One of the trickiest aspects of using a drill lies with the drill bits. If you get this part wrong, then your entire upcoming project might end up being a messy affair.
You need to know that drill bits are specially designed to work on different materials. So, you’ll find some suited for wood and others for steel. In this article, we will focus on the former and help you get the best drill bits for wood.
We understand that getting the appropriate wood drill bit is not that easy, so we are here to help you out. First, we shall provide you with a list of high-quality drill bits for you to choose from. The significance of this list is that it helps you save the time that you would have used for conducting a wholesome research on the topic.
After that, we will compile a buying guide so that you can know the factors to consider as you look for the ideal drill bit for wood.
Let’s check out the products.
Comparison of High-Quality Drill Bits for Wood
Do not waste your time perusing online shops looking for the drill bits that meet your specifications. Instead, take your time and go through the items we have analyzed below.
We hope that your perfect item is on our list.
The Best 13 Wood Drilling Bits Reviewed on the Market (UPDATED)
1. Irwin Tool 1801022 Speedbor Max Wood Drilling Bits
- Material: Blend
- Cuts through: Wood
- Size Bits: 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8, 1 and 1-1/4-inch
- Tool Flute Type: Straight
- Shank Type: Straight
- Number of bits: 10 bits
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Most of all, the set comes from the Irwin brand, which is a pacesetter when it comes to power tools.
Product Description
Accuracy:
- The bits in this set feature three cutting spurs to guarantee you the impressive performance you were hoping for.
- The patented blue-groove design clears the chips from the surface you are operating on faster, which improves the drilling speed.
Design:
- The tapered-tri-flute shape ensures there is less binding while the full screw-point tip enables the bit to grasp securely onto the wood once penetration starts.
- As for the 1/4-inch quick-change shank, it reduces slipping in standard chucks plus it is compatible with all of the 1/4-inch chucks in the market, including Lock-N-Load quick-change adapters and impact drills.
Utility:
- The bits are of different sizes, all suited for a wide variety of tasks.
- Lastly, you get a storage case for safe storage and organization of the bits.
- Mess-free and faster drilling
- Sturdy storage case
- Fast shipping
- Breaks easily
2. Dewalt DW1956 Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point
- Material: Blend
- Cuts through: Wood
- Size Bits: 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 11/64, 3/16″, 13/64″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″ and 1/2-inch
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Number of bits: 16 bits
Such bits allow for outside cutting edges to dig out a diameter before the bit breaks into the surface. As a result, there would be no grabbing, which leads to cleaner holes.
Product Description
Versatility:
- This set contains 16-pieces of drill bits of different lengths, all suited for a variety of tasks.
- Each bit has a split point design for more preciseness and cleaner holes.
- Besides the bits, the package includes a carrying case for holding and transportation of the accessories.
Design:
- We also noticed the no-spin shank, which ensures there is no spinning in the chuck.
- On top of that, the size markings are just above the shank, which prevents the writings from fading away.
- The overall design of the bits helps in reducing lock-up on breakthrough.
Having a tapered web helps in boosting the bits’ durability plus also reduces breaking.
- Anti-slip notching in the larger bits
- Decent pricing
- Durable storage case
- The thin bits are fragile
3. Dewalt D180002 Hole Saw Kit
- Material: Metal, Steel
- Cuts through: Wood, Plastic, Metal
- Size Bits: 7/8″, 1 1/8″, 1 3/8″, 1 3/4″, 2″, and 2 1/2″
- Number of bits: 9 bits
In this review, we are going to discuss in detail all the items found in this kit.
Product Description
Versatility:
- This is a 9-piece bi-metal hole saw kit that cuts through wood and metal as well.
- The thick and hardened backing plates in the package reduce warping and increases the saw’s lifespan.
- The saw’s deep-cut style makes it suited for a wide range of applications and on different types of material.
Utility:
- You are sure to appreciate the carrying case with a handle that makes it easy to carry the kit around.
- The kit features replacement parts such as two pilot point centering bits, a door lock kit, taller bushings, and quick-change mandrels.
- Lastly, the product has a satisfaction-guarantee to give you peace of mind as you use the kit.
- Carrying case for product’s portability
- Can work on different materials
- Satisfaction-guaranteed
- Not very durable
4. Irwin Tools 1792761 Speedbor Pro Spade Bit Set
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Cuts through: Steel, Wood
- Size Bits: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1-3/8, and 1-1/2-inch spade bits
- Shank Type: Hex
- Number of bits: 17 bits
Let’s see what these bits have to offer us.
Product Description
Design:
- We shall start with the patented blue groove design that removes the wood chips from the drilled surface.
