7 Best Drill Bit For Removing Rivets Reviewed (2025 Guide)

I’ve spent countless hours in the garage tackling automotive and fabrication projects, and one job always demands precision: removing rivets. If you don’t use the right tools, you end up gouging the surrounding metal—something nobody wants when restoring an aluminum panel or replacing a bracket. That’s why finding the best drill bit for removing rivets isn’t just about speed, it’s about preservation. In this comprehensive guide, we dive into seven highly-rated options, ranging from specialized rivet removal tools to durable cobalt drill bits, ensuring your next disassembly job is clean and efficient.

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
	8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm…	View on Amazon
	Minova High Cobalt Rivet Removal Drill Bit, Suitable for…	View on Amazon
	HIFESON Rivet Removal Tool，Blind Rivets Drill…	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 specialized rivet removal system from EROSHAK takes the guesswork out of drilling rivets. It’s designed to accurately cut only the rivet head, leaving the original hole intact and minimizing the risk of wallowing out the material underneath. The kit is built around a guide system that attaches to your standard drill, making it incredibly precise and suitable for various common rivet sizes. If you handle fabrication or aerospace work regularly, this dedicated tool is invaluable for ensuring a clean, professional finish.

Key features that stand out:
– Set Includs guides and drill bits to remove 5/32in, 1/8in, 1/32in, 1/4in and 3/16in rivets.
– Adjustable drill depth to remove only the rivet head.
– Suitable for any 1/4″ pneumatic or electric drill.

Pros:
– Provides excellent depth control, preventing damage to the underlying material.
– Complete kit covers five common rivet sizes.
– Prevents the drill bit from wandering (walking).

Cons:
– Requires initial setup and calibration for depth.

Best for: High-volume disassembly of aluminum or sheet metal components where hole integrity is critical.

Expert Opinion: This is a true professional-grade solution. While standard bits can remove rivets, this tool’s ability to precisely control depth and alignment makes it one of the best drill bit for removing rivets if you need consistent, clean results across multiple types of fasteners.

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 Rivet Removal Tool provides a straightforward, effective method for tackling standard rivets. This kit comes with five different sizes of bits and guides, making it easy to match the tool to the specific rivet size you are working on. You simply install the appropriate bit on your power drill, align the guide, and the tool ensures you drill precisely into the head without damaging the shank or the surrounding material. It’s an excellent choice for general repair work on materials like aluminum and thin steel.

Key features that stand out:
– Includes drill bits for removing 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″ and 1/4″ standard rivets.
– Ideal for dismantling Dome Head, Brazier Head, or Pan Head rivets.
– Comes with a tool box for convenient storage.

Pros:
– Simple, quick installation and operation.
– Dedicated bits ensure accurate sizing.
– Good value for a multi-size standard rivet removal kit.

Cons:
– Not recommended for use with tougher stainless steel rivets.

Best for: General DIY, automotive, and light fabrication projects using standard aluminum pop rivets.

Expert Opinion: The Minova standard kit is a highly practical investment for the home mechanic. It speeds up the process considerably compared to eyeballing the center of a rivet with a standard bit, making it a great option when looking for the best drill bit for removing rivets in common materials.

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

If you frequently encounter tougher materials, especially stainless steel rivets found in marine or heavy-duty industrial applications, you need the Minova High Cobalt version. This specialized kit utilizes high cobalt drill bits, which offer superior heat resistance and hardness compared to standard high-speed steel (HSS). The cobalt composition ensures that the bits maintain their edge when drilling through high-strength alloys, significantly extending tool life and performance.

Key features that stand out:
– High Cobalt construction suitable for Standard and Stainless Steel rivets.
– Includes drill bits for removing 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″ and 1/4″ sizes.
– Ideal for high-frequency or professional use.

Pros:
– Excellent durability and heat resistance due to cobalt content.
– Can handle tough materials like stainless steel.
– Includes five common sizes in a sturdy toolbox.

Cons:
– Higher cost than standard HSS kits.

Best for: Professional mechanics, marine repairs, or anyone frequently removing heavy-duty stainless steel fasteners.

Expert Opinion: When dealing with stainless steel, a standard HSS drill bit will dull almost instantly due to friction and hardness. Investing in cobalt, as offered in this kit, is mandatory for professional results, making it the clear choice among the specialized best drill bit for removing rivets for tough jobs.

