The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen

Drill bitsare essential for a home DIY project or construction job site.

These parts are attached to adrill baseand are used to make holes or drive screws into many material types.

This guide introduces and explains many types of drill bits and how to choose one for your next project.

Types of drill bits

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Home DIYers typically use drills to mount heavy objects, like flat-screen TVs or shelving.

They’re ideal for drilling through cabinet doors to install cabinet hardware such as handles.

Some brad-point bits also come with rubber stoppers, allowing you to preset the desired depth of the hole.

Brad point drill bit

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The angled holes in the wood are known as pocket holes.

These bits can be used to drill through wood, plastic, and light metal.

Masonry bits are made to withstand significant force without breaking because they are frequently used withhammer drillsor rotary hammers.

Pocket Hole Drill Bit

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Otherwise, the force exerted by the bit will break the fragile glass.

Electricians also commonly use spade drill bits to make holes for running cables.

However, annular cutter bits are made for cutting into metal instead of wood.

Twist Drill Bit

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Installer bits can reach up to 18 inches in length, allowing them to penetrate through walls and floors.

These bits can be used to drill through wood, plaster, and light masonry materials, like mortar.

These drill bits are uncommon and wear out easier than a standard twist drill bit.

Drill driver bit

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However, they are a practical option for working with wood.

Step drill bits are used to drill into sheet metal.

The steps on the tip allow these bits to drill holes of varying diameters through the target material accurately.

Masonry drill bit

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While they are often used for sheet metal, they can also work with soft wood.

This makes it easy to drill deep holes into tough wood without applying much pressure to the bit.

This creates a strong joint between the fastener and the wood.

Glass drill bit

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These drill bits have a circular cutting blade with a central pilot tip that centers and steadies the bit.

They are used to cut large-diameter holes, such as those needed for installing door hardware.

Water acts as a coolant and lubricant to cut through the hard surface.

Rivet drill bit

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One of the first considerations should be the jot down of material you are working with.

Tungsten carbide is the strongest drill bit available.

Twist, brad, and screwdriver bits are the most common bits used by do-it-yourselfers and professionals.

Drill saw bit

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Spade drill bit

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Annular cutter drill bit

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Installer drill bit

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Adjustable Wood Drill Bit

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Step drill bit

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Tile drill bit

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Auger drill bit

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Plug cutter drill bit

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Self feed drill bit

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Countersink drill bit

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Forstner drill bit

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Hole Saw Drill Bit

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Closeup of coring drill bit

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