The 11 Best Forstner Drill Bits | Reviews by DrillingAdvisor

 Disclaimer: DrillingAdvisor.org is a reader supported site. We earn commission from products purchased using affiliate links. We value your support and read more about the affiliate program here. 

 

As an active DIYer, you understand the importance of having the right tool for the job – and that includes having the right drill bit.  Today we’re going to share information on Forstner drill bits, these bits are unique in their ability to drill overlapping holes, and can bore bits through materials like plastic and wood.

Keep reading to start your search, our buying guide and top choices are below!

Top Picks

	Top Pick:	Irwin 14-Piece Forstner Bits
	Editor’s Choice:	Steelex Forstner Bit Set with Hex Shank
	Amazon's Choice:	Meichoon Q-DC01 HSS Forstner Drill Bits
	Highest Drilling Rate:	Freud 16 Pcs Forstner Bit Set
	Most Reviewed:	PORTER-CABLE 14-Piece Forstner Bit Set
	Best Rated:	Qibaok Forstner Drill Bit Set

Comparison of Top-Quality Forstner Drill Bits on the Market

Before we go any further, we would like to give you a heads up that this review is quite comprehensive. If you are not keen on going through it all, you may want to browse the following table, which summarizes our top choices.

 

Reviews of the 11 Best Forstner Drill Bits (Ranked & Rated)

 

1. Irwin 1966893 Forstner Bit Set – Top Pick 

To start us off, we have this bit set from IRWIN Marples. As you go deeper into this review, you will realize that most Forstner bit sets do not come in diverse sizes. The sizes could be too close together or too far apart.

With this set, you will not experience that problem because it features different bit sizes that will fit any type of project. It contains 14 pieces that range from ¼-2 inches.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on HOME LOWES              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

Whether you want to drill pocket or flat-bottomed holes, these bits will work just fine. They come packed in a storage case that is compact and small, hence making it easy to stay organized and store the bits conveniently.

We love that this product offers you value for money. It is one of the affordable options on this list, yet it does not compromise on performance. The bits are extra sharp, hence likely to drill faster, and we bet you will love that.

What Could Have Been Better?

Regrettably, these bits slip while in the drill chuck, which can be extremely inconvenient. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this and corrected it before releasing the product to the market.

 

2. Steelex D3573 16-Piece Forstner Bit Set – Editor’s Choice

For over two decades, Steelex has been the to-go brand for both professionals and DIYers who desire to work with first-rate tools.

This D3573 bit set is no exception. It features a versatile set of bits that allow for useful and sterling performance regardless of the task. This product is built to last and comes with 16 bit pieces to deliver great accuracy and seamless results.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

Drill bits can easily get lost, mostly because they are quite tiny. For that reason, you will appreciate that this set comes in a storage case.

Other than that, the bits are designed to be multi-purpose and can be used on different materials. They come with a hex shank design that guarantees zero slippage and improves the precision of your drilling.

We love that this product comes with different bit sizes to match different drilling applications.

Some users have reported that these bits shear up after several uses. This means that they are not as durable, and we feel that the manufacturer should have used better quality material in their construction to avoid this.

Customer Review Section

 

3. Meichoon Q-DC01 Forstner Drill Bits – Amazon’s Choice

Our guess is that you will hear about this product one or two times as you search for the perfect drill bit set, and rightfully so because it is as durable as they come.

We say this because it is made from tungsten steel alloy, a material known to stand the test of time.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on WALMART              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

This kit comprises 16 different bit pieces that range between 15mm to 35mm. This means that they will work just fine whether you are a DIYer or professional.

The bits are heat resistant as well, making them efficient for working on time-consuming projects. You will not feel any tremors or shocks while using these bits, which is a plus.

We love that these bits are versatile, making them ideal to use on all kinds of plastic, wood, and other materials.

What Could Have Been Better?

The storage case for this product is made from plastic and is likely to fall apart. We feel that the manufacturer should have included a wooden case to avoid this.

 

4. Freud PB-100 Forstner Bits – Highest Drilling Rate

As a brand, Freud claims to be the industry leader when it comes to researching and designing premium quality drilling tools and blade stabilizers.

They produce a range of products, including cutter heads, knives, drilling tools, router bits, and saw blades, so you can see it is a one-stop shop for all your drilling needs.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on WALMART              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

These bits come with a special geometric design and cutting edges that are able to deliver greater shearing actions.

Moreover, the bits feature a wavy edge design that facilitates the boring of angled holes. This gives you the best of both performance and speed.

However, what we loved most about this product is that it is made from long-lasting and sharp PB-100 material. When it comes to performance, these bits bring it, and they are a great choice for anyone who wants to upgrade their tools or handle heavy-duty applications.

