Are you looking for the right drill bit for your project? This drill bit guide from SGS Engineering will help you choose the best fit for the job.
Drill bit guide: What Drill Bit Do I Need?
Knowing what drill bit to use and when to use it means you’re more likely to do the job right first time. However, with so many uses for these tools, there are lots of different types of drill bits out there that are dedicated to specific tasks. Understanding what they all do will go a long way towards making sure your project is a success.
If you’re new to drilling and using drill bits, or you’ve always wanted to know more about the different drill bits that are available, then look no further. Here at SGS Engineering, we’ve put together the ultimate drill bit guide to make sure that buying and using them is easy for you. Read on to find out more about this toolbox essential.
What does a drill bit do?
A drill bit is the removable tool that’s fitted to a drill which makesthe hole in the material you’re working on. These come in lots of shapes andsizes because some are more suited to cutting through certain materials thanothers. So, by knowing whatsize drill bit to use you’ll be able to make the right hole in the rightposition. Here are the main things to consider:
- The material
Before you start shopping for a drill bit, it’s important to knowexactly what job it is that you need it for. Are you drilling into stone orwood? Or do you need to carry out some precision drilling on rigid materialssuch as glass? What you’re drilling into is the first thing you need toconsider.
- Accuracy
Once you’ve matched the tool to the material, you’ll also need toconsider how accurate you need to be. Some are ideal for creating clean holeswhile others are for creating rough ones. Again, having a clear understandingof the job you’re doing is important here as you’ll be able to find the best type of drill bitfor your project.
Drill Bit Features and Useful Terms
While there are many different types of drill bits, there are some universal features across all kinds. Knowing the various parts can help you when you’re buying for the project you’re working on:
- Point - The cone-shaped, pointed end that does the cutting. This section consists of a spur and cutting lip.
- Spur - The spur sits at the dead centre of the point. This helps to get the drill into position.
- Cutting lip - The cutting lip scrapes away the material. This is the feature that generally varies from bit to bit.
- Flutes - Starting from the cutting lip, a flute or channel spirals its way up the body of the drill bit where it ends with the shank. The flutes help the cutting lip remove the displaced material.
- Shank - The portion of the drill bit that is either clamped into a spindle or straight into a drill's chuck, with a straight shank drill bit.
You may see these terms when you’re searching for drill bits, so it’s worth taking the time to learn what the different parts of a drill bit are called as well as the function they perform. And if you’re looking for the perfect drill to pair with your drill bits, be sure to check out our drill buying guide.
Choosing the best type of drill bit for your application
To help you work out how to tell which drill bit touse, here’s a summary of the different types that we offer. Thisoverview is your at-a-glance guide so you can easily find the product that fitsthe job.
Multi Purpose Drill Bits
Useful for: Everyday use
When searching through the different types of drill bits, you’ll find that the multi-purpose ones are widely available and most common. Used for a broad range of everyday jobs, these can be applied to a range of materials.
We stock a range of multi-purpose drill bits by leading manufacturer, Milwaukee. If you’d like to shop for individual bits in this range, you can select anything from our 4mm to the 10mm options. These feature tungsten carbide tips, making them a robust option for drilling into metal, wood and stone, but in rotary mode only. Alternatively, if you need several multi-purpose drill bits, you can buy a set.
For diameters of 12mm and more, the drills are supplied with ahexagonal shank, eliminating the risk of slippage in the chuck.
Multi Purpose Drill Bits - Shop Now
Auger Drill Bits
Useful for: Making neat holes in wood
These are similar to multi-purpose drill bits, except that they are just used for drilling wood and have a more pronounced central point or spur. This pronounced feature makes it easy to locate the point that’s being drilled and keep on course, making them ideal for precision drilling. In addition, they produce holes with very neat edges, meaning that this type of bit is favoured over others when appearance is important.
Our range of auger drill bits start at 8mmand go right up to 32mm,so you can work on everything from small jobs to floor boards and joists. Ifyou’re wondering what sizedrill bit to use from this line-up, think carefully about the woodyou’re working on and how big you need the hole to be.Whichever size you opt for, you’re sure of a cleanfinish as these bits include a Lewis flute design to quickly remove chips.Plus, the hex shank offers a secure grip, so you’re sure to get the accuracyyou’re looking for
Whichever size you opt for, you’re sure of a clean finish asthese bits include a Lewis flute design to quickly remove chips. Plus, the hexshank offers a secure grip, so you’re sure to get the accuracy you’re lookingfor
Auger Drill Bits - Shop Now
Spade Drill Bits
Useful for: Large, rough holes in wood
Spade Drill Bits are designed for drilling large holes quickly and roughly in wood. They can cause splintering around the entry and exit of a hole, however. Available in large diameters, they are ideal for cutting holes in timber posts for cables, wires, pipes and ropes. You can find a seven piece spade drill bit set here, offering you a range of different sizes, from 10mm up to 32mm in a sturdy moulded plastic case, ideal for caballing and home DIY
We offer a seven-piece spadedrill bit set by well-known brand, Ryobi. This includes a choice of different size drill bits in largediameters, from 10mm up to 32mm. They come in a sturdy moulded plastic case, sothey can be easily packed away after use.
