How to Choose the Best Drill Bits
Introduction
No matter what you’re building or fixing, having the right drill bit is essential. From drilling through concrete to cutting through metal, drill bits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit any job. To find the right drill bit for the job, you’ll need to consider the type of material you’ll be working with, the size of the hole you’ll be drilling, and the overall durability of the bit.
Types of Drill Bits
There are several different types of drill bits, each designed for specific jobs.
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High-Speed Steel (HSS) Bits are the most common and versatile type of drill bit. They are suitable for drilling into wood, plastic, and soft metals such as aluminum. They are not suitable for hard metals such as stainless steel.
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Cobalt Bits are made from a combination of steel and cobalt and are designed for drilling into harder metals such as stainless steel. They are more durable and heat-resistant than HSS bits, but are more expensive.
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Titanium-Coated Bits are made from HSS and have a titanium coating to improve their durability and reduce heat build-up. They are suitable for drilling into wood, plastic, and soft metals, but are not suitable for hard metals such as stainless steel.
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Masonry Bits are designed for drilling into concrete and other masonry materials. They are usually made from carbide and are very durable.
Size Matters
The size of the drill bit you choose will depend on the size of the hole you want to create. For example, if you need to drill a large hole, you’ll need a large drill bit. If you need to drill a small hole, you’ll need a small drill bit. It’s important to note that the size of the drill bit is not the same as the size of the hole it will create. The size of the hole will be slightly larger than the size of the drill bit.
Durability
When choosing a drill bit, it’s important to consider the overall durability of the bit. HSS bits are generally less durable than cobalt or titanium-coated bits, and masonry bits are the most durable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drill bit for the job is essential. Consider the type of material you’ll be working with, the size of the hole you’ll be drilling, and the overall durability of the bit. Be sure to choose a bit that is suitable for the material and the size of the hole you need to create. With the right bit, you’ll be able to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the strongest drill bit you can buy?
Carbide bits are considered the strongest drill bit material and can cut through hardened steel. If carbide bits are not available, titanium and cobalt drill bits can also be used, although drilling with these may take longer.
2. What are the three main types of drill bits?
The three main types of drill bits are Twist Drill, Counterbore, and Countersink. These drill bits are commonly used with hand-held drills or drill presses fitted with standard chucks.
3. How do I know what drill bit I need?
To determine the drill bit you need, the diameter of the hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw. For example, if you're using a 3.5 mm screw, use a 3 mm drill bit. If using wall anchors, ensure that the drill bit and anchors have the same diameter.
4. Which is better cobalt or carbide drill bits?
Carbide drill bits are generally better than cobalt drill bits. Carbide provides faster cutting speeds and higher feed rates compared to cobalt. Carbide drills also support a coolant through-the-tool feature, eliminating the need for pecking.
5. What type of drill bits stay sharp the longest?
Titanium-coated HSS drill bits stay sharp longer than basic HSS bits. They are tough and produce less friction. Carbide-tipped drill bits also stay sharp for a longer period compared to steel, HSS, or titanium bits.
6. Does it matter what drill bit you use?
The choice of drill bit depends on the material being drilled. High-Speed Steel (HSS) drill bits are suitable for wood, light metals, fiberglass, and PVC. Black oxide-coated drill bits are more durable and resist rust, making them suitable for hardwood, softwood, PVC, fiberglass, and steel.
7. Do any drill bits fit any drill?
Standard drill bits will fit in a standard drill, regardless of whether they are specialized or multi-material bits. However, if using an SDS drill, SDS bit sets are required. SDS bits are designed specifically for SDS drills, which have a shank to prevent slipping.
8. Which is better titanium or carbide drill bits?
Titanium-coated HSS drill bits are tougher than basic HSS bits and stay sharp longer. They produce less friction and are suitable for drilling wood, metal, fiberglass, and PVC. Carbide-tipped drill bits stay sharp for a longer period compared to steel, HSS, or titanium bits.
Editor's Notes
During our drill bit research, we found 27 drill bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 313,409 customer reviews through our big data system to write the drill bits list. We found that most customers choose drill bits with an average price of $41.44.
The drill bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of drill bits, including DEWALT, COMOWARE, Makita, Norseman, Drill America. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.