Best Forstner Drill Bits of 2026

"I use these drill bits all the time for building various woodworking projects, and they consistently deliver perfect, true-to-size holes. Whether I'm working with different types of wood or using my drill press, I'm always impressed by their reliable performance. I'd recommend them to any woodworker."

"After relying on Irwin tools for years, I decided to try this Forstner bit set, and I'm very pleased. The case is sturdy and secure, keeping the bits in place even when turned upside down. The bits are extremely sharp and have performed better than expected, especially in poplar wood. I highly recommend this set."

"I'm thrilled with the IRWIN Marples Forstner Bit Set! The exceptional cutting quality allows me to get perfectly clean, flat-bottomed holes with no tear-out or burning. The ultra-sharp edges make drilling fast and accurate, and the case keeps everything organized. For the price, it's outstanding value and performance."

"I just finished a big project using these, and I was honestly impressed by the great value and quality selection. Every bit was well balanced, cut cleanly, and stayed sharp, even after cutting lots of holes in 3/4" and 1/2" plywood. Highly recommend this set!"

"These bits are crazy sharp and cut super fast—they zipped through my table project in seconds, way quicker than I expected. If you want speed and sharpness, these totally deliver."

"While I was a bit skeptical at first, the set arrived nicely packaged with a full range of sizes. My only minor issue is that the serrated edges left some light indents that needed sanding when I wasn’t drilling all the way through. For most uses, though, they perform really well and are a solid choice for the price."

"I've tried several brands, but the Freud Forstner bits stand out for their incredible sharpness and ability to cut extremely clean holes. After hundreds of uses, they're still holding their edge. Letting the bit do the work delivers impressively smooth results every time."

"I needed to drill a very precise angled hole and after testing various brands, I found the Freud Forstner bit's unique wavy edge made starting and drilling on an angle much cleaner. It delivered a tight, accurate fit for my project, outperforming other bits I tried."

"I'm using this bit to countersink holes in gun stocks, and it has been perfect—no splinters at all. The build quality is excellent, providing smooth and precise cuts every time."

"I found the Irwin Marples Forstner Bit to be exceptionally precise and durable—it consistently delivers clean, accurate holes in all my woodworking projects. The sharpness lasts over multiple uses and it handles both softwoods and hardwoods with ease. It's definitely a must-have for anyone serious about woodworking."

"After replacing my old bit, I immediately noticed that this Irwin bit cuts much cleaner and requires far less force. Drilling through tough woods like cherry, maple, and even oak was much smoother—the center point keeps the bit steady, especially with a hand drill. It's an excellent value and outperforms my previous set by far."

"I use this bit to create insets for coins on award plaques. It has sped up my workflow dramatically—now I can quickly clear out the center area, leaving only the finishing cut for my CNC. The results are precise and efficient, saving both time and effort."

"I was looking for a way to bore deeper holes in my woodworking projects, and this extension really delivered. It's very sturdily built and holds the bit securely, even with just one screw, though I always use both. I did notice that not all 3/8 inch shanks fit perfectly—the one I got from Ace Hardware was a perfect fit, while others from Harbor Freight and Home Depot were a bit off. Still, this extension works great overall and I highly recommend it for anyone needing extra reach."

"For my lathe work, this tool has been a game changer. All my Irwin forstner bits fit without any issues, and it’s incredibly handy for drilling deep holes in vases. The extension is very solid and performs just as I hoped. I’m definitely satisfied with this purchase."

"This extension is well-made, sturdy, and made my project much easier. However, I did find that the set screws can loosen up during use, which caused the bit to get a little stuck. If the forstner bits had a hex shank, it would probably help, but as long as you keep an eye on the set screws, it's a great tool overall."

"I was impressed by how sharp these Forstner bits are—they sliced through hardwoods like purple heart and walnut with no burning or tear-out. The cuts were clean all the way through, and the variety of sizes is really practical for my projects."

"Using this set actually made drilling enjoyable! These bits cut through wood effortlessly and leave crisp, professional-looking holes. The range of 16 sizes lets me handle everything from small dowels to bigger hardware installs, and the handy case means I never lose a bit in my crowded shop."

"The bits worked great on plexiglass and were solid for my woodworking needs. The case keeps everything organized, but I did notice the plastic window sometimes comes loose—not a big deal, just a minor annoyance. Overall, I'd definitely buy this set again."

"As a hobbyist woodworker, I was impressed by the crazy low price and sharpness of these bits. Next day delivery was a plus. Although I wish a bit holder was included, the individual plastic containers kept the bits protected and ready for my Christmas gift projects."

"I bought this set because it was cheaper than buying a single bit, and it’s worked well for my woodworking needs. The bits cut accurately and smoothly, making them a great value for the money."

"After using the 35mm bit on 31 oak doors, I can say the carbide blades stayed sharp and performed flawlessly. There’s no way I could have done this much work with regular steel bits. I’m confident this set will last me a lifetime."

"I drilled several bluebird box openings with this bit and was impressed by how sharp and accurate it was. The holes were clean, and the quality feels outstanding. My bluebirds are happy, so I'm happy!"

"I used the 2-3/8” bit for a Christmas project in birch, and it performed perfectly. The hex shank is large, so check your drill compatibility, but overall it did a great job."

"I picked up both a 35mm and a 14mm bit. Unfortunately, after just a few holes, the bits dulled quickly and wouldn’t cut anymore. These might work for a single use, but don’t expect long-term durability."

"I've drilled multiple deep holes without losing any sharpness, and there's absolutely no wandering—a problem I had with my old Forstner bits. The accuracy is spot-on, and the bit stays firmly in the chuck. Great quality at a decent price—I hope the sharpness holds up over time!"

"When I needed a perfect, clean drain hole in thick rubber, my Freud Forstner bit cut through with ease and left flawless results. These bits are sharp, durable, and worth every penny. I highly recommend them for anyone who values precision."

"After years using basic drill bits, I tried Freud for a craft project and was blown away—cutting through hardwood felt like slicing warm butter. The smoothness and speed were incredible, and I'm now committed to Freud bits for all future projects."

"I was extremely pleased with how quickly the INTOO 16pc Forstner Bit Set arrived and how well it was packaged. The bits are very sharp and precisely sized, which made my PEX-A repiping project so much easier. I also appreciated the sturdy hex shanks—they stayed secure throughout my work. This set is a great value for the price, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for reliable forstner bits."

"After struggling with my old round shank bits slipping in my handheld drill, I tried this set and found that the hex shank keeps the bit perfectly in place. Drilling holes in poplar was effortless—the bits cut quickly and cleanly. My only issue is the case’s clear front panel, which popped out easily but should be fine once I glue it. Overall, it’s exactly what I needed for my projects."

"I needed a smooth, clean cut for a specialty project and the 1 1/8" bit worked perfectly in my drill press. The cutting action was smooth and precise—just what I was hoping for."