What Could Have Been Better?

Some users have complained that these bits are not as sharp, hence not as efficient. We feel that the manufacturer should have used better quality material during construction to avoid this.

 

5. Porter-Cable PC1014 14-Piece Forstner Bits – Most Reviewed

Sometimes, it is better to purchase products from a company that has been in the field for a while because it means they deliver quality.

Well, that is what you get with this set as it comes from Porter Cable, a brand that has been in operation for more than 100 years.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on WALMART              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

This product features a whopping 14 pieces that should come in handy regardless of the project you are handling. The teeth are designed to deliver rapid and clean hole boring to give you a smooth finish.

What we found most appealing about this unit is that it comprises bits made of hardened steel that are not only durable but able to handle heavy-duty tasks as well.

You will love this set if you are a beginner as it is ideal for learning. Then, once you master the art of drilling, you can upgrade.

What Could Have Been Better?

According to some users, these bits become dull after several minutes of use. The manufacturer should have used material that will remain sharper for longer to avoid this.

 

6. Qibaok HSS Forstner Drill Bits – Best Rated

You are not going to regret buying this product as far as quality is concerned. This is because the bits are made of HSS steel, which is known to be durable.

Now that you know that these bits are durable, you can imagine how much precision they will deliver. The best part is that they allow you to do your drilling within the shortest amount of time.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

Do you have a heavy-duty task that requires you to drill for extended periods of time? You will be pleased to learn that these bits are not prone to overheating, so you do not have to take frequent breaks to avoid it.

Do not even get us started on the versatility because these bits are perfect for different kinds of applications from mounting shelves to drilling through plastic.

What we loved most, however, is that the drill features 17 different pieces that should match a wide range of projects.

What Could Have Been Better?

Some users have reported that this product does not arrive as advertised. We feel that the manufacturer should have delivered the same products as in the product description to avoid customer mistrust.

 

7. Irwin Marples 1966892 Forstner Bit Set

If you are looking for the perfect bits for your woodworking projects, this set has to be among your top options. With 8 bit pieces, you should be able to find several that work for you.

Another thing is that the bits come with ultra-sharp blades that easily drill pocket and flat-bottomed holes, whether you are dealing with soft or hardwood.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on LOWES              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

You do not have to spend your time trying to get the perfect holes because these bits drill faster compared to conventional bits and cut drilling time.

Additionally, these bits are built to last longer than you would expect so you can be sure that they will handle your projects without falling apart.

We love that the bits deliver precision drilling so that you can have smooth finishes for all your projects.

What Could Have Been Better?

Unfortunately, the cutting edges of these bits develop burs, especially after drilling through hardwood. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this before releasing the bits to the market.

 

8. QLOUNI Forstner Drill Bit Set 16Pcs

We feel that this bit set should be among your top considerations if you are looking to drill perfect holes through plywood, plastic, or wood.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

It becomes a struggle to deal with some drill bits, but not the ones from this set. They are easy to insert and operate, giving you a user-friendly experience.

Other than that, these bits are designed to last so you can be sure you will not be replacing the set any time soon, and we love that about it.

What Could Have Been Better?

Unfortunately, a small percentage of these bits’ users have reported that they tend to overheat. So, if you’re an intensive user of drills, you might want to keep off this one for now.

 

9. Roman Carbide DC1843 Forstner Bit

If you are looking for a drill bit set that will give you a seamless experience while drilling, you have to consider this product from Roman.

The manufacturer paid close attention to detail and used solid material in the construction so you can be sure of dependable and safe operation.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

This set is designed to be durable so you do not have to worry about replacing your bits after each task or, worse still, before you complete your projects.

Other than that, the tips are made of micro-grain to ensure that they remain sharper for longer to deliver the perfect results that you expect each time.

We love that these bits will not slip once you begin drilling, which means you will enjoy a seamless drilling experience.

What Could Have Been Better?

Some users have complained that these bits do not look like or even cut like Forstner bits. The manufacturer should have made the bits with Forstner characteristics to avoid this.

 

10. Meichoon Q-DC02A 6PCS Forstner Drill Bits Set

The first thing you need to know about the bits in this set is that they are made from tungsten steel and hot-treated. What does this mean? Only that you will experience smooth cutting, great accuracy, and resistance to shock.

Aside from that, these bits are set to deliver high speeds, making sure that you do not waste any time as you work on your projects.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on WALMART              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

Now, this set does not contain as many bits as the others on this list, but we are sure you can find something that will work for you if you do not drill often.

What we loved most about the product is that it does not come with the tremor phenomenon that is synonymous with drilling.

