If you are one of the people that are not used to handy work, drill bits may seem like very simple products. And it’s only when you need to buy drill bits that you realize you are struck by the multitude of materials, coatings, sizes, and shapes that make choosing the best drill bits for your specific application a tedious endeavour.
This guide is intended to give you the information you need to make that choice because if you buy the wrong drill bits, they will likely break or tear or they won’t be able to drill through the material.
Best Drill Bits Buying Guide
The first thing you need to consider when you are buying a drill bit is the type of material you’ll be drilling. Different types of drill bits are needed to drill various materials such as metal, wood or concrete while other bits are universal. This information will help you find the best drill bits on the market.
Drill Bits for Metal
Drill bits that can be used on metal are made from cobalt and so are black-oxide coated HSS and Titanium Coated HSS. Cobalt bits are very good on softer metals like aluminium as well as harder ones like stainless steel, but their price is significant. Titanium or black-oxide coated HSS are heat resistant, sturdy, are corrosion resistant and will drill easily through metal.
The most recommended bit type for drilling through metal is the step bit. This is a conical drill bit that can be used to drill through sheet metal. It also can drill holes of different sizes. Another type of drill bit that can be used for metal is the twist bit with flatter angles. However, they can’t handle tough materials. If you have to drill very large holes, your best bet is hole saws made from HSS steel. A flatter angle tip works best for metal.
Another thing you should consider is if the bit is durable and if it can be sharpened. Cobalt can be easily sharpened but coated drills can’t. Cobalt also can’t be affected by the high temperatures that are generated when drilling metals.
Drill Bits for Wood
You will need to know what type of wood you will be drilling: softwood or hardwood. A large number of drill bits will do a fine job drilling through wood.
Spade Drill Bits can be used to drill very fast through the wood. They most often come in various sizes ranging from ¼ inches to 1 and 1/2 inches. However, this type of bit can produce splinters if you apply too much pressure.
Brad Point Bits are excellent at drilling wood because they have a point for accurate positioning. The wide flutes will remove the wood chips and shavings. This type of drill bit is very popular among the people who work with wood.
Auger Bits have a screw tip thread to start the hole and pull the drill to make the hole. They have large flutes, like all drills that are good for wood.
Hole Saw bits are perfect for cutting larger holes through wood with diameters from 1 inch to 2 and 1/2 inches.
Masonry Drill Bits
Masonry drill bits are used to drill through concrete, brick, and stone. Only the hardest drill bits can be used to drill through the toughest surfaces.
The most common drill bit material used in masonry drills is tungsten carbide. It is good at drilling through granite, concrete, natural stones and sand-lime bricks.
A masonry drill is very good for this type of work but they have a great disadvantage as they don’t pull the debris from the hole and you have to stop often to clear it. You should also keep in mind that the drill bits used in masonry become very hot and you shouldn’t touch them immediately after drilling.
A four-point tip and solid carbide bitis necessary to drill through reinforced concrete. Diamond drill bits are good for drilling glass, ceramic, and tile. Read more reciprocating saw uses
Best Drill Bits for Houses
1. Ryobi A98901G 90 Piece Drilling and Driving Kit
The bits vary in size from 1/16 inches to ¼ inches and the hole saws are between 1 ¼ inches and 2 1/8 inches. The kit includes a compact magnetic screw guide and seven nut drivers of various sizes.
The set also contains drill stops, a magnetic bit holder, countersink, a center punch and a hex key.
Features and benefits:
- 90 different types of drill bits
- 4 hole saws that can be used to bore large holes
- A plastic carrying case to keep the bits organized and secure
- Compact magnetic screw guide to help align screws. They can be used with 1-inch drill bits.
- 135-degree split point black oxide drill bits
- 8 hex shank nut setters
The drill set can be used to drill anything from wood and plastic to metal and masonry.
Pros
- A truly universal set, it contains various bits that can be used to drill wood, metal, and masonry
- A functional carrying case that keeps the bits organized
- 6 powerful masonry bits that can be used to bore holes in stone and brick.
Cons
- The bits get dull very quickly
Craftsman 100 Piece Drilling and Driving Kit
Craftsman drilling and driving kit have all standard bits that are perfect for home use packed nicely in a carrying case that keeps them organized. The set includes black oxide high-speed steel bits, carbide drill bits for masonry drills, impact driver bits in various shapes and drill stops.
Features and benefits:
- A complete set that contains various drilling bits that can be used in most household projects
- The various drilling bits can be used on wood, metal, plastic, and masonry
- Philips, flat and torx driving bits
- A wide variety of power bits and insert bits
The drill bits contained in this set can be used for any number of drilling applications, from metal and masonry to wood and plastic.
