Drill bits are used to drill a hole of a specific shape, size, and depth through a range of materials by attaching to a power drill. With such a wide variety in the market, it can be difficult to narrow down which bit is best for your construction project. Choosing the proper drill bit comes down to two main factors: the size of the hole you’d like to drill and the type of material you are drilling the bit into.

Determining Proper Drill Bit by Size

The easiest measured variable used to determine the drill bit chosen Is the desired size of the resulting hole. Usually, the size of the drill bit can be easily found by reading the markings on the end which fits into the drill, commonly known as the shank. By comparing the size of the bit to the size hole you need, you can quickly find the best option. It is recommended that for drilling into softer wood materials, the bit should be 1/64” smaller than the exact desired size. Besides the width, it is also important to consider how many inches deep you would like to drill when choosing a bit. As depth increases, the length of the bit must increase as well.

Finding the Best Drill Bit for Different Types of Materials

After you have determined the size of the bit you need, the next step is taking note of the type of material you are planning to drill through. There are specialized bits designed for each material to allow for the most efficient drilling. For example, if you are looking to drill into wood, you want to look for a steel drill bit with a hexagonal-shaped shank, a smooth surface, and a flat, spiral head with 3 points. On the other hand, if you are planning a project involving plastic and glass materials, you must find a diamond bit with a smooth shank and a cone-shaped tip. Additional popular materials include masonry, metal, and drywall. Popular types of bits for these surfaces include:

Twist Bits

The Twist drill bit is the most commonly found for general-purpose. These bits are useful for routine repairs around the house and construction projects. Surface-materials best suited for Twist bits are; wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, and masonry.

Brad Point

Brad Point bits are mainly useful for general and DIY woodworking projects. These bits are W-shaped with a sharp center point, allowing them to exit cleanly from the freshly-made hole. If you are looking to make furniture, the Brad Point drill bit would be your best option.

Masonry

The best drill bits to use for stronger materials such as brick, concrete, and other forms of stone are Masonry bits. While some models have the capability to work with a rotary drill, you can achieve better results by securing them with a hammer drill. Due to their rugged use, Masonry bits need to be maintained and replaced often.

Spade

Spade drill bits are named for their spade-shaped tip. For cleaner exit holes, there are also spade bits available with sharpened points at two edges, instead of one. With this flat design, they burrow into wood to create 1-1 ½” holes that are usually used as cable pathways.

Installer

By using a distinctive twist in its design, the Installer bit is helpful for those who are looking to install electrical wiring. A wire is inserted into a tiny hole in the tip that is then positioned into the surface-material. These bits are usually very long, allowing them to get into those hard-to-reach areas. An Installer bit would be your best option if you are planning a surround sound or home-security system project.

Auger

For larger woodworking projects, the Auger drill bit would be more useful due to their larger size. Similar to the Brad Point, these bits have a sharpened point to create a clean hole.

Renting Power Tools & Construction Equipment in Hampton & Portsmouth, MA

When unsure, it is always best to consult a professional before proceeding. By taking an uneducated guess, you can put your personal safety at risk and increase your chances of faulty installation resulting in damages over time. For more information about choosing the proper drill bit, renting equipment, repairing power tools, or any other questions related to your next construction project, contact the experts at Tri-Rent-All. You can reach us by calling our office in Hampton at (603) 926-2211, or our Portsmouth office at (603) 431-1109.