With these bits, you can drill through several products including plastic and wood and we, therefore, feel that it is quite versatile.

What Could Have Been Better?

Some users have complained that these bits tend to wobble once inserted into a drill and may even jump out. Of course, this could harm you.

We feel that the manufacturer should have checked to confirm that the bits fit securely to avoid this.

 

11. Genubi Industry 60mm Forstner Drill Bit

We have talked about HSS steel in this review enough times for you to know that it is a durable material. Well, so are these bits because they are made from the same.

When it comes to performance, this product performs highly as the bits feature sharp edges, sturdiness, and impact resistance. These bits effortlessly bore accurate flat-bottom holes and we believe you will love that.

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

With these bits, you get improved opening speed and small incision resistance, making it the perfect design for an efficient drilling experience.

The bits are versatile as well since they can be used on an assortment of applications including drilling through wood and plastic.

That being said, what we loved most about this product is that it allows for accurate drilling, therefore, delivering clean results.

What Could Have Been Better?

Unfortunately, these bits are not designed to be used for heavy-duty applications because some users have reported that they fell apart after being used on hard surfaces like pinewood.

The manufacturer should have used better quality material in the construction to avoid this.

The Perfect Forstner Bit [Things To Consider]

We can tell you that it will be challenging to find the perfect Forstner bit set, even as a professional. For example, when drilling, you might realize that you need certain bit sizes to get the holes you desire, only to find that they are not in your set.

If you use substandard bits, the drill may spin and end up hurting you, or you could end up with chipped holes.

In that regard, you want to consider several crucial factors before purchasing your drill bit set.

These include:

Bit Sizes

Before buying drill bits, you probably have a project in mind and therefore know the sizes to get. However, if you are purchasing the bits for future general use, you may want to get a set with different sizes.

This will save you time and money whenever you are handling a project that requires you to use different bit sizes.

Ease of Storage

Most bits are on the smaller side. As such, it is very easy to lose some pieces.

Because of this, you want the set that you pick to come with a storage case. This will protect your bits from damage, keep them organized, and facilitate easy and convenient storage.

That being said, the case should be made of durable material. Otherwise, it will not fulfill its intended purpose.

Bit Material

Perhaps you do not know this, but any Forstner bit worth your money should be made of a blend of high-grade steel. Of course, this is because the material is durable.

High-speed steel (HSS) is a strong yet cheaper material. It can endure a lot more abuse than most metals that offer just the bare minimum. With a bit made from this material, you will be getting good value for your money.

Other options you should consider include carbide-based steels as they are of good quality and withstand the test of time. Note that they cost a little bit more, but if you have the money to spare, we advise you to go for them.

Edge Type

Forstner bits feature several kinds of edges that determine how you end up making use of them. Ultimately, you want your bits to have sharp edges that do not overheat fast for a clean job.

Knife-edge bits come with an interruption on the rim and a single raised knife edge. They tend to cut fast but are likely to overheat because of the friction caused. 

Wavy-edged bits feature tiny serrations and dissipate heat better. You want to keep in mind that they do not cut quite as fast as other bits, nor do they bore extremely clean holes.

Lastly, we have saw-tooth bits which can handle faster speeds. However, they do not perform well at angles and will even induce tear-out. They only work well if you are drilling through wood at a right angle.

Your Budget

It is important to have a budget in place as you search for the perfect Forstner bit set. Why? Simply because you do not want to splurge on a product that is not worth the investment or get an extremely cheap product that will only give you problems.

To that effect, you want to identify a product, look at its specs, and match it with the amount you are willing to spend. This should make it easier to strike a balance between price and quality.

If you countersink quite a bit, Forstner bits will come in handy. These bits are usually used for woodworking, but they can drill through other materials as well.

In the next few paragraphs, we are going to analyze some of the best Forstner bits so that you can have an easier time making a choice.

Why Use?

You are probably wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to drilling bits. Like why should you go for Forstner bits when there are other bits in the market?

Well, Forstner bits are perfect for woodworking and this is because of several reasons. The following are more reasons why you should opt for these bits.

You Get Smooth Walls

Because of their sharp rims, Forstner bits are able to create extremely smooth walls along with holes. If you have used these bits before, you know that the holes they create do not need extra smoothing.

This comes in handy if you are handling professional tasks because you will have to deliver accurate and clean results.

Perfect for Creating Overlapping Holes

Most drill bits tend to deliver messy results that are not even accurate. With a Forstner bit, you get the design and sharpness required to drill clean overlapping holes.

They Create Flat-Based and Clean-Edged Holes

This is another unique ability that Forstner bits have over other bit types. They bore flat-based holes with just a tiny hole at the base created by the spur.

