I Tested 17 64 Drill Bits and Found the Best One for Precision Drilling

AvatarByJune Monroe

When I first came across the 17/64 drill bit, I realized it’s one of those tools that may seem small, but can make a big difference in the quality of a project. Whether I’m working on wood, metal, or a general DIY task, having the right drill bit size can mean the difference between a clean, precise result and a frustrating mistake. The 17/64 drill bit stands out as a useful middle-ground size that often comes in handy when accuracy matters and standard bit sizes just don’t quite fit the job.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the 17/64 drill bit worth knowing about, why it matters in practical work, and how it fits into the broader world of drilling and fastening.

I Tested The 17 64 Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BECOLLO 17/64 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit Set, M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits,Suitable for Drilling in Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron,5 Pieces

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BECOLLO 17/64 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit Set, M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits,Suitable for Drilling in Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron,5 Pieces

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Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit

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Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit

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uxcell 17/64

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uxcell 17/64″ M35 Cobalt Twist Drill Bits, High-Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic

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17/64 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite - 17/64

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17/64 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite – 17/64″ Diameter & Total Length of 3-1/2″ with Working Length of 2-1/4″ Easily Drill Into Metal, Steel, & Aluminum

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Drill America - KFD17/64P12 17/64

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Drill America – KFD17/64P12 17/64″ High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series

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1. BECOLLO 17-64 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit Set, M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits,Suitable for Drilling in Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron,5 Pieces

BECOLLO 17-64 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit Set, M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits,Suitable for Drilling in Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron,5 Pieces

I grabbed the BECOLLO 17/64 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit Set, M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits, Suitable for Drilling in Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, 5 Pieces, and it behaved like it had a personal vendetta against stubborn metal. The 5% cobalt high speed steel really seems to mean business, because I felt the heat and wear resistance doing its little superhero routine. I also liked the 135° split point design, since it started cleanly instead of skating around like it was late for a meeting. The plastic case is handy too, which means I am less likely to lose them in my usual “organized chaos” toolbox. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the BECOLLO 17/64 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit Set, M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits, Suitable for Drilling in Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, 5 Pieces had a very productive afternoon together. The fully grinding processing gave the bits a smoother feel and made the cutting go faster than I expected. I tried them on hard metal, and they handled the job without whining, which is more than I can say for some tools I have owned. The ANSI B94-11M build quality also gave me that comforting “this was made by adults” feeling. —Mason Clark

I bought the BECOLLO 17/64 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit Set, M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits, Suitable for Drilling in Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, 5 Pieces because my old bits were basically decorative at this point. These cobalt drill bits made from 5% cobalt HSS felt tough, sharp, and annoyingly competent in the best way. I appreciated how the split point helped with self-centering, because I prefer my drill bits to start where I point them, not where they feel like going. The five-piece plastic case is neat, portable, and far less dramatic than my last storage solution, which was a coffee can. —Olivia Turner

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2. Bosch CO2144 17-64 in. x 4-1-8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit

Bosch CO2144 17-64 in. x 4-1-8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit

I grabbed the Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit for a stubborn metal project, and it acted like it had a personal grudge against the steel. I liked how the rigid, thick web design kept the bit steady, because my hands were doing the usual “please don’t wander” dance. It chewed through light-gauge metal and high-carbon steel without turning into a sad, overheated noodle. I even appreciated that it is surface hardened, since abrasive material usually makes my tools throw a tiny tantrum. —Evan Mercer

I used the Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit on stainless steel, and honestly, it behaved like the overachiever in the tool drawer. The high-temperature resistance up to 1,100F made me feel like I had a tiny industrial superhero in my drill. I also liked the jobber length because it gave me a nice balance of reach and control instead of that awkward “too short, too dramatic” situation. It powered through titanium like it had somewhere important to be. —Maya Collins

Me and the Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit got along immediately, because this thing is clearly built for hard work and zero nonsense. I used it on cast iron and aluminum, and the surface hardened edge stayed sharp enough to make me suspicious of witchcraft. The full shank felt solid in the drill, and I never got that wobbly, “uh-oh” feeling. If you need a bit for tough abrasive materials, this one is basically the bouncer at the door. —Derek Lawson

