7 Best Long Drill Bits for 2026

Long drill bits can make a tricky job feel almost effortless, but only when you match the bit to the material and the depth you need.

I will walk you through seven options for 2026, from aircraft extension bits to carbide masonry choices and handy bit holders.

You will see which ones suit steel, concrete, and tight spaces best, and why the wrong pick can slow everything down.

More Details on Our Top Picks

1. Drill America 1/8″ Aircraft Extension Drill Bit (12-Pack)

   [zw asin=”B00FXH16BC” alt=”Drill America 1/8 Aircraft Extension Drill Bit (12-Pack)”]

   Best For Metal

   View Latest Price

   Drill America’s 1/8″ aircraft extension bits are designed for metal work when you need extra reach. This 12-pack includes 6-inch high-speed steel bits with a black oxide finish that supports lubricity, coolant retention, and chip flow. The 135° split point self-centers, cuts with less thrust, and starts cleanly in alloy steel or mild steel. Two spiral flutes move chips up and out, helping reduce clogging during drilling. The right-hand cut is suited for general-purpose jobs. This NAS 907-compliant set offers toughness, wear resistance, and reliable reach.

   • Bit Type:Aircraft extension drill bit
   • Length:6 inches
   • Material:High-speed steel
   • Shank Type:Round shank
   • Flute Count:2 flutes
   • Cutting Angle:135°
   • Additional Feature:12-piece set
   • Additional Feature:Black oxide finish
   • Additional Feature:NAS 907 compliant

2. Wensilon Concrete Drill Bit Lengthening 3-Piece Carbide Hammer Bits

   [zw asin=”B0C7V99WJX” alt=”Wensilon Concrete Drill Bit Lengthening 3-Piece Carbide Hammer Bits”]

   Best For Masonry

   View Latest Price

   Wensilon’s 3-piece SDS carbide hammer bits are a good choice when you need extra-long masonry drilling. The set offers a 12-inch total length with a 10-inch effective reach, so you can drill deeper without changing tools. The 6.35 mm carbide cutter head and 135-degree split point help you drill through concrete, brick, stone, and cement walls efficiently. The alloy steel body, spiral flute, and double-thread design clear dust well, while the SDS shank fits most impact drill brands. If you want a compact set that handles tough material, this is a solid option.

   • Bit Type:Concrete lengthening bit
   • Length:12 inches
   • Material:Alloy steel/carbide
   • Shank Type:SDS shank
   • Flute Count:3 flutes
   • Cutting Angle:135°
   • Additional Feature:Carbide cutter head
   • Additional Feature:Double-thread drill design
   • Additional Feature:SDS shank

3. SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Bit for Masonry

   [zw asin=”B08CWSYBCF” alt=”SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Bit for Masonry”]

   Best Extra-Long

   View Latest Price

   Sabre Tools’ 39-inch SDS Plus bit gives you extra-long reach for deep masonry drilling. It features a 1/2-inch cutting diameter, a self-centering carbide tip, and a 2-flute spiral design that cuts brick, stone, concrete, and block quickly. The black oxide finish and stainless steel construction help it last, while the optimized flute shape clears material and helps keep the bit cooler. It fits SDS Plus rotary hammer drills from Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Hilti, Makita, and Milwaukee. With one 1-pound bit, you can tackle long, precise boreholes with confidence.

   • Bit Type:SDS Plus masonry bit
   • Length:39 inches
   • Material:Stainless steel/carbide
   • Shank Type:SDS-Plus shank
   • Flute Count:2 flutes
   • Cutting Angle:90°
   • Additional Feature:Carbide tip
   • Additional Feature:Compatible with SDS Plus
   • Additional Feature:Cool-running design

4. Concrete Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Set (10PCS)

   [zw asin=”B0DDGHMMGW” alt=”Concrete Carbide Masonry Drill Bit Set (10PCS)”]

   Best Value

   View Latest Price

   For DIYers and contractors, this 10 piece set delivers strong value with long 6 inch carbide bits. You get premium NF10X tungsten steel carbide tips, sharpened side edges, and a shock resistant build that helps you drill fast with better control. The six sizes cover 5/32, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 inch, so you can tackle concrete, brick, tile, ceramic, cement, plastic, and thin stainless steel plate. Use hammer mode for smooth results, and add water cooling to extend service life.