- As a result, you can expect a faster drilling speed as compared to standard spade bits.
- The other notable feature is double-cutting spurs on each bit that scribes the outside of the hole during the drilling operation for a reduced breakout.
Durability:
- Another thing to discuss is the thicker cutting edges and the larger shank than the other bits for more durability and reliable performance.
- We liked the flat bit, which is compatible with and fits most of the standard quick-change chucks in the market.
- Besides that, the paddle bit has a grooved hex shank that reduces slipping in the drill chuck.
For secure storage and organization is the classy Irwin case that comes with the package.
- Double-cutting spurs for reduced breakout
- Awesome pricing
- Carrying case for secure storage
- Poor packaging
5. Porter-Cable PC1014 Forstner Bit Set
- Material: Metal
- Cuts through: Wood
- Size Bits: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″, 1-3/8″, 1-1/2″, 1-5/8″ and 2″.
- Number of bits: 14 bits
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Let’s see what else you can find from the PC1014 bit set.
Product Description
Variety:
- As we mentioned, this set is comprised of 14 bits of different sizes.
- So, you can easily find the ideal dimensions required for your task. The sizes range from 1/4” to 2”.
- The other significant benefit of these bits is that they can fit into hand drills. This gives you the freedom to use them for more tasks.
Utility:
- All the bits are constructed out of hardened steel for durability and longer useful life.
- On top of that, they have optimized cutting angles to deliver flat-bottomed holes.
- We also liked the open tooth design for more speed, cleaner holes, and a smooth finish.
Along with this, the set comes in a compact case for secure storage of the bits. This case is compact so that it does not take up too much space.
- Features 14 different bits
- Compact carry case
- Can fit into hand drills
- Bits dull too quickly
6. Irwin Countersink Drill #1877793 Bit Set
- Material: Blend
- Cuts through: Metals, Wood, And Plastic
- Size Bits: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″ countersinks
- Finish Type: Black Oxide
- Shank Type: Straight
- Cutting Angle String: 82 Degrees
- Number of bits: 5 bits
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Product Description
Utility:
- The set features countersink bits of sizes 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch, and you get a drawer case.
- The bits have an industrial-grade high-speed steel construction for durability and sturdiness.
- On top of that, they are coated in black oxide giving them corrosion-resistance.
Versatility:
- The next feature to mention is the five-flute design to minimize vibration for a smoother drilling operation and boost useful life.
- You are sure to like the 1/4-inch round shank that fits handheld and stationary drills.
Storage:
- The drawer case is well-made and provides you with secure storage for the bits.
- Along with that, the slots are clearly labeled for easy identification of the bits according to the size that you want.
In general, this is a high-quality set designed to serve you for the longest time possible.
- Well-made
- Maintain their edges well
- Nice drawer case for storage
- Chatter a lot during cutting
7. Milwaukee 48-89-1105 Twist Drill Bit
- Material: Titanium
- Cuts through: Metal, Plastic, Pvc, Steel, Wood
- Size Bits: 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 11/64″, 3/16″, 13/64″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Shank Type: 3-Flat
- Cutting Angle String: 135 Degrees
- Number of bits: 20 bits
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This may be a China-made product, but we can draw a lot of positives from it. It is a 20-piece set for starters, which gives you a wider option of tools to choose from.
Before you decide to invest in this set, take your time and read the review we have compiled.
Product Description
Durability:
- The first aspect we can state is that these bits are designed to serve you for the longest time possible.
- Each bit features a titanium coating to enable it to tolerate high temperatures, gives it wear-resistance, and helps in minimizing friction.
Strength:
- The 135-degree spilt-point tip starts fast, centers itself, and reduces walking for more smoothness and precision during drilling.
- Besides that, the bits feature three no-spin shanks spare you the frustration of the bit slipping and rotating inside the chuck.
Utility:
- This set is straightforward to use, and you have a set of instructions to guide you through the process.
- We liked the plastic case that the set comes with. The slots are clearly labeled with the bits’ sizes for easy identification and organization of the tools.
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- The bits are too dull
8. Irwin 47408 Auger Tubed Bit
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Cuts through: Wood
- Size Bits: 1-Inch by 17-Inch
- Shank Type: Straight
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Number of bits: 1 bit
An excellent example of such is Irwin 47408, a heavy-duty piece that can cut through nails without getting damaged.
Product Description
Durability:
- This drill bit is characterized by a single cutter and a side lip that can bore holes on wood with maximum ease. It does so even when there are nails on the surface.
- You may also appreciate the hardiness and durability of the bits to withstand the resistance of the tough nails.
