Skil 29 Pc. Gold Oxide Drill Bit Set

First impressions

I reached for the Skil set because I wanted a no-nonsense assortment that covered the common fractional sizes from small pilot holes up to half an inch. Pulling it out of the box, the first thing that stood out was the classic, all-metal indexed case. The latches snap shut with authority, the size markings are easy to read, and the trays present each bit at a useful angle. It’s a straightforward kit: 29 high‑speed steel twist bits with a gold oxide finish, round shanks, and a 135-degree split point on 1/8 inch and larger. No gimmicks—just a full spread from 1/16 to 1/2 inch in 64ths.

Build and design

These are HSS bits with a gold oxide coating, which is worth clarifying. Gold oxide looks a lot like titanium nitride to the eye, but it’s not the same. It’s a heat-treated oxide finish that helps with lubricity and heat shedding, not a hard-wearing ceramic layer. Translation: they run a little cooler and resist surface corrosion better than bare HSS, but they’re not going to match cobalt or TiN-coated bits in abrasive or high-heat applications.

The larger bits’ 135-degree split point is the right choice for general-purpose drilling. It shortens the chisel edge, reduces walking, and starts cleaner in metal compared to a 118-degree point. The shanks are all round—fine for most drills, but under high torque a keyless chuck can slip on the bigger sizes. If you do a lot of heavy drilling, flats on the shank would be welcome.

Performance in wood

In softwoods (spruce, pine) and hardwoods (oak, maple), the set performed predictably for HSS twist bits. The 1/8 to 3/8 inch sizes tracked straight without a pilot, and the split point kept walking to a minimum, even on end grain. Cleanliness of the hole is good in hardwood and acceptable in softwood; as with any twist bit, a backer board eliminates exit tear‑out. For repetitive drilling in cabinet-grade plywood, I found the bits stayed sharp across a few hundred holes before the smallest sizes needed a touch‑up. They don’t eject chips as aggressively as brad-points in wood, but for general shop work they’re solid.

Performance in plastics

Acrylic and PVC require slower speeds and a lighter feed. At low RPM with steady pressure, the Skil set produced clean holes up to 3/8 inch without grabbing. I had better results with peck drilling on thicker acrylic to keep chips from welding. The gold oxide finish seemed to help reduce squeal and friction, but technique matters more here: low speed, sharp bit, and don’t let the material overheat.

Performance in metal

On mild steel (16–11 gauge), the 135-degree tips were the highlight. With a center punch, I could start holes accurately without a pilot on 3/16 to 5/16 inch sizes. Using cutting fluid, the chips were well-formed and the holes consistent. The bits kept a usable edge for a modest number of holes in angle iron and flat bar before needing a sharpen. In aluminum, they cut fast and clean with minimal burrs.

There are limits, and you’ll find them with thicker or tougher stock. On 1/4 inch steel plate, the larger bits heated quickly if I pushed the feed rate. Keep RPMs lower than you would in wood, use fluid, and let the bit do the work. I wouldn’t put these on stainless or hardened steel beyond an occasional hole; HSS with gold oxide just isn’t the right recipe for that. If you routinely drill stainless or thick structural steel, a cobalt (M35/M42) set will outlast this one many times over.

The smaller sizes (1/16–3/32 inch) require a gentle hand. I snapped a 3/32 inch while rushing a sheet-metal job by side-loading the bit. That’s not unusual for any HSS set, but it underscores the need for proper feed and alignment on the tiny diameters.

Usability notes

• Split points: From 1/8 inch upward, walking is notably reduced. In thin sheet, a punch mark almost eliminates skating. Below 1/8, I recommend a quick pilot or a firmer punch to avoid chatter.
• RPMs: Keep wood fast and metal slow. For example, a 1/4 inch bit in mild steel runs best in the 800–1,000 RPM range with fluid; in wood, you can go much higher.
• Chucks and torque: The round shanks are fine in a keyed drill or drill press. In a keyless chuck, especially on a high-torque cordless drill, the larger sizes can slip. Re‑snug the chuck or use a press for precise work.
• Drill press vs. handheld: The set shines in a press—better chip evacuation, straighter holes. Handheld work is fine, but let the split point find its bite before leaning in.

Durability and sharpening

Edge life is about what I expect from mid-grade HSS. In wood and aluminum, they stay sharp a long time. In steel, their lifespan is fair with proper lubrication and speed control. Overheating will dull them quickly; you’ll feel it as the bit rubs instead of cuts.

Sharpening is straightforward. The split-point geometry can be restored with a decent jig or bench grinder if you’re comfortable doing your own bits. After a couple afternoons of metal work, I touched up a handful of sizes and they were back in service. If you don’t sharpen, plan on the most-used sizes showing wear first; replacements are inexpensive and easy to source.

Case and organization

The metal case is a strong point. The index is labeled in 64ths, the retention is positive without being fussy, and the hinge and latch feel durable. I appreciate that the spread truly covers 1/16 through 1/2 inch in single 64th increments; having that full progression matters for step drilling and clearance fits. The case tucks nicely into a drawer and doesn’t pop open in transit. A small gripe: the tiniest bits sit deep in the index, so sausage-finger retrieval takes a second.

One note on compatibility: the 1/2 inch bit won’t fit in a 3/8 inch-chuck drill, which is common on homeowner tools. You’ll want a drill press or a 1/2 inch chuck driver to make that top size useful.

Where this set fits

This is a general-purpose set first and foremost. If your work spans home projects, shop fixtures, jig building, light metal brackets, and occasional plastic, it covers a lot of ground without fuss. It’s not the set I’d hand to a fabricator running all-day holes in steel or someone who spends time in stainless. For that, step up in alloy or coating. But as a grab-and-go “I need the right size right now” kit, it hits the mark.

Pros

• Full 1/16–1/2 inch progression in 64ths
• 135-degree split points on mid/large sizes reduce walking
• Gold oxide finish runs a bit cooler than bare HSS
• Resharpenable and easy to maintain
• Sturdy, well-labeled metal case

Cons

• Round shanks can slip in keyless chucks on larger sizes
• Smaller bits are fragile if side-loaded
• Not ideal for stainless or repeated heavy-gauge steel work
• Gold oxide isn’t a hard coating; edge life in steel is limited compared to cobalt/TiN

Recommendation

I recommend the Skil set for general-purpose drilling across wood, plastics, and light to medium-gauge metals, especially if you value having every 64th at hand in a compact, durable case. The split points start cleanly, the bits are easy to maintain, and the overall package is practical for DIYers, hobbyists, and jobsite generalists. If your workload leans toward frequent drilling in thick steel or stainless, invest in a cobalt or TiN-coated set instead; you’ll get longer edge life and fewer sharpenings. For everyday shop tasks and home projects, though, this set is a dependable, straightforward choice.