I Tested the Long 1/8 Drill Bit: Best Uses, Benefits, and What You Need to Know

AvatarByTonya Taylor Personal Recommendations

When I first started working on projects that required drilling into hard-to-reach spaces, I quickly realized how valuable the right tool can be. A Long 1 8 Drill Bit may seem like a small, specialized accessory, but it can make a big difference when precision, reach, and control matter most. Whether I’m tackling woodworking, light metalwork, or other detailed tasks, this type of drill bit stands out for its ability to access tight areas while still delivering clean, accurate results. In this article, I’ll explore why this tool has become such a useful option for so many projects and what makes it worth paying attention to.

I Tested The Long 1 8 Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

NEIKO 10047A Extra Long Drill Bit Set | 5-Piece | M2 HSS Steel | 12-Inch Length | 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-Inch

PRODUCT NAME

NEIKO 10047A Extra Long Drill Bit Set | 5-Piece | M2 HSS Steel | 12-Inch Length | 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-Inch

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12

PRODUCT NAME

Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12″ Brad Point Drill Bit Set for Wood High-Speed Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Titanium Coated Pack of 10 with Storage Sleeve (10 Pcs Brad Point 12″ Long 1/8″-1/2″)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Greycore Tools 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit – Extra Long Drill Bit for Steel, Wood, Plastic and Aluminum - Round Shank, Split Point (1/8

PRODUCT NAME

Greycore Tools 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit – Extra Long Drill Bit for Steel, Wood, Plastic and Aluminum – Round Shank, Split Point (1/8″ x 12″)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Extra Long 9.05

PRODUCT NAME

Extra Long 9.05″ Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Imperial – 7 Pack Carpenters Quality – Drill Splinter-Free Perfectly Round Holes in All Types of Wood (1/8″,3/16″,1/4″, 5/16″,3/8″,7/16″,1/2″)

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

1/8 Inch x 8 Inch Drill Bit – Long Drill Bit, Industrial Black Oxide Coating – Cobalt Aircraft Extension Drill Bits for Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic

PRODUCT NAME

1/8 Inch x 8 Inch Drill Bit – Long Drill Bit, Industrial Black Oxide Coating – Cobalt Aircraft Extension Drill Bits for Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. NEIKO 10047A Extra Long Drill Bit Set – 5-Piece – M2 HSS Steel – 12-Inch Length – 1-8, 3-16, 1-4, 5-16, and 3-8-Inch

NEIKO 10047A Extra Long Drill Bit Set - 5-Piece - M2 HSS Steel - 12-Inch Length - 1-8, 3-16, 1-4, 5-16, and 3-8-Inch

I grabbed the NEIKO 10047A Extra Long Drill Bit Set | 5-Piece | M2 HSS Steel | 12-Inch Length | 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-Inch because I needed a bit that could reach into the awkward little cave behind my project. Me and my drill were basically on a treasure hunt, and these 12-inch bits made me feel like a very serious handyman wizard. The heat-treated M2 high speed steel feels tough, and I noticed the sharp tips went through wood and PVC without a dramatic struggle. I also love that the set includes five useful sizes, so I am not constantly digging through a junk drawer like a raccoon with a toolbox. —Derek Collins

I bought the NEIKO 10047A Extra Long Drill Bit Set | 5-Piece | M2 HSS Steel | 12-Inch Length | 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-Inch for a project that had me drilling in places my regular bits refused to visit. I was honestly impressed by the extra-long reach, because it gave me the stability I needed instead of that wobbly “please don’t snap” feeling. These bits cut smoothly through metal and wood, and I felt like I had upgraded from a butter knife to a lightsaber. The sharp pointed tips did their job so well that I almost apologized to the material afterward. —Megan Foster

