A Guide to Types of Drill Bits

Drill bits are essential tools for creating holes in various materials, and they come in many types, each designed for specific tasks and materials.

Choosing the right drill bit depends on the material you are working with and the type of hole you need to create. Each type of drill bit is designed to optimise performance, efficiency, and accuracy for specific tasks and materials. By selecting the appropriate bit, you can achieve better results and extend the life of both the bit and the material you are working on.

Here’s an introduction to the different types of drill bits:

Twist Drill Bits – The most common type, characterized by a cylindrical shape with helical flutes. Used for drilling materials such as wood, plastic, plasterboard – with the advantage of being versatile and widely available.
Wood Spade Bits – Ssometimes known as flat bits, are flat, paddle-shaped bits with a sharp point. These are designed for quickly drilling large holes in wood, and are inexpensive and effective for rough work.
Wood Auger Bits – sSpiral in design used for drilling holes in wood, with a screw tip for self-feeding into the wood, auger bits are ideal for drilling deep, large-diameter holes in wood. They have a screw tip for self-feeding into timber and are efficient for chip removal.
Hole Saw Bitss – Circular saw blades with a drill bit in the centre, there are various types available for drilling large diameter holes in wood, metal, plastic, tiles, or masonry. They are handy for creating large holes without removing the entire material inside the hole.
Masonry Drill Bits – for drilling brickwork or concreteBits with carbide tips designed to withstand hard materials. Used for drilling holes into brick, stone, concrete, and other masonry materials. Masonary drill bits are more durable and effective for hard, abrasive surfaces.
Brad Point Drill Bits – Feature a pointed tip with spurs on the edges. Brad point drill bits are ideal for wood and soft materials, providing clean, precise holes. These drill bits help reduce splintering and ensures accurate positioning.
Forstner Bits – Flat-bottomed bits with a central point and cutting edges, perfect for creating clean, flat-bottomed holes in wood. Forstner bits are best for producing smooth, precise holes with minimal tear-out.
Glass and Tile Bits –Ideal for drilling into glass, tile and ceramics, these drill bits are designed with a spear-shaped carbide tip to reduce the risk of cracking and chipping.
Step Drill Bits – Used for drilling holes of various sizes in thin materials like sheet metal. Step drill bits are conical-shaped bits with multiple steps of increasing diameter, versatile, as one bit can drill multiple hole sizes.
Countersink Bits – Drill bits designed to create a conical hole for screw heads to sit flush with or below the surface. Used primarily in woodworking to ensure screws sit flush, countersink bits improve the finish and help to prevent wood splitting.
Cobalt and Titanium-Coated Bits –Made of high-speed steel (HSS) with coatings or alloys for enhanced performance. They are used for drilling harder materials like stainless steel and other metals.
Specialty Bits – Additional speciality drill bits available include:

SDS Bits: Used with hammer drills for heavy-duty masonry drilling.
Right-Angle Bits: Designed for drilling in tight spaces where a standard drill cannot reach.
Plug Cutter Bits: Used for cutting wood plugs to cover screw holes.

If you are not sure where to begin, the Ryobi RAKDD100 100pc Drilling & Driving Set includes several types of Twist Drill Bits suitable for drilling metal, wood and plastic as well as Masonry Bits and Spade Wood Bits covering all of the most typical DIY tasks around the home.

Best Drill Bits for Wood

Selecting the best drill bits for wood will depend on the diameter of the hole you need to drill and how thick the material you are drilling is. By selecting the right type of drill bit for your specific woodworking needs, you can achieve cleaner, more precise holes and enhance the quality of your projects.

Not sure how to tell if a drill bit is for wood? A standard wood drill bit will typically have sharper edges on the flute and always feature a sharp brand point at the end of the bit. This allows you to start the drill bit in the exact position you want to drill the hole without the risk of the drill bit skidding off. These drill bits are usually made from carbon steel, ideal for wood drilling, but not for drilling other materials.

Brad Point wood drill bits are great for most hole diameters up to 12mm
Spade Wood Bits are great for most hole diameters up to 32mm
Hole saws are great for larger diameters from 32mm up to over 100mm

Tips for Choosing and Using Drill Bits for Wood

Material Quality: Opt for high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide-tipped bits for durability and better performance.
Sharpness: Ensure the bits are sharp for cleaner cuts and reduced splintering.
Proper Speed: Use the correct drill speed for the bit and the wood type to prevent burning and ensure a smooth cut.
Pilot Holes: For large-diameter holes, consider drilling a pilot hole first to guide the bit and prevent wandering.

Wood Vs Masonry Drill Bits

When it comes to drilling into tough materials like wood and masonry, the type of drill bit you use makes a significant difference in the outcome. Wood and masonry drill bits are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges posed by these materials. Let’s explore the differences between wood and masonry drill bits, their specific applications, and the factors to consider when choosing the right drill bit for your needs.

