Best Drill Bits for Every Kind of Material
The science of figuring out the best drill bits for your home improvement projects can be complicated, especially if you’re new to DIY and repair. While you can pull off some projects using any available drill bit, some materials require a specific drill bit to get the job done properly, otherwise, you will end up messing things up. In this article, we are going to go over some of the best drill bits to use on a variety of materials like metal, steel, glass, wood, aluminum, brick, concrete, and more.
Best Drill Bits for Different Surfaces
If you’re new to home repair, you may not be aware that different drill bits are needed for different materials. For example, there is a difference between wood and concrete drill bits, and the same is true with the best bits for steel, metal, and aluminum. In this guide, we will take you through all of the common materials you might be drilling through, and offer some suggestions on the best drill bits.
For Metal
Keep in mind that there are different types of metals, so before you begin drilling, you’ll want to make sure you know what kind of metal you’re about to drill into, and then you can find the ideal drill bit for the job. For instance, you can use almost any twist bit to work on sheet metal, but for hardened steel, you need something more powerful.
Some of the features you need to look out for when finding the best drill bit for metal is the speed, size, and angle of the bit. Specifically, a bit that is three inches long, with a 135-degree tip is ideal. Further, a black and gold oxide coating would ensure the bit is durable and will drill smoothly into any surface.
Since metal creates a lot of friction, it is paramount that the bit is made of a material that can handle the tough surface. So you’ll want to look for a bit made specifically for high-speed steel (HHS), as these are more effective for working with metals.
In addition to an HHS bit, you want something made out of cobalt, as it can withstand hardened steel and metals and won’t break upon impact. Essentially, any bit that is a mixture of HSS and cobalt is the best when working with metals.
See the table above for our top selections.
For Brick and Concrete
The best drill bits for brick and concrete are masonry bits, as they will easily burrow through stone or brick. Specifically, you’re going to want to look for masonry bits that come with carbide or durum tips, as they are more efficient when it comes to working on bricks.
Before you begin, it is worth noting that working on concrete is hard, there is no sense in dancing around it. So, you will need a drill bit that is strong and rough, ideally one with a steel body and a carbide tip. Further, the carbide bit will be able to handle chewing for a long time, which will prevent it from shattering in the middle of your project. If you need more help, be sure to check out our guide on how to drill into brick.Â
It’s also important to note that there is a big difference between wood and concrete masonry drill bits. While they look similar, if you lay the bits side by side, you’ll find that the masonry bits designed for wood are typically sharper and have a point on the tip, while the masonry bits intended for brick and concrete have more of an arrow-shaped tip and aren’t quite as sharp down the body of the bit.
We’ve included some of our favorite bit sets for drilling into brick and concrete above.
For Steel
When it comes to drilling through steel or hardened steel, your project can quickly become a nightmare even with the best steel drill bits in the world — so imagine what it would be like with the wrong bit. To avoid getting frustrated, you need to invest in a good bit. There is no doubt that drilling into steel could be a nasty job, but the right tool can truly make all the difference.
One of the top features to look for when buying a drill bit for steel is the size, essentially the longer the better. If you’re more inclined toward brand names, then you should consider the DeWalt’s DWA1240 14-pieces drill bits. It is super durable and should get most jobs done with little interruption.
However, if one of the sets mentioned above isn’t something you want, then feel free to have a look around the market. However, when you’re buying, make sure you look for a bit made out of titanium and cobalt.
See the table above for our top selections.
For Wood
You may be tempted to think that you don’t need a special drill bit for working with wood, but you’d be wrong. While it is true that generally, the specifications are the same, there are some important things to look for before you begin your project. As you probably know, every bit needs to have a sharp point and cutting edges, but if you’re working with wood, there are three kinds of bits you’ll want to look for.
Your first option is a spade bit. These bits are very pointy on the end and have a wide area below it to help you burrow out the perfect sized hole. Luckily, these are some of the cheapest drill bits in the market and are exceptional when working on wood. Further, you can easily modify the design, especially when you need a smaller sized bit.
Another option is hole saws. These come with two parts, the blade and the mandrel, and are ideal for drilling bigger holes. With these components, you can quickly drill into any type of wood without issue.
The last type of drill bit for wood is auger bits. These bits are long and cylindrical and are best for drilling small, but deep holes in wood. They come in different designs sizes and can burrow through any wood out there.