Pros
- A wide variety of bits for any number of general purpose drilling needs
- Universal application
Cons
- The case is not reliable
- Not all pieces fit into the set
DEWALT DW2587 80-Piece-Professional Drilling/Driving Set
All bits are secured and properly organized in a professional case and a magnetic bit-tip tray that will keep the drill bits in place. The set includes Philips bits, square bits, slotted bits, nut drivers, Torx bits and two socket adapters of ¼ inches and 3/8 inches respectively.
Features and benefits:
- 80 different drill bits of various types and sizes
- Durable kit box for organized storage
- Magnetic drive guide that reduces slipping and wobble
- Magnetic bit tip holder
Where it fits best: The bits in this kit can be used for a wide variety of materials such as metal, masonry, wood, and plastic.
Pros
- Heavy-duty kit box
- Magnetic tip holder
- Professional-grade drill bits made from high-speed steel
Cons
- No hex bits are included in the set
- The bits are hard to remove from the case
Best Drill Bit for Professional Use
Irwin Industrial Tools (3018002) Cobalt
This set of drills are specially designed to drill through the hardened metals like titanium, stainless steel or cast iron. Each bit has a 135-degree split-point tip which eliminates the necessity of drilling a pilot hole because they do not move across the work surface.
The drill bits have a reduced shank right above the 3/8 inch market and that allows you to use them with 3/8 inch chuck. This drill is affordable and great at drilling to some of the hardest and abrasive surfaces.
Features and benefits:
- 29 cobalt drill bits with sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch, in 1/64 inch increments
- Rubber overmolded case that protects the kit in case it’s dropped
- Removable cartridges which make them easy to carry around the worksite
- Easy bit access and identification with automatic indexing
- Tap & Drill selection chart
- Made from M-35 5 percent cobalt for resistance when drilling through hard metals
- 135 inch split point tip for cutting with less force
Where it fits best: The cobalt drill bits are great to drill through the toughest metals like hardened steel or iron and are ideal for industrial applications. They can also drill through plastic and wood.
Pros
- M-35 5 percent cobalt drill bits that can be sharpened when needed
- Removable cartridges
- Rubber overmolded case that protects the drills in case they fall
- Wear and heat-resistant drills
Cons
- Bit inserts are made of plastic and can wear over time
- The bits get dull quickly and need to be sharpened often
- You will need to lubricate the drills so they don’t break
Best Drill Bits for Metal
Drill Hog 29 Pc Drill
The Drill Hog 29 Pc Drill Bit Set includes bits made of HI-Molybdenum M7 steel. This is the steel that can withstand temperatures of over 4000 degrees Fahrenheit without melting. This incredible resistance makes the drills ideal for drilling any type of metal.The price is higher than that of regular drill bits you can find on Amazon but you will get your money’s worth.
The bits can be transported easily using a drill holder with a practical belt clip. The holder can be attached to your belt and you can carry it around to have the bits easily accessible. A great feature is the lifetime warranty that allows you to return the drill bits if you are not happy with the product.
Features and benefits:
- The drills are made of HI-Molybdenum M7, the most resistant steel possible
- Are sized in 1/64 inch increments, from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch
- 135-degree split point that prevents ‘walking’
- Spinning in chuck is prevented by a tri-flat shank
- Can be carried around by attaching the holder to the belt
- Lifetime warranty
Where it fits best: The drills can be used to drill through any metal: cast iron, stainless steel, titanium, and others.
Pros
- Great heat resistance, the drills can withstand temperatures of almost 4000 degrees.
- Great holder that can be carried around
Cons
- The manufacturer doesn’t seem to respond to warranty claims.
Best Masonry Drill Bits
DEWALT DW5207 7-Piece Premium
The DEWALT DW5207 includes 7 drill bits with sizes ranging from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch and thus they can deal with the most usual masonry drilling application. The pieces have rock carbide tips that will make them last longer.
The drills are able to drill through any masonry tough and rugged materials, such as concrete and blocks without breaking. They can be used repeatedly for any masonry drilling applications.
Features and benefits:
- The drills are manufactured from carbide for increased strength
- 7 drill bits of various sizes ranging from 3/16 inch to 1/2 inch
- Nospin shanks
- Can be used for electric or cordless hammer drills
- The four-flute design will clear out debris with ease
Where it fits best: The DEWALT DW5207 is ideal to be used in any masonry works like concrete, block, brick, ceramic and others.
Pros
- Drill bits are made of carbide, especially for masonry
- Thee flats on shank won’t allow the bits to slip
- Rock carbide tip that maximized surface contact and extends its life
Cons
- They use their edge quickly and need to be sharpened
- Can overheat if unused properly
Best Step Drill Bit
Neiko 10193A-Titanium Step-Drill Bit Set
The bits have a 135 degrees split point that will help you cut faster. The two flute design will let the debris escape easily and ensures a clean drilling operation. You will never drill bigger than you want to because you can feel the drill bit stop with each step.
The drill bits will always drill the correct size and will, at the same time, deburr the metal. Even though it is a 3-piece set, it can replace 28 bits of different sizes.
