10 Best Drill Bits Reviews and Buyers Guide
One of the most versatile power tools you can own is a drill because with it you can do all kinds of projects. Whether it’s mounting something to the wall or driving screws, a decent drill can make your work so much easier. However, a drill is only as good as its bit, which is why it’s imperative that you buy high-quality bits so you can work longer and harder without any interruption.
Today we’re going to look at a variety of bits that are suited for different tasks, as well as go over the most important features and distinctions to consider so you can be sure that you’re getting the right bits for the job.
10 Best Drill Bits Comparison
Recommended 10 Best Drill Bits Reviews
DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set
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Kicking us off is a set of standard twist bits from DeWalt. This company is the gold standard for home power tools, and these bits are some of the best you can find. What makes them so reliable is that they are titanium tipped, which means that they will last much longer than any steel models you can find.
We like this set because they are built for practical drilling, meaning that they punch a hole immediately and won’t wander off as you drill.Some bits take a while to create a hole so you can have some slippage, but not with these. Also, the shanks have flat edges so that they won’t spin in the drill. Finally, you get a carrying case for all fourteen bits, which makes it so much more convenient.
Pros
- Titanium tipped pilot point for longer life
- Fourteen sizes provided
- No spin shanks to prevent slipping
- Starts drilling on contact
- Creates clean holes every time
- Tapered web for increased durability
- Works on most materials, including metal
- Carrying case included
Cons
- In rare cases, the bits may break or snap on certain materials
- In some instances, you may need an adapter to fit the bit onto your drill
Snappy Quick-Change 5-Pc. Countersink Drill Bit Set
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As we mentioned above, countersink drill bits are perfect for woodworking projects where you want the screw or fastener to be sunk into the wood rather than sticking out. These bits are perfect for dowels or caps as well, making them versatile as well as reliable.
When talking about size, four of the five bits create a ⅜ inch countersink, while the last (biggest) one drills a ½ inch sink. The drill inserts, however, are multiple sizes so that you can fit almost any screw into the hole. What makes these bits so awesome is that they work with both handheld drills and presses, and they don’t require any tools to change them. Overall, if you’re looking for a decent countersink bit, this set will keep you covered. The only problem is that they don’t come with a case.
Pros
- Durable steel bits
- Create countersink and counterbore holes
- Five bits included so you can use with a variety of screws
- Ideal for dowels or plugs
- Quick change chucks for easy swapping
- Works with power drills or presses
- Countersink size is either ½ or ⅜ inch
Cons
- No carrying case included
- Hole may not be very clean in all cases
- Drill inserts can break easily on harder material
PORTER-CABLE PC1014 Forstner Bit Set, 14-Piece
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If you are in need of some bits that can create flat-bottomed holes, then this set of fourteen Forstner bits from Porter-Cable can do the trick. As far as brands go, Porter-Cable is one of the best, which is why these bits are so great. What sets them apart even further is that they are made of hardened carbon steel so that they will yield better results and last longer.
Overall, as far as Forstner bits go, these are pretty much the gold standard. You have a wide array of sizes from which to choose and the shanks are all slip-resistant. The teeth are thick and can chew through most woods with ease. The other thing that we like about these bits is that they have an open tooth design so that more debris can be removed while you drill. This way, you won’t have to pull it up as often to clean it out.
Pros
- Hardened carbon steel
- Perfect for flat bottom holes
- Open tooth design for easier debris removal
- Fourteen sizes available
- Durable carrying case provided
- Creates fast, clean holes
- Smooth finish each time
Cons
- In rare cases, the bits may be somewhat dull upon arrival
- In rare instances, the bits may not be machined properly
Jisco JL24 Earth Auger, 1-3/4-Inch by 24-Inch Length
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When most people think of augers, they imagine a bit that can chew through wood like nothing else. However, if you like to work in the garden and you need a fast and easy way to dig holes, then this auger from Jisco will be your best friend.
What we like most about this bit is that it fits into any handheld drill, making it super convenient for anyone.
Also, the width of the auger is incredible considering its size, so you can make some decent holes in a fraction of the time it would take to do it through other means. Finally, since it is an auger, it will remove dirt as it digs so that you don’t have to worry about your hole being filled up as soon as you pull it out.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Fits most power drillsDesigned for deep root feeding
- Ideal for soft earth
- Fast dirt removal
Cons
- Does not work on harder surfaces
- May get damaged if it runs into rock while digging
Rioa Damaged Screw Remover Set. Damaged Screw and Bolt Extractor Set
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While screws and bolts are an excellent way to fasten pieces together, they can sometimes get stuck and need a little help to get out. If you have ever encountered a stripped screw head, then you know how much of a pain it can be to fix, which is where this screw remover set comes in.The process for extracting bad screws and bolts is simple.