Ryobi Spade Drill Bits - Shop Now
Masonry Bits
Useful for: Drilling masorny, concrete and stone
If you’re drilling into brick, light concrete, limestone, natural or artificial stone, then masonry bits are the best type of drill bit for the job. The cutting tip is usually made from tungsten carbide on a steel shaft, making it a robust, durable tool that’s designed to cut straight through the stone.
We have a selectionof masonry bits that start at 5mm and go up to 16mm, so there is sure to besomething to suit most projects. If you’re looking for a few different bits ina range of sizes, the Milwaukee5 Piece Drill Bit Set is a useful addition to the toolkit. The diamondground percussion carbide tips offer two cutting edges, while vibrations are curbedand impact energy is transferred directly to the drill tip.
Masonry Drill Bits - Shop Now
Self Feed Drill Bit
Useful for: Large, rough holes in heavy duty wood
Of all the different types of drill bits, self-feed drills are the high-impact choice for big jobs, such as boring large holes in wood when working on pipes or conduit. They’re the perfect choice for professional plumbers and electricians who need to make large, rough holes in wood.
The self-feed bit drills into materials without pressure, whichprovides clean, fast holes. We have a range of self-feed drill bits to choosefrom at SGS. The MilwaukeeSelf Feed Drill Bit Set is a practical choice for drilling a fewdifferent-sized holes in one go as it comes with seven drill bits that arepacked away into a case that can be easily moved around.
Self Feed Drill Bits - Shop Now
HSS Drill Bits
Useful for: Drilling metal and hardwood
If you’re wondering what drill bit to use for metal and harder woods, you’ll find that high speed steel (HSS) bits are the perfect fit. They are hard and resistant to heat – much more so than high carbon steel – which means that they can be used at high speeds.
We offer a range of HSS drill bits, each designed to drillthrough tougher materials. These high-speeddrill bits by Milwaukee include an oxide coating, enabling quick swarfremoval. They're suitable for drilling into steel, cast iron, alloyed andnon-alloyed material up to 800 N/mm². Plus, this is a 19-piece set, so you’resure to find the different types of drill bits for the job all in one set.
HSS Drill Bits - Shop Now
Selecting Screw Driving Bits
As well as drilling holes in a variety of materials, most drills will also have a driving function for fixing screws. So, once you’ve selected what drill bit to use, you’ll need to choose the right screwdriving bit. To help you decide, we’ve put together a couple of simple steps so you can grab the right bit for any given application.
Step 1: Find the Shape of the Screw
Look at the screw’s drive, or shape pressed into the head of the screw. The most common screw types you’ll come across are Phillips, Pozi-Drive, Slotted and Hex drive heads, however you might find screws withSquare, Torx and Security Torx+ drive heads too.
Use the table bellow to work out what screw you’re looking at and what type of bit you need.
Step 2: Find the Size of the Screw
After you have established the shape of your screw head and picked the appropriate shaped bit drive, you need to select the correct size bit. Doing this will ensure it doesn’t slip when you’re inserting a bit or driving the screw.
It’s easy to find the one that fits: if it moves in the recess when you turn the screw by hand, try a larger bit! Beware: a bit that fits very snugly in the screwhead is likely to strip the head.
Choosing the Best Driver Bit Set for You
Now you know which bit to choose, selecting an appropriate bit set is simple. The more ambitious your projects are, the bigger the set you should purchase. You can always add more specialist sets later on, but a good combination bit and driver set can take you through the vast majority of household tasks.
Ryobi RAK16FP 16 Piece Screwdriver Bits Set for Flat Pack Furniture
This 16-piece accessory set from Ryobi includes various screwdriver bits including Hex, Phillips, Pozi-Drive and Slot heads, making it perfect for all those jobs around the home, such as assembling flatpack furniture. It includes a magnetic 60mm bit holder for easy access to your bits, making bit changes simple and easy.
