DeWalt IMPACT READY Titanium Nitride Coating Drill Bits

Why I reached for this bit

Tiny pilot holes are unforgiving. A 1/16-inch twist bit that wanders or snaps can turn a simple task—like prepping for small screws—into a repair job. I spent the past few weeks using DeWalt’s Impact Ready TiN-coated 1/16-inch bit in wood, sheet metal, plastic, and even plaster over lath to see if it could keep holes on target and the bit intact. In day-to-day use, this little bit earns its keep with a predictable start, clean holes, and enough durability to survive real jobsite abuse.

Design and build

The standout feature is the Pilot Point tip. Rather than a blunt 118° chisel edge that skates until it finds a bite, the Pilot Point establishes location immediately and then pulls the full cutting edges into the work. On small diameters, that difference is huge—especially on smooth metal, painted surfaces, and hard finishes.

A few other details help this bit punch above its size:
- Titanium nitride (TiN) coating for wear resistance and lower friction
- Optimized flutes that clear chips efficiently
- A tapered core (web) to add strength where small bits are most vulnerable
- A 1/4-inch hex shank that seats securely in both impact drivers and drill chucks

Mine arrived as a two-pack. For a 1/16-inch bit, that makes practical sense; they’re consumables in many shops, and backups are smart.

Setup and compatibility

I ran the bit in both a compact drill/driver and an impact driver. The hex shank locks in solidly—no chuck slip or rounding under load. While it’s “impact ready,” I still prefer a drill for delicate materials; impacts are fine for quick holes in sheet metal or framing, but the hammering can be hard on small bits and fragile plastics. The shank makes switching between driving and drilling fast, and it’s especially handy when you’re predrilling and driving tiny screws repeatedly.

The cutting geometry is listed as a standard 118° point, but the Pilot Point changes how it behaves on start-up. I didn’t need to center punch for flat sheet metal or wood; on curved surfaces or glossy coats, a light mark still helps.

Performance in wood

In pine and poplar, the bit starts exactly where I set it and tracks true. Holes come out clean with minimal fuzz, even across grain. In hardwood (oak and maple), the bit still starts confidently without walking. The Pilot Point leaves a neat entry and keeps the hole on-size, which matters when you’re predrilling for tiny screws where strip-out is a risk. I often use 1/16-inch pilots for #4 and #5 screws; with this bit, the pilot depths were consistent and the screw bite felt predictable.

For deeper holes, chip clearing stays decent for this diameter. A quick pecking motion—out to clear flutes, in to cut—keeps heat down and maintains clean sidewalls. If you’re drilling through face frames or trim that’s prone to blowout, a backing board gives perfectly clean exits.

Performance in metal

On mild steel angle and sheet, the bit starts with minimal skating. It’s not a split-point or cobalt cut designed for hard alloys, but the Pilot Point does a good job placing the hole. Running high speed with light pressure and a dab of oil, I got smooth, round holes without ugly burrs. In thin sheet, backing the material or sandwiching it between boards reduces mushrooming around the exit. The TiN coating shines here; chips flow well and the edges stay sharp longer than black oxide equivalents in the same size.

When moving up to thicker stainless, I tempered expectations. It will make the hole with patience, but it’s not the right tool for repeated runs in tough stainless or hardened steels. A cobalt bit with a 135° split point is a better match there.

Performance in plastics and composites

In acrylic and PVC, control matters more than speed. The Pilot Point prevents skating and reduces the risk of a grabbed entry that cracks brittle plastics. I got the cleanest results at a moderate speed with very light feed pressure, and I stepped out often to clear chips. For laminated sheet goods or faux-stone panels, the bit starts predictably and the exit is tidy if you slow down near breakthrough.

Plaster over lath is always a test of patience with small bits. Here, the shorter overall length and stiff core help—less flex, less chance of a snap if you hit wood lath or crumbly keys. I keep the drill level, go easy on pressure, and let the tip do the locating. The bit handled anchor pilots without chipping the surface.

Accuracy and hole quality

For precision fixtures and jigs, hole size is everything. I mic’d several test holes in hardwood and mild steel and found them consistently on size for a 1/16-inch bit when drilled with steady feed. Entry burrs are minimal, and exits are tidy in wood with a backer. In thin steel, a quick deburr pass takes care of the edge. If you’re used to small bits cutting oversize after a few holes, the TiN and web stiffness here delay that drift noticeably.

Durability and maintenance

TiN is a surface treatment, not a magic alloy. It reduces friction and improves wear, but once you grind past it, you’re cutting on plain HSS. On a 1/16-inch bit, resharpening isn’t practical for most users, and the Pilot Point geometry is hard to replicate by hand. Think of this as a consumable with an extended life—one that stays sharp longer and resists snapping thanks to the tapered core.

In my use, one bit handled dozens of pilots in wood and a handful of metal holes before I noticed a slow-down in cutting speed. Heat is the enemy: peck drill, use lubrication on metals, and avoid applying impact pulses in delicate materials. Do those, and you’ll get solid life out of each piece.

Limitations and tips

No small bit is above the laws of physics. A few realities and best practices:

• Not intended for hardened steels; use cobalt or carbide for that.
• For perfectly clean exits in wood and laminate, use a backer.
• In thin metals, clamp the work and control feed to reduce exit burr.
• Plastics prefer moderate RPM and light pressure to avoid melting.
• Even with a Pilot Point, curved or polished surfaces benefit from a light center mark.

The bit’s short length aids stiffness but limits deep reach. If you’re drilling through thick stock or need extra reach, you’ll want a longer jobber-length option—but expect more flex and a higher risk of breakage at this diameter.

Value and who it’s for

As a 1/16-inch option, the Impact Ready bit hits a sweet spot between convenience and performance. The hex shank plays well with impact drivers, the Pilot Point raises your success rate on tough starts, and the TiN coating buys you more holes before dulling. If you regularly predrill for small screws, work with sheet goods, or need predictable pilots in mixed materials, it’s an easy upgrade from generic small bits. For metal-heavy work on stainless or frequent drilling in harder alloys, step up to cobalt split-point bits—but keep one of these on hand for accurate starts and general duty.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt Impact Ready 1/16-inch bit for anyone who needs reliable, on-size pilot holes across wood, mild steel, plastics, and occasional plaster. The Pilot Point dramatically reduces walking, the hex shank eliminates chuck slip, and the TiN coating extends useful life without changing how you work. It’s not a do-everything choice for hardened steels or deep holes, and it’s not meant to be resharpened. But as a small-diameter, everyday bit that starts accurately and survives real-world use, it’s a dependable addition to the kit.