For Glass
When it comes to drilling through glass, you’re going to need a specific bit to ensure you don’t crack the fragile surface. When looking for the best drill bits for glass, you’re going to want to consider the material that the bit is made out of. Specifically, you need to use a drill bit made out of carbide to drill into glass. If you use a different kind of material, you’ll likely end up cracking the surface.
Further, when you’re drilling into glass, you’ll need to be careful when you begin to drill. You should be drilling at a slow speed the whole time and only applying a small amount of pressure. You can slowly increase the pressure if needed, but adding too much pressure or drilling with too much speed will break the glass. Slow and steady wins the race!
See the table above for our top selections.
For Aluminum
Working with aluminum might be one of the easiest drilling projects, so if you’re nervous, take a deep breath and relax! Aluminum is lightweight and has a pliable nature, so drilling through it shouldn’t be too hard. However, you still need to be careful when working with this material, to avoid dulling your drill bits or ruining your project. Some drill bits are simply not made for drilling aluminum, which is why you need the right drill bit.
Cobalt drill bits are often the best bit for aluminum since it can withstand higher temperatures and friction without breaking down. When working on aluminum, you need something robust and reliable, as the soft nature of the material can actually be tricky to work with at times. Further, the drilling aluminum rpm should be pretty fast, if you go too slow you might end up denting the material.
When choosing a drill bit for aluminum, you must make sure the bit is high-speed steel, that way the aluminum can withstand higher RPMs while drilling without damaging or breaking. If you want your drill bits to last longer, then ensure it is a cobalt bit, but it’s not necessary.
See the table above for our top selections.
Best Metal Drill Bits
If you’ve been working with drills for some time now, you will notice that some surfaces require specific drill bits. If you find yourself drilling on metal on a regular basis, you need to invest in some high-end drill bits specially made for the material. If you don’t, you will find out that you’re exerting far too much pressure on the bits, which will quickly dull them and possibly damage the metal. Below are some of the best metal drill bits you should consider.
DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece Titanium
This incredible set is topping the list for a reason. First of all, it is a heavy-duty titanium pilot that is robust and durable. It can burrow its way through any metal without wavering. Also, it is exceptional in creating clean holes that will make your home improvement project a breeze. Unlike other similar drill bits, it comes with a titanium coating that gives it more durability and can be used for a variety of DIY projects.
Neiko 10193A Titanium Set
The next set on our list comes with a high-speed coat of titanium. With these bits, you won’t have any trouble with the majority of your drilling needs. Also, the remarkable two-flute design ensures that particles produced during drilling escape quickly, keeping your pilot hole from getting clogged up. If you want something fast and clean, then this set is for you.
Vastar Titanium Bit Set
Another great option you might need to consider for your metal project is the Vastar Titanium bit set. It comes with a two-fluted design, which is incredibly fast and smooth. These bits are manufactured with high-quality and robust M2 steel, ensuring durability. You can use these drill bits in metals, plastic, and even on wood surfaces.
Best Masonry Drill Bits
As we mentioned above, if you plan to drill through brick, concrete, or wood, you’re going to need some masonry bits. In the list below, we’ve detailed some of our favorite masonry drill bits that will work for a variety of projects
COMOWARE Masonry Drill Bits
If you’re thinking of drilling through concrete or brick, then you need to consider this bit. It is made with high-quality materials and can handle rough surfaces. It comes with a two-flute upgraded design, which will help do away with debris and dust. Furthermore, it comes in different sizes, allowing you to use it for various purposes.
Titanium DEWALT Drill Bit 14 Piece Set
Made out of titanium and designed to be long-lasting, this masonry drill bit set is among the best if you’re wanting to drill into any type of wood. Its tapered web shape allows the bits to have great durability and reduces the chances of it breaking in the middle of a project. Further, the set comes with 14 different bits, which can be used to drill a variety of different-sized holes.
Bosch 6 Piece SDS-Plus Masonry Set
If you’re looking for a drill bit that comes with tons of functionalities and features, then you might need to consider this bit. It comes with a high-quality diamond carbide tip and is designed for drilling into things like brick, concrete, and tile. Further, it is a sturdy tool and is very resistant to rust.
Conclusion
Every project is unique and as thus, requires its own unique tool for the best result. There are numerous drill bits in the market that you can order, but at the end of the day, you need to find the best drill bits for your specific project. A drill bit that is the best for drilling wood would be the wrong choice when it comes to metal and vice versa. Choosing the proper bit will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. If you need more help with home improvement projects, be sure to check out the rest of our articles on Repair Prepare.
