What Drill Bit is Best? America takes on China. Milwaukee, DeWALT, Bosch, Ryobi take on Spyder 100x

Way back in February of this year, Sypder, an American Bits and Blades producer, told us they had some new bits that were strong, durable, and extra long-lasting. Also, blue and purple. So we drove to Home Depot and Lowes, and bought every bit that claimed it would drill through metal. As it turned out, every bit we bought was made in China, with one exception. This DeWALT bit was made in Germany for some reason. Only the Spyder was made right here in the good ole US of A. Interesting. Are you ready for this? Let’s go.
Top 3:
DeWALT German Made: 556 Holes
www.lowes.com/...
Spyder Mach Blue USA Made: 481 Holes
www.lowes.com/...
DeWALT Chinese Made: 472 Holes
www.lowes.com/...

[@ToolShow]

While testing the bits, we also built a rig to apply lateral stress until each one broke. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYnJeGOpi5Vpfpo

[@not_today_satan_7]

I went and picked one up at lowes thanks

[@TorqueTestChannel]

Big ups to B&B. The number of holes drilled by hand here is immense. I can speak to having a long body breaking day of testing only to get 30 seconds of sped up footage. So Rob and the gang deserve props for bringing us this info. My money would be on Matco Hyper-Step as nothing else seems to drill like it, but also $$$$

[@ToolShow]

Super kind of you guys. We just bought everything we could find in the big box stores, but several tradesmen have commented on some serious metal drilling contenders (many made in the USA) that the pros rely on. Not gonna lie, I REALLY don't want to do more of this testing. It was miserable. But if people really want it, I might have to reach out to some Pros to put together another test. :)

[@IceBergGeo]

@@ToolShow I'm surprised (and glad) you did all this testing on your own. Normally, you let other channels have all the "fun" and just report on their results.

[@evolvingskills5903]

@@ToolShow why not put the bits in a drill press? You can set the rpm and possibly do like project farm with weights for consistency.

[@sw5926]

@@ToolShow how about a collaboration? Project Farm, TTC, VTC, etc.

[@ToolShow]

@@evolvingskills5903 We specifically didn't use a drill press and weight, because we know the people who buy these bits in the big box stores, don't do that. We attempted to be as "real world" as we could for our test.

[@toolnerd]

Thanks for the video and information! 😎😎🤓🤓

[@darrenhenderson7076]

DeWalt gold tips drill bits do me great never had a problem with them and can always buy them on sale at least 6 times a year

[@aalleezzzz]

well, if you only need one size maybe Dewalt seems better, but you get 1 Dewalt for 9usd and 10 spyder for 40usd, essentially, if you are going to use all sizes spyder is half price, so maybe it makes sense to b uy a spyder kit and then replce with spyder for 6.5 instead, its a minor cost difference but spyder seems more holes/dollar

[@ianthompson2802]

Strange woth you milwaukee I had awful luck with them I tried to drill a hole in an idler in a 963 so I could put some more passes on it so we could reuse the idler burnt up about an 1/8 of an inch bought a snapon set and they are still going after a year Nad haven't resharpened any

[@gabesmith6475]

I would choose Spider because America, but I highly respect German made tools.

[@kevinlynch2915]

I'm from ireland I would prefer to buy usa tools or Germanys I like both countries

[@firebladex8586]

@@kevinlynch2915 I'm from Canada, and prefer USA, Germany, or Japan made.

[@stanlogan7504]

They do a lot right.

[@fatguy9]

I think a main point of buying domestic is to keep your money circulating in your country more which benefits you overall more directly

[@Rogerswoodworkx]

Yu should have got the skil drill bits, they have a couple diffrnt sets at Lowes concrete and wood and metal bits

[@noelwarner8874]

Always looking for quality made in USA tools and I’ll be looking for Spyder next time I need bits. Good reporting.

[@cb2000a]

Bought the Spyder bits when they came out. Great for drilling metal. Expensive, but good bits.