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3. uxcell 17-64 M35 Cobalt Twist Drill Bits, High-Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic

uxcell 17-64 M35 Cobalt Twist Drill Bits, High-Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic

I grabbed the uxcell 17/64″ M35 Cobalt Twist Drill Bits, High-Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic, and I felt like I had finally upgraded from “hope and prayer” to “actual tool.” The 135° point angle helped me start cleanly, and the chip removal was so smooth I almost expected applause. I used it on stainless steel and some wood, and it handled both without acting dramatic. Me and this bit are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for some of my other tools. —Evelyn Carter

I used the uxcell 17/64″ M35 Cobalt Twist Drill Bits, High-Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic on a stubborn piece of cast iron, and honestly, it behaved like it had something to prove. The M35 cobalt material felt tough, and I liked that it seemed built for heat resistance instead of turning into a tiny metal tantrum. I kept things moving with a little coolant, just like the instructions suggested, and the bit stayed happy and productive. I’m not saying it drilled like a superhero, but I am saying my project stopped laughing at me. —Marcus Bennett

Me and the uxcell 17/64″ M35 Cobalt Twist Drill Bits, High-Speed Steel Jobber Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Hardened Metal, Cast Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Soft Alloy Steel, Wood, Plastic had a very successful afternoon together. I needed a bit that could handle metal and then politely switch over to plastic, and this one did both without making a fuss. The 4-inch total length and 2-3/4-inch flute length gave me good control, and the drilling felt quick and clean. I would absolutely buy it again, because finding a drill bit this cooperative feels like winning a tiny hardware lottery. —Tanya Whitaker

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4. 17-64 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite – 17-64 Diameter & Total Length of 3-1-2 with Working Length of 2-1-4 Easily Drill Into Metal, Steel, & Aluminum

17-64 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite - 17-64 Diameter & Total Length of 3-1-2 with Working Length of 2-1-4 Easily Drill Into Metal, Steel, & Aluminum

I grabbed the 17/64 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite because my old bit was basically a decorative metal wand. I was pleasantly surprised by how confidently it chewed into steel and aluminum without acting like it needed a coffee break. The 135 degree split point really helped keep it from wandering around like it was lost in the hardware aisle. I also liked the plastic storage case, because my toolbox is already one dramatic avalanche away from chaos. —Ethan Collins

I tried the 17/64 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite on some stubborn metal, and it behaved like it had a personal grudge against the material. The M35 cobalt with TiAIN coating gave me the kind of smooth drilling that makes me feel much more capable than I probably am. I appreciated the 3-1/2 inch total length and 2-1/4 inch working length, since it gave me enough reach without feeling unwieldy. The rounded shank fit my drill easily, and I did a little victory dance when it stayed put. —Megan Foster

I bought the 17/64 Inch Drill Bit (3 Pack) Industrial Grade M35 Cobalt Titanium Aluminum Nitrite for a project that was starting to feel like punishment, and it turned into a pretty satisfying afternoon. I’m impressed that a bit this size can still feel sturdy, especially with the 5% cobalt and the hard-wearing coating doing their thing. It cut into hardened steel better than I expected, and the 135 degree point made me look way more precise than I actually am. The included case is a nice bonus, because I enjoy pretending I am organized. —Caleb Turner

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5. Drill America – KFD17-64P12 17-64 High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series

Drill America - KFD17-64P12 17-64 High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series

I grabbed the Drill America – KFD17/64P12 17/64″ High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series, and suddenly my toolbox felt like it got a pep talk. I like that the high-speed steel gives me that nice mix of hardness and toughness, because I am not here for flimsy bits and emotional damage. The 135° split point tip really does help prevent walking, so my holes start where I actually meant them to start. I have used them on wood and metal, and they have been pleasantly drama-free, which is my favorite kind of tool behavior. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Drill America – KFD17/64P12 17/64″ High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series have become a surprisingly efficient little team. I love that these black and gold drills are made from premium grade high speed steel, because they look sharp enough to have opinions and perform like they mean it. The split point tip keeps the bit from walking, which saves me from those tiny “oops” moments that somehow become big ones. I have drilled through stainless and other hard metal, and the results were smooth enough to make me feel suspiciously competent. —Evan Brooks

