DeWalt Black and Gold Twist Drill Bit Set (10-Piece)

I reached for the DeWalt Black & Gold set over the past few weeks for everything from hanging brackets in the shop to punching holes in sheet metal on a service call. It’s a compact, no-nonsense kit that aims to be the bits you actually carry, not the big index that stays on the bench. After dozens of holes across wood, mild steel, aluminum, PVC, and thin-gauge duct, I have a good sense of where this 10-piece set shines—and where it doesn’t.

Design and build

The bits are high-speed steel with a black-and-gold coating that does a good job staving off rust and looks decent even after use. The 135° split-point is the right call for general-purpose drilling, especially on metal; it starts predictably and resists skating if you’re careful with pressure. The web is a bit thicker toward the shank, which helps with rigidity and reduces the “twangy” feel some budget bits have when you lean in.

DeWalt uses a 3-flats shank on the larger sizes, which noticeably reduces spin in a keyless chuck. Smaller bits are round shank, as expected. Size markings on the shanks are easy to read and I appreciate that they remain visible after a few wipes with an oily rag.

Included sizes cover the everyday range: 1/16" (x2), 5/64" (x2), 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 5/16". The duplicate small bits are smart—those are the sizes most likely to snap if you rush or side-load.

On wood

In both SPF and white oak, the set cuts cleanly with minimal tear-out. The split-point helps prevent walking on knotty pine and glossy plywood faces; I still recommend a quick awl mark if you want dead-on accuracy. With a brad-point competitor next to it, the DeWalt isn’t as precise for dowel work (that’s expected—it’s a twist bit), but for pilot holes, hardware installs, and rough carpentry, I had zero complaints. Chips clear well, and the 1/4" and 5/16" sizes cut fast without burning if you keep the speed moderate.

One nice surprise: the 1/8" bit tracked straight on end grain without deflecting, which many general-purpose bits struggle with. If you regularly countersink, you’ll still want a dedicated countersink bit; these won’t deburr wood edges on their own.

On metal

This is the material that really shows whether a budget-friendly set is worth carrying. In 1/8" mild steel angle and various brackets, the DeWalt bits performed reliably. With a center punch and cutting fluid, I was able to go from pilot to 1/4" cleanly at low speed. The split-point reduced wandering on painted surfaces, and the 3-flats shank kept the larger sizes from slipping in a keyless drill.

In thin-gauge sheet metal, these bits bite quickly—sometimes a little too quickly. To avoid grabbing or deforming the sheet, I used a backer board and feathered the trigger. The result: round, relatively burr-free holes that a quick pass with a deburring tool cleaned up. In aluminum plate, chip control was excellent and heat buildup was minimal.

Durability in metal is decent for HSS. After several holes in steel, the 1/4" bit still cut, though the coating wore at the cutting lips as expected. The smaller duplicates (1/16" and 5/64") are the ones to treat gently; I broke one early on by rushing and side-loading while trying to widen a hole. That’s user error more than a quality problem, but it’s also why having duplicates matters in a small kit.

A note on limits: this set isn’t cobalt. It’s not the right choice for repeated drilling in stainless or hardened fasteners. It’ll get you through a few holes in 304 with lubricant and patience, but expect edge wear and more heat. If you live in stainless, upgrade to cobalt M35 or M42.

Plastics and PVC

The bits do well in PVC and ABS with light pressure and higher RPMs, provided you don’t dwell and let heat build. I used the 3/16" and 1/4" to run holes in conduit with clean entries and only minor feathering on exit. In acrylic, I slowed the speed and backed out frequently to avoid cracking; results were good but, as always, a specialized plastic bit would be safer for brittle stock.

Accuracy and feel

Runout was minimal on my test drill, and the bits appear well-ground. The 135° point helps keep the larger sizes on target without walking off layout lines. Holes measure true to size with a pin gauge on the mid and larger diameters; the smallest sizes are as accurate as the operator’s hand. Chip shape and color in steel suggest the grind is consistent across the set.

Case and organization

The ToughCase+ is compact, tough, and connects to other cases in the same system. The clear lid makes it obvious what’s missing at a glance, and the latch hasn’t popped open in my bag. The bit-bar indexing holds the bits securely and makes one-handed removal easy.

There are two trade-offs. First, the bit rail doesn’t swing out into a full “book” position, so access is slightly tighter than on a traditional flip-out index. Second, there’s no spare space for oddball extras behind the tray. If you’re the type who stashes a countersink, center punch, or third 1/8" bit in the case, you’ll have to carry a second mini-case. On the flip side, because the tray doesn’t float around, bits stay put and don’t go walkabout in a truck.

Compatibility

These are standard round shank bits, not 1/4" hex impact bits. They work in keyed and keyless drill chucks, and the larger 3-flats sizes resist slipping nicely. If you want to use an impact driver, you’ll need a drill chuck adapter. That’s not a knock—just worth noting for folks who run impacts for everything.

Maintenance and sharpening

Coatings aside, these are conventional HSS bits you can resharpen. After a day of metal work, I touched up the 1/4" on a bench grinder with a simple drill guide and regained cutting performance easily. The split-point geometry can be maintained with the right jig, but even a standard 118° grind will get you back in the game if you’re in a pinch.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and DIYers who want a small, dependable set that actually lives in the toolbox.
• Tradespeople who need a compact kit for daily pilot holes in wood, ductwork, light-gauge steel, and plastics.
• Pros who already own a full index but want a grab-and-go selection of core sizes.

Who should look elsewhere: anyone drilling stainless, cast iron, or abrasive composites regularly; folks who need a full fractional progression; or those who prefer hex-shank bits for an impact-only workflow.

Value

For the size and performance, the price makes sense. You’re getting a solid general-purpose grind, a rugged case that plays well with other DeWalt boxes, and a thoughtful size spread with duplicates where they’re most useful. It’s not a lifetime set, but it punches above its weight as an everyday carry. The 90-day return window is a nice safety net if you’re unsure.

Tips for best results

• Center punch metal and slow the RPMs; use cutting fluid on steel.
• Step up in sizes rather than hogging out a large hole in one pass.
• Let the bit cut—avoid side pressure that snaps small diameters.
• Back plastics with scrap and feather the trigger to reduce grabbing.
• Keep the bits wiped down; the coating resists corrosion, but oil helps.

Bottom line

The DeWalt Black & Gold set earns a spot in my bag because it covers the sizes I actually use, starts accurately, and holds up to routine work in wood and common metals. The case is sturdy and genuinely portable, even if it won’t store stray extras. It’s not the right tool for high-nickel alloys or production metalwork, but as a compact, general-purpose kit, it’s reliable and easy to live with.

Recommendation: I recommend this set for anyone who needs a durable, grab-and-go assortment for day-to-day drilling in wood, mild steel, sheet metal, and plastics. You’ll appreciate the split-point accuracy, the no-spin shanks on larger sizes, and the tough case. If your work leans heavily on stainless or you want a full fractional index with more size increments, step up to a cobalt set or a larger kit; otherwise, this one does the everyday jobs well without taking up much space.