[@jtoker9758]

Check out NOrsemen and drill hog

[@VanD3rp]

One of the things about making things is that you get better at making things. That’s the #1 reason to buy American made stuff. It’s not that it’s “ours” or any hippy dippy stuff like that. It’s supporting American manufacturing which will hopefully lead to more things being made here while continuing to improve on quality, price, performance and availability.

[@benjaminbaker2465]

Germans have always made incredible things. For hundreds of years they have made profound weapons, tools, cars, etc. But... I will always buy American. More or less expensive, higher lower performance, doesn't matter. Given the choice, always buy American. It's a mindset, and I want my kids to think that way too, so that's why I do it! 💪 Phenomenal video by the way! Had me the whole time and totally subscribed now!

[@Kirkwoodjoinery]

Hi from Scotland, I have the spider quick change carbide tip holesaw and they are the mutts nutts. I’ve had my eye on the spider drill bit since they came out, I’ll get them at some point. China chose to make crap because there ethos is to produce crap and under cut the market.they could choose to do better I think which is why some of the Chinese bit did better than expected. They just can’t get over the cheep crap thing. That’s why it must be made in USA (not with Chinese soap alloy ), Germany although it’s been noticed that the Germans are using China (metabo ). So if I see China on it I don’t buy it. Now I got a dewalt countersink and it doesn’t say where it’s made 🤔

[@markfritz315]

I would be happy with the DeWalt German bit, the Spyder, or the Milwaukee to be honest. How many batteries on the drill did you go through? Looking at set prices now for the Spyder and DeWalt.

[@ToolShow]

To make sure a low battery was never a factor, we swapped them out after every 72 holes. They were usually down by one bar at that point.

[@matthewsquillante1590]

I mean performance can’t be ignored so I’d be inclined to go with the dewalt bit, but... that purple and blue lookin pretty good and it provides American jobs so maybe the spiders.

[@Manu__R]

I'm an ironworker, and at work we use Champion Brute XL5 bits, they drill very well and are made in the USA as well. If you're not too sore (or if you can convince your brother), I would love to see how they hold up against their American brethren. Great video!

[@drm437]

Those are the ones I use as well. They haven’t steered me wrong, but I’d be willing to give Spyder a try as their hole saws are pretty good. As far as where a tool is made? Whenever possible, I try to have it made in Canada/USA.

[@jtoker9758]

You ever try out any Norsemen drill bits? Or the drillhog? These are USA made. Wonder how those compare to Champion Brute.

[@Manu__R]

@@jtoker9758 I haven't, no

[@jamesbarthelemy5926]

I used a couple spider bits for galvanized heavy Channel a couple years ago. They surprised the hell out of me. We were predrilling for wall panels, so we made a lot of holes with them.

[@forgottencameras]

After working in manufacturing in the US, I'm actually surprised the US-made bit held up as well as it did, but would like to see a larger sample size. Consistency was the big issue I always had with US machine shops, and why we went to Japan.

[@ToolShow]

Good feedback. Appreciate it!

[@Duey_diditGarage]

Im 💯% Spider been using ther circ saw,recip and jig saw blades for 2 years and very happy with them gona get a hole saw set and these blue asap

[@fomoco300k]

You’re gonna love their hole saws! I’ve never used any better. I love their quick eject extra long arbor, and nothing cuts better or outlasts their hole saws. .

[@Duey_diditGarage]

@@fomoco300k yeah that eject is the holy grail

[@wolviestryder]

I actually didn’t skip a second in this video. Love it from beginning to end.

[@ToolShow]

That means a lot man! It's not one of our sponsored videos, so it was really a labor a love (with the emphasis on the labor). Glad you found it entertaining and informative!

[@wolviestryder]

@@ToolShow I did. I work in the remodeling business and you gave me 2 good choices of metal drills I can pick from.

[@arbuckleworkshop9857]

I’ve stuck to Milwaukee cobalt bits and haven’t looked else ware but I might look in to the German made ones cause in my opinion if you want a precision tool you go Germany, American steel if better for heavy duty applications

[@1pcfred]

Everyone probably gets their steel from China today. Germany sold their smelters to China years ago. I watched a video here of the Chinese dismantling the plant and carting it off.