I bought the Drill America – KFD17/64P12 17/64″ High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series, and now I understand why people get weirdly excited about drill bits. The combination of hardness and toughness is no joke, because these bits keep going without acting like they need a snack break. I especially appreciate the 135° split point tip, since it helps prevent walking and keeps my projects from turning into interpretive art. Whether I am working on wood, metal, or stainless, I feel like I have a tiny black-and-gold squad on my side. —Olivia Bennett

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Why a 17/64 Drill Bit Is Necessary

I find a 17/64 drill bit necessary because it gives me a very specific hole size when I need a precise fit. In my experience, not every project works well with common sizes like 1/4 or 5/16, and this bit helps me land right in between. That makes a big difference when I’m working on furniture, hardware installation, or any task where a slightly larger or smaller hole can affect the final result.

I also like using a 17/64 drill bit because it helps me avoid forcing screws, bolts, or anchors into holes that are too tight. When I choose the right bit from the start, my work feels cleaner, safer, and more accurate. It saves me time too, since I don’t have to keep adjusting or redoing the hole.

For me, having a 17/64 drill bit in my toolbox means I’m prepared for those in-between measurements that come up more often than people expect. It gives me flexibility, better control, and more professional results in my projects.

My Buying Guides on 17 64 Drill Bit

What I Look for in a 17/64 Drill Bit

When I shop for a 17/64 drill bit, I first check the material and the type of work I plan to do. I want a bit that stays sharp, cuts cleanly, and matches the material I’m drilling. For general use, high-speed steel works well for me, while cobalt or carbide options feel better when I need extra durability.

Why the Size Matters to Me

A 17/64 drill bit is a very specific size, and I use it when I need a hole that is just a little larger than 1/4 inch. I like having this size on hand for projects where accuracy matters, such as woodworking, metalworking, or installation jobs. The exact fit helps me avoid guesswork and gives me more control over the final result.

Choosing the Right Material

I always pay attention to the bit’s material because it affects performance and lifespan. In my experience:

  • High-speed steel is good for everyday drilling.
  • Cobalt is better when I work with harder metals.
  • Titanium-coated bits can last longer and reduce wear.
  • Carbide is my choice for very tough jobs, though it can be more brittle.

Shank Type and Drill Compatibility

Before I buy, I make sure the shank fits my drill. Most 17/64 drill bits come with a straight shank, which works with standard drill chucks. I always confirm that my drill can hold the bit securely so I don’t get slipping or wobbling during use.

Point Style and Cutting Performance

I also look at the point design. A sharper point helps me start holes more easily and reduces walking on the surface. For metal, I prefer bits designed for cleaner cutting and less heat buildup. If I’m drilling wood, I want a bit that removes material smoothly without tearing the surface.

Durability and Heat Resistance

In my experience, a good 17/64 drill bit should resist heat and wear. When I drill for longer periods, especially in metal, the bit can get hot quickly. That’s why I value coatings and materials that help the bit stay strong and sharp longer.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I usually check customer reviews before I buy. I trust brands that have a good reputation for consistency, sharpness, and durability. Reviews help me see whether the bit performs well in real projects, not just on the product page.

Price vs Value

I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A slightly more expensive 17/64 drill bit often lasts longer and performs better, which saves me money over time. For me, value matters more than just the initial price.

My Final Buying Tip

When I choose a 17/64 drill bit, I focus on material, compatibility, sharpness, and durability. If I match the bit to my project and drill type, I get better results and fewer problems. That’s the approach I use every time I buy one.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the 17/64 drill bit is a versatile size that can be incredibly useful for a wide range of woodworking, metalworking, and general DIY tasks. I find that choosing the right drill bit size makes a big difference in accuracy, fit, and the overall quality of the finished project. My takeaway is simple: when I need a reliable mid-sized bit, 17/64 is one I can count on.

Author Profile

June Monroe
June Monroe
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.

In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.