ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (2021)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Where to Buy Tools
    • Best Tool Kit Upgrades
    • Best Extension Cord Size
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Safety Gear
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Tool Brands in Every Category
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
    • More Buying Guides
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Power Tools > Drills & Drivers > Dewalt Pilot Point Drill Bits – a ToolGuyd Favorite

Dewalt Pilot Point Drill Bits – a ToolGuyd Favorite

May 13, 2010 Stuart 21 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Dewalt Pilot Point Drill Bits

I am sometimes asked to recommend general purpose drill bits that can be purchased locally. Although this condition rules out many of the great brands available at online industrial suppliers, there are still a few decent options out there. By far, my favorite locally-sourced drill bits are Dewalt’s Pilot Point drill bits.

Pilot Point drill bits 3/16″ and larger all have a leading cutting edge that creates a smaller hole ahead of the bits’ flutes and primary cutting edge. This eliminates the need to drill pilot holes in a 2-step process, saving time and effort, and resulting in a more accurate hole.

Advertisement

These bits are suitable for use in wood, plastic, and metal. I often use these bits to drill through-holes in metals (mostly aluminum) and plastic (non-brittle types), but not for wood. The bits have split points so they don’t walk, and also no-spin shanks with three flats.

You can find these bits at local home improvement stores, as well as online at Amazon and most major tool suppliers.

Dewalt Pilot Point Drill Bits via Amazon
Product Info via Dewalt

Related posts:

Dewalt Modular Right Angle Attachment Set Hero and PackagingNew Dewalt Modular Right Angle Drill and Impact Driver Attachment Set Diablo Step Drill BitsNew Bosch Turbo and Diablo Step Drill Bits are Swiss-Made, Impact-Rated Home Depot Bosch Diablo Spade Bit Replacements June 2020From Devils to Demons: Is Home Depot Switching from Bosch Spade Drill Bits to Diablo? Dremel PC375-U Drill Cleaning Brush KitNew Dremel Versa Universal Cordless Drill Cleaning Brush Kit

Sections: Drills & Drivers, Power Tool Accessories, ToolGuyd Favorites More from: Dewalt

« Update About Home Depot Patent Infringement Suit
Porter Cable 18V Li-Ion Cordless Drill Review »

21 Comments

  1. Steve

    May 13, 2010

    I don’t like these bits. They take excessive grinding to sharpen, and then they become a “regular” drill bit.

    Reply
    • Glenn A Loss

      Feb 3, 2021

      I use for spot welds. Not heavy metals only need file to touch up

      Reply
  2. JML

    May 13, 2010

    The Irwin TurboMax bits are similar in design, but think they’re far, far better.

    Reply
  3. uthscsaedu

    May 13, 2010

    Why can’t they be used in wood?

    Reply
    • Rambo

      Sep 11, 2015

      I found with my 29 piece Dewalt Pilot Point set, they end up screwing into the wood (not cutting holes but actually act as a screw) thus causing the back side of the wood to blow.

      Reply
      • Willy

        Dec 27, 2017

        You might be using an excessive feed rate. If you feed these bits slowly they will not corkscrew at all. They will simply cut like an end mill. The slower you go he cleaner the exit hole.

        Reply
  4. IndyEngineer

    May 14, 2010

    These are among my favorite drill bits. I have had the Dewalt 29 pc. set for a couple years now and use them regularly. They all have stayed sharp for me.

    Reply
  5. Stuart

    May 14, 2010

    They can be used for wood, I just don’t use them for that. For wood I use cheapo Irwin bits that are absolutely useless for plastic or aluminum (which is why I won’t ever buy any non-USA Irwin bits ever again).

    I recently purchased a 29pc set after using a 14pc set for a while. Not because the first set dulled, but because it was on sale at a local Sears that was closing.

    Reply
  6. JML

    May 14, 2010

    The TurboMax are USA made, and were originally branded as Hansen. They’re incredible in wood and metal. Ever since buying a set, I have put away my set of PilotPoint bits.

    Reply
  7. Stuart

    May 14, 2010

    From what I can see, the TurboMax are standard 135° split points. If so, when using large-size bits, one should then still have to drill a separate pilot hole.

    Reply
  8. JML

    May 14, 2010

    They’re definitely not standard split points! The tip is a variation on the bullet point idea. The description that says that is wrong. Really wrong!

    http://www.irwin.com/uploads/products/large/turbomax-38-reduced-shank-high-speed-steel-drill-bits-355.jpg

    Reply
  9. Harold

    Dec 22, 2011

    I have to agree with poster Steve. While these bits may prove excellent at first, what happens when they begin to dull? Sharpening a bit like this is not as simple a task as it is for a standard bit. In fact, it would discourage most people from even attempting to sharpen their bits.

    The self-centering design is pretty nifty, but I think if you want to get the best mileage out of your bits, you might be better off going with standard construction. On the other hand, there are certainly a whole lot of people out there that would simply go out and buy a new set of bits once theirs wear out, so there is definitely a market for these.