First, you drill a hole into the top of the screw. Then you flip the removal bit around and use the spiral edge to remove the screw. The way that the extractor side is shaped means that it should catch with almost any screw so that you can take it out with ease. With this set, you can do all of that with four distinct sizes. They are made of high-quality steel, and they even have a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Durable high-speed steel construction
- Four-piece screw remover set
- Works on screws and bolts
- Triple guarantee to work
- Durable carrying case included
- Three-step system (drill out, place, unscrew)Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- In rare cases, the drill side may not work on harder metals
- May not fit smaller screws
Damaged Screw Extractor Set by Aisxle
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Because taking stripped screws out can be more of a hassle than anything, you want to make sure that you have a decent set of extractors just in case. These four pieces from Aisxle are ideal for most screw heads and bolts because they are built to last. To further illustrate this the company is offering a 100% guarantee, meaning that they will replace your bits if they break for any reason.
That’s some quality customer service.Overall, the bits seem to do the job well, so you shouldn’t have any issues removing screws or bolts with them. They may be a bit too large for small or tiny screws, but you’ll have to get a specialized kit for those. Speaking of kits, these bits have their own carrying case for your convenience.
Pros
- Durable high-speed steel construction
- Four-piece set works for most screws and bolts
- Backed by company 100% guarantee
- Durable carrying case included
- Three step system (drill, place, extract)Limited lifetime guarantee
- Free replacements if the bit breaks
Cons
- Instructions can be a bit tricky for some users
- May not fit smaller screws
IRWIN HANSON Spiral Extractor and Drill Bit Set
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We’ve seen what screw extractors can do on their own, but this set from Irwin Hanson takes things a bit further by providing drill bits to go along with removal pieces. This way you can both set and remove screws as needed without having to buy two separate sets.As far as the bits are concerned, they are made with high-speed steel (HSS), meaning that they can work for a wide variety of materials.
The extractors are also built tough so that you can remove screws of various shapes and sizes with ease. Overall, we only wish that there were more than five sizes of each kind of bit.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Two-in-one set with bits and extractors
- Unique spiral shape for better screw removal
- Fits most screws and bolts
- Corresponding drill bit sizes included
- Durable metal carry case provided
- Size matching is etched on the side
- Simple three step action
Cons
- In some cases, the bit may snap if not handled properly
- In rare instances, the extractor may break off inside the screw head
DEWALT DW5207 7-Piece Premium Percussion Masonry Drill Bit Set
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If you need to drill into stone, then you will have to get a set of bits that can handle the material. In this case, this seven-piece set from DeWalt can make short work out of most masonry projects, whether you’re using brick, concrete, or blocks.The design of the bits is such that you will get incredible results every time. The tips are made of carbide for better durability, and the flutes are shaped to pull debris out while you’re drilling so that you don’t have to clear it out afterward.
Also, the shanks have flat edges so that they won’t slip. Overall, just be sure to use these with a hammer drill for better results, as standard drills won’t give you enough power or torque.
Pros
- Durable carbide bits
- Seven-piece set
- Flute design is built to extract debris quickly
- Three flats on shank to eliminate slipping
- Works on cordless or electric hammer drills
- Can be used with standard drills as well
- Ideal for brick, block, concrete, or masonry
- Ideal for creating anchor points in stone
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- No carrying case provided
- Tip may get dull relatively fast
DEWALT DW1587 6 Bit 3/8-Inch to 1-Inch Spade Drill Bit Assortment
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When completing your drill bit collection, you have to have a set of spades to go along with everything else. The reason for this is that you never know when you might need to drill a perfect hole into some wood. As such, this set of six bits from DeWalt is the perfect match for the rest of your bits.What makes these units so great is that they are made of heavy duty steel, and they have flat edges for smoother holes.
Some spades can leave rough edges, but these will be pristine every time. Not only that, but they are also built to remove debris quickly while you work so that you don’t have to clear it out afterward. Overall, these spades are excellent.
Pros
- Heavy duty steel construction
- Six-piece set of most common sizes
- Straight-edge bit for smoother holes
- Extreme speed channel removes debris quickly
- Ball groove shank for quick changes
- Max life corner prevents nail from breaking or eroding
- Size is etched onto the metal for convenience
Cons
- Not designed for use on harder woods
- No carrying case provided
Vastar Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, 3-Piece Set & Automatic Center Punch
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Depending on your needs, a step drill bit can be a wonderful addition to your toolkit. As long as you don’t need to create deep holes, this type of bit can replace a whole assortment of various bit sizes, which can make these units indispensable. In fact, with only three bits you get 28 different widths, which is incredible.What we like most about these step bits is that they are coated with titanium so that they last much longer than the competition.
Also, the set comes with a center hole punch so that you can create a hole for your drill before you start working. This way, you don’t have to worry about the drill walking off or slipping while you work. Overall, as far as step bits go, these are fantastic.
