An In-Depth Guide to Models of Four-Edge Twist Cross Drill Bits
Four-edge twist cross drill bits, renowned for their enhanced stability, efficient chip removal, and versatile performance across various materials, have become indispensable tools in construction, woodworking, metalworking, and DIY projects. Unlike traditional two-edge twist bits, the four-edge design distributes cutting force more evenly, reducing vibration, minimizing wear, and improving precision. This guide explores prominent models from leading brands, detailing their specifications, technical features, applications, and performance attributes to help users make informed choices.
Bosch, a pioneer in power tool innovation, offers a range of four-edge twist cross drill bits under its Professional line, engineered for durability and precision. These bits are designed to work seamlessly with Bosch drills and impact drivers, catering to both professional and enthusiast users.
The Bosch 2608585449 is a premium four-edge twist cross drill bit set optimized for metal drilling, including stainless steel, alloy steel, and mild steel. The set includes 5 bits with diameters ranging from 4mm to 10mm, each crafted from high-speed steel (HSS) with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating. The TiN coating enhances hardness, reduces friction, and resists heat buildup, extending the bit’s lifespan by up to 30% compared to uncoated bits.
A key feature of this model is its four symmetric cutting edges with a 135° split point tip, which ensures self-centering capabilities, eliminating the need for pre-drilling or center punching. This split point design also reduces walking (drift) on smooth metal surfaces, improving accuracy. The flutes (chip grooves) are spiral-shaped with a 30° helix angle, engineered to efficiently evacuate metal chips, preventing clogging and reducing heat accumulation during high-speed drilling.
The shank of each bit is a cylindrical straight shank (DIN 338), compatible with most standard drill chucks, including keyless chucks. The bits are heat-treated using Bosch’s proprietary Precision Sharpening Technology, ensuring consistent edge sharpness across all four cutting edges, which translates to smoother cuts and reduced effort during operation. Users report that these bits maintain their sharpness even after drilling through thick stainless steel sheets, making them ideal for automotive repair, metal fabrication, and industrial maintenance tasks.
For users requiring versatility across materials, the Bosch 2608585506 is a standout four-edge twist cross drill bit designed for multi-material applications, including wood, metal, plastic, and masonry (when used with appropriate drilling modes). This bit features a carbide-tipped cutting edge bonded to a high-carbon steel body, combining the toughness of steel with the wear resistance of carbide for extended use.
The four-edge design here incorporates a unique cross-ground geometry, where the cutting edges are sharpened at alternating angles to tackle different material densities. The 118° tip angle is optimized for wood and plastic, while the reinforced carbide edges handle metal and masonry by minimizing chipping and cracking. The flutes are designed with a variable helix angle—steeper near the tip for aggressive chip removal in soft materials and shallower toward the shank for stability in hard materials.
The shank is a hexagon shape (DIN 376), which prevents slippage in impact drills, a common issue with cylindrical shanks when applying high torque. The bit is available in diameters from 6mm to 16mm, with lengths ranging from 100mm to 200mm, making it suitable for both shallow and deep drilling tasks. Professionals in construction praise its ability to transition seamlessly from drilling into wooden studs to metal brackets without changing bits, saving time on job sites.
DeWalt, a brand synonymous with rugged durability, offers four-edge twist cross drill bits tailored for heavy-duty applications, particularly in metal and construction materials. Their bits are designed to withstand high torque and prolonged use, making them favorites among tradespeople.
The DeWalt DW1354 is a 14-piece four-edge twist cross drill bit set designed for metal drilling, featuring a titanium oxide coating that enhances wear resistance and reduces friction. The bits are made from high-speed steel (HSS) with a modified alloy composition that includes cobalt, improving their strength and heat resistance—critical for drilling through hard metals like cast iron and tool steel.
Each bit in the set has a four-flute design with a parabolic flute profile, which increases chip evacuation capacity compared to traditional straight flutes. This design prevents chips from packing into the flute, reducing heat and extending the bit’s life. The 135° split point tip ensures precise self-centering, even on polished metal surfaces, while the four cutting edges distribute pressure evenly, reducing deflection and improving hole roundness.
The set includes diameters from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, with lengths varying from 2-3/4 inches to 6 inches, covering a wide range of drilling needs. The shanks are 1/4-inch hex shanks, compatible with DeWalt’s impact drivers and standard drills with hex chuck adapters. Users note that these bits maintain performance even at high RPMs, making them suitable for use with cordless drills in remote job sites where power sources are limited.
The DeWalt DWA1240 is a four-edge twist cross drill bit engineered for multi-material drilling, targeting professionals who work with wood, metal, and concrete. It features a carbide cutting head with four precision-ground edges, each reinforced with a tungsten carbide tip to handle abrasive materials like concrete and brick. The body is constructed from high-strength steel, heat-treated for flexibility to prevent breakage under impact.
