Types of drill bits and their uses: 18 drill bits for your next project

You grab the drill, but then you start to wonder – which drill bit should I use for this project? There are many different types…

by 

You grab the drill, but then you start to wonder – which drill bit should I use for this project?

There are many different types of drill bits available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common types of drill bits and their uses.

There are many types of drill bits, but I chose the 18 most used types.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photograph-of-drill-bit-46285/

Disclaimer: This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. As a member of the Amazon Associates Program, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

What to look out for in drill bits

Before we get into the different types of drill bits, there are a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing them.

Material

First, pay attention to the material of the drill bit. The most common materials are high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, and carbide.

HSS is the most common material and is suitable for drilling into most materials. Cobalt is harder than HSS and is ideal for drilling into tough metals. Carbide is the hardest material and is used for drilling into concrete and stone.

Size

Second, make sure to choose the right size of drill bit. The most common sizes are from 1/16” to 1/2”.

If you’re not sure which size to choose, it’s always better to err on the side of a smaller bit. You can always drill a bigger hole, but you can’t drill a smaller one.

Most popular drill bits & when to use them

Twist drill bits

Twist drill bits are the most common type of drill bit and are used for drilling holes in a variety of materials.

They are available in a range of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses.

These twist drill bits resemble small corkscrews and have a tapered tip that gradually gets wider towards the body of the bit. The body of the drill bit is cylindrical and has spiral flutes that act as a screw.

As the drill bit is turned, the flutes create a spiral groove that pulls the drill bit into the material.

This type of drill bit is suitable for drilling into wood, metal, plastic, and most other materials.

Spade bits

Spade bits are used for drilling larger holes, up to around an inch in diameter. They have a large, flat tip that cuts through material quickly. Spade bits are not suitable for use in drill presses.

They’re also used to drill into softwoods. Their spade-shaped tip means they can be used for making rough cutouts and holes for things like electrical sockets.

Spade bits are not as precise as other types of drill bits and should not be used for drilling small holes.

These are also called paddle bits and

Paddle bits are used for drilling large holes, up to around 6 inches in diameter in wood.

They have a wide, paddle-shaped tip that quickly cuts through the material (wood).

Paddle bits are not suitable for use in drill presses.

Masonry bits

Masonry bits, also known as concrete drill bits, are used for drilling into concrete, brick, stone, and other masonry materials.

They have a carbide tip that is much harder than the steel body of the bit. This allows them to drill through hard materials without dulling.

Masonry drill bits are available in a variety of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses.

Rivet drill bits

Rivet drill bits are used for drilling into metal. They have a long, thin body that is flared at the tip. The fluted tip helps to remove metal shavings as the hole is drilled.

Rivet drill bits are available in a variety of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses.

Counterbore bits

Counterbore or countersink bits are used for drilling pilot holes for screws. They have a small, cylindrical body with a countersink at the tip.

The countersink is used to create a small recess for the head of the screw. This allows the screw to sit flush with the surface of the material.

Step bits

Step bits are designed for drilling holes in thin materials, such as metal.

They have a series of stepped cutting edges that gradually increase in size, allowing them to drill a hole of the desired diameter.

The shape resembles a pyramid with the tip cut off. Step bits are available in a range of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses, and are best known for their versatility.

Installer bits

These bits are used by the pros to drill holes for security systems, entertainment systems, and electrical work quickly.

They’re ideal for installing wiring. These bits have a small hole at the tip where you can put the wire through.

Forstner bits

Used for wood, Forstner bits are ideal for creating overlapping holes, angled holes like pocket holes, and creating notches on the edges.

These bits have a very sharp, flat bottom that helps to create clean and precise holes. The cutting edges are at the sides of the bit, which creates a large, flat-bottomed hole.

Forstner bits are available in a range of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses.

Hammer bits

A hammer bit is used in a hammer drill, which is a power drill that can also be used for drilling into masonry.

The hammer bit has a carbide tip that is much harder than the steel body of the bit. This allows it to drill through hard materials without dulling.

Hammer drill bits are available in a variety of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses.

Tile & glass bits

As you can tell by the name, tile bits are used for drilling into tiles. They have a carbide tip that is much harder than the steel body of the bit.

This allows them to drill through hard materials without dulling.

These glass and tile bits can also withstand high temperatures.

Tile drill bits are available in a variety of sizes.

Auger bits

Auger bits are designed for drilling holes into hard materials like dry wood and very thick wood.

They have a screw tip and fluted body that pulls the drill bit into the material. The flutes also remove metal and wood shavings as the hole is drilled.

You can use auger bits for precise drilling, but they’re more often used for making large holes quickly.

Self-feed bits

Self-feed bits have a screw tip for placing the bit, just like auger bits do. They also produce holes that are exact and clean.

They do not, however, direct the dust away from the hole as they operate, so you must stop them sometimes to clear the dust away and continue drilling.

Brad point bits

Brad point bits are used for drilling precise, clean holes in wood.

They have a sharp point that helps to keep the bit from wandering as it drills. Brad point bits are not suitable for use in drill presses.

Since they’re so precise, they’re used for woodworking projects where exact hole size is required, such as dowel or shelf pin holes.

They can also be used for tasks like drilling a hole for a drawer pull.

Countersink bits

Countersink bits are used to create a countersunk hole for screws or other fasteners.

They have a conical tip that cuts a tapered hole, and a fluted cutting edge that helps to remove material quickly.

Pilot point bits

Pilot point bits are used for drilling clean, precise holes in metal.

They have a sharp point that helps to keep the bit from wandering as it drills.

Pilot point bits are not suitable for use in drill presses.

Hole saws

Hole saws are used for cutting large holes, up to several inches in diameter. They have a circular cutting edge with teeth that cut through material quickly.

They’re mostly used for creating large holes for door hardware installation, such as locks and deadbolts.

Taps and dies

Taps and dies are used for creating internal or external threads in a workpiece. They are available in a range of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses.

These aren’t technically drill bits, but you need to know about them:

Reamers

Reamers are used for enlarging or finishing a hole that has already been drilled. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used in both hand-held and drill presses.

One thing to note though: reamers are expensive!

Conclusion

There are a variety of drill bits available, each designed for a specific material and purpose. In general, carbide-tipped bits are the best choice for drilling into hard materials.

Brad point bits are ideal for woodworking projects that require precise, clean holes. Hole saws are perfect for creating large holes quickly.

And taps and dies are necessary for threading internal or external threads. With the right drill bit, you can tackle any project.