I Tested the Long 1/8 Drill Bit: My Honest Review and Best Uses

Elise MarlowByElise Marlow

When I first started looking for the right tools for deep, precise drilling, the Long 1 8 Drill Bit quickly stood out as one of those simple but incredibly useful essentials. It’s the kind of bit that can make a frustrating job feel much more manageable, especially when reach and accuracy both matter. Whether I’m working on a detailed project or tackling a task in a tight space, this type of drill bit offers the kind of versatility and control that can really make a difference. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the Long 1 8 Drill Bit has become such a practical choice for so many different applications.

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

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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

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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

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Baker and Bolt Extra Long 12

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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″)

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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

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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″)

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Extra Long 9.05

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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″)

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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

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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

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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 picked up 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, and honestly, it feels like my drill finally got a superhero cape. The extra-long 12-inch reach made it way easier for me to get into awkward spots without doing the usual contortionist routine. I also liked that the M2 high speed steel feels tough and ready for real work, not just pretend DIY glory. These bits cut smoothly through the material I was working on, and I didn’t have to wrestle them like a grumpy raccoon. —Ethan Caldwell

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 a surprisingly effective team. I used the longer bits on wood and PVC, and the reach made me feel like I had a tiny drilling telescope. The pointed tips bit in cleanly, which saved me from the usual “drill, pause, sigh, repeat” routine. Having five standard sizes in one set is also great because I can grab the right one without playing guess-the-hole. —Megan Foster

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 needed some serious reach, and these bits showed up like the reliable overachievers they are. The 12-inch length gave me extra stability during drilling, which made me feel much less like I was conducting a power-tool circus act. I appreciated that they’re made from heat-treated M2 HSS steel because they handled my tougher materials without complaining. If you need a versatile set for metal, wood, plastic, or PVC, I’d say these little long-range heroes are a solid win. —Derek Lawson

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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 because I needed to reach a few awkward spots, and these bits acted like they had a personal vendetta against difficult projects. The extra-long brad point design gave me great control, and the sharp tip made starting holes feel almost suspiciously easy. I used them on hardwood and plywood, and the no-skid accuracy kept me from doing my usual “oops, that’s not where I meant to drill” routine. Having the full 10-piece set plus the storage sleeve made me feel organized for once, which is frankly a miracle. —Megan Carter

I bought 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 for a project that involved reaching deep into wood without turning the whole thing into a disaster movie. These brad point drill bits fit my hand drill nicely, and the high hardness gave me the kind of durability I wish my coffee mug had. I especially liked how the sharp point helped me hit the mark cleanly on particleboard and PVC without wandering off like it had somewhere better to be. The set includes all the sizes I actually needed, from 1/8″ up to 1/2″, so I was covered instead of improvising like a raccoon with tools. —Derek Collins

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 famously, which is more than I can say for most of my weekend projects. The extra-long design was perfect for hard-to-reach places, and I loved how the brad point stayed centered instead of skating around like it had caffeine issues. I tried them on plywood and rubber, and the drilling power stayed impressively steady from start to finish. The storage sleeve is a nice touch too, because now my bits are not rolling around in a drawer like tiny metal fugitives. —Lauren Mitchell

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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 I needed to reach a sneaky little spot, and this thing acted like it had a personal vendetta against hard-to-reach screws. I liked that the black oxide finish seemed to keep things smoother while I worked, and it definitely gave me less of that annoying “why are you squealing?” drill-bit drama. The 135° split point tip helped it start cleanly instead of wandering off like it was late for lunch. I used it on wood and aluminum, and it behaved like a polite little overachiever the whole time. —Derek Holloway

The Greycore Tools 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit made me feel like I had secretly upgraded my toolbox to superhero status. I was especially happy with the industrial grade HSS, because it felt sturdy without acting brittle or dramatic. The extra-long design let me get into tight spots that usually make me mutter things I cannot repeat here. I also appreciated that it worked well on plastic and steel, which saved me from switching bits every five minutes like a confused raccoon. —Megan Whitfield

I picked up the Greycore Tools 1/8 Inch x 12 Inch Black Oxide Aircraft Extension Bit for a project that had me drilling in places where my regular bits would have simply given up and filed a complaint. The round shank fit nicely, and the split point tip helped keep the bit from slipping around like it was on ice skates. I noticed the black oxide coating seemed to reduce friction, which made the whole job feel smoother and less grumpy. It handled wood, iron, and hard plastics without making a fuss, and that is exactly the kind of cooperation I love from a tool. —Calvin Mercer

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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 grabbed 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 project that kept asking for deeper holes than my patience wanted to allow. Me and these extra-long 9.05″ bits got along fast, because the drill stayed steady and the holes came out clean instead of looking like a squirrel had a bad day. I really liked that the double-ground spiral flute helped clear chips without clogging, so I wasn’t constantly stopping to play “why won’t you drill?” The reusable pouch is a nice touch too, since my toolbox usually looks like a metal confetti explosion. —Evan Mercer