[@grahamdeere9475]

All I use are the cobalt Milwaukee bits as well. They're sharp, they cut fast and are easily replaceable if one breaks. More expensive bits are great, just not after 5 o'clock and it needs to be done.

[@DrewsBackYardMechanics]

Lowe's sells CLE-LINE bits & they are also made in the good old USA I wonder how they would compare?

[@Handyman247llc]

Excellent review, Drilling the point home, that there is a lot of inconsity in product production & performance. Seeing Spyder with those results is impressive and equally satisfying that it is American made. I did not know spyder made saw blades, that I am interested in.

[@robertopics]

Not all the spider products are made in the US. Paddle bits, circular saw blades, and reciprocating saw blades are made in China or Taiwan.

[@abes8190]

I tried the spyder drill bits to drill out a stripped lug nut. It didn't do very well. I ended up taking them back for a refund. The kobalt drill bits from lowes worked better and did the job I needed done.

[@contax50mm]

Would be interesting to see the montana brand. They are made in USA too.

[@plgard]

Norseman™ Drill and Tool / Viking Drill and Tool

[@PFab]

I wish made in the USA was more common. The quality is much higher standards here. Which is why the prices go up. Made in the USA meant quality. Today is all about money. It's sad. In the job site, we spend hours working with junk, throwing junk away and getting new. We are now programed this way. I'm a firm believer of quality tools. You pay for what you get.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Amen 😎🐔😎🐔😎

[@paedahe4975]

Preach it brother.

[@1pcfred]

Having made tools in the USA I can assure you that you're paying for a lot that you don't get too. We filled our scrap bin up fast.

[@PFab]

@@1pcfred you are correct. The limitations we have on recycling materials is pretty harsh. And in ways it is much cleaner (for us) to have another country to do it abroad. But in reality it's still our planet that we share the same air. Over time it won't make any difference.

[@1pcfred]

@@PFab I was just thinking the same thing before you said it. But NIMBY and out of sight, out of mind do exist. Still, we could do the hard things better here if we had the will to do them. We cannot force the far east to do them better. Oh well, I guess low price wins every time.

[@timsaxon8944]

Really pleased this is an honest review and not a Spyder add. Thank you guys!

[@Joethetoolguy]

I like this content. Helping save me 💰

[@matthewperlman3356]

I'm familiar with that blue coating from lathe and mill tools; I think you would see some interesting results if you retested your top two contenders in hardened tool steel!

[@1pcfred]

Why are you trying to machine hardened tool steel? You're supposed to machine steel and then harden it.

[@matthewperlman3356]

@@1pcfred modifications to existing parts.

[@1pcfred]

@@matthewperlman3356 you're asking to do something that is inherently difficult to do. There are ways of doing it but none are easy.

[@matthewperlman3356]

@@1pcfred that is the point. If the spiders are using the coating I believe the are, you won't see the difference until you push the nearest competitor to it's limits regarding hardness. At least a non hardened tool steel which a good cobalt but should do but not for long. I believe that with this coating the spiders will actually cut hardened tool steel. I do suggest using a drill press for this test though.

[@1pcfred]

@@matthewperlman3356 I think a lot of what we saw here could be described as an edge use case. There are a lot of factors that determine if a drilling operation is successful or not. It is not as simple as chuck a bit up and go. I know if it were me and I couldn't get a bit to bore a single hole I'd be looking at the tip very closely to try to determine what is going wrong. Some bits do come with bad grinds that stop them from working. Some bits are made out of poor steel too though. I sharpen bits so I'm not a big believer in coatings. The coating is gone first time a bit gets sharpened. I guess the coating can help the margin some?

[@halofan4646]

Really love this video it would be interesting to see more tests like this

[@froggoleavis9776]

We need ProjectFarm on this !!!

[@leftyz707]

Spider bro. Made in the states lets goo gets content.

[@jasonlopez7480]

I’m a Diablo guy but I’m going to look at Spyder now..

