Best Drill Bit For Drilling Out Rivets

When I first started tackling sheet metal work and automotive repairs, drilling out rivets was often frustrating. It’s a precision job; you need to remove the rivet head cleanly without damaging the underlying material or enlarging the existing hole. I’ve personally tested countless bits and kits, searching for the best drill bit for drilling out rivets that makes this tedious task fast and clean. What I learned is that dedicated rivet removal tools, often combined with high-speed steel or cobalt, dramatically reduce the risk of slippage and material damage. This guide covers the top options I’ve used, focusing on specialized tools designed specifically for this critical task.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	EROSHAK Rivet Removal Tool,POP Rivet Drill Remover,Electric…	View on Amazon
	Minova Rivet Removal Tool, Rivet Removal Drill Bit,…	View on Amazon
	Minova Rivet Removal Tool, High Cobalt Rivet Removal Drill…	View on Amazon
	12 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set,…	View on Amazon
	EROSHAK High Cobalt Rivet Removal Drill Bit, Suitable for…	View on Amazon

EROSHAK Rivet Removal Tool,POP Rivet Drill Remover,Electric Drill Adapter Rivets Puller for 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″ and 1/4″

This EROSHAK kit isn’t just a set of drill bits; it’s a complete system designed for precision. It features a guiding mechanism that centers the bit perfectly on the rivet head, minimizing wobble and slip, which is crucial when trying to preserve the surrounding material. The main benefit is the adjustable depth stop, ensuring you only drill deep enough to cut off the head, not penetrate the underlying surface. This is one of the most effective solutions I’ve seen for quickly and accurately removing button head rivets and blind fasteners.

Key features that stand out:

• Complete Rivet Removal Kit: Includes guides and drill bits for standard rivet sizes.
• Precision Depth Stop: Allows adjustment to remove only the rivet head, preventing damage to the rivet hole.
• Versatile Compatibility: Suitable for any 1/4″ pneumatic or electric drill.
• Accepts Multiple Bit Types: Tool accepts both cobalt and high speed threaded bits.

Pros:
– Dramatically increases accuracy and speed compared to using a standard drill bit.
– Comprehensive set covers the most common rivet sizes (1/8″ up to 1/4″).
– Excellent control over drilling depth protects the base material.
– Comes in a durable, reusable container.

Cons:
– It requires a brief setup time to select the correct guide and bit size.

Best for: High-volume or precision removal jobs where protecting the base material is paramount, such as aerospace or vintage vehicle restoration.

Expert Opinion: This type of guided tool essentially turns your drill into a specialized rivet-head cutter. While standard bits can work, this system provides necessary guidance and depth control, making it the best drill bit for drilling out rivets if consistency and safety are your primary concerns.

Minova Rivet Removal Tool, Rivet Removal Drill Bit, Suitable with Standard 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″ and 1/4″ Rivets

The Minova standard rivet removal tool offers a straightforward approach to removing common fasteners. It includes five different sized bits and corresponding guides, allowing you to select the precise size needed for standard 1/8″ through 1/4″ rivets. The key to this tool’s efficiency is how easily and accurately you can install the guide on your drill, making the removal of dome head, brazier head, or pan head rivets much less destructive than traditional drilling methods.

Key features that stand out:

• Standard Rivet Compatibility: Includes drill bits for common sizes from 1/8″ to 1/4″.
• Easy Installation: Simply install the appropriate tool size on your power drill.
• Specific Head Removal: Ideal for dismantling Dome Head, Brazier Head, or Pan Head rivets.
• Convenient Storage: Comes with a dedicated tool box for accessories.

Pros:
– Simple, user-friendly design accelerates the removal process.
– Good value for the range of standard sizes included.
– Excellent for non-ferrous and standard aluminum rivets.
– High accuracy in targeting the rivet head.

Cons:
– Tip: This specific set is explicitly not compatible with stainless steel rivets.

Best for: DIYers and general mechanics working primarily with aluminum and mild steel rivets in standard applications.

Expert Opinion: If your projects rarely involve hardened materials, this standard Minova kit is a high-performance, cost-effective choice. It handles 90% of household and shop rivets effectively, but remember its limitation when drilling out stainless steel rivets.

