Finding an appropriate drill bit for a different task can be stressful. There are dozens of different types of drill bits for different purposes and it’s important to know the right one for a specific job.
We will be discussing 21 different types of drill bits to help you find the right one for what you intend to do.
Table of Contents
1. Twist Drill Bits
Twist bits are designed for metal drilling applications. Just like the name suggests, it rotates while cutting through the surface. They come in different sizes depending on what material and the width of the material you are working on. They cost anywhere between $5-$25 dollars each.
The shape is flat on the top surface to prevent breakage or problems when drilling into material. There are many types available that you can use for what they’re meant to be used with.
Their design also prevents them from getting stuck in hard-to-drill surfaces like concrete walls. This type has a spiral point which creates an excellent hole for use because its diameter can vary depending on the size needed by your project.
The smaller sizes have thinner diameters while larger ones have wider ones. These bits work great if you need precision or accuracy in your projects since their spinning spirals have higher odds of creating the holes.
2. Spade Drill Bits
Spade drill bits are used to make holes in masonry. They have a long, flat shape and wide surface area that makes them ideal for this type of material.
The spade drill bits will not break through prematurely or get stuck. The spades also allow you to use both hands when using these types of drill bits.
The only downside to spade drill bits is that they’re designed for use with power tools. It’s impossible to create a hole using only your hands when working without using the backup of a machine.
3. Parting Drill Bits
These types of drill bits are used to make a hole for getting the material out. In other words, it helps you part your way through something so that one side comes out without drilling all the way through. These bits cost between $150 and $250.
They’re mostly made with stainless steel materials because these types have a tendency to rust otherwise due to moisture from water-based projects like woodworking.
However, some people use them on metal. They are designed specifically for making clean holes. The bits are durable to prevent them from breaking when you are working with them.
4. Brad Point Drill Bit
These drill bits are used for making holes that have a radius, but need to be straight. They’re perfect when you want the hole created by your drill bit to be wide or far out from the surface of what is being drilled. They are easier on your wrist and arm. Here is a comprehensive guide of the brand point bit.
5. Tungsten Carbide Drill Bits
These bits are designed to be used on heavy-duty jobs. They’re the best option for drilling in hard materials such as concrete or stone.
The carbide tips will make a hole while keeping the edges sharp, and the cutting edge will last a lot longer than other types of drill bits without carbide tips.
6. Auger Drill Bits
The auger drill bits are the type of drill bits that features cutting edges at the top and bottom. They’re designed to create holes in wood and other softer materials like plastic. They also clear out the debris from the hole.
The bits can be used with power drills or manually depending on what they are designed for, but only when using them without any other equipment.
It’s best not to get too close to your work surface or else you risk damaging surfaces especially when you don’t have enough control over how deep you want your hole.
7. Countersink Drill Bits
Countersink bits are designed to create a smaller hole on the top of your work surface before you can attach countersunk screws.
This helps the screw sit flush with the materials being screwed together and prevents any types of gaps or wobbly attachments from happening.
The type of drill bit is used for both manual and air-powered types of drilling. However, when using them without any other equipment, it’s best not to get too close to your work surface.
Doing so puts you at the risk of damaging surfaces if you don’t have enough control over how deep you want your hole.
8. Step Drill Bits
Step drill bits are types of drill bits that have an indentation on the end of them to allow you create holes with steps. This is helpful for creating holes in materials like metal or types of wood where you need to go through more than one layer at once (especially if they’re thicker).
The advantage of these types of drill bits is that you can keep drilling and coming back up if the bit starts to wear out on one side.
The disadvantage is that they’re designed for use with power tools so it’s impossible to create a hole using your hands when working without any other equipment.
9. Masonry Drill Bits
Masonry bit types of drills are used on stone, brick, and other harder materials. These types have a spade shape that is flat on the top surface which is an ideal design for preventing bits from breaking through or getting stuck.
There are many types of these so you should always note what material you’re drilling into when selecting one to make sure it’s compatible. Here is a list of the top 5 masonry drill bits for concrete that you might be needed.
10. Woodworking Drill Bits
These type of drill bits are made out of steel and works best with both softwood and hardwood. The material on this type helps to resist heat while also being able to sharpen itself without breaking or getting dull.
It’s a great choice for many types of DIY projects like furniture. These types are sometimes referred to as dowel bits.
11. Spiral Point Drill Bits
These drill bits which are masonry bit options are made out of steel and has two types namely twist or straight. Both have a spiral point at the end giving thus the name.
