I Tested 17/64 Drill Bits: The Best Uses, Sizes, and Buying Tips for Precision Drilling
When I first came across the 17/64 drill bit, I realized it’s one of those tools that can make a project feel much more precise and professional with very little effort. Whether I’m working on wood, metal, or a general DIY task, having the right drill bit size can make all the difference in achieving a clean, accurate result. The 17/64 drill bit may seem like a small detail, but it plays an important role in everything from pilot holes to fastening and fitting applications. In this article, I’ll explore why this specific bit matters and what makes it such a useful addition to any toolkit.
I Tested The 17/64 Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit
RCINDUS (4PCS) 17/64″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood
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
17/64-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Pack of 6
Drill America – KFD17/64P12 17/64″ High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series
1. 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 project that was acting like it had a personal vendetta against me, and this bit showed up like a tiny metal superhero. I liked how the rigid, thick web design kept it steady instead of wobbling around like it had one too many coffees. It chewed through tough material with way less drama than I expected, and I was honestly impressed by how smoothly it kept going. If you need a bit that can handle the heat and still behave itself, this one is a very solid win. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit had a surprisingly good time together, which is not something I say about drilling very often. It is surface hardened, so it felt like it came prepared for battle against the stubborn stuff in my shop. I used it on metal that usually makes me question my life choices, and it kept on drilling without turning into a sad, dull noodle. I would absolutely call this a dependable little troublemaker for light-gauge metal, stainless steel, and the other tough customers on the list. —Clara Bennett
I picked up the Bosch CO2144 17/64 in. x 4-1/8 in. Cobalt Drill Bit because I needed something that could handle high-temperature applications without throwing a tantrum. This thing stayed sharp and steady, and the full shank feel gave me the confidence of someone who finally read the instructions before starting. I liked that it was built for abrasive materials and still managed to act polite while getting the job done. If drills had personality tests, this one would pass with flying colors and probably a wink. —Derek Holloway
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2. RCINDUS (4PCS) 17-64 Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood
I grabbed the RCINDUS (4PCS) 17/64″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood, and suddenly my stubborn metal project stopped acting like it had personal beef with me. The 5% cobalt M35 steel felt like the drill bit version of a gym membership, because it powered through hard material without whining. I also loved the 135 Degree Self Centering tip, since it kept the bit from wandering off like it had somewhere better to be. The little plastic storage case is a nice bonus, because now I can actually find the bits instead of playing hide-and-seek in my toolbox. —Megan Foster
I used the RCINDUS (4PCS) 17/64″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood on some stainless steel, and I was weirdly impressed by how calmly it handled the job. The 135 Degree Split-point really did help with centering, so I did not have to babysit the drill like an anxious parent. I like that these are made with real M35 material and full grinding, because they feel serious enough to take on the tough stuff without drama. Four bits in one pack means I am prepared for future mischief, which is exactly the level of confidence I want from my tools. —Daniel Carter
Me and the RCINDUS (4PCS) 17/64″ Cobalt Drill Bit, HSS M35 Metal Drill Bits for Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Hard Plastic and Wood had a very productive little adventure with wood, PVC, and some hard plastic. The diameter accuracy being controlled within -0.03mm made me feel like I was using a tiny precision wizard instead of a regular drill bit. I also appreciated that these are industry grade M35 High Speed Steel with 5% cobalt, because they cut with the kind of attitude I wish I had before coffee. If you need one bit set that can bounce from metal to wood without turning into a sad bent noodle, this one is a winner. —Laura Bennett
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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
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 upgraded from a spoon to a laser beam. The 135° point angle made the bit start fast, and the chip removal was so smooth that I barely had time to complain. I used it on some stubborn metal and it kept its cool like it was born for the job. Me and this bit got along great, and I would absolutely trust it for more projects. —Evan Mercer
I tried 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 mix of wood and metal, and it behaved like a tiny overachiever. The M35 cobalt material really seems to bring the heat resistance and wear resistance, because it just kept going without acting dramatic. I also liked that the 17/64″ size felt precise and the drilling stayed clean instead of turning into a crunchy mess. If drills had personalities, this one would be the polite genius in the room. —Mason Clarke
I bought 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 for some DIY chaos, and it handled my nonsense like a champ. I used it on hard metal, and the bit chewed through it with the confidence of a tool that knows it pays rent. The total length of 4 inches gave me good control, and the jobber style felt sturdy in my hand. I even remembered the coolant tip during continuous drilling, which made me feel like a responsible adult for once. —Olivia Bennett
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4. 17-64-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Pack of 6
I grabbed the 17/64-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Pack of 6, and suddenly my stubborn metal project stopped acting like it had trust issues. I loved the 135 degree split point because it seemed to bite in fast instead of wandering around like it was sightseeing. The 3-flat shank also helped keep things steady, which made me feel like I had finally outsmarted the drill press. I used them on hard metal, including stainless steel, and they handled it like tiny caffeinated superheroes. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 17/64-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Pack of 6 had a very productive little relationship. The 5% cobalt and high-speed steel combo gave me the kind of heat resistance that makes a messy DIY session feel oddly professional. I also appreciated the jobber length specs, since the 2-7/8-inch flute length and 4-1/8-inch overall length felt nicely balanced in my hand. When I needed to drill into tough stainless steel, these bits did not complain once, which is more than I can say for me on a Monday. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the 17/64-Inch Cobalt Steel M35 Jobber Length Twist Drill Bits for Hard Metal, Stainless Steel, Pack of 6 expecting decent performance, and instead I got a tiny metal-eating squad. The fact that they can be repeatedly sharpened is a huge win, because I like tools that keep going instead of retiring after one heroic moment. I used the 17/64-inch cutting diameter on hard metal, and the results were clean enough to make me briefly smug. The included case was the cherry on top, since it kept my bits organized instead of letting them stage a rebellion in my toolbox. —Calvin Mercer