A unique feature of this model is its variable helix flute design, with a 20° helix angle near the tip for fast chip removal in wood and a 35° angle toward the shank for efficient debris clearing in concrete. The tip is designed with a special centering point that penetrates quickly into wood and metal, while the carbide edges pulverize concrete aggregate without chipping the surrounding material.
The bit is available in diameters from 5mm to 12mm, with a 10mm hex shank that fits securely in impact drills, reducing slippage during high-torque operations. Contractors often use this bit for installing anchors in concrete walls, drilling through wooden beams with metal reinforcements, and cutting plastic pipes, appreciating its versatility and reduced need for tool changes.
Makita, a leader in Japanese tool engineering, focuses on precision and longevity in its four-edge twist cross drill bits, with models designed for both professional and home use. Their bits are known for consistent performance and compatibility with Makita’s cordless and corded drills.
The Makita D-51443 is a 10-piece four-edge twist cross drill bit set crafted from high-speed steel (HSS-E) with added cobalt, making it ideal for drilling through alloy steels and stainless steel. The bits undergo a proprietary heat treatment process that increases their hardness to 65 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale), ensuring resistance to wear even during prolonged use.
Each bit features a four-edge design with a reinforced web thickness (the central part of the bit between the flutes), which enhances rigidity and reduces bending under pressure. The flutes are spiral-shaped with a 25° helix angle, optimized for efficient chip removal in metal, preventing chip welding (a common issue in stainless steel drilling where chips adhere to the bit due to heat).
The 135° split point tip is precision-ground to ensure accurate positioning, while the titanium aluminum nitride (AlTiN) coating provides superior heat resistance compared to standard TiN coatings, making these bits suitable for high-speed drilling in high-carbon steels. The set includes diameters from 3mm to 12mm, with a cylindrical shank that fits standard drill chucks. Metalworkers praise their ability to maintain sharpness through hundreds of holes in thick steel plates.
Specifically designed for woodworking, the Makita B-65399 is a four-edge twist cross drill bit that excels in drilling clean, splinter-free holes in softwoods, hardwoods, and composite woods. The bit is made from high-carbon steel, heat-treated for flexibility to prevent breakage when encountering knots in wood.
Its four cutting edges are sharpened with a 90° tip angle, allowing for fast penetration into wood, while the ultra-sharp edges minimize tear-out (splintering) on both the entry and exit sides of the hole. The flutes are deep and wide with a 15° helix angle, designed to quickly expel wood chips, reducing clogging and ensuring smooth drilling.
The bit features a 1/4-inch hex shank for compatibility with impact drivers, a popular choice among woodworkers for its speed and convenience. Available in diameters from 6mm to 18mm and lengths up to 200mm, it is ideal for tasks such as installing cabinet hardware, drilling pilot holes for screws, and creating dowel joints. Woodworkers note that the four-edge design reduces vibration, resulting in straighter holes compared to two-edge wood bits, especially in dense hardwoods like oak and maple.
Milwaukee Tool, known for its heavy-duty tools for professional trades, offers four-edge twist cross drill bits designed for maximum durability and performance in demanding environments, such as construction sites and industrial settings.
The Milwaukee 48-89-2330 is a 29-piece four-edge twist cross drill bit set part of the brand’s Red Helix line, engineered for fast, efficient metal drilling. The bits are constructed from premium HSS with 8% cobalt content, significantly increasing their heat resistance and hardness, making them suitable for drilling through hardened steel, stainless steel, and cast iron.
The Red Helix flute design features a unique parabolic shape with a 30° helix angle, which increases chip evacuation speed by up to 30% compared to standard flutes, reducing heat buildup and extending bit life. The four cutting edges are precision-ground with a 135° split point tip that self-centers and reduces walking, ensuring accurate hole placement even on slippery surfaces.
Each bit is coated with a black oxide finish, which provides corrosion resistance and acts as a lubricant to reduce friction during drilling. The set includes diameters from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, with both short (jobber) and long lengths, catering to various drilling depths. The shanks are 3/8-inch cylindrical shanks, compatible with most drill chucks, and the bits come in a durable storage case with size labels for easy organization. Industrial mechanics rely on this set for its ability to handle continuous use in manufacturing facilities, where downtime due to dull bits is costly.
Designed for use with impact drills, the Milwaukee 48-89-2510 is a four-edge twist cross drill bit built to withstand the high torque and impact forces of these tools. It is a multi-material bit, effective on wood, metal, plastic, and light masonry, making it a versatile choice for construction professionals.
