Why Use Drill Bits For Your Work - Tips and Best Buys
Brandon Carter Mar 27, 2023 7:26 AM
Different types of drill bits are available in the market, each designed for a specific purpose. In this blog post, we'll discuss the different types of drill bits so that you could make an informed decision about which is perfect suited for your needs.
The type of drill bit you need will depend on the material you will be drilling, the type of drill you are using, and the size of the hole you must drill. For example, if you are drilling through soft materials like wood, plastic, or soft metals, you will need a different type of drill bit than drilling through hard materials like concrete or brick.
Please keep reading to learn about the different type of drill bit sets and their uses!
The drill bits are the rotary cutting tools for making holes. The point of the drill bit contacts the material you are drilling into, while the stem - the end - is clamped into place by the jaws of the drill chuck.
There are many types of drill bits, enough to fill an entire aisle in the hardware store:
- Drill bits for stainless steel
- Concrete drill bit
- Drill bits for stainless steel
- Tile drill bit
- Drill bit for porcelain tile
- Drill bits for steel/drill bits for hardened steel
- Drill bits for wood
- Masonry drill bits
- Drill bits for metal
For our purposes, we will focus on the ones most widely used in DIY projects.
Drill Bits
Source: Pinterest
Drill bits are mainly used to make round holes in materials ranging from drywall and wood to metal and masonry. They can make a hole for anchors, leashes, or a passage for feeding ropes. Bits are sold individually and in sets of several sizes, commonly known as drill bits.
When choosing a drill, consider its physical shape, what it is made of, and the work material you are drilling.
A drill bit is a cutting tool used to create a hole in a variety of materials. They are available in a wide range of sizes and types, and the type of drill bit you need will depend on the material you are drilling and the size of the hole you need to create. All in all, the best drill bit are an essential tool for making holes in materials.
Twist Drill Bit
The most popular type of strongest drill bits is a twist bit, sometimes referred to as a fluted bit. This is likely because it has the most applications.
The spiral grooves along a twist bit's body are referred to as flutes, and they give the item its name. The flutes of the bit direct waste material up and out of the hole as it bites into the work material. When drilling a hole, twisted bits are frequently used as the initial tool. The fundamental twist bit structure is the basis for many drill bits, including brad bits and masonry bits.
However, the size of twist bits has a limit beyond which the weight and heat become unworkable. Twist bits typically function effectively for holes up to one inch in diameter. A spade bit or hole saw is required for holes bigger than an inch.
Twist Bit
Source: Amazon
Spade Bit
A spade bit resembles a pair of bat wings because of its flat shape, sharp tip in the center, and material that flares out on either side. Large sections of material are removed by spade bits.
While the tips of the flared wings score the outer perimeter of the circle that the spade blades chip away, the sharp point prevents the bit from gliding on a smooth surface. Due to it severs the wood fibers and reduces tear-out, the spade bit is an excellent choice for wood because of its scoring motion.
Spade Bits
Source: Pinterest
Step Bit
Step bits serve as numerous drill bits in a single device. These are cone-shaped with a recognizable stair-step profile rather than cylindrical. The size of the drill increases by one between each "step." This enables you to drill a hole that is precisely the right size or many holes of various sizes without changing the bit.
Step Bit
Source: Amazon
Hole Saw
A hole saw also gets rid of a lot of stuff. However, a twist bit in the middle of a hollow core cuts on the outside of the hole's diameter rather than chipping it out. That leaves a circular disk or material core.
Hole Saws
Source: Pinterest
The cutting tools of a drill bit are made of various materials. The most common material is carbide, a composite of carbon and other elements. Other materials used in drill bits include high-speed steel, cobalt, and titanium. Each of these materials has properties that suit different drilling applications.
High-Carbon Steel
These sturdy steel drill bits work well for drilling into metal, plastic, or wood. One drawback is that they may overheat and soften at rapid drill speeds, becoming dull. When drilling metal, this is very typical.
High-Speed Steel
Long-term drilling is possible using high-speed steel (HSS) bits without them losing their cutting edge. When cutting softer materials like drywall or wood, they function nearly identically to high-carbon steel bits, but they perform better when drilling through metal. Choose the HSS option if the difference in cost between a carbon steel bit and an HSS bit is minimal.
Carbide or Carbide-Tipped
Although substantially more expensive than steel bits, drill bits with carbide or carbide-coated tips are significantly more durable than steel bits.
DIYers do not typically require the added resilience of a carbide-tipped drill bit. If you choose one, save it for difficult projects and use a conventional drill bit for softer materials. Since carbide drill bits can be sharpened very effectively, you don't necessarily need to discard them when they become dull.
Coatings
Some bits have coatings that increase their lifespan or make them heat or abrasion-resistant. These include crushed diamonds and even titanium.
Here's how to choose the ideal piece for the project at hand.
Drill Bits for Metal
Your best option for drilling into metals like stainless steel (drill bits for steel) is an HSS twist bit. High-speed steel can withstand higher temperatures produced when drilling into metal better, and twist bits' flutes will discharge metal strands that are very simple to remove.
Use a step bit to obtain the precise size you require if you're working with thin material or expanding existing holes. Consider using a hole saw to drill one-inch or larger holes in metal surfaces.
Masonry Drill Bits
Concrete, brick, or mortar are ideal substrates for masonry drill bits. Typically, these are twisted bits with a carbide fin at the tip. The body's flutes remove the waste while the fin dismantles the stonework.A hammer drill, a specialized piece of equipment that gives bits a quick hammering action, is frequently used with masonry bits. As a result, it can more effectively reach new stonework and remove dust.
Read our article about hammer drill here to get more information.
Drill Bits for Wood
One of the strongest drill bits for wood is a twist bit. As you increase speed, a brad point on a drill bit will help provide a little "bite" and stop the bit from wandering across the surface. Consider using a spade bit for holes larger than one inch.
Drill Bits for Wood
Source: Pinterest
Many types of drill bits are available on the market, and it cannot be easy to know which is right for your needs. In this blog post, we have provided an overview of the different types of drill bits available and their advantages and disadvantages. We hope this information will help you choose the best drill bit set for your needs.