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Brad-point drill bits are designed to provide the cleanest, straightest, and most accurately sized hole in wood, a great drill bit for projects requiring a high degree of detail.
Investing in a quality drill bit will make your job easier, and we can help! Below is our buying guide and top choices of the best brad point drill bits!
Comparison List of Top-Rated Brad Point Drill Bits
Not sure which brad point bits you need? Check out our quick comparison chart below and you’ll be ready to start drilling in no time.
This set is made by the Woodcraft brand, a company that prides itself on providing woodworkers with superior products. The drill bit is our top choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, and for many good reasons.
Other Features & Benefits
To start with, the bits are constructed from high-carbon steel to ensure they last longer. The best part? You can get them in all metric sizes from 1mm to 13mm in 0.5mm increments.
The kit includes a total of 25 pieces to choose from. And for the price, it sure does offer a very good value.
More importantly, it’s equipped with full diameter shanks for greater compatibility with even smaller chucks.
Positive Feedback
Made from durable materials
Available in all metric sizes
Works as expected
Negative Feedback
The storage case is made of thin materials
2. Wood Owl 6 Piece Set
Next up, we’ve got this set by the WoodOwl brand that includes a total of 6 pieces. And like most products, the kit has brad point boring bits in a wide range of sizes to choose from. Basically, the sizes range from 1/2 inches to 6 1/2 inches.
And you know what the best part is? The set is made from high carbon steel and has been fully induction hardened. So, when it comes to the durability of the bits you don’t need to worry.
It features precision ground cutting edges for added durability and accuracy.
The edges are also sharpened to allow even and easy cutting of accurately sized holes.
The set can easily be used in cordless drills as well as in drill press with amazing results.
Positive Feedback
Fast drilling with chamfered edges
Quick-release hex shanks
Minimal blowout
Negative Feedback
The finish could be better
3. Steelex D1034 Deluxe Set
Every woodworker needs this brad point drill set for precision drilling in wood. Featuring 25 pieces of drill bits in sizes from 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch by 1/64-inch increments, it’s hard to beat this set.
But here is the best part: bits between 1/8” to 1/2” come with a 1/4-inch shank. However, bits larger than 23/64” boast a 3/8” shank. Thanks to the reduced shank sizes, you’re guaranteed of easy drill fitting.
As far as the construction of the bits is concerned, each device is made from high-speed steel (HSS).
This material is known to be very hard and resistant to heat, thereby ensuring superior durability.
More importantly, the set comes with a sturdy steel index case to help you keep your tools safe and organized.
Positive Feedback
Drills at much higher speeds
Makes clean and flat bottom holes
Hard and durable protective case
Negative Feedback
Some of the bits aren’t straight
Wobble to some degree
4. Fisch FSF-320814 High-Speed Steel
Looking for some of the best HSS brad point drill bits on the market? This set from the Fisch brand is worth considering as it’s constructed from High-Speed Steel to ensure longevity.
As if that’s not enough, the set boasts optimized spurs and beveled edges for maximum performance. The spurs allow fast and easy cutting of wood fibers before drilling the hole. Having a beveled edge, on the other hand, enables perfect drilling without any deviation.
Feature List
Material: High Speed Steel
Cuts through: Metal, Wood and Plastic
Size Bits: 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and 1/2″
This premium set is equipped with a double flute design to make chip removal easy.
You can work efficiently without having to worry about clogging while drilling.
Because of its solid construction, the bits can be used in hard, soft, veneered, exotic, and laminated wood.
Positive Feedback
Creates clean and precise holes
Ideal for use in a drill press
Includes center point and cutters
Available in various sizes
Negative Feedback
So many counterfeits on the market
Expensive
5. Fulton 12” Long Brad Point Bit Set
Are you in need of long brad point drill bits for extra-long projects? If yes, this set is made just for you. As it turns out, each bit is about 12-inches long. And the best part is that the set is available in the most frequently used sizes.
Besides their brad-point tip, the bits have been engraved with the correct size. This helps ensure easy identification.
Feature List
Material: High Speed Steel
Cuts through: Wood, Plastic, Drywall, Composite Materials, MDF and Drywall
Size Bits: 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″ and 1/2″
Also worth mentioning is that the bits are manufactured from High-Speed Steel.
The set can last way longer than your typical steel bits.
Thanks to their sharp point on the tip, you don’t have to worry about the bits “walking”. This helps in ensuring you get more accurate and cleaner holes.
Positive Feedback
Comes in 7 common sizes
Straight and razor-sharp
Amazing quality for the price
Negative Feedback
Gets dull too quickly
6. Fisch FSF-364757 Imperial
Yet another Fisch brad point drill bit set that features 29 pieces for normal drilling operations. It can be used in hard, soft, laminated, exotic, and veneered wood, and works with both drill press machines or cordless drills.
This handy set comes with optimized outer spurs for fast and easy wood cuts. Along with this, the spurs are beveled cutting edges to ensure clean results without any deviation during drilling.
Being made out of chrome-vanadium steel, the bits are designed to last longer between sharpening.
Also, the chromium does a good job adding to their corrosion and abrasion resistance.