This type works best on metal, glass, ceramic tile, and masonry materials like brick or concrete block for either construction purposes. It also creates holes for electrical outlets, plumbing or other types of fixtures.
12. Drill Bits For Hard Wood Floors
These types is also known as reinforced drill bits. They are typically made out of high-alloy carbon steel with a cleaner hole at the end that is designed to break through both hardwood as well as laminate floors.
This helps homeowners avoid having to sand down their floor afterward which can be time-consuming and harmful to their respiratory system.
Usually this type works best on unfinished wood surfaces. However, they might not work as effectively if applied to certain types of finished materials like varnish or lacquer coatings. It could cause excessive wear and tear due to its sharp edges.
13. Square Auger
This type of drill bit is designed with a square-shaped body to help the user remove screws or bolts that have been stripped. The tip on these types of bits includes sharp teeth in order to help cut through any material, such as metal and wood.
It doesn’t need much pressure applied while drilling. This drill bit also comes in a variety of sizes, which is helpful for both small and large jobs.
14. Torx/star Shaped Screw Head Drill Bits
This type of drill bit is specifically designed to remove screws that have been stripped or are otherwise difficult to turn due to the design with teeth on their edges.
These types of drills are beneficial to use on cars and are designed to grip onto screws of a specific shape.
The types of drills come with either a T-shaped shaft or an L-shaped one. The types can also be characterized by the size and number of notches depending on what type you need for your project.
15. Self-Centering Bits
These types of drill bits are sometimes called a “center punch.
Self-Centering Bits have the ability to quickly create a guide-hole for other types of drill bits. Have a look at our latest guide on how self-centering bits work.
16. Screwdriver Drill Bits
These types of bits are specifically designed to remove screws that have been stripped or are otherwise difficult to turn due to the design with teeth on their edges. These types of drills are beneficial for use in cars since they’re designed to grip onto screws that are in a specific shape.
The types of drill come with either a T-shaped or L-shaped shaft. They can also be characterized by the size and number of notches depending on what type you need for your project.
The screwdriver bits come with different sizes and styles. Some blades offer more precision than others while some fit into tight spaces where other types won’t do well at all.
These types of drill bits are the most common types, but you should also consider other types that can come in handy depending on what type of project or work being done.
17. Tile Drill Bits
They are specifically designed for drilling on tiles. The drill is thinner and has a pointier tip to penetrate the hard tile surface, but it doesn’t have as much power as other types of drill bits because they need more torque to work properly.
18. Diamond Drill Bits
These types of drill bits are created to bore holes in materials that can’t be penetrated by metal. They’re very sharp and often used for a variety of purposes, such as stone drilling, glass cutting or polishing, drilling ceramic & porcelain tile.
19. Hole Saws
This type of bit is typically used for cutting holes in different surfaces like metal sheets, plywood panels, drywall studs or rubber flooring mats.
It comes in different sizes. However, if you need something that cuts out large pieces quickly, look for other options such as scroll saw blades that we will discuss below.
20. Reamer Drill Bits
These bits come with an elongated shape and pointed end that makes them perfect for reaming different surfaces like metal sheets or drywall studs without leaving any marks on the surface afterward.
21. Straight Slot Cutter Bit
This type of drill bit is different from others. It has a straight slot and cutters that make them perfect for cutting different types of materials such as copper sheet metal, steel plates or even rubber.
Maintenance of Drill Bits
1. Keep the drill bit cool and clean
Heat can cause them to weaken, so avoid drilling into hot materials like metals which are prone to heating up. It’s also important that the types of drill bits remain free from dust and other debris because it will interfere with their performance.
2. Use a lubricant when necessary
Drill bits often need oil or grease for optimal performance. When using these types of products, always make sure they’re compatible with whatever material you’re working on.
3. Replace broken types of drill bits immediately
Using a damaged type of drill bit without realizing it is dangerous because there could be chemical reactions occurring while you work that can’t be seen by your naked eye; this could lead to serious injury.
4. Watch the types of drill bits carefully
Before you use a type of drill bit, make sure that it is sharp. If not, replace it with a new one.
5. Coat them in oil
When storing types of drill bits for long periods, coat them in oil to prevent rusting or corrosion from occurring.
Conclusion
Drill bits are an essential part of any DIY’s toolkit, and knowing the types you need for your projects will make them a lot easier to complete. The list above will help you find what you exactly require to do a particular drilling job. Ensure you get the right drills for the job. In case you experience any issue, contact us and we’ll try to advise you further.