Craftsman Drill Bits Compared: Finding the Right Set for Your Toolkit

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Selecting a craftsman drill bit requires balancing boring capacity with fastening versatility. Contractors and busy professionals often choose between specialized drill bit sets designed strictly for clean hole boring in wood, metal, and plastic, versus comprehensive drill-and-drive kits combining twist bits with dozens of screwdriver tips, nut drivers, and impact adapters. Choosing the wrong setup leads to stripped screw heads, dull edges, or carrying unnecessary weight to job sites. Conducting a practical craftsman drill bit comparison helps eliminate redundant tools and identifies the right set for your daily workload.

Across the CRAFTSMAN catalog, drill and driver bit sets are organized by project scope, surface coating, and driving specialization. The lineup ranges from split-point boring selections finished in gold oxide or titanium nitride to expansive modular assortments built from shock-resistant tool steel for high-torque impact drivers. When deciding which craftsman drill bit to buy, understanding how these sets divide into dedicated drill bits, mixed drill-and-drive solutions, and bulk fastener packs allows you to match your tooling to your exact workspace requirements.

Criteria matrix What each model in this report is credited with

Rows are the criteria that come up in the pros and cons listed for this lineup. A check means the criterion is named in this report’s write-up of that model; a dash means it is not. Criteria that apply to every model, or to only one, are left out because they separate nothing.

Criterion	14-Piece Gold Oxide Drill 4.4★	140 Pc Impact Driver 4.8★	Drill Bit Set 60 4.7★	35 Piece Screwdriver Bit 4.1★	Drill Bit Set Screwdriver 4.9★	Phillips Screwdriver Bit 4.3★
Shock-resistant tool steel	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named
Drill bits	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Drill bit	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
CNC-machined tips	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Nut drivers	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named
Hex shanks	Not named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Screwdriving bits	✓Named	Not named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	Not named
Gold oxide	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	Not named
Criteria named	4 / 8	5 / 8	5 / 8	3 / 8	6 / 8	4 / 8

Built from the wording of this report, not from a bench test. A dash is not a fault: it only means the write-up does not mention that point for that model. Star figures are the average rating left by Amazon buyers, read from the product listing.

Craftsman Drill Bits Lineup at a Glance

Best for: Drilling tough materials with impact chucks

Pros

• Titanium Nitride heat-resistant coating
• Direct impact-driver hex shanks
• Split-point burr-free hole drilling

Cons

• Limited to 21 total pieces
• Omits dedicated nut drivers

Best for: General maintenance needing drilling and fastening

Pros

• Includes dedicated 1-inch spade bit
• Duplicate high-wear small pilot bits
• Four versatile accessory ranges

Cons

• No twist drill sizes over 1/4 inch
• Listing does not state chuck size limits

The Models in Detail

CRAFTSMAN 14-Piece Gold Oxide Drill Bit

Best for: Clean hole boring without driver tip clutter

Pros

• Corrosion-resistant gold oxide coating
• Split-point tips prevent wandering
• Wide size range up to half-inch

Cons

• No screwdriving bits included
• Conflicting metal and plastic case descriptions

The CRAFTSMAN 14-Piece Gold Oxide Drill Bit set, cataloged under model number craftsman CMAM2214, is designed for clean hole boring across wood, plastic, and metal. Each bit features a gold oxide corrosion-resistant coating that resists rust, reduces friction, and maintains sharp cutting edges through repeated drilling cycles. A primary feature of these craftsman gold oxide drill bits is the split-point design, which prevents bit wandering on smooth workpieces and creates clean, burr-free holes without requiring a center punch.

The 14-piece fractional assortment supplies 1/16-inch, 15/64-inch, 3/32-inch, 7/64-inch, two 1/8-inch bits, 9/64-inch, 5/32-inch, 3/16-inch, 7/32-inch, 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch sizes. Supplying two 1/8-inch bits accounts for standard pilot bit breakage. Classified as hex shank drill bits with an overall set weight of 8 ounces, the kit includes a case that the listing alternately describes as a metal carrying case and a plastic carrying case. For service professionals carrying mobile gear, pairing this set with equipment like a craftsman tire inflator portable air compressor creates a well-rounded maintenance kit.

This set is best for electricians, metalworkers, and woodworkers requiring dedicated boring tools up to half-inch diameters without extraneous driver bits. Because it omits screwdriving bits and socket drivers, it gives way to mixed packages like the 60-piece or 140-piece options when fastener assembly is required.

CRAFTSMAN 140 Pc Impact Driver Bit

Best for: Contractors needing complete jobsite driving versatility

Pros

• Extensive 140-piece bit inventory
• Shock-resistant tool steel build
• CNC-machined tips reduce cam-out

Cons

• Large 17-inch storage case footprint
• Excessive weight for small tool pouches

Built for large-scale jobsites and full workshop outfitting, the CRAFTSMAN 140 Pc Impact Driver Bit set (model craftsman CMAF140SET) is the brand’s most expansive mixed drilling and driving kit. Made from high-speed steel and shock-resistant tool steel with a black oxide finish, this craftsman impact driver bit set withstands the concussive torque produced by impact tools. CNC-machined tips ensure a precise fit in screw recesses, minimizing cam-out, slippage, and stripped fasteners in wood, plastic, and metal applications.

