Best Drill Bit Index Cases and Bit Organizers

Drill bit index cases organize twist drill bits by size in labeled slots, keeping every bit accessible and preventing the chaos of a loose drill bit collection where finding a specific size requires sorting through every bit in the case. A quality indexed drill bit case is one of the highest-return organization investments in a shop – the time saved finding the right bit on every job quickly pays back the purchase cost.

Types of Drill Bit Organizers

Indexed Metal Cases

Metal hinged cases with labeled individual slots for each drill bit size. The professional standard. Each bit has a dedicated labeled slot – you can see at a glance which bits are present and which are missing. Available in fractional, letter, number, and combination index configurations. The most organized and durable option for a permanent shop drill bit collection.

Plastic Storage Cases

Clear or translucent plastic cases with individual slots. Lighter and lower-cost than metal cases. Adequate for homeowner use where the bit collection is accessed occasionally rather than daily. Not as durable as metal cases in shop environments but functional for years with reasonable care.

Wall-Mounted Bit Holders

Magnetic or friction-fit bit holders that mount on a wall or pegboard. Each bit is immediately visible and accessible. A good option for a dedicated drilling station where the same bits are used repeatedly. Not portable but maximizes accessibility in a fixed shop location.

Our Top Picks

1. Irwin Tools 3018002 29-Piece Drill Bit Index

The most popular indexed drill bit case in the US market. A metal case with 29 labeled slots covering 1/16 inch through 1/2 inch in 1/64-inch increments. The case holds all standard fractional sizes needed for most home and shop drilling tasks. The metal construction and individual labeled slots make bit identification and return straightforward.

2. DeWalt DW1969 29-Piece Pilot Point Bit Set in Metal Index

A complete 29-piece fractional bit set in an indexed metal case. The pilot point tip of DeWalt’s FlexTorq bits reduces walking (the bit moving off the intended drill point) on hard materials. The case holds the complete set organized by size.

3. Milwaukee 48-89-1560 15-Piece Bit Set in Indexed Case

A professional-quality set of the most commonly used drill bit sizes in a compact indexed case. Milwaukee’s RED HELIX bits are designed for faster chip removal and longer life in steel. The 15-piece set covers the sizes needed for 90% of shop drilling tasks without the full 29-piece range.

4. Neiko 10194A Indexed Drill Bit Case (Empty)

An empty indexed drill bit case for organizing an existing drill bit collection. If you have accumulated bits from multiple sources without an organized case, an empty indexed case solves the organization problem without purchasing duplicate bits. Available in configurations that accommodate fractional, metric, letter, and number size bits.

5. Craftsman 9-64057 Twist Drill Bit Index

A value-priced indexed case with quality bits. The Craftsman index cases have been a hardware store staple for decades. Not as premium as Milwaukee or DeWalt bits but more than adequate for wood, plastic, and light metal drilling in a home shop.

FAQ

What is the difference between fractional, letter, and number drill bit sizes?

Fractional sizes are in inches: 1/16, 5/64, 3/32 inch and so on. These are what most homeowners use. Number sizes (1-60) and letter sizes (A-Z) fill in the gaps between fractional sizes for precision metal work where exact hole diameter is critical. A complete index includes all three systems. For general shop use, fractional sizes cover nearly all needs.

Should I use the same bits for wood and metal?

Standard high-speed steel (HSS) twist bits work for both wood and metal. However, metal drilling dulls bits faster. Keeping separate bit sets for metal and wood ensures you always have sharp bits for wood drilling (where clean hole edges matter for joinery) while the metal set can be used until dull and resharpened or replaced.