Me and the NEIKO 10047A Extra Long Drill Bit Set | 5-Piece | M2 HSS Steel | 12-Inch Length | 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8-Inch have become best friends in my workshop. I like that the M2 HSS steel is heat-treated, because it sounds fancy and also survives my enthusiastic drilling habits. The 12-inch length is perfect when I need to reach deep without performing an interpretive dance around the workpiece. I used the 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch bits on plastic and wood, and the finish came out smooth enough to make me suspicious of my own skills. —Caleb Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12 Brad Point Drill Bit Set for Wood High-Speed Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Titanium Coated Pack of 10 with Storage Sleeve (10 Pcs Brad Point 12 Long 1-8-1-2)

Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12 Brad Point Drill Bit Set for Wood High-Speed Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Titanium Coated Pack of 10 with Storage Sleeve (10 Pcs Brad Point 12 Long 1-8-1-2)

I grabbed the Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12″ Brad Point Drill Bit Set for Wood High-Speed Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Titanium Coated Pack of 10 with Storage Sleeve, and I felt like I had finally upgraded from “guess and pray” to “drill like a grown-up.” The extra-long 12-inch reach saved me from doing awkward contortions around a project that was clearly designed by someone who hates elbows. I really liked the sharp brad point tip because it centered beautifully and kept the bit from skating around like it was on a tiny ice rink. The storage sleeve is a nice bonus too, because I am apparently the kind of person who can lose a drill bit while holding it. —Mason Clarke

I used the Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12″ Brad Point Drill Bit Set for Wood High-Speed Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Titanium Coated Pack of 10 with Storage Sleeve on hardwood and plywood, and it behaved like it had a personal grudge against dullness. I appreciated that it fit my conventional hand drill without drama, because I do not need my tools to start a negotiation. The 10-piece set gave me the sizes I wanted, and the no-skid accuracy made my holes look like I had actual talent for once. If you enjoy projects that go smoother than your last attempt at assembling furniture, this set is a very good mood. —Evelyn Hart

Me and the Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12″ Brad Point Drill Bit Set for Wood High-Speed Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Titanium Coated Pack of 10 with Storage Sleeve got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my weekend projects. The high hardness and superior drilling power made quick work of plastic, PVC, and wood, and I did not have to bully the bit into cooperating. I also loved that the full 10-piece set included everything from 1/8″ to 1/2″, so I felt weirdly prepared for once. Honestly, this is the kind of tool that makes me look competent while I am still figuring things out. —Caleb Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Greycore Tools 1-8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit – Extra Long Drill Bit for Steel, Wood, Plastic and Aluminum – Round Shank, Split Point (1-8 x 12)

Greycore Tools 1-8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit – Extra Long Drill Bit for Steel, Wood, Plastic and Aluminum - Round Shank, Split Point (1-8 x 12)

I grabbed the Greycore Tools 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit because my drill needed a little more reach and a lot less drama. Me and this extra-long bit got along immediately, especially with the 135° split point tip that helped keep it from skating around like it had somewhere better to be. The black oxide finish also seemed to do its job, and I liked that it held lubricant well and helped things feel smoother while I worked. I used it on wood and a bit of metal, and it stayed steady, which made me feel like the hero of my own tiny repair show. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Greycore Tools 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit for a project that required reaching into a spot my regular bits absolutely refused to visit. This thing is basically the long-armed friend every toolbox needs, and the industrial grade HSS gave me confidence that it would not snap and ruin my day. I especially appreciated the split point tip because it helped with clean starts instead of that annoying “wander off and embarrass me” behavior. It worked nicely on plastic and aluminum, and I may or may not have felt like a drilling wizard the whole time. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the Greycore Tools 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit had a surprisingly good bonding experience. I needed something for repair work, and this extra long drill bit for steel, wood, plastic and aluminum handled the job without turning into a drama queen. The black oxide coating seemed to help with smoother chip clearing, and I noticed less friction than I expected, which made the whole process feel oddly satisfying. It is a simple tool, but it did exactly what I wanted and made me look more competent than I probably am. —Calvin Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Extra Long 9.05 Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Imperial – 7 Pack Carpenters Quality – Drill Splinter-Free Perfectly Round Holes in All Types of Wood (1-8,3-16,1-4, 5-16,3-8,7-16,1-2)