Inside the 17-inch storage case, the 140-piece inventory includes 21 drill bits, 97 1-inch bit tips, 15 2-inch power bits, 5 nut drivers, 1 socket adapter, and 1 magnetic bit holder. The selection covers standard screwdriver bits, impact bits, hex bits, and star bits for tasks ranging from cabinetry and fixture installation to outdoor framing. Industry-standard hex shanks ensure compatibility with major drill and impact driver chucks.

This collection is best for general contractors and facility maintenance crews who need an exhaustive array of driver sizes and quick-change drill bits in one organizer. For mobile tradespeople working from a compact tool bag, its broad footprint naturally yields to lighter 35-piece or 60-piece configurations.

CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set 60 Pieces

The CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set 60 Pieces (model craftsman CMAF1260) balances boring capability with everyday fastening. Constructed from shock-resistant tool steel, this craftsman drill bit set provides four distinct ranges of accessories. Its screwdriving tips are CNC-machined to deliver a secure fit in fastener recesses, reducing wear, stripping, and cam-out during wood and metal construction.

The drilling component features 13 black oxide drill bits: two 1/16-inch, one 5/64-inch, two 3/32-inch, one 7/64-inch, two 1/8-inch, one 9/64-inch, one 5/32-inch, one 3/16-inch, one 7/32-inch, and one 1/4-inch bit. Including duplicate small-gauge bits prevents downtime from pilot bit breakage. The set also includes a 1-inch spade bit for rough-in boring through lumber, alongside assorted impact driver and screwdriver tips and nut drivers for mechanical tasks.

This model suits residential remodelers, punch-list technicians, and installers needing everyday drilling and driving in a single case. It gives way to specialized gold oxide or titanium sets when boring metal holes larger than 1/4 inch, or to bulk bit packs when driving repetitive single-size fasteners.

CRAFTSMAN 35 Piece Screwdriver Bit

Best for: Technicians needing a compact mobile driver kit

Pros

• Compact 8.8-inch carrying case
• Universal tool shank compatibility
• CNC-machined anti-slip tips

Cons

• Only four twist drill bit sizes
• No duplicate small pilot bits

For service technicians who prioritize portable organization, the CRAFTSMAN 35 Piece Screwdriver Bit set (model CMAF35SET) houses essential accessories in a compact 8.8 by 8.8 by 1.2-inch case. Constructed from shock-resistant tool steel, every piece withstands heavy cyclic loads. Precision CNC-machined tips provide an exact fit in screw heads, preventing cam-out and protecting finished work surfaces.

Universal shank compatibility allows seamless use across different tool brands. When handling interior finish work or trim repairs, pairing this set with tools like a craftsman brad nailer cordless 20v maintains an efficient, mobile setup.

This set is best for property managers, apartment maintenance workers, and technicians who perform light assemblies and rapid service calls. When heavy mechanical framing or broad boring diameters are required, this portable case gives way to the 60-piece or 140-piece assortments.

CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set Screwdriver

The CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set Screwdriver kit (model craftsman CMAM3211) is a 21-piece set designed for demanding drilling tasks. Identified as a craftsman titanium drill bit set, its drill bits feature a Titanium Nitride coating that resists corrosion and friction-induced heat. This coating preserves cutting edge sharpness when penetrating wood, plastic, and sheet metal.

Split-point tips provide immediate bite on contact to prevent wandering, resulting in clean, burr-free holes. The drill bits incorporate 1/4-inch hex shanks compatible with impact drivers, 1/2-inch drill chucks, and magnetic bit holders. The screwdriving bits use shock-resistant tool steel for high-torque durability, while the listing states a minimum bore diameter of 0.75 inches for set elements.

This set suits HVAC installers, metalworkers, and mechanics needing durable, heat-resistant drill bits with impact-ready hex shanks. Because it contains only 21 pieces, it steps aside for the 60-piece or 140-piece assortments when extensive driver tip varieties or nut drivers are required.

CRAFTSMAN Phillips Screwdriver Bit

Best for: High-volume drywall and framing fastener driving

Pros

• Bulk 15-piece Phillips #2 supply
• Shock-resistant tool steel construction
• CNC-machined recess fit

Cons

• Limited strictly to Phillips #2 drive
• No drill bits included

When projects require driving repetitive fasteners, mixed sets quickly exhaust their few Phillips tips. The CRAFTSMAN Phillips Screwdriver Bit pack (model CMAF122PH215) resolves this by offering 15 dedicated Phillips #2 driver bits. Made from shock-resistant tool steel, each bit is engineered to absorb heavy torsional stress during driving into wood and metal.

