DeWalt 3/32 in. Titanium Nitride Coating Drill Bit

Why this tiny bit stood out in my kit

Small-diameter bits are disposable in many shops—snapped, dulled, and tossed without much thought. This 3/32-inch TiN pilot-point bit from DeWalt changed that routine for me. After a few weeks of steady use in the shop and on site—everything from pilot holes in maple face frames to layout holes in mild-steel brackets—it earned a permanent spot in my quick-change holder. It’s not flashy, but its combination of clean starts, true sizing, and hex-shank convenience makes everyday drilling easier.

Build and design

This is a jobber-length, high-speed steel bit with a titanium nitride coating and a 118° pilot-point tip. The pilot point is the star here: it establishes the hole before the outer cutting lips engage, so the bit doesn’t skate—especially helpful on painted steel, aluminum extrusion, and hardwood. The core (web) is slightly tapered for strength, which matters a lot at 3/32-inch where bits can feel like glass if you twist or side-load them.

The 1/4-inch hex shank is another practical touch. It locks securely in quick-change chucks and doesn’t slip in a keyless drill. You typically don’t see hex shanks on bits this small, and I appreciated the extra control and the ability to swap in and out without digging for a chuck key.

DeWalt lists a maximum drilling depth of 1-3/4 inches, and that aligns with what I measured. The total bit length is roughly 2-7/16 inches, with a flute length right around that 1-3/4-inch mark. In other words, you can reliably drill to that depth without burying the shank.

Performance across materials

• Wood: The pilot point shines in hardwoods. On maple and oak, I got clean entries with no wandering and minimal fuzzing on the exit side. Holes intended as pilot holes for #6 screws came out straight and true, which is essential when you’re aligning hardware. Running at medium to high speed with light pressure delivered the best results.

• Plastics: In ABS and PVC, the bit cut without melting as long as I kept speeds moderate and cleared chips frequently. The pilot point prevents the bit from “grabbing” as it breaks through thin stock. If you’re drilling acrylic, slow the speed and avoid dwelling to keep the edges crisp.

• Mild steel and aluminum: This is where the TiN coating and the pilot point combine nicely. In 1/8-inch mild steel plate, I ran around 2,000–2,500 RPM with a drop of cutting fluid and pecked to clear chips. Starts were controlled even without a center punch, and chip evacuation was better than average for a bit this size. In 6061 aluminum, chip flow was clean and the cut felt smooth. The bit does not like stainless (nor is it rated for it); expect chatter, squeal, and rapid dulling if you push it there.

Hole accuracy and finish

The sizing is impressively consistent. Using a set of pin gauges and calipers, my through-holes in 1/8-inch mild steel measured 0.094–0.095 inches, which is right on target for a 3/32-inch bit. In hardwood, the elastic nature of the material means you’ll see a snugger fit, as expected, but still true to size. The pilot point leaves a slight witness at the bottom of blind holes; for through-holes it’s a non-issue.

With small bits, walking is often the culprit behind oversized or ragged holes. The pilot point cut that problem down dramatically on sheet stock. I still like to tap a light punch mark in critical metalwork, but in a lot of cases I didn’t need to.

Durability and bit life

TiN on HSS isn’t magic, but it’s a meaningful upgrade over black oxide for general use. After drilling a mix of materials—dozens of holes in wood and plastic, plus several dozen in mild steel—the edge stayed sharp enough to keep cutting cleanly. Heat buildup is the enemy here, and the coating helps delay that. I made a point to slow down in steel, use a dab of oil, and peck-drill; those habits clearly extended life.

As for breakage resistance, the tapered core and the shortish jobber length help. I didn’t snap one, which is not something I can say about every 3/32 bit I own. That said, no geometry can save a bit that’s side-loaded or hammered by an impact driver. Use a drill/driver and let the cutter do the work.

Chip evacuation

At 3/32-inch, flutes can clog quickly, especially in gummy aluminum or deep holes. The flute geometry here is better than average. I could feel chips clearing in aluminum and low-carbon steel rather than packing. Still, pecking every 1/8–1/4 inch improves chip control and reduces heat. In plastics, brief retractions kept the hole clean and prevented welding chips back onto the wall.

Ergonomics and compatibility

The hex shank is genuinely useful. In a compact drill with a keyless chuck, it holds rock solid, and I loved being able to drop it in a quick-change holder. I did run it with an impact driver for testing, but I wouldn’t make a habit of it at this diameter. Variable speed and a gentle throttle are your friends; impacts and tiny cutters don’t mix.

Because it’s a standard jobber length, it fits nicely in tight spaces without feeling stubby. The 2-pack is a practical touch: small bits are consumables, and having a spare in the case is smart.

Practical tips to get the most out of it

• Let the pilot point start the hole. Resist the urge to lean hard; light pressure keeps it tracking and preserves the edge.
• In steel, use cutting oil, moderate speed, and pecking. You’ll see cleaner chips and a cooler bit.
• In plastic, slow down and clear chips often to avoid melting and oversized holes.
• Clamp the work. Small bits punish wobbly setups.
• Avoid impact mode. A drill/driver gives you more control and fewer broken bits.

Limitations

• Not for stainless: This bit isn’t designed for stainless steels, and it shows. If you need to drill 304/316 regularly, look at cobalt with a 135° split point and be prepared to slow way down with plenty of lubricant.
• Depth is finite: The usable flute depth is about 1-3/4 inches. If you frequently drill deeper than that, you’ll want a longer bit, though at 3/32-inch, deep drilling is rarely ideal.
• Consumable reality: There’s no stated warranty, and at this size, resharpening isn’t practical. Treat it as a consumable, albeit a durable one if used correctly.

Value

Considering the two-pack and the performance, the value is solid. You’re paying for fewer restarts, truer holes, and longer life than a bargain-bin 3/32. If you rely on 1/4-inch hex quick-change tools, the convenience alone is worth it.

The bottom line

The DeWalt 3/32-inch TiN pilot-point bit is a straightforward upgrade for everyday drilling in wood, plastic, aluminum, and mild steel. It starts cleanly, holds size, clears chips better than most small bits, and the hex shank makes it easy to live with in modern quick-change setups. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not—this isn’t a stainless specialist, and it won’t forgive sloppy technique—but if you use it as intended, it’s a dependable little cutter.

Recommendation: I recommend it. If your work involves frequent 3/32-inch holes for pilots, rivets, brackets, or general layout, this bit earns its keep with accurate starts, true sizing, and practical durability. Choose something else if your day is full of stainless or very deep holes, but for general shop and site work, this is the 3/32 I reach for first.