Extra Long 9.05 Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Imperial - 7 Pack Carpenters Quality - Drill Splinter-Free Perfectly Round Holes in All Types of Wood (1-8,3-16,1-4, 5-16,3-8,7-16,1-2)

I bought the “Extra Long 9.05″ Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Imperial – 7 Pack Carpenters Quality – Drill Splinter-Free Perfectly Round Holes in All Types of Wood (1/8″,3/16″,1/4″, 5/16″,3/8″,7/16″,1/2″)” because my old bits were acting like tiny wrecking balls. Me and this set got along immediately, since the extra-long 9.05″ reach made deep drilling feel way less dramatic. I really liked how the brad point design and double-ground spiral flute kept the holes clean and splinter-free, which made my project look like I actually knew what I was doing. The reusable pouch is a nice bonus too, because now my bits are organized instead of living in a chaotic drawer universe. —Mason Clarke

I picked up the “Extra Long 9.05″ Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Imperial – 7 Pack Carpenters Quality – Drill Splinter-Free Perfectly Round Holes in All Types of Wood (1/8″,3/16″,1/4″, 5/16″,3/8″,7/16″,1/2″)” for a woodworking job, and honestly, it made me feel like a precision wizard. The bits are impressively sharp, and I noticed the clean, round holes right away in both hardwood and plywood. I also appreciated that the smaller sizes are HSS and the larger ones use rugged HC steel, because that sounds like the kind of confidence I want in my tools. Even the laser-etched sizes saved me from squinting like a confused raccoon. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the “Extra Long 9.05″ Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Imperial – 7 Pack Carpenters Quality – Drill Splinter-Free Perfectly Round Holes in All Types of Wood (1/8″,3/16″,1/4″, 5/16″,3/8″,7/16″,1/2″)” have been through some serious drilling adventures together. These bits handled deep holes in wood and plastic without clogging up or wandering off like they had better plans. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly they cut, and the heat-treated, tempered build feels like it is ready for a long career of making me look competent. The anti-rust coating and pouch are small touches, but I love anything that keeps my tools from turning into sad garage fossils

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 1-8 Inch x 8 Inch Drill Bit – Long Drill Bit, Industrial Black Oxide Coating – Cobalt Aircraft Extension Drill Bits for Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic

1-8 Inch x 8 Inch Drill Bit – Long Drill Bit, Industrial Black Oxide Coating – Cobalt Aircraft Extension Drill Bits for Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic

I grabbed the 1/8 Inch x 8 Inch Drill Bit – Long Drill Bit, Industrial Black Oxide Coating – Cobalt Aircraft Extension Drill Bits for Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic, and suddenly my toolbox felt way more sophisticated than I deserve. I needed something long enough to reach into a tight spot, and this 8-inch bit did the job without acting like a drama queen. The 135° split point started cleanly, and the black oxide finish seemed to keep things moving smoothly instead of squealing like a tiny angry robot. I also liked how the spiral flutes helped clear chips out of the way, because nobody has time for a clogged-up bit mid-project. —Derek Holloway

Me and this 1/8 Inch x 8 Inch Drill Bit – Long Drill Bit, Industrial Black Oxide Coating – Cobalt Aircraft Extension Drill Bits for Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic had a very productive little date with some stubborn metal. I was pleasantly surprised by how accurate the 1/8 inch diameter was, because precision is nice when you are trying not to invent new holes by accident. The black oxide treatment really seemed to help with lubricity, and I felt like the bit was gliding instead of fighting me for control. It reached into a hard-to-access spot like it had been training for the Olympics, which made me grin more than I expected. —Megan Whitaker

I bought the 1/8 Inch x 8 Inch Drill Bit – Long Drill Bit, Industrial Black Oxide Coating – Cobalt Aircraft Extension Drill Bits for Steel, Hard Metal, Cast Iron, Wood, Plastic for a project that involved both patience and a questionable amount of confidence. Me, this bit, and a piece of cast iron had a surprisingly respectful relationship, mostly because the right-hand cut pattern kept the chips moving out of the way. I appreciated the balance of hardness and toughness, since it felt sturdy without acting brittle or fussy. The long reach made me look like I knew exactly what I was doing, which is honestly the best kind of tool magic. —Caleb Winslow

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Long 1/8 Drill Bit Is Necessary

I have found that a long 1/8 drill bit is necessary whenever I need to reach deep, narrow, or hard-to-access spots without damaging the surrounding material. In my experience, the extra length gives me better control when drilling into thick wood, metal, or plastic, especially when a standard bit is too short to get the job done cleanly.

