You should be able to operate a drill to its maximum potential, whether you are a professional who uses one every day or a DIYer who only uses it occasionally. Knowing how to make precise, even holes, is obviously necessary, regardless of the material you are working with.
You should also be aware of the finer points of a drill’s bits, which are its most demanding parts. Your drill comes with a beginning set of bits that you are already very accustomed to. However, you will need to add more drill bits to your collection if you want to drill materials other than standard wood planks.
To achieve that, you must thoroughly understand the numerous kinds of drill bits that are now on the market. This article will teach you how to accomplish that as well as the best kinds to use on concrete, metal, and wood.
see also about: spade tool
12 drill bit types you should be aware of
01. Twist bit
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This is the most basic kind of drill bit and is frequently included with a drill. Because of its cylindrical shank and loose corkscrew shaft, twist bits are simple to identify. Twist bits are frequently manufactured of “high-speed steel” (HSS), which makes them a practical choice for drilling through the majority of woods, plastics, and some thin metals.
For DIYers who use their drill for a range of tasks from project to job, they are regarded as a must-have.
See also about: Types of Drill
02. Step drill bit
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To the untrained eye, a step drill bit seems to be a dull arrowhead with stair steps carved into it because of its canonical form. In reality, these special drill bits enable a user to gradually expand an existing hole’s size without having to connect a new drill bit.
They may also be used to drill several holes in wood of various sizes while utilising a single, adaptable bit. To avoid causing additional damage to the metal edges from excessive friction, these pieces are frequently coated with titanium nitrate.
03. Forstner bit
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Forstner bits are designed to create relatively big flat-bottom holes and are named after Benjamin Forstner, who was the first to patent the idea.
These holes may have a very clean finish because of the shape of the bits, which makes them perfect for use as finishing bits. One of the variations between Forstner and spade bits is that.
04. Masonry bit
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A masonry bit initially has a similar shank and shaft to a twist bit. But when used in a hammer drill, these bits have a hexagonal tip that makes them perfect for drilling into brick, concrete, and stone.
Additionally, the carbide tip on these bits aids in dispersing the quick heat buildup brought on by friction while drilling into tough materials. Having said that, these pieces frequently require water cooling and should only be utilised at a suggested RPM.
05. Brad-point bit
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At first glance, brad point bits also resemble twist bits because of their similar fluting and shank. But brad-point bits have a special, W-shaped tip that makes it possible for them to drill incredibly accurate holes in wood.
In addition, compared to conventional drill bits, holes made with this sort of bit often come out quite cleanly. Rubber stoppers are also a common feature of brad point bits, allowing users to drill holes with consistent depths.
06. Auger bit
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These drill bits, which have an auger-like form as their name implies, work best when drilling big holes in dry, hard hardwood.
These bits’ single-spur design produces a rather smooth hole, and their threaded tip lessens the force required from the operator. An auger bit will frequently additionally include a hexagonal or a triangle-shaped shank to offer a more robust connection with the chuck.
07. Spade bit
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Due to their wide, flat heads and absence of fluting, spade drill bits are simple to identify visually. Additionally, spade bits have a W-shaped tip that is bigger than that of a brad point bit.
These bits are, therefore, almost solely used to bore large holes in wood. These holes, however, typically have a rough texture, making them more suitable for usage in areas where they will not be seen in the finished product.
08. Multi-functional bit
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The multi-purpose bit is an excellent asset for users who want a lot of usage from just a few bits since it is made to do most drilling operations efficiently. Multi-purpose bits are built similarly to masonry bits, using the same shank, shaft, and (in most instances) tip.
However, the diamond-infused carbide coating often applied to these tips gives them a higher level of endurance and resilience against friction. These guidelines may be safely applied to various surfaces, including tile, metal, wood, and plastic.
09. Countersink bit
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A unique kind of drill bit called a countersink bit is designed specifically to create bevelled apertures at the top of pilot holes.
These bits have a very short look, a conical tip, and little to no shaft. Because of this, the underlying pilot hole may be preserved while making necessary shallow bores with these bits. However, these bits are only offered in a few standard sizes, and some of them are tailored for use with both metal and wood.
10. Spear point bit
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Only glassworkers regularly use spear point drill bits, which are among the most specialised on the market. This is due to the fact that their flat, arrow-shaped points may safely pierce glass without endangering the structural integrity of the pane.
These bits may also be used to drill into ceramic materials for much the same purpose. However, using a rotary drill with a low RPM is the only way to achieve this result.
11. Rivet bit
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Another specialised type of drill bit is a rivet bit, which is often solely used to drill rivets.
However, because of their short shank length and small diameter, these bits outperform all others in this task. Additionally, such shanks frequently include tips on both ends, enabling a user to drill twice as many holes before changing a bit. In spite of their being made of high-speed steel, these parts frequently need to be changed.
12. Tile bit
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Since its cylindrical tips are covered with miniscule diamonds that enable flawless boring through delicate tiles and porcelain, tile bits are sometimes referred to as diamond bits.
In contrast to conventional bits, which need straightforward insertion, tile bits require 45-degree placement against the work surface before the drill is started at a very modest pace. The user then finishes the bore by straightening up the bit while using very little power.
What kinds of drill bits are the best for wood?
The majority of drill bits may be used on wood, with the exception of those that are specifically designed for metal, glass, or tile. But be sure to maintain a set of twist and auger drill bits in your toolbox if you are going to keep any kind of drill bit handy for your woodworking tasks.
While auger bits excel at producing extra-large, extra-clean wood holes, twist drill bits are a fantastic alternative all around for boring wood holes that are even and reasonably clean.
High-speed steel is consistently a good option when deciding on a material for stated drill bits since it is both dependable and reasonably priced. HSS bits of various sorts are frequently also available at a nearby hardware store without the need for a special order.
But if you want something even tougher, spend a little more and get titanium parts. These can withstand normal use’s abrasion and wear better.
What kinds of drill bits work best for metal?
The key to drilling metal is frequent accuracy. Because of this, if you frequently drill metal, you should definitely consider purchasing a step bit. Those bits work best for drilling exact holes in metal without necessitating the purchase of a large assortment of different-sized bits. Alternatively, a rivet bit will be the ideal match for your needs if all you are doing is boring rivets.
The most durable material you can purchase is the greatest choice when it comes to construction. If you do not buy drill bits made of a tough substance like titanium, drilling metal will quickly wear down your bits.
What kinds of drill bits work best for concrete?
You will need to invest in some specific bits that are appropriate for the job if you intend to drill concrete.
You should specifically look to buy a set of masonry bits that are designed for drilling work in stone and concrete. Look for a pair with carbide tips in particular since they will be the finest at resisting wear brought on by heat buildup during boring.
FAQs
What is the difference between high-speed steel and cobalt drill bits?
High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are made from a hardened steel alloy and are suitable for drilling into a variety of materials. They are affordable and can withstand high temperatures. Cobalt drill bits are made from a cobalt alloy and are more durable and heat-resistant than HSS bits. They are more expensive and are best for drilling into harder materials.
How do I properly care for my drill bits?
To extend the life of your drill bits, it is important to store them properly and keep them sharp. Always store your bits in a dry place and avoid exposing them to moisture. To sharpen dull bits, use a bench grinder or a sharpening stone.
