The step drill from monekystrong made a very good impression in our test. The drill has 14 steps between 4 mm and 30 mm, allowing holes to be drilled in different diameters. It should be noted that holes with a constant diameter can only be drilled up to a material thickness of 4 mm. The shank with a diameter of 10 mm is also suitable for standard cordless screwdrivers. Drilling wood and plastic also works perfectly with the cordless screwdriver. However, a bench drill is recommended for drilling metal, as otherwise the holes will not be exactly round. As an added bonus, the product packaging is also suitable for permanent storage of the drill bit.
Advantages
✅ High quality of the drill bit
✅ Drilling wood, plastic and metal
✅ Holes with different diameters
✅ Very good product packaging
Disadvantages
❌ Material thickness only up to 4 mm
❌ Metal only precise with bench drill
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Apart from the film around the instructions for use, unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided | 90 points |
| Packaging convenience | No tools required to open, packaging can be used permanently for storage | 100 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The step drill from monkeystrong arrived in a recyclable shipping box. The compact product packaging was well protected against slipping inside the shipping box using cardboard-based recycled material. Bubble wrap was not used. The product packaging contained the step drill together with the instructions for use. The product packaging is made of transparent plastic and consists of an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is labelled with the product name, a picture of the drill and recommendations for the drill speed depending on the step and material. Thanks to the knobs on the outside of the inner sleeve, the product packaging can be used for different drill bit sizes and is also suitable for the step drill bit. It is also suitable for permanent storage of the drill bit. To provide additional protection for the tip of the drill bit, it is covered by a small rubber cap. Unfortunately, the instructions for use were also wrapped in a plastic film. This would not have been necessary for reasons of sustainability. Both the dispatch box and the product packaging can be easily opened without tools.
The shipping box, the product packaging and the rubber cap on the tip provide the tool with excellent protection against dirt and impact during transport. Accordingly, the first impression of the product is thoroughly convincing.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Step drill and product packaging suitable as a storage box | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German, comprehensive and comprehensible | 100 points |
| Contact information | Can be found on the product packaging, unfortunately without a telephone number | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The step drill comes without accessories, apart from the product packaging, which is suitable as a storage box. This is not necessary as only a drill or cordless screwdriver is required to use the drill.
The instructions for use are included in the product packaging. They are written entirely in German. It includes a description of the drill and how it works, a list of suitable materials and tips for use. The speed table is also included in the instructions for use. This means that the product can also be used by DIY enthusiasts who have not previously worked with a step drill.
Contact information can be found on the instructions for use and on the product packaging. The instructions for use include the company name and an e-mail address. In addition, the company address and the name of the managing director can also be found on the product packaging. Unfortunately, there is no telephone number.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | High quality with printed diameters of the individual steps | 100 points |
| Processing | Very good workmanship with sharp edges | 100 points |
| Stability | One-piece metal construction ensures high stability | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | High quality means a long service life can be expected | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The step drill is 10 cm long in total, 2 cm of which is the shaft. The shank of the drill has a diameter of 10 mm and is therefore suitable for standard drills. The diameter of the drill bit is between 4 mm in the first stage and 30 mm in the highest stage. The steps are ascending in 2 mm increments and each has a length of 4 mm. Only the first and last steps are 6 mm long. The steps between the steps are angled to enable deburring of the drill hole. In addition, the drill has a spiral groove on two opposite sides to allow the drill chips to be removed. To make drilling to a specific diameter easier, the individual steps are labelled with their respective diameters. To prevent the labelling from wearing off, it is located inside the spiral groove. To protect the drill bit from corrosion during transport and storage, it is coated with a thin layer of drilling grease. The weight of the drill bit is 157 g.
To summarise, the twist drill makes a well thought-out and high-quality impression. It has a clean finish and the cutting edge is very sharp.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling plastic | Fast and precise, burr-free from 8 mm, even with a cordless screwdriver | 100 points |
| Drilling metal | Inaccurate with a cordless screwdriver, bench drill recommended, good deburring of the edge | 80 points |
| Drilling wood | Fast and precise, even with a cordless screwdriver | 100 points |
| Flexibility | One drill for different materials and hole diameters | 100 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our practical test , we start by drilling through plastic. A 3 mm thick rigid foam board serves as the test object. It is easy to set up and the drill does not skip. After a short time, the first step penetrates the material. The other steps penetrate the plastic even faster. From the 8 mm step upwards, the edges of the drill holes are burr-free. The burrs on the steps below this can simply be plucked off with your fingers.
Next, we test the drill bit on thin sheet metal. Here, the drill bit takes considerably longer for the first step to cut through the sheet metal. When using the cordless screwdriver, care must also be taken to ensure that the drill does not slip at the start. With the cordless screwdriver, the drill holes are not exactly round, but resemble a Reuleaux triangle. However, as the diameter increases, the holes become more circular. We therefore recommend using a bench drill for drilling metal. This also makes it possible to drill precisely round holes. The deburring of the upper side works perfectly due to the bevelled edge to the next step. Depending on how deep the hole is drilled with the bevelled edge, a chamfer can also be created on the edge of the drill hole.
Finally, we test the drill bit on wood and a 3 mm thick MDF board. In both cases, the behaviour of the drill bit is comparable to drilling plastic. Drilling is quick and precise. The fraying of the edges of the drill hole is due to the properties of MDF. In the case of wood, the drill holes are precise and clean.
Overall, the step drill from monkeystrong makes a very good impression in our practical test. Drilling woodand plastic also works perfectly with a cordless screwdriver. A bench drill is recommended for drilling metal. Basically, material thicknesses of up to 4 mm can be drilled through. With thicker materials, it must be accepted that the drill hole becomes narrower with increasing depth. This is due to the functional principle of a step drill.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the lower price segment | 90 points |
| Rating cut | 4.7 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 85 points |
| Total | 88 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.7 stars. One common criticism is that the drill bit would become blunt very quickly. Many customers like the quality of the drill bit and the packaging. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the quality and packaging are very good. We cannot confirm that the drill bit dulls quickly.
Prices of up to €65 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €8. The step drill from Monekystrong is currently in the lower price segment with a price of €22.90. The price ratio is very good for the quality and scope of services that you get.
