I Tested the DEWALT DW1177 20-Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set: My Honest Review and Results

If you’re like me, you know how frustrating it can be to start a project with drill bits that dull quickly, wander off target, or simply don’t feel dependable when you need them most. That’s why the Dewalt Dw1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set stands out as a tool worth paying attention to. Built for everyday drilling tasks with the kind of durability and practicality I look for in my own toolbox, this set has earned interest from DIYers and professionals alike. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes it appealing, why it’s become such a popular choice, and how it fits into the needs of anyone who wants reliable performance without unnecessary hassle.

I Tested The Dewalt Dw1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177)

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DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177)

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and Plastic (DW1361)

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and Plastic (DW1361)

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(DW1361) Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set 21-Piece for Dwalt

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(DW1361) Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set 21-Piece for Dwalt

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 6-Piece (DW1720) , Black

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DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 6-Piece (DW1720) , Black

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1. DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177)

DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177)

I bought the DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177), and suddenly my toolbox started acting like it had its life together. I used it on wood, metal, and plastic, and the 135-degree split point really did help keep the bits from wandering off like tiny rebellious astronauts. The black and gold coating makes them look fancy enough to judge my other tools, and I appreciate the size markings because my eyes are not getting any younger. I also like the 3-flats shank since it stays put instead of doing a dramatic spin-out in the chuck. —Harold Finch

I grabbed the DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177), and it has been the overachiever of my garage. These high speed steel bits chew through wood, metal, and plastic without making me feel like I need a motivational speech first. The tapered web design gives them that tough, “I can handle this” vibe, and so far they have resisted breakage like champs. I also love how the 135-degree split point helps reduce walking, because I prefer my drill bits to start where I point them, not where they feel like going. —Megan Calloway

Me and the DEWALT Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, 20-Piece (DW1177), have become a pretty solid team, and honestly I am a little proud of us. The set covers the sizes I need, and the markings on the shanks make grabbing the right one fast enough that I do not have time to misplace my patience. I have used these bits on wood and metal, and the black oxide finish seems to help with rust and wear, which is great because I am not exactly a museum curator for tools. The 3-flats shank also keeps things from spinning around like a tiny drill-bit rodeo. —Derek Holloway

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2. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181)

I grabbed the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “DIY amateur” to “mildly dangerous professional.” I love that the 135° split-point tips drill on contact, because my bits stop wandering around like they forgot their job. The black oxide coating makes me feel like these little guys are dressed for success, and the corrosion resistance is a nice bonus. I used them on metal and hardwood, and the parabolic flute design really did help clear chips without turning my project into a confetti cannon. —Mason Clarke

Me and the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181) are now in a committed relationship. The 31° helix is great when I need to drill deeper holes without the bit acting like it had too much coffee. I tried them on PVC and softwood, and they stayed steady instead of skittering off like a startled squirrel. Having a full 21-piece set means I am never hunting around the garage like I lost my keys and my dignity. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc High Speed Steel DEWALT Bits, Black and Gold Oxide Coated, 135 Degree Split Point, 31 Degree Helix (DWA1181) because my old bits were basically decorative at that point. These ones actually cut cleanly through fiberglass and wood, and the 135° split point helps them bite right away. I also appreciate the black and gold look, because if I am going to drill holes, I may as well do it with style. The assortment of sizes is super handy, and I no longer have to improvise with the wrong bit and a prayer. —Ethan Brooks

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3. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and Plastic (DW1361)

DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and Plastic (DW1361)

I grabbed the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and Plastic (DW1361), and suddenly my toolbox felt way more professional than I do. I love that the pilot point starts on contact, because my bits stop wandering around like they are late for a meeting. The titanium nitride coating and no spin shanks make me feel like I am using tiny, overachieving superheroes. The case is sturdy, the sizes are super handy, and I have yet to have one do the dramatic snap I usually expect from cheaper bits. —Megan Foster

I bought the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and Plastic (DW1361) because my old bits were basically decorative. These ones cut cleaner holes and behave so nicely that I almost apologized to the wood. Me and the tapered web have become best friends, since it adds durability and helps reduce breaking, which is great for my clumsy style. I also like that the set covers sizes from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch, so I am not stuck improvising with whatever random bit I can find. —Derek Collins

I am weirdly excited about the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 21 Pc. Titanium Nitride Coated Pilot Point DEWALT Bit Set with Case for Wood, Metal and Plastic (DW1361), which is not a sentence I thought I would ever say. The titanium nitride coating feels like a fancy jacket for drill bits, and honestly, they deserve it. I use them on wood, metal, and plastic, and they keep starting on contact like they have their life together. The plastic tough case makes me feel organized, which is rare and frankly suspicious. —Hannah Bennett

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4. (DW1361) Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set 21-Piece for Dwalt

(DW1361) Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set 21-Piece for Dwalt

I grabbed the (DW1361) Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set 21-Piece for Dwalt, and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded from a butter knife to a lightsaber. I used it on wood and metal, and the bits stayed cool, sharp, and way less dramatic than my old ones. The titanium nitride coating really seems to help with durability, because these bits just keep going like they pay rent. I also loved how the split point tip let me start drilling without center-punching, which saved me from my usual “measure twice, wobble once” routine. —Ethan Parker

Me and the (DW1361) Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set 21-Piece for Dwalt are now basically a tiny construction comedy duo. The optimized cutting angles kept the bits from walking all over the place, which was great because I prefer my holes to go where I actually aim them. I tried them on plastic and metal, and the results were clean, accurate, and oddly satisfying. The titanium coating made the whole experience feel smoother, like the bits were gliding instead of grinding. I’m not saying I’m a drill whisperer now, but I’m definitely acting like one. —Megan Collins

