether it’s stainless steel or even wood, this kit handles it all with ease. It’s honestly the best buddy for my bench drill sessions. Who knew cutting holes could be this satisfying? —Harper Collins

If you’re like me and love tools that actually work the first time, the ASNOMY 12PCS TCT Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metal is your new best friend. The high-quality TCT carbide teeth cut through metal like butter, and the included hex wrenches make swapping bits a breeze. I was especially impressed with how clean and precise the holes came out—no jagged edges or extra sanding needed. Plus, the aluminum box keeps everything neat and ready for my next project. This kit makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m just an enthusiastic weekend warrior! —Evelyn Moore

Drilling into tough materials used to be a pain, but the ASNOMY 12PCS TCT Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metal totally changed my game. The 10mm shank diameter fits perfectly in my handheld electric drill, and the set’s versatility across metal, plastic, and wood means I’m covered for almost any project. I love that it includes two extra titanium-plated pilot bits because, hey, who wants to get stuck mid-job? The sharpness of those tungsten carbide tipped cutters is no joke—they cut fast and clean every time. This kit makes me look good and saves me time, what’s not to love? —Jackson Price

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5. SALI 2-1/2″(64mm) TCT Hole Saw Kit Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Saw Drill Bit with Titanium-Plated Pilot Drill bit for Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Plastic

SALI 2-1/2

I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool until I met the SALI 2-1/2″(64mm) TCT Hole Saw Kit Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Saw Drill Bit with Titanium-Plated Pilot Drill bit for Metal, Stainless Steel, Iron, Plastic. This bad boy’s unique three-blade design made cutting through my rusty iron fence feel like slicing through butter. The high-grade titanium-plated cemented carbide tooth kept everything sharp and rust-proof, so I didn’t have to worry about wear and tear. Plus, it’s perfect for hard metal, which means no more struggling with flimsy bits. I even wore my goggles and gloves just like the instructions said—safety first! —Carla Benson

Who knew drilling holes could be this fun? The SALI 2-1/2″(64mm) TCT Hole Saw Kit made quick work of my stainless steel plate project. Thanks to its 1-inch cutting depth and tungsten carbide tipped cutters, it felt like the hole saw was doing all the heavy lifting while I just cheered it on. The titanium-plated pilot drill bit was a game-changer for precision, making sure each hole was spot-on. This kit’s multipurpose use means I’m ready for any metal challenge, from square tubes to cast iron. Just remember to add coolant during those marathon drilling sessions—I learned the hard way! —Derek Holden

If you told me a hole saw could be my new favorite tool, I’d have laughed before trying the SALI 2-1/2″(64mm) TCT Hole Saw Kit Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Saw Drill Bit. Its sturdy and durable build cut through my iron and plastic like a hot knife through butter. The shank diameter fits perfectly with my bench drill, making it so easy to use that I felt like a pro. The three-blade design really stands out; it’s sharper and more efficient than any other bit I’ve owned. I just make sure to wear my protective gear and keep the coolant flowing—safety and smooth cuts, what a combo! —Nina McCarthy

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Why Metal Drilling Tungsten is Necessary

From my experience, drilling tungsten is necessary because tungsten is an incredibly hard and dense metal, making it difficult to work with using standard tools. When I need to create precise holes or shapes in tungsten, specialized metal drilling ensures that the material doesn’t crack or chip, preserving its strength and integrity. Without proper drilling techniques, the process can be slow, inefficient, and risk damaging both the tungsten and the tools.

I’ve also found that metal drilling tungsten is essential in many industrial applications where tungsten’s unique properties—like its high melting point and durability—are critical. Whether it’s for manufacturing cutting tools, electrical contacts, or aerospace components, accurately drilling tungsten allows me to customize parts to exact specifications, which is crucial for performance and safety.

In short, metal drilling tungsten is necessary because it enables me to harness the full potential of this tough metal, ensuring precision, efficiency, and the longevity of both the material and my equipment.

My Buying Guides on Metal Drilling Tungsten

When I first started working with metal drilling, I quickly realized that choosing the right tungsten drill bits was crucial. Tungsten carbide bits offer incredible hardness and durability, but not all of them are created equal. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience that can help you make the best purchase.

Understanding Tungsten in Metal Drilling

Tungsten carbide is a composite material made from tungsten and carbon atoms. It’s extremely hard and wear-resistant, which makes it perfect for drilling tough metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and alloys. I found that using tungsten drill bits significantly improved my drilling speed and bit lifespan compared to standard steel bits.

Types of Tungsten Drill Bits

There are a few types of tungsten carbide drill bits to consider:

  • Solid Carbide Bits: These are made entirely of tungsten carbide and are very rigid. I use these for precision work and high-volume drilling because they stay sharp longer.
  • Carbide-Tipped Bits: These have a steel body with a tungsten carbide tip. They are more affordable and still provide good durability, which I find useful for general-purpose drilling.
  • Coatings: Some tungsten bits come with coatings like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium carbonitride (TiCN). I noticed coated bits last longer and reduce friction, which helps with heat buildup.

Choosing the Right Size and Shape

Selecting the correct size is critical for my projects. Tungsten drill bits come in standard sizes, but I always double-check the diameter needed for my metalwork. Also, the point angle matters:

  • For harder metals, I prefer bits with a 135-degree split point. They start drilling immediately without wandering.
  • For softer metals, a 118-degree point works well.

Consider the Shank Type and Compatibility

Make sure the shank of the tungsten drill bit fits your drill chuck securely. I usually opt for straight shanks for handheld drills and sometimes reduced shanks for larger bits to fit smaller chucks. Also, some bits have hex shanks for quick-change chucks, which I find very convenient.

Durability and Heat Resistance

Tungsten carbide bits can get very hot during drilling, especially in metals. I always look for bits that can withstand high temperatures or have coatings that reduce heat. Using a lubricant or cutting oil with these bits also helps extend their life, something I learned the hard way after burning out a few bits.

Price vs. Quality

In my experience, you get what you pay for with tungsten drill bits. Cheaper bits tend to dull faster and may chip. Investing a bit more upfront in high-quality tungsten carbide bits saves money in the long run because they last longer and perform better.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I always check reviews and prefer brands known for quality metalworking tools. Hearing from other users about durability and performance helps me avoid poor-quality products.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always use appropriate drilling speed and pressure; tungsten bits are hard but brittle.
  • Use cutting fluid to keep the bit cool.
  • Store bits properly to avoid damage.
  • Replace bits as soon as they show signs of wear to maintain drilling precision.

I hope my guide helps you pick the best tungsten drill bits for your metal drilling needs!

Author Profile

Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.

In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.