8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, 3-10mm Serrated Side Cutting Drill Bit, Hex Shank Serrated Cutting Drill Bits, Drill Bit Woodworking Tools, Hole Holesaw Tool for Plastic Metal Wood Hole

While specialized rivet removal tools are excellent, sometimes a robust, general-purpose drill set is needed for versatility. This 8-pack of Titanium Coated HSS twist bits offers versatility and durability. The titanium coating helps reduce friction and heat buildup, extending the life of the bit. Crucially, these bits feature a sharp center serration, which improves chip discharge—an essential feature when drilling through metal rivet heads.

Key features that stand out:
– Titanium coating provides superior sharpness and durability (up to 2x life).
– Fully ground spiral flute design minimizes friction and heat.
– Hex shank design fits most electric drills and prevents slipping.

Pros:
– Highly versatile for metal, wood, and plastic.
– Excellent value for 8 different sizes (3mm to 10mm).
– Serrated edges improve cutting and chip removal.

Cons:
– Requires a steady hand and manual depth control when removing rivets.

Best for: DIYers who need a multi-purpose set that can drill small holes and remove rivets when specialized tools aren’t available.

Expert Opinion: This set isn’t a dedicated best drill bit for removing rivets, but it is an outstanding general-purpose option. When used correctly (slow speed, light pressure), the titanium coating and sharpness make removing rivet heads achievable, especially since they come in metric sizes that often align closely with imperial rivet sizes.

Minova High Cobalt Rivet Removal Drill Bit, Suitable for Durable and high-Frequency use with Standard and Stainless Steel 5/32″ Rivets

For users who know they only deal with a specific, common rivet size—the 5/32-inch—this single-size High Cobalt Minova option offers targeted strength. Like its multi-size counterpart, this bit is made from high cobalt steel, ensuring it can handle the rigidity of stainless steel and provide longevity during high-frequency use. Since 5/32″ (or 4.0mm) is one of the most common medium-sized rivets, this dedicated tool minimizes the cost and clutter of a larger kit while still providing professional-grade material strength.

Key features that stand out:
– High Cobalt construction for durability and resistance to stainless steel.
– Dedicated tool for 5/32″ standard and stainless steel rivets.
– Comes with a tool box for secure storage.

Pros:
– Superior material strength ensures long life.
– Perfect for specific repetitive jobs using the 5/32″ rivet size.
– Excellent control and alignment for a single size.

Cons:
– Limited to one size, lacks versatility.

Best for: Specialized workshops or technicians who primarily deal with medium-sized stainless steel rivets (e.g., HVAC repair or specific vehicle restoration).

Expert Opinion: If 5/32″ rivets make up 80% of your work, this is the most economical way to access the superior performance of cobalt material. It removes the need to constantly switch guides or manage multiple bits, focusing purely on getting that specific job done quickly.

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

The HIFESON Rivet Removal Tool is another excellent example of a comprehensive system designed purely for accurate rivet removal. Similar in concept to the EROSHAK, this tool utilizes specialized guides and adjustable depth settings to ensure you slice off the rivet head without touching the underlying material. This is crucial for protecting thin materials and keeping the mounting holes perfectly sized for the new fastener. It’s compatible with both high-speed and cobalt threaded bits, giving you flexibility in bit selection.

Key features that stand out:
– Set Includs guides and drill bits to remove common 1/8in, 5/32in, 3/16in, 7/32in and 1/4in rivets.
– Prevents damage to rivet holes and surrounding metal via depth control.
– Suitable for any 1/4″ pneumatic or electric drill.

Pros:
– Provides surgical precision in removing rivet heads.
– Complete kit covers five popular sizes.
– Accepts both cobalt and HSS bits for material flexibility.

Cons:
– Takes a moment to dial in the correct depth setting.

Best for: Fabrication and automotive body repair where precision and material preservation are non-negotiable.

Expert Opinion: For anyone serious about rivet removal, a dedicated system like the HIFESON is far superior to general-purpose bits. The ability to guarantee that only the head is drilled out minimizes errors and wasted time, making it one of the top contenders for the best drill bit for removing rivets kit available.

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

If your projects involve larger, heavy-duty rivets, the EROSHAK High Cobalt tool focused on the 1/4″ (6.4mm) size is a powerful choice. This specialized tool integrates the strength of high cobalt steel, giving it the necessary durability to tackle the thick heads and tough material of 1/4-inch fasteners, including stainless steel. By using a single dedicated guide and bit size, you maximize stability and control while ensuring the necessary strength for big jobs.

Key features that stand out:
– High Cobalt material suitable for 1/4″ (6.4mm) standard and stainless steel rivets.
– Accurately removes button head rivets by drilling only the head.
– Adjustable drill depth to prevent underlying material damage.