Milwaukee 4932430907 56 pc Shockwave Drill/Screwdriver Bit Set
This 56-piece kit by Milwaukee features custom-engineered steel that makes the bits more resistant to shock from impact. In addition, the materials these are made from mean they are more durable and long-lasting than similar products on the market.
Still need help?
Our in-house experts are always on hand to help you with any questions you have about the different types of drill bits available and can offer advice to help you work out what drill bit to use for the job. If you’d like to speak to the team, call 01332 576 850or fill out our contact form today.
Impact Driver Buying Guide
Drill and Driver Buyers Guide: What Drill Do I Need?
FAQs
Drill Bit Guide: What Drill Bit Do I Need? ›
| Drill bit type | Main fit | Drilled materials |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry drill bits | Smooth Shank, SDS+, SDS Max | Concrete, Reinforced concrete, Concrete blocks, Stone |
| Drill bits for metal | Smooth and hexagonal shank | Non-ferrous metals |
| Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, Stainless steel etc. | ||
| Full steel |
The first thing (and probably most important) is to always match the size of the drill bits shank (the end you would put into the drill) to the size of drill you are using. Drills that have a 3/8” chuck (the end that you put the drill bit into) will only accept bits up to 3/8” in diameter.
What size drill bit do you need for drilling a hole? ›Step 1: Select the Right Drill Bit
For screws, pick a bit that matches the inner diameter of the threaded part, not the diameter of the threads. For nails, use a bit that's slightly smaller in diameter than the shank.
The drill bit should be the same size as the shaft of the screw without accounting for the threads. To do this, simply line up a screw side by side with the drill bit. If they're the same size, then you're good to go. You can also look for the measurements labeled on most bits and screws.
How do I know if a drill bit will fit? ›The quickest way to check if it's straight is to run the drill without drilling a hole. The bit should stay straight as it spins and not wobble or turn into a blurry cone. If you're sure it's chucked right, the bit might be bent and should be discarded.
How do you choose the right drill bit size for screw and wall plugs? ›Choose the correct size of plugs and drill bits for your screws. The yellow plugs shown in this example take 4mm gauge screws, the red ones take 5mm and the brown ones take 5.5mm - although wall plugs do come in lots of colours.
What do drill bit numbers mean? ›As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the numbers on a drill represent the amount of torque the tool can apply to an object (such as a screw) or for hole drilling. The numbers usually range from 1 to 20 (or more) with 1 representing the least amount of torque and 20, the greatest.
How do you drill a hole in a guide? ›When And How To Drill Pilot Holes - YouTube
What size drill bit is 6mm? ›6mm Drill Bit (~1/4")
How do I know what size screw I have? ›To measure the diameter of screws and bolts, you measure the distance from the outer thread on one side to the outer thread on the other side. This is called the major diameter and will usually be the proper size of the bolt.
How much smaller should a drill bit be than the screw? ›
But there is a simple way that many pros use to determine the right size bit: The diameter of the drill should be just about equal to the solid body of the screw (without the threads) at about the middle of its length.
What size predrill for wood screws? ›For hardwoods, use a drill bit that's slightly larger than the screw diameter. If you're unsure which to select, choose a drill bit that's 1/64” larger than the screw diameter.
Do all drill bits fit all drills nails? ›Are nail bits universal? Any 3/32 in. in diameter shank nail bit will only work with nail drills that accept 3/32 shanks and 1/8 in. in diameter shank nail bits can only work with nail drills that use 1/8 in.
What is the difference between a 3/8 inch drill and a 1/2 inch drill? ›As mentioned, 1/2-inch drills are a bit bigger and more powerful than 3/8-inch drills and because 1/2 inch drills are generally designed for heavy-duty work, they are also made with very tough materials. Generally speaking, a 1/2-inch drill is going to be much more durable and long-lasting than a 3/8-inch drill.
What size is my wall plug? ›The correct wall plug size will primarily depend upon the screw gauge being used. More precisely, the wall plug size will change based on the drill bit used to create the hole. As a general rule: Yellow plugs fit into 5.0 mm holes and work best with screw sizes 3 and 4, but can be used for screw sizes 3 through 8.
What size drill bit do I need for Brown plugs? ›| Plug Diameter (mm) | 7mm |
|---|---|
| Plug Length (mm) | 35mm |
| Screw Diameter (mm) | 5mm (No.10) / 6mm (No.12) / 8mm (No.14) |
| Drill Diameter | 7mm / 8mm |
| Applications |
Numbered drill bit gauge sizes range in ascending order from 80 (smallest) to 1 (largest). Thus, drill bit #8 is on the larger side of your standard drill set.