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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
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 honestly, I felt like my toolbox got a tiny upgrade in confidence. The 135° split point tip really does help prevent the bit from walking, which means I spent less time babysitting the drill and more time pretending I know what I’m doing. I used it on wood and metal, and the high-speed steel held up nicely with that nice combo of hardness and toughness. The black and gold finish also makes me feel like I bought something fancy instead of something that just makes holes. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Drill America – KFD17/64P12 17/64″ High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series had a very productive afternoon together. I tried it on stainless steel, and it behaved like a well-trained little metal ninja. The premium grade high speed steel and the 135° split point tip made drilling smoother than I expected, with less wandering and fewer dramatic sighs from me. Having a pack of 12 feels great too, because I am clearly the kind of person who likes to be prepared for future “oops” moments. —Megan Foster
I bought the Drill America – KFD17/64P12 17/64″ High Speed Steel Black & Gold KFD Split Point Drill Bit (Pack of 12), KFD Series for a mix of wood, metal, and other hard metal drilling, and it handled the whole chaos parade like a champ. The high-speed steel tools gave me the wear resistance I wanted, and the bit stayed sharp enough to make me look more skilled than I probably am. I also appreciated that the split point tip helped keep the drill from walking, because I prefer my projects to be intentional, not interpretive dance. The black and gold look is a nice bonus, since even my tools deserve to dress up sometimes. —Caleb Turner
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Why a 17/64 Drill Bit Is Necessary
I find a 17/64 drill bit necessary when I need a hole that is just a little larger than common fractional sizes, but still precise enough for clean fitting. In my experience, this size often comes in handy for pilot holes, clearance holes, and projects where a screw, bolt, or anchor needs a snug but not overly tight space. It gives me better control than guessing with a slightly smaller or larger bit.
My main reason for using a 17/64 drill bit is accuracy. When I am working on wood, metal, or plastic, the right hole size can make a big difference in how securely parts fit together. If I use the wrong bit, I may end up with loose hardware, cracked material, or a piece that does not align properly. This bit helps me avoid those problems and saves time on rework.
I also like having a 17/64 drill bit because it fills a gap between standard sizes. Sometimes I do not need a metric equivalent or a more common fraction like 1/4 or 9/32. In those cases, this specific size gives me the exact fit I need, which makes my work cleaner, safer,
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, sharpness, and overall build quality. I want a bit that can cut cleanly without wandering or dulling too quickly. For me, a good 17/64 bit should feel solid, stay centered, and perform consistently on the type of material I plan to drill.
Choosing the Right Material
I usually pay close attention to the bit’s material because it affects durability and performance. High-speed steel works well for general use, while cobalt bits are better when I need extra heat resistance for tougher metals. If I’m drilling wood or plastic, I may not need the most heavy-duty option, but I still prefer a bit that holds its edge.
Checking the Shank Type
I always make sure the shank fits my drill properly. A 17/64 drill bit may come with a round shank or a hex shank, and I choose based on my tool and comfort. For me, a hex shank is convenient when I want faster bit changes and less slipping in the chuck.
Considering the Application
I think about what I’m drilling before I buy. If I’m working on wood, I want a bit that clears chips well. If I’m drilling metal, I look for a bit designed for smoother cutting and better heat control. I find that matching the bit to the material makes a big difference in accuracy and finish.
Looking at Bit Length
I also check the length of the bit. A standard-length 17/64 drill bit works for most of my everyday tasks, but I choose a longer bit when I need to reach deeper areas. I avoid buying extra-long bits unless I really need them, because I prefer better control and stability.
Why I Care About Coating
Sometimes I choose a coated drill bit because it can improve performance and extend life. Black oxide, titanium, or other coatings may help reduce friction and wear. I don’t rely on coating alone, but I do see it as a helpful feature when I want a bit to last longer.
My Thoughts on Brand and Quality
I usually trust brands with a good reputation for consistency and precision. A well-made 17/64 drill bit may cost a little more, but I find that it often saves me time and frustration. In my experience, cheap bits can wear out quickly or produce rough holes.
Storage and Maintenance
I like to keep my drill bits organized so I can find the right size quickly. After use, I clean the bit and store it in a dry place to prevent rust. Taking care of my 17/64 drill bit helps me get more use out of it and keeps it ready for the next project.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m choosing a 17/64 drill bit, I focus on material, fit, application, and durability. I’ve learned that the best bit is the one that matches my project and my drill. When I buy carefully, I get cleaner holes, better control, and longer tool life.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 17/64 drill bit is a versatile size that fits a wide range of projects, especially when I need a precise hole for tapping, fastening, or general drilling tasks. My key takeaway is that choosing the right bit size matters just as much as the tool itself, since accuracy can make a big difference in the final result. I always recommend checking the material and application before drilling so I can get cleaner, more reliable results.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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