Drill bits are a necessary element to include in the tool cases of DIY hobbyists and professionals. Without them, it will never be possible to do fundamental construction duties. Your purpose should always be making a hole with the least struggle and without ruining the material. Depending on your needs, the concerned companies have provided us with a huge selection of different types of drill bits. The issue is that there are numerous types of them, and each different sort performs a particular role. And as you know, choosing the correct drilling piece is the key to achieving making a perfect hole for your screw or bolt. This article will clarify the differences and help you choose the right drill bit for your utilization.
Different types of drill bits 2021
You should know that each material has its own specified kind of suitable drill bits. For instance, you cannot use the same drill bit for both wood and metal surfaces. That is why we classified the drill bits according to the surfaces’ materials.
The different types of wood drill bits:
If you need to browse wood drill bits, different kinds of wood drill bits can be difficult for your choice. There are many sorts of wood drill bits, from flat to twist bits, to meet a wide range of woodworking projects. Here are some of the most popular wood drill bits.
Brad Point (Wood) Bits
The brad point drill bit has a similar shape as the twist bit, but the tip is formed like a “W.” That permits the outer points to start cutting the hole before the center point contacts the material. Sizes are from 3 mm to 10 mm. It means you get lighter resistance and a more precise hole. Brad-point drill bits are excellent for drilling wood and plastic, as well as particular tasks like Dowling. These tools often have a depth stop to enable you to choose the necessary depth of the hole you drill. This piece has many pros; the main one is certainly the less resistance factor. Also, it is great for detailed jobs as it can offer a depth stop. However, it has some cons too. These bits can be very hard to sharpen. Moreover, they are not suitable for hard materials.
Spade Bits
When you need to drill a deep hole into wood surfaces, this spade bit is the task. They have a ¼-inch hex shank for greater hold in the chuck and a long spike with two spurs on both sides. This brad point drill bit comes with a long reach, but it can reach further with a shank extension accessory. Spade bits typically vary in diameter from 6 to 38 mm.
The pros of these bits are that first of all, cuts large holes compared to other ones available in the market. Also, they are suitable for wood and have a long reach. The only con about it is that it only fits for wood.
Auger Bits
Auger drill bits are able to drill deeper holes in thick, dry, and hard lumber. They are notable for their big size. The shank has a hexagonal shape for extra purchase in the drill chuck, and the screw-thread tip pulls the drill into the material with the smallest effort. Auger drill bits have wide flutes for removing the wood, while the single-spur cutting edge cuts a neat and deep hole circumference. The pros of this tool are so many. It drills large holes. And screw-thread tip. It doesn’t require a big effort, thanks to the hexagonal shank that guarantees a better grip. The only negative detail about it is that it is only suitable for large holes.
Forstner Bits
This drill bit was invented in 1874. It is generally used for drilling holes for hidden hinges like the sort found on kitchen cabinets. They vary in size from 26 mm to 35 mm and can drill big diameter holes in wood. There are two types available of it: -Sawtooth, which gives a deeper and rougher hole. These are better for drilling end grain. -The continuous rim variety, which gives a neater and tinier hole size.
Its pros are great. It can drill large diameter holes with sawtooth and continuous varieties. It can also drill end grain. The cons of this drill bit can’t be negligible either. It can be rough when cutting holes. And it is not a precision tool. You can check also: How to Drill into Brick: Easy Steps and Helpful Tips
The different types of metal drill bits:
Countersink bits
Countersink bits conceive beveled openings at the top edge of a pilot hole. Usually, they come in 13 mm, 16 mm, and 19 mm, and there are several variations for drilling metal and wood. They are used in combination with countersink screws and rivets that sit flush with the material’s surface.
Its pros are great. It can create beveled openings with a neat finish. Also, it has an amazing precision. The only negative thing is that it can only be used one single time.
Step Drill Bit
Step drill bits have a cone-shaped body with stepped sides. Some customers prefer to call it a Christmas tree, and that sums up the style. This is your go-to drill bit for doing multiplied hole sizes. They make holes in thin material, enlarge existing holes, and lightly burr. Step drill bits have a titanium-nitride coating to reduce heat build-up and improve lubrication. Cone-shaped versions are available without the stepped pattern.