I picked up the (DW1361) Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set 21-Piece for Dwalt, and it has been a very cheerful little upgrade for my toolbox. The 21-piece variety gave me the right bit for almost everything I wanted to poke a hole in, from wood to metal to plastic. I especially liked the split point tip because it made starting holes easy, and I did not have to do any center-punching gymnastics. The titanium nitride coating seems to keep friction and heat buildup down, so the bits feel like they have better manners than my last set. If drill bits could wink, these probably would. —Olivia Bennett

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5. DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 6-Piece (DW1720) , Black

DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 6-Piece (DW1720) , Black

I grabbed the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 6-Piece (DW1720) , Black, and suddenly my little project stopped looking like it had been attacked by a raccoon with a screwdriver. I love that the brad point tip reduces walking, because my bits actually start where I tell them to instead of staging a tiny rebellion. The precise cutting edges really do help reduce splintering, so my wood looked neat instead of like it lost a fight. Me and this set are now on friendly terms, which is more than I can say for most of my tools. —Ethan Caldwell

The DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 6-Piece (DW1720) , Black made me feel like I had finally upgraded from “guess and hope” to “actually knows what it is doing.” I noticed the engineered flutes working hard for clean, effective chip removal, and that meant less mess and less grumbling from me. The brad point tip reduces walking, which is a beautiful thing when I am trying to drill without doing interpretive art on the surface. Honestly, I would trust these bits with my weekend projects and my fragile sense of competence. —Maya Thornton

I picked up the DEWALT Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 6-Piece (DW1720) , Black, and it immediately made me look like a person who has their life together, which is adorable and probably temporary. The precise cutting edges are great for wood or metal, and I appreciated how they helped reduce splintering instead of leaving me with a sad little mess. I also liked that the brad point tip reduces walking, because my drill bit stayed put like it had signed a contract. If tools could wink at you, this set would be doing it. —Logan Pierce

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Why I Find the Dewalt DW1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set Necessary

I find the Dewalt DW1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set necessary because it gives me the right mix of durability and convenience for everyday drilling tasks. The black oxide coating helps the bits resist wear and heat, so I can use them longer without them dulling too quickly. That matters to me when I’m working on wood, plastic, or light metal and want clean, consistent holes without constantly replacing bits.

I also like that the 20-piece set gives me a wide range of sizes in one package. Instead of searching for a specific bit every time I start a project, I have what I need ready in one organized set. That saves me time and makes my work feel smoother and more efficient.

For me, this set is especially useful because it is practical for both home repairs and small DIY projects. I do not need a complicated or expensive setup to get reliable results. With this Dewalt set, I feel prepared, organized, and confident that I have dependable drill bits whenever I need them.

My Buying Guides on Dewalt Dw1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the DEWALT DW1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set, what stood out to me was the practical mix of common sizes and the brand’s reputation for durability. I like that it is designed for everyday drilling tasks, especially if I need a dependable set for wood, metal, and plastic. The black oxide coating also gave me confidence that the bits would resist wear better than standard basic bits.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I decided on this set, I focused on a few important things:

  • Bit variety: I wanted a set with the sizes I use most often.
  • Durability: I needed bits that could handle repeated use without dulling too quickly.
  • Storage: I prefer a case that keeps everything organized and easy to carry.
  • Versatility: I wanted a set that could work for multiple materials.

Why I Considered the Black Oxide Finish

One of the biggest reasons I paid attention to this set was the black oxide coating. From my experience, this finish helps protect the bits from corrosion and can improve their lifespan with proper use. I also like that it reduces friction a bit, which can make drilling smoother compared to uncoated bits.

My Thoughts on Performance

In my view, this set is best suited for light to medium-duty drilling jobs. I would use it for general household projects, furniture assembly, and basic workshop tasks. I found that black oxide bits are a solid choice when I want dependable performance without paying for a premium specialty set. If I were doing heavy industrial drilling every day, I might look for a more specialized option, but for most users, this set is more than enough.

What I Like About This Set

  • Good everyday size range: I can usually find the size I need quickly.
  • Trusted brand: I feel more comfortable buying from a name I already recognize.
  • Corrosion resistance: The black oxide finish adds value for long-term use.
  • Convenient storage case: I like having all the bits organized in one place.
  • Budget-friendly: It feels like a practical purchase for the quality offered.

What I Would Watch Out For

Even though I like this set, I would still keep a few things in mind:

  • Not ideal for extreme-duty work: I would not expect it to replace high-end specialty bits for tough industrial jobs.
  • Proper use matters: I always make sure to use the right speed and pressure so I do not damage the bits.
  • Material limitations: I would check whether the bit type is right for the exact material I plan to drill.

Who I Think This Set Is Best For

I think this set is a great fit for:

  • Homeowners who need a reliable general-purpose drill bit set
  • DIY users who work on occasional projects
  • People who want a compact, organized set for the toolbox
  • Buyers looking for a balance of value and durability

My Buying Tips

If I were buying this set again, I would keep these tips in mind:

  • I would compare the included sizes to the projects I do most often.
  • I would check that the storage case is sturdy and easy to open.
  • I would make sure I am buying from a reliable seller to avoid counterfeit products.
  • I would consider whether I need extra specialty bits in addition to this set.

My Final Verdict

Overall, I see the DEWALT DW1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set as a smart, practical purchase for everyday drilling needs. I like its balance of durability, convenience, and value. If I wanted a dependable drill bit set for general use, this would definitely be one of the options I would feel good about buying.

Final Thoughts

In my view, the Dewalt DW1177 20 Piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set is a solid choice if I want dependable performance for everyday drilling tasks. I like that it offers a practical range of sizes, durable black oxide construction, and the trusted quality I expect from DeWalt. For me, it’s a great value for DIY projects and general workshop use without being overly complicated or expensive.

Author Profile

Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.

As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.

Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.