    Reply
  10. Chris

    Jun 1, 2016

    Bought a set from lowes a few days ago just because I needed some new bits and wanted to try these out. I’ve heard a lot of people say they love them and a lot of people say they’re junk. I will say that they do wander a tad when when starting in wood, but once they’re in the go through great. They drill through plastics really nice. Except brittle plastics. They will want to shatter. No matter how fast or slow the drill speed is. Haven’t tried them in metal yet. They work but they aren’t the greatest bits. If you’re looking for wood drills, go with a nice set of Brad points.

    Reply
  11. John Robertson

    Apr 15, 2017

    On another blog, Tool Guy says Dewalt’s Pilot Point drill bits “are NOT made in the USA.” The Amazon link shows the “origin” of the DEWALT DW1361 set to be the USA. With all the marketing hocus pocus today, I am not even sure what “origin” means. “Made in” is pretty clear, but these days, you seldom see “Made in USA.”

    Where are these Dewalt Pilot Point drill bits made??? Any references? I have spent over 2 hours pouring over the Internet and have yet to find a clue.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Apr 16, 2017

      Unless something has changed, these aren’t made in the USA. I wouldn’t have said that in another post unless I had seen such labeling with my own eyes.

      If you think the Amazon description is accurate, you can order it, and if it is made anywhere other than the USA, you can return it due to the description being inaccurate. It’ll waste some time and result in trip to a UPS store.

      I can’t find much COO info online, except for an MSC product listing saying it’s made in China, with the COO info subject to change. And while it is subject to change, it’s hard to believe that these drill bits would all of a sudden be made in the USA.

      If you’re not in a hurry, you can email Dewalt customer service and see what they say.

      Reply
      • John Robertson

        Apr 19, 2017

        Thanks for the great reply. I have had these bits for some time — from Amazon. The package is devoid of COO. I always believed (without evidence) that they were manufactured in China and was having a discussion with someone who believes Amazon’s statement that the “origin” in USA means that they were manufactured un the USA.

        Personally, I don’t believe that because I KNOW Dewalt PROUDLY points that out whenever they can do so honestly as part of their marketing. There failure to even state a COO is evidence that they are NOT made in the US. I was just hoping to find out where the things are actually made.

        I will email Dewalt.

        Reply
        • John Robertson

          Apr 19, 2017

          I have inquired. My case number is: 06607857. I will post Dewalt’s response, if any. As they are sensitive about this sort of thing, I am expecting some sort of song and dance, but we’ll see.

          Reply
      • Stan

        Aug 4, 2017

        I’m looking right at a DeWalt 5/16″ Titanium Pilot Point drill, in the shrink wrap, and the packaging clearly states Made In China

        Reply
  12. John Robertson

    Apr 19, 2017

    Okay we can now clear the air regarding the COO of the DEWALT DW1361 Pilot Point drill bit set. it’s China. I emailed dewalt and here it is from the horse’s mouth:

    Hi John,

    Thank you for contacting us.

    I apologize, but the DeWalt bit set DW1361 is manufactured in China.

    I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

    In case this email does not fully answer your question, or you would like to contact us for any reason, simply reply to this email.

    Thank you,
    Jack
    DEWALT Customer Care
    Visit us online at http://www.dewalt.com

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Apr 20, 2017

      Thank you for the follow-up and info!

      Reply
  13. Sticks

    Dec 19, 2020

    Don’t worry too much about the place of manufacture. Instead, look for the quality of the brand. I am not an expert in tools but I have had a fair amount of experience with ex-USA manufacturing. People in poor countries who will work for low wages are usually desperate for a job and work hard to show that they deserve to keep it.
    When poor quality comes from China or other ex-USA sources, it is invariably due to upper management and/or poorly trained on-site managers. Low quality materials mandated by upper mgnt or excessive demands for output by on-site mgrs is usually the cause. Good brands don’t allow quality to slip when goods are made outside the US.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

ToolGuyd Forum

Recent Comments

  • Rob on New Festool Cordless Reciprocating Saw aims to Demolish: “It’s an 18v Flex reciprocating saw with a Festool battery slot. No more, no less. Addressing the comments: As a…”
  • ITCD on New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA: “Don’t set up in high COL areas. The swing between how high and how low living costs can go in…”
  • ITCD on New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA: “I’m sure national distributors aren’t the only ones buying Channellock to stock their shelves. Sometimes gotta check mom n pops,…”
  • ITCD on New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA: “Oh yeah the high torques. I’m not sure how I would like that shape for regular drivers but they’re actually…”
  • Rob on New Festool Cordless Reciprocating Saw aims to Demolish: “The Hilti dust extraction nozzle for their recip saws is so popular that it’ is currently oversold.”
  • Kingsley on New Dewalt USB-C Rechargeable LED Lights: “Should be on their 12v platform. Lithium batteries die after a few years and I alway have some charged up.”

Recent Posts

  • New Dewalt USB-C Rechargeable LED Lights
  • Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool - 4 New Colors
  • New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA
  • Craftsman is Closing its USA Hand Tools Factory
  • New Ryobi 18V Power Station has 3x AC and 6x USB Outlets
  • Home Depot Tool Deals - Milwaukee, Dewalt & More (3/20/23)
  • Here are the Latest Tools Deals (3/17/23)
  • New Channellock Locking Pliers are a Blast from the Past
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Euro Hand Tool Brands
  • Best Tool Brands
  • Best Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Tools for New Parents
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure