The research work presented in this paper is focused on the influence of coating techniques such as FAD (filtered arc deposition) and VACTEC (straight arc deposition) on the tool life and cutting forces developed in the drilling process. The grain size refinement of the TiAlN coatings (60-80 nm) provides a high wear resistance especially for the oxidation wear. These coatings promote the formation of protective alumina films composed of amorphous-crystalline structures improving the tribological behaviour of the coated tools.