DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) — Hands-On Review

Price: $24.99 

(as of Jul 10, 2025 03:04:34 UTC – Details) 

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See Why We Trust the DW1361 in Our Shop

We’ve put the DEWALT DW1361 21-piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set through a week’s worth of typical workshop chores — from cabinetry pilot holes to drilling through sheet metal for a retrofit project. Right away the pilot-point geometry stands out: these bits bite quickly and track true, which saved us time and a few ruined stock pieces during layout.

The titanium nitride (TiN) coating is more than cosmetic. In our tests it reduced friction and resisted visible wear longer than the plain black-oxide bits we usually keep at the bench. That translates to less heat buildup and longer lasting cutting performance before you need to re-sharpen or replace a bit.

What You’ll See on First Use

When you open the compact case, the finish and organization feel professional. Each drill bit is easy to remove and return to its marked slot, so you won’t be hunting for sizes mid-job. The set includes the common fractional sizes homeowners and pros reach for most — perfect for general maintenance, furniture assembly, and light construction work.

Discover the Key Features That Matter

– Titanium Nitride Coating: Lowers friction and increases surface hardness; in our real-world use this meant smoother drilling through hardwoods and sheet metal with less heat.
– Pilot Point Tip: The point design reduces bit “walk” and eliminates the need for constant center punching on thinner stock, which speeds up repetitive drilling tasks.
– 21-Piece Range: Covers the most commonly used sizes (including 1/16″ through 1/2″), so you rarely need to stop mid-project to grab another set.
– Durable Storage Case: Keeps bits organized and protected; the molded slots prevent rattling and size mix-ups.
– Versatile Use: Good for wood, plastic, and metal — a solid all-purpose set for most workshop and home use.

Performance Notes — From Our Bench Tests

We ran the full set through several materials: soft and hard maple, plywood, 18-gauge steel, and 3/8″ acrylic. The DW1361 handled these without drama. The pilot point produced clean entries in wood, with minimal tear-out on the exit side when using proper backing. In metal, the TiN coating helped us maintain cutting edges longer and reduced the need for cutting oil for smaller holes. On our toughest runs — long bores in hardwood — the bits warmed up slower than our old black-oxide bits and maintained sharpness through more holes.

We also tested durability by reusing the same bits for dozens of pilot holes. The visible wear on the coating was minimal, and the bits continued to perform predictably. Note: TiN is a coating; with heavy use you will eventually wear through or reduce effectiveness if re-sharpened aggressively.

How It Compares — Why We Chose This Set Over Others

Compared to bargain sets that either come uncoated or with uneven tip geometry, the DEWALT DW1361 offers a consistent cut and longer service life for a modest price premium. It’s not a premium cobalt or carbide set meant for heavy-duty industrial use, but for general-purpose drilling in a busy workshop or a homeowner’s toolbox, it hits the sweet spot of performance, durability, and value.

We appreciated the consistent pilot-point tips — inconsistent tips are the #1 annoyance with cheaper sets. The TiN finish also gives you a clear visual cue for wear and a professional look that matches power tools in a pro’s kit.

Practical Tips We Discovered

– Use moderate speed for the larger bits in metal; the TiN coating helps but won’t prevent heat buildup at high RPMs.
– For the cleanest finish in hardwood, support the back side of the workpiece to prevent splintering.
– If you plan to re-sharpen bits, keep in mind that heavy grinding will remove the TiN coating at the cutting edges, reducing the benefit.
– Store the set in its case and avoid tossing it in a crowded toolbag — the coating will last longer without abrasive contact.

Who Should Buy This Set?

– DIYers and hobbyists who want a reliable, multipurpose drill bit assortment without paying pro-level prices.
– Contractors and handymen who need a dependable backup set for on-site tasks.
– Woodworkers who value pilot-point tips for precision and reduced walk when starting holes.
– Anyone replacing a worn or inconsistent home kit — this set is a clear step up in fit and finish.

Standout Qualities We Noticed

– Fast bite and accuracy: Pilot-point tips start where you place them, which is a small detail that saves time and material.
– Long-lasting cut: The TiN coating held up well across repeated tasks and kept heat down.
– Organized case: We liked how quickly you can locate and return bits; that tiny convenience keeps workflow moving.

Real-World Pros and Cons — Our Honest Take

Pros:
– Reliable pilot-point geometry for true starts.
– TiN coating reduces friction and extends life over plain bits.
– Broad size range for everyday projects.
– Sturdy case keeps bits organized and protected.

Cons:
– Not intended for heavy industrial work like drilling stainless steel or masonry.
– TiN coating will wear with heavy re-sharpening — replace, don’t over-grind.
– The plastic case is functional but not indestructible; treat it gently in the jobbox.

Maintenance & Longevity Advice

To get the best life from these bits:
– Use an appropriate speed and steady pressure.
– Use cutting oil for larger holes in metal to prolong the coating and cutting edge.
– Avoid overheating by backing out frequently to clear chips on deep holes.
– Store bits in the case to prevent contact wear.

Get It Done — Final Verdict

After hands-on testing, the DEWALT DW1361 stands out as a reliable, affordable, and well-rounded drill bit set for most users. It won’t replace specialty bits for masonry or stainless steel, but for everyday drilling in wood, plastic, and common metals, its combination of pilot-point accuracy and TiN coating delivers consistent, time-saving results.

If you want a no-nonsense upgrade from bargain sets that will hold its edge longer and make starting holes easier, this set is worth the investment.

Ready to Add It to Your Toolbox?

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site(s), as applicable at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.