[@tomg3285]

Project Farm wants to know your location 😂

[@thececilio100]

Close enough for me to buy American

[@CZ9mmUSA]

I will be Buying a bunch of Spider Dill Bits, if these are still available. Thank-you, and I will Subscribe as I appreciate your presentation, honesty, and work on this Video. 🤠👮🏻‍♂️👍🇺🇸🍀🐉😉👋🌚👻. B9USA Sr.

[@IRAKLICHIKHLADZE]

Rob, what happened with the great outfit your had last time. ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL EPISODE. No discrimination, performance matters. But, I personally love DeWalt drill bits.

[@j-heratiochrist9105]

I have not read the zillion comments, but cleveland twist and or the greenfield drill bit names used to be good, I cannot quantify if they are still top tier, but they have traditionally been much better hands down than the box store junk, I freely admit i have not done any major drill purchases in walk in stores, and I'm sure there are some half decent ones out there like in the video, but if you want good stuff ask ask old time machinists what they order. This may be outside the parameters of your test, but just thought I would offer the folks out there some more options

[@LGHTSPD675]

Interesting and well done, but as you admit far from a perfect test and doesn't incorporate many other variables for the durability and usefulness of a drill bit. However, the last question in the video is important for all to understand. Origin/Manufacturer doesn't matter, always choose the highest performer vs. overall cost. If you don't, then you might as well not believe in our American system. Our nation thrives on innovation, not nationalism. America is built on the idea that the best will win. A healthy dose of competition is what keeps us on our toes, if you purposefully select a product ignoring the poorer performance then you are doing that company no favors. Though your intent maybe altruistic, the reality is they will continue to produce a lower quality product because sales remain high/competitive. The longer these companies are artifcially held up and supported, the less they are aware of their need for an innovative advantage and change. If it goes too long, it may end up being too late for that company to have a chance to change. Just like Mom and Dad said, you have to finish your vegetables before dessert. Or put more realistic, brutal, and unemotional, it is the Law of Nature - only the fittest shall survive. Pain makes us fit and therefore it is necessary for survival. The only way they will become aware is by feedback or by pocketbook- can you guess which one generates change faster?

[@1pcfred]

That drill they're using is running at the optimum speed for drilling a 3/16" hole into mild steel. But you still need coolant to not overheat the bit. There are certainly metal alloys that are more heat tolerant than others are. Some grinds will produce less heat than others too. This test would have come out different on a drill press using coolant. As to why I'd buy cheap bits it's because they're cheap.

[@andrewk8636]

Dewalt bits are very cheap. I got a set for like $15. Haven't had any problems with them. I usually try to use cutting oil but it's not always convenient so I drilled a ton of holes on my trailer without it and the bit still cuts like new

[@flashwashington2735]

This and pilot holes ,crayon wax like stick lube coolants. Keep bits locked away from glommers in company shop as well. Even the same! bits provided last 100x's, taken care of, longer then the ⅛ bits used by the 800 pound gorillas bouncing on the drill that's spun at 4,000 rpms.

[@frankstone8930]

Buy german. Cars and drill bits 🤣🤣🤣

[@PedroMartinez-hw6uy]

I will choose..... Whatever's free at the jobsite

[@thebutcher7919]

Would be interesting to break down the cost per hole drilled. Great job comparing those and damn! Dewalt has some explaining to do!

[@jonweber5330]

I'd buy the American made Spyder over an import.

[@manyfeather2knives423]

Would love for you to do one more test with the “ Astro Tools TS29 ONYX 29pc.” Which is made in china (set up to 1/2) $130.00. They cut thru steel very well but don’t know about longevity. I’ll subscribe in hood of seeing this test.

[@jemarksanchez6644]

Definitely the spyder. I bought two cases sets of them, because made in the USA.

[@jamesmarinelli2177]

Ryobi's kept breaking on me, im on internet trying to get replacements and saw your you tube video, ok Im buying Spyder from now on!!! Have to get from loews cant find on home depot site. Amazon doesnt have it only cheap ryobi. Thanks for testing !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@atrainace114]

Yeah spider blue drill bits are awesome. I saw a few early reviews and immediately went out and grabbed some. Well, tried to grab some. They were so new at lowes they were still in the freight box that hadn't been unpacked so I opened it and got me a box to purchase. They are some of the best bits I have used in a long time. That dont cost 100 per. I hope spider comes with a larger set in the future.