Features and benefits:
- The bits are made of high-speed steel coated with titanium
- 135 degrees split point tip that increases cutting speed and prevents walking
- Two-flute design that eliminates any particles for a clean operation
- Tri-flatted shank that secures the bit into the power tools
- The set has 3 drill bits that can replace 28 bits of different sizes
- Made to cut through sheets of metal
Where it fits best: The Neiko 1019AA Titanium Step Drill Bit Set contains drill bits that are designed to be used to cut sheets of metal or plastic.
Pros
- The drill bits are very good to cut through thin metal sheets and plastic
- The three drill bits accommodate for 28 other bits of different sizes
- A great functionality instead of its low price
- The hexagonal shank will keep the bits in place
Cons
- They get dull after a short period of time
Best Drill Bit for Tile and Glass
Bosch GT2000-Glass and Tile-Set, 4-Piece
The bits have three flat shank that provides superior grip. The diamond ground cutting edges ensure the bit has a long life. I can be used to drill glass and tiles and for any of these common applications: bathroom installs, setting concrete screws in tile, and drilling mirror and glass.
The drills feature a 3-inch drilling depth. The set has 4 bits of various sizes: 1/8 inches, 3/16 inches, 1/4 inches and 5/16 inches.
Features and benefits:
- A 4-piece set with the most common sizes
- The drill bits are made from high-quality carbide with a reinforced head that prolongs life and doesn’t allow the bit to crack
- Precision tip that prevents bit walking
- Innovative geometry that allows you to drill faster
Where it Fits Best: The drill bits can be used in any glass or tile applications.
Pros
- Carbide tip that prevents cracking when the bits are used on hard materials
- Precision tip that prevents bit walking
- Three flat shanks for superior grip
Cons
- Reviews report they don’t work well on porcelain tiles
Understanding the Drill Bit Material
A key role in the performance and life of the bit plays the material from which it is manufactured. You need to match the material being drilled with the material the bit is made of.
Carbon Steel
Both low and high carbon steels are used to manufacture drill bits, but they are used to drill different materials. Soft low carbon steel will cut wood very well but can’t penetrate hard materials because of their poor tempers. Their lifespan can be extended with sharpening. Low carbon steel bits are also the least expensive.
High carbon steel beets require less maintenance as they have better tempers. They can cut through both wood and metal.
High-Speed Steel (HSS)
HSS is a carbon steel that is able to maintain its structural integrity when it’s exposed to high temperatures. This type of bit will have no problem dealing with the high temperatures caused by friction during drilling. At normal temperatures, HSS drill bits function in the same way as normal carbon steel bits. HSS can take coatings that help extend its life.
Cobalt
Cobalt drill bits can withstand high temperatures just like HSS does but they are more brittle. They are most often used for drilling difficult metals such as stainless steel but you can also use them if you want to run at a higher RPM to save time.
Titanium coated drill bits
A bit that’s coated with titanium is harder and more durable. Since titanium is only a coating and not the material the bit is made of, you won’t be able to sharpen the drill bit and keep the coating.
Carbide
Carbide is one of the hardest materials a bit can be made of. They are most commonly used for production drilling paired with a high-quality equipment. It is not recommended that you use such a cobalt drill bit in hand drills. Carbide drill bits can drill through the hardest materials.
Diamond
Diamond drill bits consist of a layer of diamond particles on a carbide support and are the hardest drill bits available. Such a drill can be used on any of the toughest materials: stone, rock, glass, tiles, plates, pottery. Diamond drill bits can’t be used on metal, plastic, or soft wood.
Infographic credit to: grainger.com
Drill Bit Cheat Sheet
| Material | Drill Bit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Spade(flat bit), Lip and Spur, Auger bit, Hole saw, Step bit, HSS bit | HSS for small to medium sized holes if nothing else available, but use a slow drilling speed |
| Plastic | Lip and spur, hole saw, HSS, Step bit | HSS should be used at low speed to avoid melting edges of hole |
| Metal | HSS, Titanium coated, Cobalt Alloy, Step bit, HSS hole saw | Preferably Cobalt for stainless steel or hard steel |
| Masonry | Masonry bit, Diamond core bit | Ideally use an SDS bit and power drill with an SDS chuck for drilling large holes |
| Glass and Tile | Spear head, diamond coated bit | Use water for cooling and lubrication |
Thanks to dengarden.com for an awesome chart.
Note that the drill bits fit with powered drills also possible to use in hand drills.
Conclusion
Choosing the best drill bits can be hard but depending on how you intend to use the drill bits; you have different good options but you do have to keep in mind the purpose. For general household applications, a drill bit set that provides a wide variety of drills is the best choice. For heavy duty drilling, however, you will need to buy a specialized drill bit set, like the ones designed to be used to drill through metal or for masonry applications.