CNC-machined tips seat tightly in Phillips recesses to prevent slippage and cam-out, prolonging bit life and protecting screw heads. The listing title notes a 2-inch length while included components list fifteen 1-inch Phillips #2 bit tips; both feature hex shanks fitting standard bit holders and impact chucks. At 4.8 ounces, the pack stores easily in a tool belt pouch.

This bulk pack is best for drywallers, deck builders, and framers driving continuous runs of Phillips screws. Because it excludes drill bits and alternative drive geometries, it yields to multi-bit sets like the CMAF1260 or CMAF140SET when varied fasteners or pilot holes are encountered.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

Selecting the right accessory set requires matching your primary tasks—whether boring clean holes, sinking drywall screws, or managing mixed maintenance—to the exact contents of each kit. Consider these direct application scenarios:

• Dedicated metal and plastic hole boring: Choose the CRAFTSMAN 14-Piece Gold Oxide Drill Bit for split-point accuracy and corrosion resistance up to half-inch diameters.
• High-volume framing and drywall fastening: Pick the CRAFTSMAN Phillips Screwdriver Bit pack to maintain a constant supply of shock-resistant Phillips #2 bits.
• Complete workshop and jobsite outfitting: Select the CRAFTSMAN 140 Pc Impact Driver Bit set for comprehensive coverage across drill bits, nut drivers, and 97 standard fastener tips.
• Balanced field maintenance and rough-in work: Rely on the CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set 60 Pieces to secure black oxide bits, screwdriver tips, and a dedicated 1-inch spade bit.
• Compact punch-list tool bags: Use the CRAFTSMAN 35 Piece Screwdriver Bit set for lightweight portability with essential drill bits and multi-profile fastener tips.
• High-friction metal and hardwood drilling: Opt for the CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set Screwdriver with titanium nitride coated split-point bits and impact-ready hex shanks.

Before You Buy

Before purchasing, examine the shank geometry and chuck compatibility required for your primary power tools. While the CRAFTSMAN 140 Pc Impact Driver Bit, CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set Screwdriver, and CRAFTSMAN Phillips Screwdriver Bit sets explicitly feature 1/4-inch hex shanks designed for direct insertion into impact drivers and quick-change chucks, standard twist drill bits may require a 3-jaw keyed or keyless drill chuck. Additionally, the listings do not specify exact individual lengths for every drill bit inside the 60-piece and 35-piece assortments, nor do they state maximum RPM limits for boring into hard steel.

Storage case construction and material specifications also warrant attention prior to selection. For example, the CRAFTSMAN 14-Piece Gold Oxide Drill Bit listing alternately references both a metal carrying case and a plastic carrying case within its product details, meaning the actual packaging material may vary depending on the production run. Furthermore, the listings do not specify masonry or concrete drilling capabilities for any of these high-speed steel and tool steel sets, so drilling into brick, mortar, or concrete will require purchasing separate carbide-tipped masonry bits outside this range.

FAQ

Which Craftsman drill bit set offers the best wear resistance for metal?

The CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set Screwdriver (CMAM3211) provides the highest heat and friction resistance in this lineup thanks to its Titanium Nitride coating. This surface treatment shields the cutting edges from high thermal friction when drilling through sheet metal, plastic, and dense hardwoods.

Are all Craftsman driver bits compatible with impact drivers?

The driver bits in these sets—including the CRAFTSMAN 140 Pc Impact Driver Bit set, CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set 60 Pieces, and CRAFTSMAN Phillips Screwdriver Bit pack—are manufactured from shock-resistant tool steel with 1/4-inch hex shanks specifically engineered to endure the concussive torque of impact tools.

What is the difference between gold oxide and titanium nitride coatings?

In this lineup, gold oxide drill bits like the CRAFTSMAN 14-Piece Gold Oxide Drill Bit provide reliable corrosion resistance and reduce friction during general-purpose drilling in wood, metal, and plastic. Titanium nitride coatings, found on the CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set Screwdriver, deliver enhanced surface hardness and thermal resistance for demanding drilling cycles.

Does the Craftsman 60-piece set include specialty wood bits?

Yes, the CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set 60 Pieces includes a dedicated 1-inch spade bit alongside its 13 black oxide drill bits. This spade bit enables tradespeople to bore larger-diameter openings through lumber for running electrical cables, conduit, or plumbing lines.

Why do some Craftsman sets include multiple bits of the same size?

Smaller drill bit diameters like 1/16-inch and 1/8-inch, as well as Phillips #2 driver tips, experience the highest rates of bending stress, breakage, and tip wear. Sets like the CRAFTSMAN 14-Piece Gold Oxide Drill Bit and CRAFTSMAN Drill Bit Set 60 Pieces include duplicate smaller bits so projects continue without interruption if a bit breaks.