[@KingYang05]

Made in USA? Well in that case, bring on the Montana Brand drill bits!

[@ToolShow]

We'll have to look into them. Thanks King!

[@zijie-he]

May want to use a drill press with a fixed pressure, it makes significant different. The low pressure causes heat and kills the bit quite faster.

[@jettschenker]

I went and investigated at the store. As far as the Cobalt DeWalt, only the like medium to larger size s I made in Germany. The smaller sizes are made in Thailand according to the back of the packages. Not that that matters as long as they're effective.

[@TheLealDeal-bp7to]

Just purchased the Spyder (GO USA! 🇺🇸)fixin' to drill 36 holes in some steel, can't wait.

[@ToolShow]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[@willl.3353]

Similar to other tests. Best inexpensive around is Bosch black oxide. Dewalt Titanium (non impact) beats out all Milwaukee. Dewalt titanium impact loses to Milwaukee Red Helix titanium. I don't know why Dewalt titanium impact gets inferior numbers but it seems to be in other tests too. Anyways, all the reviews seem to come done to those three things for me consistently.

[@killitgameing658]

I would like to point out your testing these in more or less the worst case scenario which is an idiot doing it wrong you should be using some form of cutting oil even if it's just WD-40 or three-in-one oil it would help a lot

[@1pcfred]

They did what most folks would do. But yeah coolant goes a long ways towards protecting a tool's temper working it.

[@operator8470]

Knowing what I know after watching your video I pick spider.😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@paulshelley3770]

I never would have used even a cheap drill bit like that. I always use the center punch and cutting oil and I always check and file tips first, even on brand new bits but..... that's just me

[@ToolShow]

As we've stated elsewhere, we were aiming to treat the bits like we expect most people to use them when they bring them home from Home Depot or Lowes. But I admire your dedication to doing it right.

[@9fingernic]

Awesome video! So interesting to see the varying results from different brands. I wouldn't say it's fair to compare something made from high speed steel with something made from cobalt steel. Though it's interesting that a cobalt drill only did 75 more holes than a high speed steel bit. I also wish a drill press with a weight system was used to make sure this was absolutely scientific, but I know I'm a little obsessive. I want to see Spyder make a cobalt bit with their blue coating! I own these Mach Blue drill bits, and they are phenomenal. Feels great to support an American business and keep the jobs here! Keep it up Spyder and B&B!

[@joshuakleinsasser8646]

You have to try DRILL HOG drill bits they are very affordable, made in the USA, and about the best I've ever used.

[@xoxo2008oxox]

If I am needing bits for metal work (drill press), I have Drill Hog jobber or Norseman bits (made in USA). For most other portable drill bits, I've a set of DeWalt brad points and some titaniums (not sure if China, but I know that I've busted atleast several of the 3/8 and smaller all the time. I mean, I want a pilot for a small screw, 1/8 or so, its got a 50-50 chance of breaking.

[@nwngunner]

I have used the living hell out of norseman bits in the machine shop. I need a full index for at home! I Had a job on a mill, that required us drilling 3/8 holes into a casting. The holes were then machined to accept carbide cutter teeth for a rock trencher. I dont know what the castings were made of but the only drill bits that would last were guhring bits. We were destroying solid carbide bits in two or three holes. We started changing bits every 2 parts with the guhrings.

[@Soydita2]

American made isn't always the best. This blind faith in all things American is laughable and quite frankly arrogant at best

[@alexalanis8077]

Had an old man sharpen black oxide bits for years at a shop i used to work for. They were sharp enough for the job and lasted for many holes using cutting oil. Bit sharpening is a lost art. We tried a drill doctor. But the cuts were inconsistent anything under a 5/16

[@thomasdayton7452]

I will buy USA over china but if German is equal too USA and price is close I might go German to give it a try.

[@manmeetsmoney]

Leads us back to the age-old American Muscle vs. German muscle.