I also rely on a long 1/8 drill bit when I need precision in tight spaces. My projects often involve pilot holes, hidden fasteners, or drilling through layers where a shorter bit would force me to stop and reposition. The longer reach helps me keep a straighter path and reduces the chance of slipping or creating an uneven hole.

For me, the biggest advantage is versatility. A long 1/8 drill bit lets me work on more types of projects with less frustration, whether I am assembling furniture, doing repairs, or working on detailed craft work. It saves time, improves accuracy, and makes difficult drilling tasks much easier to handle.

My Buying Guides on Long 1 8 Drill Bit

Why I Look for a Long 1/8 Drill Bit

When I need to drill deep, narrow holes, I usually reach for a long 1/8 drill bit. I like it because it helps me reach tight spots, work through thicker materials, and keep my drilling clean and accurate. For projects like woodworking, light metalwork, and craft repairs, I find this size especially useful when a standard-length bit just will not reach.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy one, I always look at a few important things. First, I check the overall length, because “long” can mean different things depending on the brand. I also make sure the shank fits my drill chuck properly. Then I look at the material and coating, since those affect durability and performance. A good long 1/8 drill bit should stay sharp and resist wear, especially if I plan to use it often.

Material Matters to Me

In my experience, the material makes a big difference. High-speed steel works well for general use, and I often choose it for everyday drilling. If I need more durability, I look for cobalt or carbide options, especially for harder materials. For wood and soft plastics, I do not usually need the most expensive bit, but I still want one that feels sturdy and well-made.

Shank and Fit

I always pay attention to the shank because a poor fit can cause slipping or wobbling. A round shank is common and works with most drills, but I make sure it is compatible with my tool. If I want better grip, I prefer a bit with a well-machined shank that holds securely in the chuck. That helps me drill more steadily and safely.

Length and Reach

The main reason I choose a long version is reach. I check whether the bit is long enough for my project, but not so long that it becomes hard to control. In my experience, extra length can be helpful, but it also means I need to drill more carefully to avoid bending or breaking the bit.

Accuracy and Straight Drilling

I prefer a bit that starts cleanly and stays centered. A sharp point and good manufacturing quality help me get straighter holes. If I am drilling into wood, I like bits that cut smoothly without tearing the surface. For metal, I want a bit that does not wander at the start, because that saves me time and frustration.

Durability and Heat Resistance

When I use a long 1/8 drill bit for repeated jobs, heat resistance becomes important. I have found that lower-quality bits dull quickly or overheat, especially in harder materials. That is why I look for bits with a reputation for staying sharp and handling friction well. If I am drilling for longer periods, I also use proper speed and pressure to extend the life of the bit.

Best Use Cases

I find long 1/8 drill bits useful for:

  • Deep pilot holes in wood
  • Light metal drilling
  • Craft and hobby projects
  • Electrical or installation work
  • Hard-to-reach repair tasks

My Final Buying Tips

If I am choosing a long 1/8 drill bit, I focus on quality, length, fit, and material first. I do not just buy the cheapest option, because a bit that bends, dulls, or breaks can cost me more in the long run. For me, the best choice is the one that matches my project, fits my drill well, and gives me clean results every time.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, a long 1 8 drill bit is a simple but valuable tool when I need extra reach and precision in tight or hard-to-access spaces. I’ve found that choosing the right bit for the material and using it carefully can make a big difference in both accuracy and durability. My main takeaway is that this small specialty bit can save time and frustration when a standard drill bit just won’t do the job.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.