Cordless Drills
Best Drill for Metal and Steel
Drilling into metal requires higher RPM and lower torque than wood. These drills handle steel, aluminum, and sheet metal without burning up bits.
What You Need
A drill with adjustable speed settings, cobalt or titanium drill bits, cutting fluid or WD-40, safety glasses
Top Picks
Top Pick
#1
DeWalt DCD791D2
$169
Why This Pick Wins
Brushless with 2-speed — low speed setting is perfect for metal drilling
#2
Milwaukee 2804-22
$199
Why This Pick Wins
M18 Fuel with 3-speed — dedicated metal speed range prevents bit walking
#3
Makita DS4012
$109
Why This Pick Wins
Corded, 7 amp — consistent power for production metal drilling
Pro Tips
- ✓ Use a center punch to mark your hole
- ✓ Start slow — high speed destroys bits on metal
- ✓ Apply cutting fluid to extend bit life
- ✓ Clamp the workpiece — metal spins when drilled
- ✓ Wear safety glasses — metal chips fly off at high speed. Avoid loose gloves near spinning bits.
Compare tools side-by-side
Browse All Cordless Drills →Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for best drill for metal and steel?
A drill with adjustable speed settings, cobalt or titanium drill bits, cutting fluid or WD-40, safety glasses
Tip 1 for drills: Use a center punch to mark your hole
Use a center punch to mark your hole
Tip 2 for drills: Start slow
Start slow — high speed destroys bits on metal
Tip 3 for drills: Apply cutting fluid to extend bit life
Apply cutting fluid to extend bit life
Tip 4 for drills: Clamp the workpiece
Clamp the workpiece — metal spins when drilled
Tip 5 for drills: Wear safety glasses
Wear safety glasses — metal chips fly off at high speed. Avoid loose gloves near spinning bits.
Which drills brand is best for for metal and steel?
For drill for metal and steel, our top pick is the DeWalt DCD791D2 because brushless with 2-speed — low speed setting is perfect for metal drilling. See our full picks above for alternatives at different price points.