The Bottom Line
The DEWALT DW1342 offers solid performance for everyday drilling tasks in wood, plastic, and light metals. While it won't tackle heavy-duty jobs, it's a reliable workhorse for DIYers and professionals working with common materials.
Product Overview
DEWALT's DW1342 Titanium Drill Bit Set represents a middle-ground approach to everyday drilling needs. This 21-piece set includes the most commonly used sizes from 1/16" up to 1/2", all featuring titanium nitride coating for extended wear resistance. After testing these bits on various projects over several months, I found them to be a dependable choice for workshop regulars who primarily work with softer materials.
The set typically retails between $25-35, making it competitively priced in the mid-range drill bit category. Each bit features DEWALT's Speed Tip design, which creates a small pilot point to reduce bit wandering during startup. The included plastic case has individual slots for each size, though the case itself feels less robust than the bits it contains.
What We Love
- Titanium coating significantly extends bit life compared to standard black oxide versions, especially when drilling repetitive holes in pine and plywood
- Speed tip design genuinely prevents that frustrating bit slip when starting holes, particularly noticeable on smooth plastic surfaces
- Comprehensive size range covers 95% of typical household and light construction drilling needs without gaps
- Well-organized storage case makes finding the right size quick, though individual slots could be deeper
- Universal 1/4" hex shank design works seamlessly with impact drivers, standard drills, and quick-change systems
Room for Improvement
- Struggles with harder metals like stainless steel bolts or thick aluminum—stick to mild steel and softer materials for best results
- Plastic case latches show wear after frequent opening and closing, and the thin lid flexes more than I'd prefer
- No duplicate bits means losing or breaking a commonly used size like 1/8" requires buying individual replacements
Real-World Performance
I've put these bits through their paces on everything from deck construction to cabinet installation. In 2x lumber, they consistently create clean holes without tear-out, and the titanium coating shows its value when drilling pilot holes for deck screws—after 200+ holes, the 1/8" bit still cuts cleanly. The speed tip design really shines when working with melamine or smooth plastic electrical boxes, where standard bits tend to skate around before biting.
Standout Feature
The Speed Tip design eliminates the need for center punching in most materials. This small 135-degree split point grabs immediately, saving time and preventing those frustrating moments when bits wander off your mark.
However, I learned their limitations the hard way when attempting to drill through a stainless steel door hinge. The bit dulled noticeably after just three holes, whereas a cobalt bit would have powered through. For light-gauge steel like electrical boxes or thin brackets, they perform adequately but show wear faster than with wood or plastic.
User Experience & Setup
The case opens to reveal clearly marked sizes, though I wish the stamped numbers on the bits themselves were larger—they're readable but require good lighting. Each bit seats securely in its designated slot, preventing the jumbled mess common with generic storage solutions. The case footprint fits nicely in most toolboxes, measuring roughly 8" x 4" x 1".
Bit changes are smooth with quick-change chucks, and the hex shanks show no signs of rounding even after hundreds of insertions. The titanium coating gives the bits a distinctive gold color that makes them easy to distinguish from standard bits in a mixed collection.
"I've been using this set for kitchen cabinet installation and the bits stay sharp way longer than the cheap ones I used to buy. The case keeps everything organized in my van."
- Marcus from Ohio
Value Analysis
At approximately $1.50 per bit, the DW1342 sits in the sweet spot between bargain-bin options and premium cobalt sets. Compared to basic black oxide bits, you'll pay about 40% more but get significantly longer life, especially in abrasive materials like pressure-treated lumber or composite decking. The titanium coating maintains sharp cutting edges roughly 3-5 times longer than uncoated bits in my experience.
When measured against individual bit purchases, the set provides solid savings. Buying equivalent quality bits separately would cost $45-55, making the set price attractive. The organized storage adds value for professionals who bill for efficiency, though serious tradespeople might prefer a more robust case.
💡 Compared to Similar Products: The DW1342 offers better organization than Ryobi's comparable set but costs slightly more. Milwaukee's titanium bits perform similarly but come in a less convenient storage solution.
Who Should Buy This?
This set targets the vast middle ground of users who need reliable performance without premium pricing. It's ideal for active DIYers working on multiple projects annually, small contractors focusing on residential work, and anyone tired of constantly replacing cheap bits. The comprehensive size range eliminates most trips to the hardware store for "just one more bit."
Perfect For:
- Weekend warriors building decks, fences, and outdoor projects where bit longevity matters
- Cabinet installers and finish carpenters working primarily with wood and light metals
- Maintenance professionals who need organized, portable bit storage with reliable performance
Skip If:
- You regularly drill stainless steel, hardened metals, or thick aluminum—invest in cobalt bits instead
- You only drill a few holes monthly—basic bits will serve you fine and cost much less
- You need industrial-grade storage—this plastic case won't survive jobsite abuse long-term
"As a handyman, I go through a lot of bits. These have saved me money by lasting longer, and the case fits perfectly in my truck toolbox. Great middle-ground choice."
- Sarah from Texas
Final Verdict
The DEWALT DW1342 delivers on its promise of enhanced durability and precision for everyday drilling tasks. While it won't replace specialized bits for extreme applications, it covers the vast majority of drilling needs with impressive longevity. The titanium coating and speed tip design provide tangible benefits that justify the modest price premium over basic options.
For DIYers and light commercial users working primarily with wood, plastic, and light metals, this set offers excellent value. Just remember its limitations with harder materials and consider the plastic case a convenience rather than a long-term storage solution.