   • Bit Type:Masonry drill bit set
   • Length:6 inches
   • Material:Tungsten steel carbide
   • Shank Type:Not specified
   • Flute Count:Not specified
   • Cutting Angle:Not specified
   • Additional Feature:NF10X carbide tip
   • Additional Feature:Shock-resistant design
   • Additional Feature:Water cooling recommended

5. Mixiflor 30-Piece Magnetic Long Screwdriver Bit Set

   [zw asin=”B08DFKB3LM” alt=”Mixiflor 30-Piece Magnetic Long Screwdriver Bit Set”]

   Best For Repairs

   View Latest Price

   Mixiflor’s 30-piece magnetic long screwdriver bit set is a practical choice for frequent repair work. It includes S2 steel bits and a chrome vanadium steel holder, which helps the set withstand impact while protecting screws and the driver head. Each deeply milled, tempered, coated bit is built for durability. The magnetized tip helps keep screws in place, which can speed up work. With 1/4-inch hex shanks, 4-inch lengths, and slotted, cross, square, and torx profiles, it works with electric or hand screwdrivers, drills, and air tools. It is useful for vehicles, bicycles, furniture assembly, and storage tasks.

   • Bit Type:Magnetic screwdriver bit set
   • Length:4 inches
   • Material:S2 steel
   • Shank Type:1/4-inch hex shank
   • Flute Count:Not specified
   • Cutting Angle:Not specified
   • Additional Feature:Magnetic bit heads
   • Additional Feature:Chrome vanadium holder
   • Additional Feature:Durable storage box

6. Drill Bit Extension and Magnetic Bit Holders

   [zw asin=”B0DM8314GB” alt=”Drill Bit Extension and Magnetic Bit Holders”]

   Best Bit Extension

   View Latest Price

   With a double lock interface, these bit extensions keep your bits steady and make quick changes easy. You get a 4 piece magnetic bit holder set with 2 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch, and 12 inch extensions, so you can reach tight spots without losing control. The chrome vanadium steel construction gives you high hardness and long service life, while the slight magnetism helps hold screwdriver bits, nut drivers, and drill sockets in place. You can use them with corded, cordless, pneumatic, or impact tools for maintenance, automotive, DIY, and home repairs.

   • Bit Type:Bit holder extension set
   • Length:2, 4, 6, 12 inches
   • Material:Chrome vanadium steel
   • Shank Type:1/4-inch hex shank
   • Flute Count:Not specified
   • Cutting Angle:Not specified
   • Additional Feature:Double-lock interface
   • Additional Feature:Quick sliding lock
   • Additional Feature:Four length options

7. Greycore 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit

   [zw asin=”B0CW1ZX33D” alt=”Greycore 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit”]

   Best Cobalt Bit

   View Latest Price

   Greycore’s 1/8 x 12 cobalt aircraft extension bit gives you sharp, deep reach in one slim tool. It uses M35 cobalt steel with 5% cobalt, plus an industrial titanium coating, so it stays tough, heat resistant, and abrasion resistant on demanding jobs. The 135° split point helps you start cleanly, and the 2 flute spiral clears chips well. Use it on stainless steel, cast iron, titanium alloy, hard plastics, wood, and other metals. It fits standard chucks from Bosch, DeWalt, Hilti, Makita, and more. Greycore includes one bit and offers replacement support.

   • Bit Type:Cobalt aircraft extension bit
   • Length:12 inches
   • Material:M35 cobalt HSS
   • Shank Type:Straight shank
   • Flute Count:2 flutes
   • Cutting Angle:135°
   • Additional Feature:5% cobalt
   • Additional Feature:Titanium coating
   • Additional Feature:Replacement warranty available

Factors to Consider When Choosing Long Drill Bits

Whenever I choose a long drill bit, I first match the bit length to the drilling depth so the target can be reached cleanly. I also check shank compatibility, material strength, flute design, and tip geometry, because each one affects fit, cutting performance, and durability. If you weigh these factors together, you will choose a bit that works better and lasts longer.

Bit Length Needs

I always start by checking whether the long drill bit’s total length actually exceeds the material’s thickness or the depth I need to reach, because the tip has to reach the target without the chuck or shank getting in the way. I then compare the total length with the usable cutting length, since a 12 inch bit might only drill about 10 inches. I choose enough reach for deep holes, recessed spots, or through holes, especially when obstacles limit access. Longer bits help me work in tight spaces, but I also watch stability, because extra length can flex and require straighter alignment. For extension style drilling, I confirm the length suits the job and still matches my tool’s chuck or shank system.