The set features common imperial sizes to choose from ranging from 1/16” to 1/2”.
On top of that, it boasts full diameter shanks to hold the bits tightly in place.
Positive Feedback
Less tear-out on wood materials
Super sharp and dead straight
Makes clean and precise holes
Negative Feedback
Some bit’s points aren’t ground to the center
The case does not latch well
7. DEWALT 6-Piece Model #DW1720 Drill Bit Set
If you’re just embarking on woodworking projects or are looking for affordable brad point drills, this set is a good choice. While the set doesn’t come in a durable storage case, the build quality of the bits is great.
Featuring precise cutting edges, the bits are designed to minimize splintering while also ensuring great accuracy. Also, the set boasts flutes to allow effective chip removal during drilling.
The set includes commonly used drill bits in sizes ranging from 1/8 to 1/2-inch to power through wood with ease.
Each bit boasts a high-speed steel construction to ensure a longer lifespan.
The durable construction also allows for much higher drilling speeds.
Positive Feedback
Perfect for doweling
Comes with a one-year warranty
Resistant to heat
Efficient chip removal
Negative Feedback
Dulls out pretty quickly
No storage case included
8. COMOWARE Brad Point Drill Bits
Comprising six pieces of wood drill bits, this set is ideal for a hand drill, bench drill, and conventional electric drill. The best part is that you can get the bits in different diameters ranging from 1/8” to 1/2”.
What’s more? It features reduced shank to fit 1/2” chucks coupled with round shank to fit a wide range of drills. And with a brad point tip, you don’t have to worry about the bit skidding.
Similar to most brad point drill bit sets, this too is engineered with double flutes, which helps with clean and effective chip removal.
Also worth mentioning is that the set product boasts high carbon steel construction to allow fast cutting against tough materials.
This type of steel also ensures the longevity of the bits.
Positive Feedback
Superior cutting power
Better centering for reduced walking
High-quality materials
Negative Feedback
No carrying case
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right Bit
Wondering how we got around to pick the 9 products mentioned above? Or are you simply interested in knowing how to choose the most high-quality brad point drill bits for the job?
Below are some of the key features to consider during the process.
Material
Different bits are made from different materials. Most of them are either manufactured from high-carbon steel, high-speed steel, or chrome-vanadium steel.
All the above materials are known for durability. However, bits made from high-speed steel are considered to be more durable than others. They are also heat-resistant and tend to drill harder woods at much higher speeds.
Drills made from high-carbon steel and chrome-vanadium steel are also very durable but they tend to overheat sometimes.
Size & Length
Brad-point drill bits are available either in imperial or metric sizes. When it comes to imperial bit sets, their sizes tend to range from 1/16 to 1/2 inch in diameter. The sizes of metric bits, on the other hand, range from 1mm to 13mm in 0.5mm increments.
However, the size of the bits you need largely depends on the type of holes you wish to drill. Therefore, you may choose to buy a set that comes in all common metric or imperial sizes.
Additionally, you might want to consider the length of the brad-point drills. You see, the length of the bits usually affects how deep of a hole you can make. So, the longer the bit is, the deeper the hole will be. Also, longer bits ensure more flexibility.
Shank Design
Another feature to consider is the size of the shank the bits come with. Generally, most brad point drills have a straight (full diameter) shank design while others feature the round or hex shank design.
Full diameter shanks tend to be compatible with different drill models because of their reduced size.
Round shanks, on the other hand, allow you to center the bit more quickly and accurately.
When it comes to hex-type shanks, they tend to be more convenient to load.
Flute Design
Also worth considering is whether the set you want to buy comes with flutes. Luckily, most bits come with double flutes to help clean up chips.
This allows you to work more efficiently since you don’t have to worry about the holes being clogged up with debris.
Storage Case
Lastly, you must take into account whether the drill bits come with a storage case. It helps a lot to have all your tools organized in one simple storage case. The case also helps ensure you don’t lose some of the bits.
However, not just any case will be good enough. So, you should look out for cases that are made from sturdy materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still not sure which brad point drill bit set to buy? Check out these frequently asked questions below so you will know which ones to purchase.
Q: What is a brad point?
They are bits specially made to drill and bore clean holes in both hard and softwoods without walking. Compared to other drills, they offer a clean, accurate, and straight-sized holes.
Q: Can I sharpen brad point drill bits?
These types of bits are commonly used in wood. However, it can be hard to sharpen them. The good news? High-quality bits are designed to stay sharper for longer.
Q: What are the best brad point drill bits for wood?
Bits constructed from high-speed steel (HSS) are more durable for drilling wood. You might also want to consider those made from high-carbon steel or chrome-vanadium as they are equally good.
Which is the Best Set?
If you’re looking for an all-round set, the WoodRiver 25 Piece Brad Point Drill Set is our top choice. It features 25 pieces that come in all metric sizes to choose from. On top of that, the set is manufactured from durable high-carbon steel and boasts a full diameter shank. Therefore, it can accept even smaller chucks.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have an idea of what a good brad point drill bit is like. So, whether you want a set for drilling soft or hardwood, look no further. Our list of top brad point drill bits got you covered. Just remember that having the right drill bit matters a lot.