What does the 1 and 2 mean on a drill? ›Size: Drills are available in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch sizes. These measurements refer to the size of the drill chuck — the part that holds the bit — and indicate the largest bit shank that'll fit the drill.
What does 6 mean on a drill bit? ›#6 drill bit = 0.2040 inches
0.2040 decimal as a fraction is 51/250. However, standard fractional drill bits come in intervals of 1/64 inches. Therefore, there are no standard fractional drill bits that are the exact 51/250 fraction that the #6 drill bit is.
Pilot holes are necessary if you're drilling into hardwood, laminate, or need a precisely located fastener. They're also recommended if the wood is likely to crack, or if appearance is important. You can skip the pilot holes when doing a rough build with softwood where appearance isn't important.
What size drill bit should I use for a #8 screw? ›
| Screw Size | Hard Wood | Soft Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Tapered Bit | Straight Bit | |
| #7 | 5/32" | 3/32" |
| #8 | 11/64" | 7/64" |
| #9 | 3/16" | 1/8" |
How to drill a perfectly straight hole every single time using this quick ...
What size drill bit is 5 mm? ›| Drill Bit Hole Diameters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Metric Size | Fractional Size | |
| .5 mm | .0197 | 5/64 |
| .6 mm | .0238 | 3/32 |
| .7 mm | .0276 | 7/64 |
| Tap | Metric Drill | US Drill |
|---|---|---|
| 10mm x 1.5 | 8.7mm | - |
| 10mm x 1.25 | 8.9mm | 11/32" |
| 10mm x 1.0 | 9.1mm | - |
| 12mm x 1.75 | 10.5mm | - |
6mm = almost 1/4 inch.
What does screw size 8 mean? ›The #8 gauge screw has a major diameter of 0.17" and 8 TPI. The screw is 1-1/4" long, a measurement taken from the bottom of the head to the point.
What screw is 4mm? ›Metric Screw Sizes Explained
As a handy coincidence, the Gauge (imperial) roughly equals the screw head size in millimetres. A 4 gauge screw will have a head that is approximately 4mm wide.
The first number is the diameter. The bigger the number the bigger the screw. The second number is the number of threads per inch.
Why is my wood splitting when drilling? ›Much like knots in the wood, they are separated by a thin layer of sap, which is more brittle than a piece of board with no knots or pronounced grains. Also, because the drill is rotating into the wood, it will pull apart the two separate sides of the grain slightly, causing it to split along the board's length.
What drill bit is for metal? ›Cobalt drill bits are used for drilling hard metal and steel. They dissipate heat quickly and are highly resistant to abrasions, making them better for drilling into hard metals than black oxide- or titanium-coated drill bits.
How deep should pilot holes be? ›
Most people drill to the same depth as the screw or nail, but as I've mentioned above, it really depends on your material. If it's a super fragile or expensive material, try drilling two test pilot holes in a scrap – one at the same depth as your fastener and another that's just a hair longer.
What are pilot holes for wood screws? ›A pilot hole allows the screw threads to cut directly into the hole, which reduces the risk of splitting wood near an end or edge. When you need precise screw locations. Tips of screws don't always enter material accurately. It's much easier to drill precise locations with a drill bit than the tip of a screw.
How do I choose a nail drill bit? ›Dip and large flutes give you coarse grit. Shallower flutes commonly indicate a finer bit. Carbide bits are a great tool for advanced users and are ideal for removing acrylics. They are not to be used on the natural nail.
What size are nail drill bits? ›Shank Sizes
Remember that the shank size for normal electric files is usually 1/8” and will not fit a professional electric file. The standard shank size for a professional electric file (in this case, a nail drill) is 3/32”.
In the last section, we explained different materials of nail drill bits: Mandrel/Sanding band, Carbide bits, Ceramic bits, and Diamond bits.
Which drill machine is best for home use? ›| Drill machine | Maximum power | Features |
|---|---|---|
| STANLEYImpact Hammer Drill | 600-Watt | Multiple speed setting |
| BLACK+DECKERReversible Hammer Drill Machine | 500-Watt | Chuck size |
| AGARO Corded Electric Drill Machine | 650-Watt | Variable speed |
| Bosch Professional Rotary Drill | 350-Watt | Forward/ Reverse rotation |
What size chuck do I need? Quite simply, the larger your chuck size, the larger shank diameter it will accept. Generally, if you want to drill holes larger than 20mm in diameter or drill into materials such as metal, then consider purchasing a drill driver with a 13mm chuck, to accommodate larger bits.
