DEWALT DW1361 Review: 21-Piece Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set
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Quick verdict: the DEWALT DW1361 is a 21-piece titanium nitride coated twist bit set with DEWALT’s Pilot Point tip, which starts on contact without walking. It covers 1/16 to 1/2 in (with duplicates of the small sizes that break most often) and comes in a tough case. It’s one of Amazon’s best-selling bit sets and a great general-purpose kit for wood, plastic and mild steel. For stainless and hardened steel, cobalt bits are the better choice.
Best general-purpose bit set
DEWALT DW1361 21-Piece Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set
★★★★½ 4.5 / 5
- 21 pieces, 1/16–1/2 in
- Titanium nitride coating
- Pilot Point tip starts on contact
- Tough storage case
A good general-purpose bit set is the most useful accessory you can buy for a drill. The DW1361 is a popular choice because it gets the basics right: a sensible size range, extra copies of fragile small bits, a self-starting tip and a case that keeps everything organized.
How We Reviewed the DEWALT DW1361
We compared the DEWALT DW1361 against the specs and features that matter for this type of tool, using the manufacturer’s published specifications, the current Amazon listing data, and the same technical standards we use in our drilling guides. We didn’t receive a free sample, and the score reflects value for the buyer, not commission. See our editorial policy for how we write reviews.
DEWALT DW1361 Specifications
| Specification | DEWALT DW1361 |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 21 |
| Size range | 1/16 in to 1/2 in |
| Material / coating | HSS with titanium nitride (TiN) coating |
| Tip | Pilot Point, starts on contact |
| Web | Tapered web for strength |
| Shank | Designed to reduce spinning in the chuck |
| Case | Plastic tough case |
| Good for | Wood, plastic, mild steel, aluminum |
Sizes included
| Size | Qty | Size | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 in | 2 | 13/64 in | 1 |
| 5/64 in | 2 | 7/32 in | 1 |
| 3/32 in | 2 | 15/64 in | 1 |
| 7/64 in | 2 | 1/4 in | 1 |
| 1/8 in | 2 | 5/16 in | 1 |
| 9/64 in | 1 | 3/8 in | 1 |
| 5/32 in | 1 | 1/2 in | 1 |
| 11/64 in | 1 | ||
| 3/16 in | 1 |
Notice the 13/64 in bit: it is the standard tap drill for 1/4-20 threads (see our 1/4-20 tap drill size guide). The 5/16 in bit is the tap drill for 3/8-16 (see 3/8-16).
What We Like
Pilot Point starts clean
The Pilot Point tip starts on contact, so you rarely need a center punch in wood and thin metal. Holes start where you mark them.
Doubles of small bits
The 1/16 to 1/8 in bits break most often. The set includes two of each, which saves trips to the store.
Useful size spread
The range covers pilot holes, clearance holes and common tap drill sizes.
Durable case
The case keeps bits sorted and protected, which is better than loose bits in a drawer.
What We Don’t Like
Not for stainless or hardened steel
TiN coating improves wear resistance, but the bit underneath is HSS. In stainless, cobalt bits last much longer. Read our best drill bits for stainless steel guide.
Coating wears at the tip
Once you resharpen, the coating at the cutting edge is gone, though the bit still works.
No sizes between 3/8 and 1/2 in
It jumps from 3/8 to 1/2 in, missing 7/16 in.
Case latch can wear
The plastic latch is a common complaint after long use.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pilot Point tip starts on contact | Not ideal for stainless or hardened steel |
| Doubles of fragile small sizes | Coating lost after sharpening |
| TiN coating for longer life | No 7/16 in |
| Common tap drill sizes included | Plastic case latch |
| Good value, best-seller |
DW1361 vs Cobalt Sets
| Feature | DW1361 (TiN) | Milwaukee Red Helix Cobalt |
|---|---|---|
| Base material | HSS + TiN coating | Cobalt |
| Best for | Wood, plastic, mild steel | Stainless, hard steel |
| Pieces | 21 | 29 |
| Amazon | DW1361 | Red Helix 29-pc |
If you drill steel often, read our Milwaukee Red Helix cobalt review.
Tips
- Use moderate speed in metal and add cutting oil.
- Drill wood at higher speed with light pressure.
- Back out often to clear chips in deep holes.
- Resharpen dull bits with a sharpener like the Drill Doctor 500X.
What “Titanium” Really Means
Bits sold as “titanium” are almost always HSS with a thin titanium nitride (TiN) coating. The gold coating is very hard and reduces friction, so bits stay sharp longer in wood, plastic and mild steel than plain black oxide bits. It is not solid titanium, and it doesn’t change how the steel under it behaves at high temperature. That’s why TiN bits are great general-purpose bits, but cobalt bits still win in stainless steel, where heat is the main problem.
Recommended Drilling Speeds
Running the right speed makes any bit last longer. These are typical starting points for HSS/TiN bits (many cordless drills top out around 1,500–2,000 rpm, so just use the high gear for small bits):
| Bit size | Softwood | Aluminum | Mild steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in | 3,000 rpm | 4,000 rpm | 2,000 rpm |
| 1/4 in | 2,500 rpm | 2,000 rpm | 1,000 rpm |
| 3/8 in | 2,000 rpm | 1,300 rpm | 650 rpm |
| 1/2 in | 1,500 rpm | 1,000 rpm | 500 rpm |
Slow down if the bit smokes, squeals or turns blue. Use cutting oil in steel.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Small bits snap | Side load or wobble | Hold the drill straight, use light pressure |
| Bit turns blue | Speed too high in metal | Slow down and use cutting oil |
| Hole is oversize | Wobbly chuck or dull bit | Re-seat the bit, sharpen or replace |
| Bit slips in chuck | Chuck not tightened enough | Tighten firmly; the shank is designed to reduce spin |
Who Should Buy the DW1361?
- New drill owners who need a reliable starter set.
- DIYers drilling wood, plastic, aluminum and mild steel.
- Anyone who wants common tap drills such as 13/64 in and 5/16 in on hand.
Skip it as your only set if you regularly drill stainless or hardened steel. In that case, buy a cobalt set and keep the DW1361 for everyday jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 quick answers from our editors
01What sizes are in the DEWALT DW1361?
1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8 (two each), then 9/64 through 1/2 in, 21 bits in total.
02Can DW1361 bits drill stainless steel?
They can drill thin stainless with care, but cobalt bits last much longer.
03What is DEWALT Pilot Point?
A tip design that starts drilling on contact without walking.
04Are the bits titanium?
They are HSS with a titanium nitride coating.
05Can I sharpen TiN-coated bits?
Yes. The coating at the tip is removed but the bit still cuts well.
Bottom Line
The DEWALT DW1361 is a smart, affordable general-purpose bit set. The Pilot Point tip, doubled small sizes and tough case make it a great first set. Add a cobalt set if you work with stainless or hardened steel.
Check the DEWALT DW1361 Price on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, WellableMachine earns from qualifying purchases. Product details come from the manufacturer and Amazon and may change. Check the Amazon listing for the current price and availability. Background: titanium nitride and the official DEWALT site.