A cordless drill is the most useful tool in any DIY kit, but only if you put the right bit in it. The wrong one burns wood, skates across tile or dulls in seconds on metal. Once you know how to choose the right drill bit, projects go faster and holes come out clean.
Match the Drill Bit to the Material
The first question is always the same: what are you drilling into?
Drill Bits for Wood
- Brad-point bits have a sharp center spike that keeps the bit from wandering. They make clean holes for furniture and shelves.
- Spade bits are flat paddles for bigger holes, like running cables through studs. Fast, but rough.
- Forstner bits cut smooth, flat-bottomed holes for hinges and woodworking.
Drill Bits for Metal
Twist bits are the all-purpose option you’ll use most. For metal, pick high-speed steel (HSS). Cobalt bits cost more but handle stainless steel and hard metals much better. Titanium-coated twist bits last longer in everyday use.
Drill Bits for Masonry
Brick, concrete and stone need masonry bits with a carbide tip. Use them with the hammer setting on your drill, if it has one. They’re the right choice for hanging shelves on brick walls.
Drill Bits for Tile and Glass
Glazed tile and glass need carbide spear-point or diamond-tipped bits. Don’t use the hammer setting here. Tile cracks easily.
Understanding Drill Bit Sizes
Bits are marked by diameter, usually in fractions of an inch in the US. A good starter set runs from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch.
For screws, drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw’s shank so the threads still grip. For wall anchors, the package tells you the exact bit size to use.
Hex Shank vs. Round Shank
Round-shank bits fit standard drill chucks. Hex-shank bits have six flat sides that snap into quick-change chucks and impact drivers without slipping. If you own an impact driver, hex-shank bits are handy.
Drilling Tips for Clean Holes
- Mark the spot with a pencil, then tap a small dent with a nail or center punch so the bit doesn’t wander.
- Start slowly, then increase speed once the bit bites.
- Use low speed and a drop of oil for metal to keep the bit cool.
- Put a piece of painter’s tape over tile before drilling to stop the bit from sliding.
- Back the bit out now and then on deep holes to clear dust.
- Wear safety glasses every single time.
Common Drill Bit Mistakes
Beginners often push too hard. Let the bit cut at its own pace, since heavy pressure causes heat and snapped bits. Another common mistake is drilling metal at high speed, which quickly ruins the edge. Finally, check the drill direction. A bit spinning in reverse won’t cut, no matter how hard you press.
Keep Your Bits in Good Shape
Store bits in a case so they don’t bang together and chip. Wipe off dust and moisture after use. Dull twist bits can be sharpened, but cheap sets are often easier to replace.
Which Drill Bit Set Should Beginners Buy?
Start with a combination set that includes twist bits for wood and metal, a few masonry bits and some screwdriver bits. Add specialty bits like Forstner or tile bits when a project calls for them.
Put Your Drill Bits to Work
Now that you know which bit to grab, try an easy project. You can hang a heavy mirror on drywall, anchor furniture to the wall or build DIY floating shelves. Doing electrical work next? Read how to replace a light switch safely first. Still putting your kit together? Read our essential DIY tool kit for beginners.