In some instances, you can avoid creating the hole, especially if your drill has an adjustable spur. All you have to do is pull it back as you are drilling.

Forstner bits are also able to drill without plugging, and this allows them to create accurate holes.

They Drill Well at an Angle

With other drill bits, drilling at a vertical angle is difficult, but that is not the case with Forstner bits. These bits feature a sharp rim that guides them unlike regular drill bits that are guided by the tip.

Because of this ability to drill at steep angles, Forstner bits are ideal for making holes on edges of materials without creating a mess. How about that?

Tips For Using Forstner Bits

We believe you want to get the most out of your drill bits. Here are some tips that will help you achieve that with your Forstner bits.

• Forstner bits deliver when they are sharp so you want to ensure that yours are always that way. You can tell that your bit is dull if it lingers on a surface without going in as you attempt to drill.
• You can either replace the bits or sharpen them to avoid messing up the surface you are drilling.
• Always hold your bit steady. Using Forstner bits to drill vertical surfaces can be hard due to issues with weight distribution.
• In that regard, you want to add a secondary handle to your drill to give you another support point that will ensure you create straight holes.
• Keep your bits from overheating. Forstner bits tend to overheat, particularly if they are used to consistently make holes. Give your bit some time to cool down if you will be drilling several holes in a row.

Overheating can dull your bits as well, so if you need to bore many holes, consider getting several bits that you can interchange.

Using Them With a Drill Press

It would only be fair if we explained how Forstner bits work. Below, we discuss how they function with a drill press for greater precision.

Step 1:

The first thing you want to do is identify a workpiece and work surface. Place your workpiece on the surface and secure it so that it does not shift when you begin your drilling.

If you intend to make holes all the way to the back of your workpiece, you need to place it on a sacrificial backing that will take all the abuse in case of a blowout.

Step 2:

Next, you want to insert your bit into the drill and adjust. Ensure that you adjust the height of your bit as well as the drill to allow the completion of your desired hole depth with ease.

Step 3:

Once that is done, you want to align your workpiece to your drill bit in readiness for drilling. Mark your workpiece to indicate where you want your hole to be. You can do this using a pencil or piece of chalk.

After marking, align the center of your bit by lowering your drill’s arm without activating its motor.

Step 4:

Once you get the correct alignment, flip your drill, and gently press it into your surface. It is recommended that you begin at a slow pace so you can get a feel of the resistance caused by your bit.

As the hole begins to form, you can apply more pressure and increase the speed using the drill press arm.

Step 5:

Upon realizing that you are about to get to your desired hole length, start slowing down your drill press. Preferably, after reaching your target depth, you should get to your drill’s slowest speed.

Keep your bit spinning at the low speed as you cautiously withdraw it from the surface. This allows for a cleaner edge within the created hole.

If you are planning to drill all the way through for a deeper hole, you can go on from this point. However, ensure that you get rid of any residual sawdust to prevent heat accumulation over your bit’s blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

You probably have several questions when it comes to the Forstner bits. We have tackled a few below that can give you a clearer picture.

Can I use a Forstner bit in a hand drill?

Sure, but these bits can be tricky to use in handheld or portable drills and are best suited for drill presses. If you use a Forstner bit in a hand drill, you will realize that it walks around or drifts from the center, hence not performing as expected.

What is the best Forstner bit?

There are many great products in the market, so picking one in particular as the best would be unfair. However, if you want to know that you are on the right track as far as choosing yours, look at things like the durability, size range, and sharpness.

Such features should lead you to make the right purchase.

What are Forstner bits good for?

These bits are designed to cause minimal tear-out as they exit your workpiece. As such, they are perfect for drilling through wood.

Forstner bits are known for creating flat-bottomed holes, which makes them ideal for hardware installations where precision is paramount.

Our Top Pick

Having assessed all 11 products, our top pick has to be the IRWIN Marples 1966893 Forstner Bit Set. We picked this kit not only because it features different bit sizes that will fit diverse projects but also because it creates flat-bottomed holes seamlessly.

Other than that, it comes in a small and compact storage case that will protect your bits from damage, keep them organized, and conveniently stored away.

What we love most about this product, however, is that it is one of the most affordable options on this list yet does not compromise on quality and performance. This means you get value for your money. You cannot be mad about that!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you go. These are 11 of the most reliable and high-performing Forstner drill bits you will ever come across.

We made sure that our list covered an array of options to suit different needs and budgets.

Now that you have all the information and need to make an informed choice, why dilly-dally? Go ahead and pick a set that will transform all your projects into masterpieces.