Understanding the many types of wood drill bits

Mar 26, 2023

Types of Wood Bits - Using the Right Bit

Most of us have made the mistake of using the wrong tool to get the job done - either out of necessity or laziness. But there is something satisfying about using the right tool for the job. Often, using the right tool helps achieve the best possible results. When drilling, accessories are important, perhaps even more important than the tool you choose. Understanding the various types of wood drill bits and how to use the right one can really improve speed and quality.

Understanding the many types of wood drill bits

Before we discuss bit types, you should be familiar with the various treatments used by bit manufacturers to increase bit life and reduce friction. Drill bits are made of steel, high-speed steel (HSS) - that is, steel alloyed with tungsten and/or molybdenum, HSS alloyed with cobalt, HSS coated with titanium, HSS coated with black oxide or carbide tips.

Bits suitable for wood drilling are steel, HSS, titanium coated and black oxide coated. Those other bits work best for metal.

Some tips before you start drilling in wood

Know the general types of wood

Wood types are divided into two main categories, softwood and hardwood, but there are many variations in hardness within these categories. The type of wood can have a big impact on the choice of the drill bit. It is much easier to drill soft pine than it is to drill hard hickory. You can use steel to drill softer woods (although we recommend using HSS for any job), but as the hardness increases, the drill bit must be hardened accordingly. This means that hardwoods are suitable for a titanium or black oxide coatings.

The main types of wood drill bits

Twist drill bits

This is probably the first type of bit that comes to mind when you hear "drill bit". This is the most common type of drill bit used for general purposes in the workplace and around the home. Cork can get stuck in the grooves, so use a brush to gently brush it out or blow it out.

What is a black oxide drill bit?

As we mentioned above, twist bits (or "twist bits") can range in price from affordable oxidized black-coated bits to expensive carbide bits for milling. When it comes to choosing a bit for your wood project, a nice set of high-speed steel (HSS) bits should do the trick.

Bradpoint Wood Drill Bits

The distinguishing feature of this wood bit is in the name. The sharp corners on the Bradpoint bits help position the bit for a precise hole. These bits do not walk all over you when you start drilling. This makes this the right wood drill bit when you need a really accurate start.

Brad Point Drill Bits - Accuracy of the Right Wood Drill Bit

Spade Drill Bits

Spade bits have a wide, flat area for drilling large-diameter holes in wood. Spade bits do not have a recess, so you may have to back out as you drill deep holes. Traditional spade bits have a completely flat surface, while a product like a spade bit has a self-feeding tip and a slightly curved surface.

Auger bits

You will immediately notice that auger bits have a threaded tip. This type of wood bit uses a tip to quickly pull the bit through the wood. The auger bit maintains a constant groove over the entire length of the bit. These bits challenge cordless bits because they "force" the bit to maintain speed throughout the hole, due to the self-feeding tip.

Spiral Drill Self-Feeding Tips

Often confused with Foster bits, self-feeding bits include a threaded tip like an auger bit. This will pull the bit through the wood. These bits are used to make holes that go all the way through the wood. This is exactly the right type of wood drill bit when you want to make a lot of large holes for roughing. Typically, self-feeding bits are used to drill large holes.

Self-entry bits are the right wood drill for roughing

Self-entry bits can be more aggressive than other large-diameter wood drills. They can also be used with one or two cutting heads, in addition to the peripheral cutting teeth.

Countersink drills

These bits perform double duty because they drill a pilot hole and a countersink hole at the same time. This ensures that the head of the fastener is located just below the surface of the wood.

Foster Bits

These strange-looking bits can drill through wood or create a flat bottom hole without the hole going all the way through the wood. Use them in setting cabinet hinges or similar applications.

Hole saws

Hole saws use a pilot twist bit to guide a large-diameter rotary saw that removes a plug from the wood. This allows conduit or wire to pass through. You'll also use these bits when drilling out door locks. You can find hole saws for wood and metal.

High quality wood drill bits supplier

BESTWIN Tools Co.,Ltd. is a professional hand tool and accessory supplier of high-quality, effective, and reliable drills, hole saws, pneumatic tools, and other tool components worldwide. BESTWIN offers the hardest and most durable drill bits. Suitable for any working conditions and needs. You are welcome to contact BESTWIN anytime to get the latest price of wood drill bitss.

Contact US:

BESTWIN Tools Co.,ltd. (aka. Leqing Baiying Metals & Hardware Tools Co.,Ltd.)

Email:

dennis@bestwin-tools.com

Telephone:

+8619957767763