- Besides that, all the bits are heat-treated to boost their sturdiness and ensure none of them bends.
Accuracy:
- We are going to touch on the hollow center flutes that help in clearing away the chips faster. This helps in making the drilling operation to be a walk in the park.
- As for the wide lands, they are vital for maintaining the bits’ straightness as they bore holes in the wood.
- The medium-fast screw point is ideal for multiple wood boring applications, and most of all, the bits allow for re-sharpening.
- Heat-treated against bending
- Center for clearing chips from holes
- Bits can be re-sharpened
- Dulls quickly
9. Bosch Daredevil NKLT16 Drill Bit
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Cuts through: Wood
- Size Bits: 1-Inch x 17-1/2-Inch
- Finish Type: Titanium
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Number of bits: 1 bit
In this set, you get fifteen different bits to choose from, and it is easy to find the perfect one for the job.
Product Description
Strength:
- Let’s start with the reinforced tip that enables the bit to cut through the most hardened nails effortlessly.
- Even with the tough application, this is a unit that is likely to last long.
- To add to that is the reinforced spine to boost the required strength for dealing with heavy-duty projects without breaking apart.
Utility:
- We cannot leave out the dual cutting edges for balanced drilling and give you an easy time cut through nails.
- Like most of the other auger bits out there, the Bosch Daredevil has large flutes curved onto the shaft to help clean the wood chips during the boring process.
- Lastly, the screw thread at the tip ensures that you do not have to push down the bit into the material you are drilling into.
- Reinforced spine for sturdiness
- Fifteen bits in one set
- Needs less effort
- Slower
10. Irwin 39108 Installer Twist Drill Bit
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Cuts through: Wood
- Size Bits: 1-Inch x 18-Inch
- Tool Flute Type: Spiral
- Number of bits: 1 bit
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At this point, we will introduce you to the Irwin 39108 Wood Installer, and we will analyze its features so that you can decide whether or not to invest in the unit.
Product Description
Utility:
- Made in China, this installer bit is made out of top-notch alloy steel to make it ideal for use on harder materials besides wood.
- Then, with this bit, you can be sure of faster and efficient operation. This is due to the fluted design that removes chips from the surface you are working on and preventing binding and clogging.
Production:
- This smoothness and the mess-free process is crucial in wiring installations.
- We cannot forget the hole in the flute (head) that gives you an easy time pulling the wires through the hole.
- There is also the longer flute section to allow for deeper boring into the wooden material.
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Sturdy construction
- Not that durable
11. Snappy Tools Self-Centering Hinge Drill Bit Set
- Material: High Speed Steel
- Cuts through: Hinges, Handles, Drawer slides
- Size Bits: 5/64″, 7/64″, 9/64″, 11/64″, 13/64″
- Number of bits: 5 bit
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Here, you get five pieces of bits with sizes ranging from 5/64″ to 13/64″.
Product Description
Durability:
- The first feature to point out is the HS steel construction for longevity and the sturdiness to withstand heavy-duty applications.
- Next is the standard hex shank on each bit, which fits all power drills and quick-change chucks.
Utility:
- These bits’ versatility is quite impressive as you can use them for countersinking and counterboring the perfect holes with the least effort.
- Each bit has its size etched on it to eliminate guesswork, and you will easily choose the appropriate size as the task requires.
- You are sure to appreciate how easy it is to change from one bit to the other for a smooth operation.
- Durable
- Versatile
- Made in the USA
- Poor self-centering
12. Steelex D2022 Deluxe 8Pc Plug Cutting Set
- Material: Metal
- Cuts through: Wood
- Size Bits: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, and 5/8″
- Number of bits: 8 bit
Just as the name suggests, this is another set of tools built with durability at the back of the manufacturer’s mind.
The sturdy metal construction is vital in ensuring that this plug-cutting set does what is expected of it without failure.
Find out what’s in store from this toolset.
Product Description
Versatility:
- This is an 8-piece set of plug-cutters of different sizes ranging from 1/4-inch to 5/8-inch. So, it is easy to use the right size for the appropriate task it is meant for.
- Then, the plug cutters are available in both straight and tapered styles, all of which are designed for different duties.
Utility:
- With these tools, you will get a smooth-sided plug with rounded shoulders, which helps in easy insertion into the bored hole.
- We liked that you can use these plug cutters with drill presses to allow for a broader range of use.
- Once you are done with the plug cutters, you can safely put them away in the wooden storage box included in the package.