The bit features a carbide-reinforced four-edge cutting head that combines the sharpness needed for wood with the abrasion resistance required for metal and masonry. The flutes are designed with a variable helix angle—steeper for wood to clear chips quickly and shallower for metal to maintain stability. The tip is a 118° split point for self-centering in metal and a chisel-like edge for breaking through masonry.
The shank is a 1/4-inch hex shank with a power groove design that locks into impact drill chucks, preventing slippage even under maximum torque. Available in diameters from 5mm to 10mm, this bit is a favorite among electricians and plumbers who need to drill through a mix of materials, such as drilling through wooden studs to run metal conduit or plastic pipes. Users highlight its durability, noting that it outlasts standard bits in high-impact applications.
Irwin Tools, with a legacy of innovation in cutting tools, offers four-edge twist cross drill bits that balance performance and affordability, appealing to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
The Irwin 3018002 is a 20-piece four-edge twist cross drill bit set featuring a titanium coating that reduces friction and heat, extending bit life by up to 2x compared to uncoated HSS bits. The bits are made from high-speed steel, making them suitable for drilling through metal, wood, and plastic, with a focus on general-purpose use.
Each bit has a four-flute design with a 135° split point tip, ensuring self-centering and reducing the need for pre-drilling in metal. The flutes are spiral-shaped with a 25° helix angle, designed to efficiently remove chips from a variety of materials. The titanium coating also provides a smooth surface that resists chip adhesion, keeping the bit clean and reducing the risk of clogging.
The set includes diameters from 1/16 inch to 3/8 inch, with a 1/4-inch hex shank that fits most drills and impact drivers. The bits are organized in a compact storage case with size markings for easy access. DIY users appreciate this set for its versatility, using it for tasks ranging from drilling metal brackets for home furniture to creating holes in wooden shelves and plastic containers.

For masonry applications, the Irwin 1877788 is a four-edge twist cross drill bit with a carbide tip designed to drill through concrete, brick, stone, and mortar. The carbide tip is brazed to a high-strength steel body, combining wear resistance with flexibility to prevent breakage when drilling into hard, uneven surfaces.
The four carbide cutting edges are ground to a 130° tip angle, optimized for penetrating masonry by pulverizing aggregate rather than pushing it aside, reducing resistance and improving drilling speed. The flutes are wide and deep with a 10° helix angle, designed to expel concrete dust efficiently, preventing clogging that can slow drilling and overheat the bit.
The shank is a cylindrical shank with a reduced diameter near the tip, allowing for better balance in masonry drills. Available in diameters from 4mm to 16mm, this bit is a reliable choice for contractors installing fence posts, drilling holes for wall anchors, and creating openings for plumbing in concrete slabs. Users note that it maintains its cutting efficiency even in reinforced concrete, though it is recommended to use with a hammer drill for best results.
Lenox, a brand specializing in cutting tools, offers four-edge twist cross drill bits known for their precision and durability, particularly in metalworking and industrial applications.
The Lenox 2088918 is a 12-piece four-edge twist cross drill bit set made from cobalt HSS (8% cobalt), designed for drilling through hard metals, including stainless steel, tool steel, and nickel alloys. Cobalt content enhances the bit’s ability to retain hardness at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-speed drilling in industrial settings.
The four cutting edges are precision-ground with a 135° split point tip, ensuring accurate self-centering and reducing walking on smooth metal surfaces. The flutes feature a variable helix design, with a steeper angle near the tip for aggressive chip removal and a shallower angle toward the shank for stability. This design minimizes heat buildup, a critical factor in preventing bit dulling in hard metals.
Each bit is coated with a gold oxide finish, which provides corrosion resistance and serves as a visual indicator of wear—when the gold coating wears off, it signals that the bit may need sharpening or replacement. The set includes diameters from 3mm to 10mm, with a cylindrical shank that fits standard drill chucks. Industrial metalworkers rely on this set for its consistency, noting that it produces clean, precise holes in even the toughest alloys.
Four-edge twist cross drill bits represent a significant advancement in drilling technology, offering improved stability, efficiency, and versatility compared to traditional two-edge bits. Leading brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Irwin, and Lenox have developed specialized models tailored to specific materials—metal, wood, masonry, and multi-material applications—each with unique features such as coatings, flute designs, tip angles, and shank types to optimize performance.
When selecting a four-edge twist cross drill bit, users should consider the material they will be drilling, the required hole size and depth, and the type of drill or driver being used. Whether for professional construction, industrial manufacturing, or DIY projects, these bits deliver consistent results, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. By understanding the technical specifications and applications of each model, users can choose the right tool to meet their specific needs, ensuring precision, durability, and efficiency in every drilling task.