[@tpress5050]

It needs to be noted that the Spyder bits are a coated High Speed Steel, and they did almost as good as the most expensive Cobalt bits. That is truly impressive! I feel like that's a very important distinction that should be highlighted. But the most surprising thing to me is that the DeWalt Titanium (a coated HHS) did just as good as the Spyder bits and are made in China, and cheaper. But, as you noted the quality control may be lacking, and you may not always get that performance. Over all a very cool test. Thanks for doing that!

[@flashwashington2735]

But: titanium oxide is a coating, too. You did n't expect that, too much pressure and rpm ... burn the coating? Bit is done. I also use cutting lube, watching speed and pressure. Yes I do with crayon type lubes. Those hex shank bits are primarily used by householders in those 3.6 volt things. More expensive mfg. Aimed at a market with discernment and expectations. They will pay more because it fits their weak slow screwdriver.

[@wyattselleck7236]

Made in the USA doesn’t mean anything. For example, Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep etc. 🤣

[@JREfunnies]

I will definitely by the spider bits. They are made in the USA. Also they have the quick change 1/4".

[@JustinCrediblename]

Try some Norseman bits. Made in USA. Used it on SS and inconel. give it a try

[@yoashuain1]

Looks like Spider has it. I'll take a multi pack over a singlet any day. 🇺🇸

[@UliMuliko]

Hardening is difficult job, it's not sure it always will be 100%

[@sparx1425]

While I understand the frustration of wanting our bit to win I respect the fact that you were being honest to the end, hats off to you brother🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@LvA1994]

Don't care where it's made. As long as the performance is there, I'm happy.

[@rikrstrongfitness]

The old saying quality over quantity. Thank you for the video, I learned a lot!

[@NonieTools]

I just want to comment that when this video came out 2 years ago(wow!) I went out and bought the German DeWalt cobalt and the blue spyder bits. Im not using them every single day but they are all still incredibly sharp. My only complaint about the spyder is they don't stay put in magnetic collets (m12 installation driver offset head) but aside from that they are amazing. I use them for wood and they still deliver consistent, clean holes! The German DeWalt cobalt bits are incredible and i use them any time i drill through metal! Still going strong 2 years later!

[@ToolShow]

Love to hear this!

[@patrickhunter3971]

USA all the way! I'm buying the spyder

[@tjmakings]

German steel is no joke, Krone branded cutter blades from Germany are no joke.

[@amcname494]

I new the German was going to win. Their stock material is better, always.

[@darylsavage119]

Since different coatings are meant for different applications, and the most of my work is light to medium steel, I always go cobalt bits as they seem to last the longest, regardless of brand. My particular favourite is actually the starrett holesaw pilot bit (I'm an electrician so most of my holes are 6mm anyways) £4 a bit I have a Milwaukee cobalt index for when I need a particular size but risk snapping the bit. Cost £40 I have a hilti cobalt index that I've had for nearly 20years. Every bit is still razor sharp and will go through anything Ive ever come across,but the index cost over £200 for 35 bits, so it's only used if it happens to burn out a cheaper bit first

[@nosidamXlynax]

i stumbled upon this channel in looking for 107 guage drill bits and i must say i'm very pleasantly surprised by your honesty and integrity in review even if it lacked some repeated testing rigger to get an average but that's understandable considering the energy and time that would take, at any rate i'm gonna subscribe and check out another video or two on you channel and hope that you've maintained such quality since this upload or even potentially improved lol. ^_^

[@ToolShow]

We appreciate your viewership! We've just launched our first tool testing series, called Tool List. New episodes will be out soon. Hope you enjoy them!

[@snowprodigy421]

Spyder's 1/4 hex shank is poorly made in my opinion.

[@benfowler2127]

I have a Dewalt cobalt bit set. They have easily been the best bits I’ve ever used. I’m not as active with them as I’m sure some guys are, but they’ve drilled through things I never figured they would have lasted through. I’ve also only ever used bits you can get from big box until I bought the dewalt cobalt. So there may be better bits out there.

[@NonieTools]

Have you tried drilling through wood with them? I was shocked at how rough they are. They pulled the drill so hard it smacks into the wood. Leaves splinters everywhere. Goes very fast. The Spyder and Milwaukee titanium bits I have I can use for finish carpentry because they are so smooth.