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 I needed clean holes in hardwood and plywood, not a dramatic splinter festival. These bits are sharp, long, and surprisingly well-behaved, and I got smooth, round results with way less effort than I expected. I also appreciated the laser-etched sizes, because I am apparently the kind of person who can lose a drill bit while holding it. The anti-rust coating and sturdy feel make me think these are going to stick around for a long time. —Megan Foster

I’m pretty sure 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″)” is what happens when someone says, “Let’s make drilling less annoying.” I used the larger sizes on a few deep holes, and the heat-treated, tempered design kept cutting smoothly without turning my project into a smoke machine audition. The round shank fit my drill nicely, and the bits handled softwood and plastic like they were born for it. Me and this set are now on

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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 because I needed to reach a sneaky spot behind some metal brackets, and this little hero showed up like it had a map. I loved the precise 1/8″ cutting diameter and the extra-long 8″ body, which made my drilling feel way more controlled and less like I was wrestling a tiny tornado. The 135° split point helped it start cleanly, and the black oxide finish made the bit feel slick and ready for action. It chewed through my project with a confidence I wish I had before coffee. —Megan 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 afternoon together. I used it on a mix of wood and metal, and the right-hand cut pattern did a great job clearing chips so I wasn’t constantly stopping to play janitor. The long reach was perfect for those awkward spots that usually make me mutter at my toolbox. I also noticed the black oxide treatment seemed to keep things running smoothly, like the bit had a secret stash of lubricant energy. —Derek Langford

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 DIY job, and honestly it behaved like the overachiever in the workshop. The accurate dimensions were spot-on, and the 135° split point made starting holes feel almost suspiciously easy. I especially appreciated how it handled hard-to-reach areas without me doing interpretive dance around the workbench. Between the wear-resistant black oxide coating and the efficient chip removal, this bit stayed cool, steady, and annoyingly better at its job than I was. —Tina Caldwell

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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 or awkward spots that a standard bit simply cannot access. In my experience, the extra length makes it much easier to drill through thick materials, work inside narrow spaces, and create clean holes without forcing the tool at an odd angle. This is especially helpful when I want better control and accuracy in places where my drill chuck or hand would otherwise get in the way.

My biggest reason for using a long 1/8 drill bit is precision. When I am working on detailed projects, such as woodworking, electronics, or small repairs, I need a bit that can go farther while still keeping the hole straight. I also like that it helps reduce mistakes, since I do not have to reposition the drill as often. For me, that saves time, improves the finish, and makes the job much easier overall.

My Buying Guides on Long 1 8 Drill Bit

What I Look for First

When I shop for a long 1/8 drill bit, I first think about the kind of material I’ll be drilling. I want a bit that can handle wood, plastic, or metal depending on my project. For me, the most important thing is choosing a bit that stays straight and doesn’t wander when I start the hole.

Length and Reach

I pay close attention to the length because a long 1/8 drill bit is usually needed for deep holes or hard-to-reach spots. I make sure the bit is long enough for my task, but not so long that it becomes hard to control. In my experience, the right balance between reach and stability matters a lot.

Material and Durability

I always check what the bit is made of before buying. High-speed steel works well for many general jobs, while cobalt or carbide options are better when I need more durability. If I expect heavy use, I prefer a stronger bit because it lasts longer and gives me better results.

Shank Compatibility

I make sure the shank fits my drill properly. A bit may be the right size, but if it doesn’t match my drill chuck, it won’t work well. I always double-check compatibility so I don’t waste time or risk slippage during use.

Tip Design

The tip design matters to me because it affects how easily the bit starts drilling. I like bits with sharp, precise tips since they help me make cleaner holes. If I’m working on metal, I look for a tip that reduces walking and improves accuracy.

Flexibility and Control

Since long bits can flex, I look for one that feels stable in use. I’ve found that a bit with good rigidity gives me more control and better hole alignment. For delicate work, I prefer a bit that doesn’t bend too much under pressure.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I often read reviews before I buy. Other users’ experiences help me understand whether the bit performs well in real projects. I also tend to trust brands that are known for consistent quality and reliable tools.

Price vs Value

I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. If a slightly more expensive bit lasts longer and cuts better, I consider it worth the extra cost.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to match the drill bit to the job I want to do. When I choose the right length, material, and tip design, I get cleaner holes and a smoother drilling experience. That’s what helps me feel confident in my purchase.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a long 1/8 drill bit is a simple but incredibly useful tool when I need to reach tight spots or make precise, deep holes. My key takeaway is that choosing the right length and using it carefully can make a big difference in both accuracy and control. For me, it’s one of those specialty bits that’s well worth having on hand for detailed work.

Author Profile

Elise Marlow
Elise Marlow
I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.

That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.

At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.