Bosch 14pc Black Oxide Drill Bit Set

I tossed this 14-piece Bosch black‑oxide set into my drill bag to see if it could handle the scattershot tasks that pop up in a typical week: drywall anchors, a couple of pilot holes in pine, a few holes in a plastic junction box, and some light‑gauge steel. After a few days of mixed use, I have a good sense of where this set shines and where it taps out.

What stands out

• The split, no‑skate tips start cleanly without a center punch in most materials. That translates to fewer “walking” holes and faster setup.
• The black‑oxide coating reduces friction and helps with heat control in lighter materials, which is especially welcome on a cordless drill.
• Bits 3/16 in. and up have three‑flat shanks that lock into the chuck more securely, reducing the chance of spinning under load.

This is a general‑purpose set designed for wood, plastic, and light‑gauge metal. If that’s your workload, the value proposition is strong.

Build and design

These are black‑oxide coated twist bits. Black oxide is a finish on high‑speed steel that aids lubrication and heat dissipation; it’s not a magic shield, but it noticeably reduces squeal and heat compared to bright (uncoated) bits. The split point is the real upgrade here. It bites quickly and tracks straight, which matters a lot when you’re drilling overhead or on painted surfaces and don’t want the bit skating around.

On bits 3/16 in. and larger, Bosch adds a three‑flat shank. That small touch pays off when you’re drilling larger holes with a handheld drill: the bit is less likely to slip inside the chuck when torque spikes.

The set covers a practical spread from 1/16 in. up to 1/2 in. with common fractional steps. As with most 14‑piece sets, there are gaps between sizes, which I’ll get to below.

Performance in wood

For framing lumber and general carpentry, these bits cut cleanly and clear chips well. In pine and fir, I had no trouble driving pilot holes for screws and drilling larger clearance holes up to 3/8 in. The split tip helps you hit your mark without a punch, and the finish keeps heat down when you’re running through multiple holes in a row.

In hardwoods, results are still solid, but remember these are standard twist bits, not brad‑points. If you’re doing visible cabinet work, you’ll want brad‑points to minimize tear‑out and ensure perfectly clean entry. For shop furniture, jigs, and rough carpentry, this set performs just fine—back your work and keep a sharp bit for cleaner exits.

Performance in plastic

I put holes in a couple of PVC and ABS boxes along with a polycarbonate cover. The bits tracked well without grabbing, and the split tip helped prevent wandering on curved surfaces. For plastic, I had the best results at moderate speed with light pressure; the black oxide helps keep the bit from galling as chips heat up. If you’re used to melting your way through plastic with dull bits, these will feel like an upgrade.

Performance in light‑gauge metal

This is the use case where the set earns its keep. In 18–20 gauge sheet steel and aluminum angle, the bits cut cleanly and stayed on center without a punch. I ran them slower with a dab of cutting oil, and they held up well. The three‑flat shank shows its worth here—on a high‑torque drill, the larger sizes didn’t slip in the chuck.

Move into thicker or tougher material, and you quickly find the limit. In 1/8 in. mild steel, the 3/8 in. bit still did the job, but it demanded patience and proper speed. In stainless, the coating and geometry aren’t enough—you’ll want cobalt bits for that. That’s not a knock; it’s simply the expected boundary for black‑oxide HSS in a value‑oriented set.

Accuracy and starting

The no‑skate tip is a genuine benefit. Overhead holes for drywall anchors were quick and drama‑free, and on painted metal the bit stayed put better than standard 118‑degree points. I still recommend a center punch for precision layout or harder metals, but for day‑to‑day drilling, the split point saves time and reduces frustration.

Grip and chuck fit

The three‑flat shanks on 3/16 in. and larger prevent the classic “bit spins but the shank doesn’t” scenario. It also makes retightening the chuck mid‑hole less common. Smaller bits are round shank as usual. If you’re using a keyless chuck on a compact drill, this feature alone is worth having.

Durability and heat management

Black oxide helps with lubrication and heat, but it isn’t a wear‑resistant coating like titanium nitride, and it isn’t as heat‑tolerant as cobalt steel. Expect the smallest sizes (1/16, 5/64) to be consumables; that’s true of any set. On the larger sizes, used within their lane—wood, plastics, and light metals at the right speeds—edge life is respectable. Use cutting fluid on metal, clear chips, and don’t over‑speed, and you’ll extend the life of the set considerably. These bits can be resharpened; a simple jig and a bench grinder will keep the common sizes working for a long time.

Size selection and gaps

The assortment covers the basics from 1/16 in. to 1/2 in., but like most 14‑piece sets, there are gaps in fractional sizes. For general fastening, pilot holes, and clearance holes, you’ll rarely notice. If you routinely need precise fitment—like dialed‑in tap drill sizes or press fits—you’ll want a fuller index. For everyday tasks, the included spread hits the right notes.

Case and organization

The index keeps the bits organized and the markings are clear, which matters when you’re grabbing a size quickly on a job. It’s compact enough to tuck into a tool bag without splaying open. Nothing fancy, just functional.

Limitations

• Not intended for stainless, hardened steel, or thick stock. Use cobalt or carbide for those jobs.
• Twist bits aren’t the cleanest option for fine woodworking; brad‑points are better when appearance matters.
• Black oxide is a friction‑reducing finish, not a long‑life coating; in abrasive materials or at high heat, it wears.

None of these are surprises if you match the tool to its intended use.

Tips for best results

• Slow down as bit size increases, especially in metal. Let the bit cut, don’t force it.
• Use cutting oil on metal and clear chips often.
• Back your work in wood and plastic to reduce blowout.
• For precise layout in metal, add a quick center punch even though the split point starts well.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and pros who need a reliable, affordable general‑purpose set for wood, plastic, and light‑gauge metal.
• Maintenance techs and installers who value the split‑point start and three‑flat shank for quick, accurate holes with a cordless drill.
• Anyone who needs a solid “grab‑and‑go” set without paying cobalt prices.

If your day job is drilling stainless handrails or thick structural steel, this is not your set. If you want clean, precise holes in furniture‑grade hardwood, grab a brad‑point kit. For everything in between, this Bosch set is a practical staple.

Recommendation

I recommend this Bosch black‑oxide set as a dependable, budget‑friendly option for general‑purpose drilling in wood, plastic, and light‑gauge metal. The split tips genuinely reduce walking, the three‑flat shanks prevent chuck slip on the larger sizes, and the black‑oxide finish helps keep heat in check. It’s not a do‑everything solution—save cobalt or specialty bits for hard metals and brad‑points for fine woodworking—but as an everyday set to live in your drill case, it’s a smart, workmanlike choice.