[@jeffshackleford3152]

I used to work as a finish carpenter in commercial. I bought the dewalt cobalt for pre drills on hollow metal doors, closers, frames etc. I used to charge out the company for the dewalt black and gold because the purchasing person used to hate anyone who bought " needlessly expensive" bits. I would charge them 5 to 1 for the cobalt and make nice profit, I even bought a bench grinder to sharpen them.

[@billlaslo9975]

Based on your video, I purchased a Dewalt 1/2 inch bit made in Germany. Drilling though approx 3/8 inch snow plow. Used cutting oil and drilled one hole and got though about 1/2 of the 2nd one with a lot of difficulty. Totally disappointed!

[@ToolShow]

Bill that SUCKS. As you saw in the beginning of our test, the consistency of inexpensive bits is terrible, but that doesn't mean the expensive bits are completely immune. If you'd be willing to do a bit of testing, I'd be happy to send you HD gift card so you could buy a couple more of those DeWALTs, and see if they fail as well. Just email me at rob at toolshow dot com and we'll talk.

[@RaggedsEdge]

So I’m not crazy. I’ve had some drill bits that just seem to last forever. And some that just were disappointing.

[@1pcfred]

I have the cheapest black oxide bits Harbor Freight offers and they work if used properly. I only bought them because they were laughably cheap. To drill into ferrous metal you do have to run at the right speed and use coolant.

[@efenili]

More than made in the USA, which is very important to me, it's more about supporting independent and/or locally run companies IMO. The cost is almost always more, and in some cases way more, but I think its worth it to support those companies. The quality isn't always leaps and bounds ahead but its usually at least close to the top and that makes it worth it for me.

[@jawojnicki]

I used those German dewalt bits to TRY to drill out a "snapped off head" pinch bolt from my ball joint on my Subaru. TWO pulls of the drill trigger and TWO dewalt cobalt bits BROKE. Absolute SHIT quality!! I don't know where to go from here for a good bit. According to this video, this is the BEST metal drilling bit, but it SUCKED for me!

[@dadsworkshopbykipplabrie7982]

Verified! I think they should of tested their bits on broken off license plate bolts.

[@Nepomuc]

If your brother is not talking to you anymore I know why!

[@myfaceback100]

You cannot beat the Germans for engineering. Great video is good to see a honest review of the popular drill bits.

[@PFab]

I agree. The Knipex brand is one we don't compete with really.

[@paedahe4975]

@@PFab Do you have Knipex drill bits? Where do they sell those? Scam-A-Zon?

[@PFab]

@@paedahe4975 I meant knipex tools. Never seen drill bits

[@paedahe4975]

@@PFab I know brother. Just razzin you.

[@PFab]

@@paedahe4975 I was curious to see if I was wrong. So I did a quick Google search. All images pull up just hand tools. Nothing powered. No bits either

[@Faulpelz55]

Thanks for the review! I mostly use Ruko or Hilti Cobalt bits and some Milwaukee Titanium. Sorry, but not sorry for the result - as a German. 😁 We don’t get Spyder bits over here, but I will definitely try the German DeWalt bits. Hope they’re just as good in metric.

[@The_Red_Squirrel]

Funny how in a challenge between American and Chinese products that a European made product comes out on top. I'm not really surprised given that Germany has a well-earned reputation for the best engineering in the world.

[@ToolShow]

Yeah I was pretty happy to find a German example myself, and wasn’t too surprised it did so well.

[@justinvanburen8259]

MADE IN AMERICA!!!! As much as possible!!!!

[@disgruntledegghead6923]

Came here from the Torque Test Channel. Pretty good review, but no KnKut? I drill a lot of HSS and boron steel doing auto collision repair. The twelve pack of 1/8" double ended bits from KnKut and a Drill Doctor are very good friends of mine. So is my Milwaukee 2703-20, but that's splitting hairs. KnKut. Made in the USA.

[@ToolShow]

Thanks for the insight Egghead! Hope you’re more gruntled in the morning!

[@JamesSmith-gk8sz]

The color scheme alone is going to sell millions. If Spyder doesn't reach out and personally give you a free bit every month for the next year to thank you for actually putting their name to the test I'll be ashamed. Something about German engineering you just can't beat. And something about Ryobi being the worst of the worst in nearly every field test conceivable still isn't surprising to anyone.

[@ToolShow]

Funny story… a few months later they did reach out, and now they sponsor the Tool Show every Friday. :-) we also posted this video on Facebook and it reached over 14 million views. No idea why it did so much better over there!

[@RayW808]

Yeah it does, I'll try Spyder next time.

[@thetaspen]

I get that you where just using home Depot bits but I wonder if you tested some real bits like Chicago Latrobe(made in the USA) nachi, titex. I'm my experience and I drill metal for a living home Depot just are all junk. Thanks for the videos.

[@ToolShow]

I’m sure there are better bits out there, but as you pointed out, the average consumer is limited to what we find at HD or Lowe’s.

[@WolfPawArmoury]

Made in USA means nothing to me. I couldn't be any less of a patriotic gal, partly because I know that the source material doesn't matter and the manufacturing and QA process is what determines a product's reliability. I care about getting the job done and staying within my ultra tight, fixed income budget and actually making a profit off the furniture I make. In all honesty, I don't even use Ryobi drill bits for drilling through hardwood, I use something worse. Hart titanium oxide bits from Walmart, and guess what? My furniture turns out fine. That being said, if I had to choose a brand for drilling through steel, I would choose DeWalt bits. German made steel is better than USA made, inferior only to Swiss made steel.

[@1pcfred]

While the Swiss make nice things they do not have much of a mining industry. So they're importing the steel they use. The best iron ore in Europe comes from Sweden and Norway.

[@taariqhussein8988]

Spyder

[@johngregory662]

Only one made in the USA sold at home despot. :). Ryobi bits are pure junk. I can attest to different drill bits from the same company drilling differently. I use milwaukee usually. But I will now try. The dewalt and the spyder. Live confidently and peacefully

[@Darthwill44]

Huh definitely some good food for thought with bits. Thanks for making this!

[@victimovtalent6036]

I love made in china, the best in the whole world

[@nicholaslacovara2381]

I am going out to buy spyder bits tomorrow. Until now I thought they were a gimmick. However Project farms method of testing is more scientific. There the DeWalt Black oxide at about $1.00 a bit did very well.

[@coryclark9259]

I love the intent but your tests are bunk. The inconsistencies in your pressure, angle, and cooling time likely made a huge difference here. You need at least a drill press and a set cooling time between holes. I would love to see that test. Grizzly makes a great baby bench top drill press that would work well and it’s cheap. Signed a mechanical engineer.

[@ToolShow]

Using a drill press is very common in tests like these. There are plenty of people here on YT who have used them with weights to get more consistent results. When we set out to do this, we had to decide what kind of test it would be. If we wanted to be technical, then not only would we need that drill press, but we'd need 10 copies of each bit. That would require 10 times as much steel. It just wasn't in our time, or financial budgets. So instead we approached it as if we were an average guy walking into a big box store to buy a bit and drill a hole in some steel. That means we drill by hand, and we don't use oil. We gave the drill and bit a few minutes to relax between plates (72 holes) and put a fresh battery on for each plate as well. There are definitely more precise ways to test, but this is how we wanted to do it.

[@danijel124]

So made in germany is still superior :)

[@andrewavellino6427]

Why do we have to choose between American made and German made? I'll just buy both, and have the best of both worlds or countries I suppose.

[@ToolShow]

Most people will buy one. If you want to buy them all, go for it!

[@EricPotratzM]

Why doesn't Tool Show make informative videos like this anymore

[@ToolShow]

I'm glad this was informative! We've always been focused on producing industry news, which we feel we do well. But soon we'll be launching a tool testing series you might enjoy. Stick around!

[@algummarcosvinicius]

Bosh have Co. Drillbits too...

[@ToolShow]

We bought everything we could find locally (HD and Lowes)