Pros
- Durable titanium-tipped bits
- Three bits yield 28 different sizes
- Two fluted design for easier debris removal
- Sizes etched onto the side for convenience
- Durable alloy steel punch
- Works well for guiding drills to prevent walking
- Easy grip handle with adjustable head
- Spring-loaded punch for better results
- 45-day money back guarantee
- 18-month limited warranty
Cons
- Center punch may have trouble with harder materials
- Drill sizes can be challenging to master
After looking through all of these bits, it’s impossible to pick a top set because they are all designed for different things. However, as far as extractors go we highly recommend the set from Aisxle over the others on the list. With regard to the rest of them, we like DeWalt brand bits (although we don’t like that most of them don’t have a case). They are reliable and built to last, so if you have to go by brand, then we highly recommend this one.
How to Choose a Drill Bit
Size
When picking out different drill bits, most of the time they will come in a set so that you can get a variety of sizes at once. You have to pay attention to the length and the diameter of the bit to make sure that you’re drilling the right hole. So, for example, if you are drilling a ⅛ inch hole but have ½ inch screws, then you are going to have some problems. Overall, it’s best to get a mixture of sizes so that you’re always prepared.
Type
As we’re going to see, there are all kinds of drill bits available; each with a different purpose. The most common is the twist bit as it can create holes in most materials, including light metal and plastic. While there are many different types out there, we are going to focus on those that are used the most often.
Countersink
Because wood is such a versatile material, there are a broad variety of bits that are designed to do specific things with it. In this case, the countersink bit drills a pilot, countersink, and counterbore hole so that you can place a fastener and plug over it without having to do anything else. This is a particularly useful bit if you want to create embedded screws with caps on them to make them less noticeable.
Forstner
This bit is designed to create perfect holes in wood. This can be particularly useful if you need to install dowels instead of screws, or if you want to bore a perfect hole through the wood. There is a point on the end for precise placement of bit, but it doesn’t remove material as you go, so you will have to bring it out to keep it clear of debris while you work.The other thing about Forstner bits is that they are usually designed for drill presses as you don’t quite get enough power, pressure, or torque with a standard drill.
Auger
Unlike the Forstner bit, the auger is specifically designed to remove material while it works so that you can drill all the way through without stopping. There are a couple different kinds of augers; those that work with wood and those that can drill into the ground. Either way, they are designed to remove debris, meaning that they are strong and highly capable. Also, augers are usually longer than most other bits so that you can go deeper into your material.
Screw Removal
If you ever strip a screw head, then you may be wondering what you can do to remove it if need be. That is where this drill bit comes in as it has a wide tip that catches into the screw and helps yank it out. These can be helpful to have around in case of stripping, and some of them can even work with bolts, making them far more practical.
Brad-Point
This bit is kind of a cross between a twist and an auger. It has a pointed end for more precise positioning, and the flutes (grooves) are wider than a standard twist so that you can remove more material as you work. Overall, if you are trying to bore cleaner holes (in wood only) for screws, then this can be a better option than a twist bit.
Masonry
As the name suggests, this bit is built to drill holes into stone. This means that you can work with concrete, brick, and other similar materials with ease. However, one thing to note is that you will most likely need a specialized drill to do the job, as most handheld devices are not able to create clean holes into stone, even with the right bit. A hammer drill is much better for this kind of work.
Spade
If you want to create larger holes in wood without having to use something as intense as a Forstner bit, a spade will be your next best option. This bit has wide flat sides to create a smoother hole, and it has a long center tip for precise placement.
Step
These bits are much different than anything else we’ve seen so far. They resemble a conical pyramid, and they are designed to allow you create holes of various sizes depending on your needs. One thing to note, however, is that due to the shape of the bit you have a limited amount of depth for each width, meaning that you have to pay careful attention, so you don’t accidentally widen your hole. These bits can also be used to deburr holes and clear away material left behind by other bits.
Material
Since drill bits are designed to work with various materials such as wood, stone, or metal, you need to make sure that the bit itself is strong enough to handle the job. Thus, it’s important that you pay attention to the type of metal used to create the bit so that you know if it can work for your next project. Here are the most common metal types used for bits.
● Steel: can be stainless or standard
● HSS: high-speed steel is much stronger and more heat-resistant than regular steel so that you can work longer
● Carbide: these bits are built for harder materials such as stone or metal, but require more care and attention than other bits because they can be brittle
● Cobalt: this material works well on metal because it can dissipate heat quickly
● Titanium: this is one of the toughest bits, and it can work on a wide variety of materials including fiberglass, wood, metal, and PVC
About the Author Darrell Webster
I believe there is a handyman in all of us as long as you have the right tools. I started this blog to help anyone who is interested in fixing things to learn their way around the different tools and to know how to perform different DIY tasks. I have been doing this for years and believe I am a master of this art.