Wood drill bits are designed specifically for:

Drilling through wooden materials, and
They typically feature a sharp point for easier penetration.
They are available in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of wood and drilling tasks.

Masonry drill bits, on the other hand, are designed for:

Drilling into hard materials such as concrete, brick, or stone.
They are constructed with a carbide tip that is capable of withstanding the high impact forces involved in masonry drilling.

Metal drill bits can either be black, silver, or brass/bronze, with a different point geometry on the end. They can still be used to drill wood but are best suited to drilling metal materials. The Ryobi RAK18DMIX 18pc Mixed Drilling Set includes several of the most common HSS metal drill bit sizes for most DIY tasks around the home.

In summary, wood drill bits are for wood, while masonry drill bits are for hard materials like concrete and brick.

Best Drill Bits for Brick

It is important to know which type of drill bit is best used for masonry, to get the best results.

A good quality masonry drill bit with a carbide tip will allow you to drill multiple holes in masonry material. You can usually purchase individual drill bits of specific sizes however a mixed set is typically better value for money.

The Ryobi RAK18DMIX 18pc mixed drilling set includes several of the most common masonry drill bit sizes to allow you to complete the most usual masonry drilling tasks around the home.

Impact Driver Drill Bits Explained

While not the best tool for drilling holes, impact drivers can be useful in some cases for this purpose. You will need an impact-rated bit with a 1/4" hex shank which allows the bit to be locked into the impact driver’s chuck. These bits are typically High Speed Steel (HSS) which is ideal for drilling metal but can also drill wood and plastic well. This type of drill bit isn't very common so can usually be purchased from specialist tool/hardware retailers.

Drill Bit FAQs

What does HSS stand for on drill bits?

When it comes to drill bits, the acronym "HSS" stands for "high-speed steel." This designation refers to the material composition of the drill bit itself. HSS is a type of steel alloy, crafted from carbon steel and enhanced by the addition of chromium and vanadium. These elements contribute to the drill bit's exceptional hardness, strength, and heat resistance, allowing it to withstand the rigors of drilling without losing its edge.

Are drill bits universal?

While many drill bits are marketed as "multi-purpose" and can handle a range of materials like wood, plastic, and soft metals, it's important to understand that not all drill bits are truly universal.

Some drill bits are designed for specific materials or tasks, such as drilling into hardwoods, where specialised tip geometry and material composition provide superior performance. Similarly, drill bits designed for metal often feature specialised coatings and tip shapes that optimise their cutting action and durability.

Not all drill bits are compatible with every drill. This is due to the different shank types available, which refer to the part of the drill bit that fits into the drill's chuck. The most common shank type is the straight shank, compatible with most standard drills. However, other shank types, such as hex shank and quick-change shank, are designed for specific drills or applications.

Therefore, when choosing a drill bit, consider both the material you'll be drilling into and the specific drill you're using. Selecting the right drill bit ensures optimal performance, accuracy, and longevity for your drilling projects.

What drill bits are best for wood?

A standard wood drill bit will typically have sharper edges on the flute and always feature a sharp brand point at the end of the bit. This allows you to start the drill bit in the exact position you want to drill the hole without the risk of the drill bit skidding off. These drill bits are usually made from carbon steel, which is ideal for wood drilling, but not for drilling other materials.

How to tell if a drill bit is for metal or wood?

Typically, the product packaging will explain which materials can be drilled with the particular bit. If you no longer have the packaging, then a wood bit usually has a sharp point on the drilling end which helps the bit bite into the wood and not stray away from the drilling area. These bits are designed specifically for drilling wood so are not suited for drilling other materials.

Is it OK to use metal drill bits on wood?

Yes, you can use metal drill bits on wood, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Efficiency: Metal drill bits are typically designed for harder materials. When used on wood, they might not be as efficient or create as clean a hole as wood-specific bits.
Speed and Heat: Metal bits often work better at lower speeds, whereas wood drilling usually benefits from higher speeds. Running a metal bit at too high a speed can cause overheating and potentially damage the bit or the wood.
Hole Quality: Wood drill bits, such as brad point or spade bits, are designed to create cleaner, more precise holes in wood. Using a metal bit might result in rougher or less accurate holes.
Durability: Drilling into wood can sometimes dull metal bits faster, especially if the wood is very hard or contains resin.

So, while you can use metal drill bits on wood, for the best results and efficiency, it is generally better to use drill bits specifically designed for wood such as the Ryobi RAK12SWD 12 Piece Wood Drilling Kit .

Ryobi drilling accessories include drill bit sets, screwdriver bit sets, chisel bit sets and more. Browse all shop the range of Ryobi Drill Bits and Accessories in our online shop.