What is the best drill to buy? ›- Worx WX372. ...
- Ryobi 18V RID1801M ONE+ ...
- Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2. ...
- Makita DHP484RTJ 18 V Li-ion LXT Brushless Combi Drill. ...
- DeWalt DCK211D2T 10.8V Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver. ...
- Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill Driver. ...
- Wickes 18v Li-Ion Cordless Combi Drill. ...
- Hitachi DS18DSDL.
Are nail bits universal? Any 3/32 in. in diameter shank nail bit will only work with nail drills that accept 3/32 shanks and 1/8 in. in diameter shank nail bits can only work with nail drills that use 1/8 in.
What is the difference between a 3/8 inch drill and a 1/2 inch drill? ›As mentioned, 1/2-inch drills are a bit bigger and more powerful than 3/8-inch drills and because 1/2 inch drills are generally designed for heavy-duty work, they are also made with very tough materials. Generally speaking, a 1/2-inch drill is going to be much more durable and long-lasting than a 3/8-inch drill.
What are standard drill bit sizes? ›
Drill Bit Size
There are drill bit sets or packs that usually contain bit sizes that range from 1/16 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch, which are common sizes for home and shop projects. Other sizes of use would include 1/2 of an inch, 7/16 of an inch, 5/16 of an inch and 3/8 of an inch.
Second, the diameter of the shank, which must be the same as the chuck size of the electric tool. Therefore, different brands of drill bits can be used for any branded-machine that provided the same shank size and diameter.
What is a universal drill bit? ›Universal Drill Bits. Universal drill bits (aka: all-purpose drill bits) are a new trend where ALL drilling tasks are united in a single drill bit, especially for smaller diameters. So rather than separate drill bits for wood, metal and masonry, this is a bit for ALL materials.
How do I choose a nail drill bit? ›Dip and large flutes give you coarse grit. Shallower flutes commonly indicate a finer bit. Carbide bits are a great tool for advanced users and are ideal for removing acrylics. They are not to be used on the natural nail.
What are the different nail drill bits? ›In the last section, we explained different materials of nail drill bits: Mandrel/Sanding band, Carbide bits, Ceramic bits, and Diamond bits.
What does the 1 and 2 mean on a drill? ›Setting 1 is low speed/high torque and is best for driving screws. Setting 2 is a medium speed/torque and can be used for drilling or driving. Setting 3 is the highest speed and is meant for drilling or driving fasteners.
Which drill machine is best for home use? ›| Drill machine | Maximum power | Features |
|---|---|---|
| STANLEYImpact Hammer Drill | 600-Watt | Multiple speed setting |
| BLACK+DECKERReversible Hammer Drill Machine | 500-Watt | Chuck size |
| AGARO Corded Electric Drill Machine | 650-Watt | Variable speed |
| Bosch Professional Rotary Drill | 350-Watt | Forward/ Reverse rotation |
What size chuck do I need? Quite simply, the larger your chuck size, the larger shank diameter it will accept. Generally, if you want to drill holes larger than 20mm in diameter or drill into materials such as metal, then consider purchasing a drill driver with a 13mm chuck, to accommodate larger bits.
What is the most commonly used drill bit size? ›Size Specs
In the United States, standard drill bits are most often sized in fractional, 1/64th inch increments, commonly ranging from 1/16th inch up to one inch. If you need a larger hole, you can opt for a spade bit or hole saw bit.
A twist bit is the most common type of drill bit for home use. It works for general-purpose drilling in wood, plastic and light metal.
What size is a 4 mm drill bit? ›
| Drill Bit Hole Diameters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Metric Size | Fractional Size | |
| .3 mm | .0118 | 3/64 |
| .4 mm | .0157 | 1/16 |
| .5 mm | .0197 | 5/64 |
Check this out Before you buy more Bits!!! - YouTube
Do Dewalt drill bits work with Makita? ›Pair that Dewalt impact driver with a Makita GOLD #2 phillips 2″ power bit and you're ready to tackle screwing almost anything. These bits are designed exclusively for high-torque impact drivers and are engineered to last up to 60-times longer than standard insert bits.
Do you have to buy drill bits separately? ›Unless you're a machinist, you won't need an index with dozens of bits. A basic 21-bit set will do the job. The more you spend, the tougher the bit and the longer it'll hold an edge. Most of the holes you drill in metal require twist bits.