Even if you're handy with a drill, it can be hard to know which bits are best for what tasks, and if you're a budding DIYer, chances are you have no idea where to start.
That's where we come in. This guide will walk you through the extensive range of RYOBI® drill bits to help you find the right products for your projects. Using the right accessories is key to getting the great results you want without wasting time.
In addition to our core range, we've just launched five brand-new drill bits as part of our high-performance RX Accessories collection. Designed to deliver maximum precision and power, these durable drill bits will help you achieve exceptional results efficiently time and time again, whatever materials you're working with.
Whether you're looking to invest in lasting home tools or upgrade your existing professional collection, you can rely on RYOBI® drill bits to help you do more.
What is a drill bit?
For those not in the know, let's start with the basics. Drill bits are interchangeable cutting tools that attach to power drills. They are used to carve out holes in various materials. Several types of drill bits are available to suit different construction materials, including wood, metal and masonry.
Why do you need different drill bits?
It's important to use the right drill bit for the material you're working with or you risk damaging both. Standard drill bits are made for softer materials and can overheat, dull or break when used for harder materials like metal. Specific shapes can help prevent splintering in wood.
The correct accessories will also help you drill faster and more accurately for longer.
Finding the right drill bits for your collection
Which type of drill bit do you use for wood?
Auger drill bits are available for ultra-precise drilling in wood, but multi-purpose drill bits are all the DIY enthusiast needs for most woodwork. These accessories are also well-suited for other relatively soft materials, so if you're wondering what drill bit is best for classic home materials like plasterboard, plastic and tile, go multi-use.
Multi-material Drill Bits
RYOBI® RX Accessories Multi-material Drill Bits are engineered with a carbide tip for maximum versatility. They're able to handle various materials from light masonry to wood, so you don't have to waste time switching between different accessories during a single operation. Our unique centring tip design helps prevent chipping when drilling delicate materials like tiles.
What kind of drill bit is best for brick?
To cut into hard materials like concrete and brick, such as when you want to fit a wall plug, you'll need masonry drill bits. These are typically crafted from specialised steel and have an arrow-shaped tip reinforced with ultra-strong tungsten carbide.
Masonry Drill Bits
Masonry drill bits work best with hammer drills because they help hammer the tip through the surface as it rotates, so you can focus on accuracy rather than applying force. RYOBI® RX Masonry Drill Bits have a 135-degree angle to aid penetration and minimise the chance of chips and cracking.
SDS Drill Bits
For very hard masonry materials such as stone or reinforced concrete, you should use SDS drill bits. They're only compatible with SDS drills, which have a grooved shank for secure bit changes at speed and a unique high-impact hammering action. The dual-flute design of our RX SDS+ 2 Cutters Drill Bits removes debris more efficiently for 20% faster drilling than using our core range.
What's the best drill bit for metal?
The main problem you'll encounter when drilling into metal at high speeds is heat. Over time, this heat will soften the steel of drill tips, making them less effective and risking breakage. As well as applying lubrication and proper techniques, using high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits minimises this issue.
HSS Drill Bits
Made from harder high-speed steel, HSS drill bits are well protected against the heat generated when drilling metal or hardwood. Although a specialist tool, they can be used for general-purpose drilling and are likely to last longer than standard drill bits.
Our new RX Accessories HSS-G Drill Bits have a Titanium Nitride coating that reduces friction during drilling. Less heat is consequently produced, enhancing durability and allowing for smoother cutting. Professionals will love the RX HSS-Cobalt, designed for abrasive metals like stainless steel. Cobalt is included in the high-speed steel composition for even greater hardness and heat resistance.
How do you know what size drill bit to use?
The size of your drill bit should align with the size of the hole you want to make, which is often governed by the fastening accessory you're using. A sizing guide is sometimes included on the fastening packaging. Being careful with sizing ensures a snug fit for a lasting, secure hold.
When using wall plugs, simply measure and match the diameter of the plug. If using screws, measure the diameter of the shaft, or place various drill bits beside the screws and compare sizes. The general rule of thumb is to select a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the screw's diameter for a tight fit.
We sell mixed drill bit sets including small, medium and large diameter bits, so you can be confident you always have what you need to hand. Choose a broad set with options for different materials for maximum versatility or get lots of different sizes of a specialised bit.
Explore exceptional drill bits at RYOBI®
Browse our core range of drill bits and our new high-performance RX Accessories collection today and discover the difference of using the best tools for the job.