Minova Rivet Removal Tool, High Cobalt Rivet Removal Drill Bit, Suitable for Durable and high-Frequency use with Standard and Stainless Steel 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″,1/4″ Rivets

For those needing a heavy-duty solution, this Minova High Cobalt set is a significant upgrade from the standard removal tools. The key difference is the cobalt construction, which allows the tool to maintain its hardness and edge even when drilling tough materials like stainless steel rivets—a common pain point for lesser bits. This set is built for durability and high-frequency use, offering the same accurate head-cutting capability as the standard version but with far superior material resistance.

Key features that stand out:

• High Cobalt Material: Designed for durability and cutting speed on hard fasteners.
• Stainless Steel Compatibility: Effectively removes both standard and stainless steel rivets (1/8″ to 1/4″).
• Precision Removal: Accurately drills out the rivet head to prevent hole damage.
• Ideal for Professionals: Suitable for dismantling Dome Head, Brazier Head, or Pan Head rivets in commercial settings.

Pros:
– Cobalt composition extends tool life significantly when cutting through hard metals.
– Versatile solution handles virtually any common rivet material.
– Maintains accuracy and reduces chatter in high-frequency use.
– Includes a robust storage box for all components.

Cons:
– Higher initial cost due to the quality cobalt material.

Best for: Professional body shops, aviation maintenance, or industrial applications requiring the removal of stainless steel or high-tensile rivets.

Expert Opinion: When seeking the best drill bit for drilling out rivets in demanding industrial environments, the cobalt composition is a must-have. It reduces the need for frequent bit changes and dramatically speeds up the process on tougher materials.

12 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set, Easy Out Bolt Extractor Set Spiral Flute Stripped Screw Remover Reverse Cobalt HSS Steel Drill Bit for Remove Broken Tight Screws Bolts Studs

While not a dedicated rivet removal guide system, a high-quality Left Hand Drill Bit Set offers incredible versatility, especially when dealing with rivets that are also stripped or broken. This 12-piece set features reinforced 6542 HSS left-hand drill bits designed to bite into the material and either spin the fastener out or create a perfect pilot hole for extraction. The reverse rotation of the drill bit, combined with a 135° angle, makes the initial cut highly efficient and reduces walking.

Key features that stand out:

• Left Hand Drill Bits: Use reverse rotation to help loosen or remove broken fasteners, including rivets.
• High Strength Material: HSS (High Speed Steel) drill bits and CR-MO (Chromium Molybdenum) extractors for stronger grip and durability.
• Versatile Application: Excellent for screws, bolts, studs, and creating pilot holes in hard rivets.
• 135° Angle: Provides easier entry into the workpiece and less axial resistance.

Pros:
– Exceptional versatility for dealing with stripped fasteners beyond just rivets.
– High-quality materials resist breakage and wear.
– Left-hand drilling can sometimes loosen a stuck rivet without needing a full drill-out.
– Clearly marked sizes and organized storage box.

Cons:
– Requires more precision and steady hand technique than the guided rivet removal tools.

Best for: Mechanics, general contractors, or anyone needing a multi-purpose tool for removing broken or stripped fasteners, where the guided depth control is not essential.

Expert Opinion: This set is a vital addition to any toolbox. Although it’s not the specialized rivet removal system, the left-hand bits are essential for drilling into tough materials before extraction or for removing rivets where standard drill bits might slip or break.

EROSHAK High Cobalt Rivet Removal Drill Bit, Suitable for Durable use with Standard and Stainless Steel 1/4″（6.4mm Rivets

If you frequently encounter heavy-duty 1/4″ rivets, particularly those made of stainless steel, this specialized EROSHAK tool is tailor-made for you. Unlike the multi-size kit, this unit focuses purely on the larger 1/4″ rivet, utilizing high-cobalt material for maximum cutting power and longevity. It maintains the core EROSHAK advantage: the ability to accurately drill out only the head, preventing damage to the metal underneath. This single-size focus ensures maximum precision where it matters most—on the largest, toughest fasteners.

Key features that stand out:

• Dedicated 1/4″ Size: Optimized for removing large 1/4″ (6.4mm) rivets.
• High Cobalt Composition: Excellent durability for handling standard and stainless steel rivets.
• Accurate Head Removal: Designed to drill out only the head of the rivet and blind fasteners.
• Complete Removal Kit: Great for dome head, brazier, or pan head rivets of the specified size.

Pros:
– Focused design provides superior stability and accuracy on large rivets.
– Cobalt construction ensures long-term resistance against hard materials.
– Depth adjustment feature protects the surrounding material.
– Packaged in a durable, threaded lid container.

Cons:
– Limited use since it only covers the 1/4″ size.