Its pros are great. It can create different size holes. Comes in a titanium coated way. It is great for thin materials and enlarging existing holes. This drill bit has two cons. The first one is that it is not made for general use, and the second one is that it is not made for beginners or hobbyists. It is a specialist tool.
The different types of Masonry and Glass drill bits:
Diamond Tile Bit
This drill bit is properly-suited to solid surfaces like masonry and tiles, including porcelain. Start by rotating the drill bit at a 45-degree angle, then as it starts to bite, reduce the drill upwards until it is straight. Like the spear point drill bit, set the speed on your drill to slow. It would be best if you also had a water supply to help keep it and the material cool and increase the abrasion.
Its pros are various. It comes with a Diamond-coated tip. It Works on masonry and tiles. It is also known for its hard-wearing. This drill bit has two cons. The first one is that it is difficult to master the technique, and the second one is that it works at slow speeds.
SpearPoint (Glass and Tile) Bits
The name explains the form of this bit. They are tungsten-tipped drill bits that concentrate on drilling through the glass and ceramic tiles. Spear points will drill through the porcelain, but toughened glass is beyond their capabilities. The diamond area carbide tip shears rather than cuts to give a final pilot hole. Spearpoint drill bits operate at low speeds. You will additionally need coolant like water or kerosene to keep the blade running easily. Under no conditions should you use the hammer action on your drill, or you will destroy the material. To earn more purchase on the cover, apply the ribbon to enable the drill bit to bite into ceramic or glass. You can additionally use this drill bit to pierce stone, marble, and granite.
Its pros are numerous. It is a precision too that comes with a Diamond ground tip. This tool suitable for glass and ceramics drills pilot holes. It can also drill stone, marble, and granite. This drill bit has cons too. The first one is that it requires coolant and cannot use a hammer drill. It is not suitable for the slowest speed settings, toughened glass.
Buying guide for Drill Bits
Knowing what capacity drill bit to use makes the right hole in the right spot. Here are the top things to consider:
The material
Before you begin buying a drill bit, it is important to know exactly what duty it is that you need it for. Are you drilling into metal or wood? Or do you need to carry out precision drilling on rigid materials such as glass? What you are drilling into is the first criteria you have to consider.
Accuracy
Once you have matched the tool to the material, you will also want to consider how precise you need to be. Some are excellent for creating precise holes, while others are for creating rough ones. Again, having a clear understanding of the duty you are doing is necessary here as you will be able to pick the most suitable type of drill bit for your project.
FAQ about Drill Bits
Cobalt vs. Titanium Drill Bits: Which one is better?
Cobalt and titanium drill bits have connections. They are both utilized for hard surfaces like metal, and they resist high temperatures when drilling. But there are some differences. Titanium drill bits are covered in titanium nitride or titanium carbonatite. These two coat the surface of the bit to preserve it against heat. Cobalt drill bits have no covering and are built from steel alloy and cobalt. They also deflect heat when revolving. Cobalt drill bits can be intensified without damage, preserving their protections, making them the better choice.
Can we use a Concrete Drill Bit on Wood?
Yes, a masonry drill bit will cut through wood, but as the bit is not specifically designed for this material, you will likely end up with a rough, imprecise hole. Conversely, a dedicated wood drill shaves through wood in a similar way to a chisel.
What Color are Metal Drill Bits?
Metal drill bits come in a diversity of colors, depending on their material. High-speed steel drill bits are usually black because of the oxide or carbonitride coating. Titanium nitride coated drill bits are golden, and cobalt drill bits are gold, silver, and sometimes blue.
What is a Carbide Drill Bit?
A carbide drill bit is a level up in potential from a cobalt drill bit. They are typically used in the expert arena to drill the most difficult material. They deflect heat, so maintain a cutting edge for longer, and run at higher rapidities.
Conclusion:
With all the various types of drill bits available, it can be a little difficult. Remember to consider what you need it for when thinking about which one you should use. Choose your drill bit based on cost, the duty you are using it on if you want a bit with durability, and whether you will hand-sharpen it. Carbide-tipped and titanium nitride drill bits will lose their superpowers if you hand sharpen them. To help you, we recommend Spade bits for wood and Step Drill Bit for metal if you are a professional. However, if it does not fit your criteria, we hope you will be able to pick the right one after reading this article. Good luck!