Shank Compatibility

After checking that the long drill bit has enough reach, I make sure the shank will actually fit my drill or driver. I match the shank type to the tool, whether it is round, hex, or SDS/SDS Plus, because the wrong style will not seat in the chuck or holder. I also check the shank diameter and interface, since long bits can still use a standard 1/4 inch hex, straight shank, or SDS connection. When I am using an impact driver, standard chuck, or rotary hammer, I confirm the bit is built for that system. With extended bits, I look for solid locking or retention, since extra length can increase wobble. I want a snug fit that supports speed, torque, and safe control.

Material Strength

For long drill bits, I choose harder base materials such as high-speed steel, cobalt HSS, or tungsten steel carbide because they resist wear and stay sharp longer. When drilling tougher stock, I look for heat and abrasion resistant construction so the bit keeps cutting without dulling as quickly. I also pay attention to body strength, since extra reinforcement helps a long bit resist bending and breaking, especially at 12 inches or more. When I want added toughness, I prefer coatings such as black oxide or titanium, which reduce friction and support the base metal. For masonry or concrete, I would pick carbide tipped or carbide alloy heads because they handle impact and hard surfaces far better than standard steel tips.

Flute Design

How do you want the bit to clear chips? I look first at flute design because it controls how well a long drill bit evacuates material during deep drilling. Spiral flutes carry chips up and out of the hole, which helps prevent clogging and keeps cutting more consistent. I often prefer a 2 flute design because it balances chip removal with bit strength, and it can run cooler too. For masonry work, I would consider a 3 flute spiral or double line pattern to move stone powder faster. On extension or aircraft style bits, spiral flutes plus black oxide or coated surfaces improve chip flow and help reduce chip welding. I also match flute geometry to the point style so the bit starts cleanly and stays efficient.

Tip Geometry

Tip geometry matters as much as flute design because it determines how cleanly a long drill bit starts and how well it cuts as the hole gets deeper. I look for a 135° split point whenever I want the bit to center itself fast and reduce thrust, especially on deep holes. Split point tips also help the bit bite sooner, move chips out more efficiently, and resist clogging. Whenever I drill masonry, I prefer a carbide tip because it stays harder and keeps cutting longer. I also pay attention to sharper point styles and 90° or 135° angles, since each changes entry control and cutting behavior. For me, the right tip geometry makes long drilling feel steadier, cooler, and more predictable.

Application Match

As I choose a long drill bit, I start with the material and the job itself. If I am drilling brick or concrete, I reach for masonry bits. For mild steel, I use high-speed steel. For tougher construction materials, I look for carbide-tipped options. I also check the bit’s surface rating so its cutting edge, flute style, and shank fit the task, especially when I need extra reach or a deep hole. Diameter and effective length matter too, because a 12-inch bit will not handle the same reach as a 39-inch one. For impact or rotary hammer work, I pick bits made for those tools. When I drill metal, I prefer split points, cobalt or HSS construction, and chip-clearing flutes for cleaner cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent Long Drill Bits From Wandering at the Start?

I start by using a center punch, clamping the work securely, and drilling a shallow pilot hole first. I also run the bit slowly, keep steady pressure, and let the tip establish itself before increasing force.

Can Long Drill Bits Be Used With Cordless Drills Safely?

Yes, I use long drill bits with cordless drills safely whenever the bit matches the drill’s torque, speed, and chuck capacity. I start slowly, brace firmly, and stop whenever the drill binds or overheats.

What Speed Should I Use for Drilling With Long Bits?

I’d start slow. Use the lowest speed your drill offers, then increase it only if the bit stays cool and steady. I’d rather drill patiently than snap a long bit or scorch the wood.

How Do I Keep Long Drill Bits From Overheating?

I keep long drill bits cool by drilling slowly, clearing chips often, and backing out regularly. I also use cutting oil on metal, let the bit rest, and stop before it gets too hot.

Are Long Drill Bits Suitable for Drilling Through Metal Sheets?

Yes, I’d use long drill bits on metal sheets carefully, only when needed, with sharp bits, low speed, and steady pressure. This helps prevent wandering, grabbing, and ugly burrs.