Best for: Industrial or commercial settings that predominantly deal with heavy-duty 1/4″ aluminum or stainless steel structural fasteners.

Expert Opinion: Having a dedicated, high-quality tool for the toughest, largest rivets saves considerable time and frustration. If 1/4″ stainless rivets are a regular occurrence, investing in this single-size, cobalt-based system is the smart move to ensure a clean cut every time.

Comparison Short Insights on Choosing the Best Drill Bit For Drilling Out Rivets

When comparing these options, the main distinction lies between guided rivet removal tools and standard high-quality drill bits/extractors. Guided tools, like the EROSHAK and Minova kits, offer superior control because they physically center the bit and prevent over-drilling. This guidance is vital for beginners or for sensitive material where cosmetic damage must be avoided.

If your work involves materials tougher than standard aluminum—such as stainless steel or aviation-grade alloys—you must opt for Cobalt bits over standard High Speed Steel (HSS). Cobalt maintains its edge at higher drilling temperatures, which is generated when cutting hard steel. Both the Minova High Cobalt and the EROSHAK 1/4″ Cobalt models address this necessity.

Finally, while the dedicated removal tools focus only on the rivet head, a set like the 12 Pcs Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bits Set offers exceptional multi-functionality. Although it requires more user skill, it provides a solution for stripped bolts and fasteners, making it a valuable addition for comprehensive mechanical work.

Final Verdict: Selecting the Right Tool

Choosing the right tool depends entirely on the material you are drilling and the frequency of use.

For the Weekend Warrior & Standard Aluminum Rivets: The Minova Rivet Removal Tool (Standard) provides fantastic accuracy and value, handling the most common domestic rivets without issue.

For the Professional Shop Dealing with Hard Materials: The Minova High Cobalt Rivet Removal Tool is the clear overall winner. Its cobalt construction combined with the comprehensive size guides makes it the most versatile and durable best drill bit for drilling out rivets available for both standard and stainless steel work.

For Maximum Precision and Depth Control: If preventing damage to the underlying structure is your top priority, the EROSHAK Rivet Removal Tool with its precision depth stop mechanism offers the highest level of material protection and is strongly recommended.

Best Drill Bit For Drilling Out Rivets FAQ

What is the ideal drilling speed when using the best drill bit for drilling out rivets?

The speed should generally be lower than when drilling wood or plastic. For standard aluminum rivets, a moderate speed (around 1,500–2,000 RPM) is acceptable. However, when drilling stainless steel rivets with a cobalt drill bit, you must use a slower speed (under 1,000 RPM) and apply steady pressure. High speeds on hard materials will cause standard bits to quickly overheat and dull.

Why are dedicated rivet removal tools better than standard HSS drill bits?

Dedicated rivet removal tool systems include a guide or sleeve that centers the bit precisely on the rivet head. This guide prevents the bit from “walking” or slipping off center, which often causes damage to the surrounding material or enlarges the hole. Furthermore, many kits offer depth control, ensuring you only cut through the head and not into the underlying metal.

Can I use a standard high speed steel (HSS) drill bit on stainless steel rivets?

You can, but it is not recommended for efficiency or bit longevity. Stainless steel is much harder than aluminum or mild steel and generates considerable heat. Standard high speed steel (HSS) bits will quickly lose their hardness and dull. It is always better to use a cobalt drill bits (HSS-Co) or solid carbide bits when tackling stainless steel for reliable cutting.

Do I need to drill a pilot hole before removing the rivet head?

No, with specialized rivet removal tools, drilling a pilot hole is usually unnecessary. The precise guide system helps the bit start accurately. If you are using a standard drill bit, however, creating a small pilot hole first can help prevent the bit from walking, especially on large or tough rivets.

What size drill bit should I use to drill out a rivet?

The general rule is to use a drill bit that is the same size as the rivet’s shaft diameter, or slightly smaller (e.g., if you have a 3/16″ rivet, use a 3/16″ or 5/32″ bit). The goal is to drill just enough of the head away so that the head pops off and the remaining shank can be pushed out cleanly. Using a bit that is too large will damage the existing hole.

Are left hand drill bits useful for rivet removal?

Yes, they are highly useful, particularly for broken tight screws or rivets that might be spinning in their hole. Since they drill in reverse (counter-clockwise), the torque generated sometimes catches the edge of the rivet shank, causing it to loosen and spin out naturally, saving you the step of full extraction.