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 test
General information
We have looked at and tested the product in detail in a practical test. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. The product is subjected to our test procedure from the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum possible number of points per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weightings. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and labeling
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 foil around the instructions for use, there is no unnecessary packaging waste | 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 contains the product name, an illustration 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 shipping 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 knocks during transportation. 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 package 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 never worked with a step drill before.
Contact information can be found on the instructions for use and on the product packaging. The instructions for use contain 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 you can expect a long service life | 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 accounted for by 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 step and 30 mm in the highest step. 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 it easier to drill to a specific diameter, the individual steps are labeled with their respective diameters. To prevent the labeling from wearing off, it is located inside the spiral groove. To protect the drill bit from corrosion during transportation and storage, it is coated with a thin layer of drilling grease. The weight of the drill bit is 157 g.
In summary, 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 bit 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. For drilling metal, we therefore recommend using a bench drill. This also makes it possible to drill exactly round holes. The deburring of the top side works perfectly due to the chamfer to the next step. Depending on how deep the hole is drilled with the bevel, 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 behavior 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 made 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 examine consumer ratings 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 complaint is that the drill bit dulls 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 the range of services you get.
Display
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 97 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 95 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 88 points |
| Total | 95 points |
The monkeystrong brand step drill therefore receives an overall score of 1.3 from us and has therefore been successfully certified for our test seal. The test was carried out in the test period 12/22 and is listed in our database under the license number 131220223. You can find more information about our test procedure at www.prüfengel.de/testverfahren.
Test result:
1,3