- High-quality construction
- Come in different sizes
- Wooden box for secure storage
- Poor precision
13. Fulton 12″ Long Brad Point Bit Set
- Material: High Speed Steel
- Cuts through: PVC, Resin’s, Composites, Plywood and more
- Size Bits: 12″ x 1/8″, 12″ x 3/16″ bit, 12″ x 1/4″ bit, 12″ x 5/16″ bit, 12″ x 3/8″ bit, 12″ x 7/16″ bit, 12″ x 1/2″ bit
- Finish Type: Uncoated
- Shank Type: Round
- Number of bits: 8 bit
If you have any woodworking application that requires ultimate precision such as furniture making and cabinetry, this set would be a reasonable pick.
Check out what we have written about this product and see whether it has what you are looking for.
Product Description
Versatility:
- First and foremost, this is a set of twenty-nine bits of different sizes and precisely-ground that you can use to bore holes into wooden surfaces.
- The sizes range from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch and it is easy to match the size with the task ahead. Further, the fractional increments of the sizes make the bits even more convenient.
Components:
- The brad point drill has three main attributes that make it ideal for a range of woodworking projects. These include a pointed tip, extra-wide flutes, and sharp spur edges.
- We cannot leave out the solid polycarbonate case for providing the bits with secure storage away from damage.
Storage:
- The case has three drill bit holders, each vividly marked with the bit sizes.
- This helps in the easy location of the bits according to the size that the task demands.
- Besides that, the bit holders are attached to the lid so that the tools do not get damaged when you open the lid.
- Very sharp bits
- Accurate and smooth operation
- Excellent customer support
- A bit wobbly
Buying Guide for the Wood Drilling Bits
Nothing is as disappointing as spending your money on a particular product only to realize that it is not up to the task you intended it for. So, to land some top-quality wood drill bits, there are certain factors that you have to consider.
We are going to point out and explain these factors in detail.
1. The Material
This is a crucial aspect that you should not take lightly. The material used in making the unit determines how long it will last, as well as impacting the performance it will deliver.
The primary materials that would assure you of durability include steel, high-speed steel, and cobalt.
Besides that, the coating would also boost the bit’s durability. Common types of coating that you may find include titanium, black oxide, and carbide coating—these help in giving the unit corrosion and rust-resistance.
2. Size
This is another feature that you need to be careful with. Always ensure that you use the right drill size as per the task you are dealing with.
If you intend to drill large holes into a wooden surface, the bits should also be large enough for the project.
To ensure that you never get disappointed with the sizing, go for a drill bit set with a wide variety of items, translating to a wider size range. This way, it would be easy for you to find a suitable diameter for the drilling project.
3. Construction
Drill bits are constructed in different ways. The various models to choose from include round, slotted drive system, and hex shank.
Keep in mind that each design is suited for a different project, and you wouldn’t want to confuse one for the other.
4. The Bit Style
In case you d not known this, we are to point out that drill bits are available in different styles. They include auger bits, twist bits, installer bits, and brad-point bits.
Just like the construction, each bit style has a unique task that it is suited for.
5. Attachments
An ideal drill bit ought to have the perfect straightness. If yours isn’t straight enough, an attachment will help you solve the problem. For instance, if you will be dealing with tricky angles, a right-angled attachment would do the job.
FAQs
In this section, we have compiled some of the queries we faced in our research on the most popular bits for drilling wood. The aim is to expand your knowledge on the topic so that you can make an informed choice in the end.
Q: How do I tell that may drill bits are superbly durable?
The durability of a drill bit is rated as per the number of holes it can drill while in good condition. Ideally, you ought to go for a bit that can bore between 20-100 holes without falling apart.
Q: Which Materials would assure you of the strongest drill bits?
In such a case, you should aim for bits made of high-speed steel (HSS), carbide, and cobalt. With these materials, you can be sure that your tools can withstand the toughest applications.
Q: What determines the type of bits that I should use?
The type of bits to use depends on the material you are working on. In our case, spur or lip bits are the best choices for drilling into wood. As for metal surfaces, high-speed steel bits would do the job.
The Best Overall
From the products we have analyzed, our top pick is the Irwin Tool 1801022 Speedbor Max Wood Drilling Bit Set. In the package, you get 10-pieces of well-built drill bits and designed for a wide range of applications.
The blue groove design helps remove the wood chips from the surface you are working on so that your operation can be smoother and faster.
On top of everything, you get a sturdy storage case to secure the bits after use.
Final Word
We believe that our article has touched on everything necessary concerning drill bits for wood. In the end, you ought to have known what to look for in a perfect drill bit so that the search can be an effortless affair. If you get these factors right, you will be in a better position to make the right choice next time you go shopping for the ideal drill bits for wood.