You’ll have to choose between cobalt drill bits vs titanium for most projects.
You’ll find a wide variety of drill bits on the market. One drill bit is not inherently superior to the others, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For any project to be completed correctly and effectively, the right one must be chosen.
Both these drill bits are made to get through metal, which makes them more sturdy and tougher than standard drill bits. There are, however, minor distinctions between the two.
As previously mentioned, none of these bits will always be the chosen option. They’re really situational, and the decision will be based on the projects you’re working on.
Cobalt Drill Bits vs Titanium
| Drill Bits | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Cobalt | ∎ Suitable for metals ∎ It is long-lasting | ∎ A bit pricey |
| Titanium | ∎ Suitable for soft metals and wood ∎ Less expensive | ∎ Doesn’t last long |
What Is A Cobalt Drill Bit Used For?
Drill bits made of cobalt are capable of cutting through a variety of metals, including cast iron and stainless steel. They aren’t made entirely of cobalt, which we’ll get into later. They do, however, contain an amount of cobalt, which is how they got their name.
Cobalt bits may also be applicable on softer materials, despite their main use for metal. They’re tough bits that can be used when other options aren’t available.
Material
Drill bits made of steel alloy and cobalt are known as cobalt drill bits. They normally contain around 5% – 8% cobalt, with the remaining being steel.
This results in them being very durable and capable of cutting through the toughest materials, such as cast iron. As the bit spins against other metals, the cobalt keeps it from being too hot.
Unlike titanium drill bits, cobalt bits do not have any coating.
Price
Cobalt bits are usually expensive. They are, however, long-lasting and more durable compared to other alternatives, such as titanium.
As a result, they can help you save money over the long term. It all depends on your priorities and whether you prefer to spend more now or in the future.
Besides their high price, cobalt bits provide more value for money due to their long lifespan.
Can You Sharpen Cobalt Drill Bits?
Sharpening of cobalt bits is relatively easy. Since they are not coated, the surface doesn’t strip while sharpening. This gives the bits a higher shelf life, saving you money in the long run. Cobalt bits may be sharpened several times until they are unusable.
Temperature
Metal-on-metal components can heat up. That’s just the result of rubbing two metal parts together.
Cobalt blades, on the other hand, are designed to emit heat. Cobalt in particular is good at transferring heat away from the surface in contact. Even at top speeds, they can easily dissipate heat.
You don’t have to be concerned about the blades getting overheated.
What Is A Titanium Drill Bit Used For?
Drill bits made of titanium are quite similar to drill bits made of cobalt. They’re also designed to drill more difficult materials, such as metal.
But there are some minor differences that distinguish them from their Cobalt counterparts, even though they appear to be quite similar at a glance.
Material
Drill bits made of titanium aren’t entirely made of titanium. They have a titanium layer over a metal core. As we’ll see later, titanium helps to prevent overheating. These bits, however, don’t have any cobalt.
Although the material differences between titanium and cobalt drill bits are significant, there isn’t a major difference in operation. There are only a few instances where the material separates the two types of bits apart.
Price
Drill bits made of titanium are generally less expensive than cobalt drill bits. However, since the coating wears off with time, they don’t last as long. As you can expect, this will end up costing you more in the long run.
But some people do not need a long-lasting drill bit. A titanium drill bit would probably suffice if you are looking to drill just a few holes.
On the other hand, people who drill into metals regularly would have to change their titanium drill bits, which could add up.
Can Titanium Drill Bits Be Sharpened?
A coating is applied to titanium blades. This coating tends to wear off over time. The bit would lose a lot of the heat resistance by the time the coating is fully gone.
When drilling metal, this is a concern because it is possible for the metal-on-metal to get heated, very quickly.
This coating comes off when the drill bits are sharpened. As a result, you can only sharpen titanium drill bits so far before they turn out to be unusable. They have a smaller shelf life.
Temperature
Things are going to get hot when you drill metal using a metal bit. The majority of drill bits built for harder materials have a heat-emitting design feature.
It’s the titanium coating on the drill bits. The heat is dissipated along the surface by this coating, which protects the core made of metal.
This coating, however, does deteriorate over time. It won’t be able to do the job properly if it becomes too thin.
Cobalt Drill Bits vs Titanium – Is Cobalt Or Titanium Dill Bits Better?
As mentioned earlier, when it comes to cobalt drill bits vs titanium, one is not superior to the other. It would depend on the material you’re dealing with and the work you’re trying to complete.
Cobalt is more versatile.
If you work with a variety of materials, cobalt bits are a must-have in your toolkit. They simply last longer and it is possible to use them on the most difficult materials. They’re best suited for professionals, but they can also be used by DIYers with a lot of projects.
This assumes that you are willing to make a higher upfront payment. Bits made of cobalt are more expensive compared to those made of titanium. However, since they have a long shelf life, you can help you save more over the long haul.
Titanium is the best material for working with soft metals and wood.
Titanium bits, on the other hand, are ideal for softer metals and wood. For the softer materials, they are less expensive to begin with and will not wear out as easily. Harder materials would need regular sharpening, which could easily wear off their coating.
Overall, both the drill bits emit heat effectively and are capable of handling tougher materials.
Selecting between cobalt vs titanium drill bits will be determined by the amount of money you are willing to pay upfront, the number of times you expect to use the bit, and the type of material you are planning to drill.
You might also be interested in checking out the comparison guide for brad vs finish nailers.