Pros:
– Exceptional strength for larger, tougher rivets.
– Cobalt construction provides longevity and resistance to heat.
– Focused design increases control on a specific large size.

Cons:
– Limited only to the 1/4″ rivet size.

Best for: Heavy machinery maintenance, structural repairs, or large-scale projects requiring the removal of 1/4-inch stainless steel fasteners.

Expert Opinion: Removing 1/4″ stainless steel rivets requires substantial torque and wear resistance. This focused cobalt tool from EROSHAK provides exactly that, delivering the power needed without sacrificing the precision required to protect the rivet hole.

Comparison Insights on Selecting the Best Drill Bit For Removing Rivets

When looking for the best drill bit for removing rivets, the choice boils down to specialization versus versatility, and material strength.

If your primary goal is clean, consistent, and damage-free removal of standard aluminum rivets across multiple sizes, specialized kits like the ERO-SHAK Rivet Removal Tool or HIFESON Rivet Removal Tool are the clear winners. They use depth guides to ensure surgical removal of only the rivet head.

For tougher materials, always opt for Cobalt steel. The Minova High Cobalt Rivet Removal Tool is specifically designed to handle stainless steel rivets that would quickly dull standard HSS or titanium-coated bits.

General-purpose bits, such as the 8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits, are highly versatile and great for the occasional job, but they require manual alignment and depth control, increasing the risk of damaging the underlying material.

If you know the bulk of your work focuses on a single hard size, like 5/32″ or 1/4″, the single-size High Cobalt Minova or EROSHAK tools provide maximum performance without the cost of a full multi-size kit.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Rivet Removal Solution

Choosing the absolute best drill bit for removing rivets depends entirely on the material you work with and your tolerance for error.

For Precision Professionals: Go with the ERO-SHAK Rivet Removal Tool or HIFESON Rivet Removal Tool. Their specialized guide systems guarantee you only drill the head, eliminating costly errors.

For Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel: The Minova Rivet Removal Tool, High Cobalt Rivet Removal Drill Bit (full kit) is the superior choice. Cobalt material is non-negotiable when dealing with high-strength fasteners.

For the Versatile DIYer: If you need a bit set that handles various materials and occasional rivet removal, the 8 Pack Titanium Coated HSS Twist Drill Bits offers the best versatility and durability for its class.

Best Drill Bit For Removing Rivets FAQ

Q1: Why can’t I just use a standard twist drill bit to remove a rivet?

A standard twist drill bit certainly can remove a rivet, but it requires extreme precision. The main danger is that a standard bit lacks a guide system, making it easy to drill off-center, leading to an elongated hole. Worse, without a depth stop, you can easily drill past the rivet head and damage the underlying sheet metal or structural frame, compromising future repairs. Specialized rivet removal tool kits prevent these errors.

Q2: What is the most important factor when choosing the best drill bit for removing rivets?

The most critical factor is the bit diameter in relation to the rivet shank. You must use a bit that is slightly larger than the rivet shank but smaller than the head. This ensures you cut only the flared head, allowing the body of the rivet to drop out without widening or deforming the original hole in the material.

Q3: What is the difference between HSS and Cobalt bits for rivet removal?

HSS (High-Speed Steel) bits are the standard and work well for soft materials like aluminum and mild steel rivets. However, Cobalt drill bits (HSS mixed with 5% to 8% cobalt) are essential when removing stainless steel or other hardened fasteners. Cobalt offers superior heat resistance and much greater hardness, preventing the bit from dulling immediately when drilling through tough materials.

Q4: Should I use a high or low speed when drilling out a rivet head?

Always use a low drill speed and apply light pressure. High speeds generate excessive heat, which rapidly dulls the bit (especially HSS) and can discolor or warp the surrounding material. Keep the drilling action slow and steady, using cutting oil or lubrication if possible, particularly when removing metal rivets.

Q5: Can I remove blind fasteners (pop rivets) with these specialized tools?

Yes. Pop rivets are a common type of blind fastener, and the specialized systems reviewed here—like the EROSHAK and HIFESON tools—are specifically designed to remove the formed head of dome, brazier, or pan head blind rivets accurately. This is often a much cleaner process than trying to grind off the head.

Q6: If I don’t have a specialized tool, what size twist drill bit should I use?

As a rule of thumb, use a general HSS or titanium twist bit that is the size of the rivet’s shank (the body of the rivet) or just slightly larger. For example, for a 3/16″ rivet, use a 3/16″ or 13/64″ drill bit. It’s better to start smaller and enlarge the cut than to use too big a bit initially and damage the hole. You might need a small pilot hole first to ensure accurate centering.