Drill bits are extremely tricky tools.
You need to use them with precision and care for getting desired results. Otherwise, they will make things worse rather than better.
And when it comes to purchasing the best drill bits for wood, it’s nothing easier either.
That’s why we have come up with help. We are presenting you the top products the market has to offer. These are such high-quality products that you can go for any of them. They all have benefits and different forms of convenience to offer.
So, check out these reviews, here the top products we selected.
Basics of Drill Bit for Wood
A drill bit for wood comes with a fluted cutting edge. This way, the holes remain clean from wood debris, since the flute is wider than the rest of the bits out there. It has a sharp point to boreholes, whereas other bits feature blunt ends.
You need to drill precisely in woods. Otherwise, you will splinter or shatter the wood.
In this post we'll cover:
- Best Drill Bits for Wood We Recommend
- DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set, Yellow
- Makita T-01725 Contractor-Grade Bit Set, 70-Pc
- BLACK+DECKER BDA91109 Combination Accessory Set
- CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole 50 Sizes Step Drill Bit Set
- Bosch MS4034 34-Piece Drill and Drive Bit Set
- DEWALT DW1587 Spade Drill Bit Assortment
- Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set
- PORTER-CABLE PC1014 Forstner Bit Set, 14-Piece
- Guide to Buy the Best Drill Bits for Wood
- Drill Bits for Wood vs Concrete vs Metal
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Words
Best Drill Bits for Wood We Recommend
Here are the finest options we have found out there. Go through these reviews for making an informed buying decision.
DEWALT DW1354 14-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set, Yellow
It can’t be that we are reading the drill bits for wood review and the name ‘Dewalt’ won’t pop up. If you want to cut through the toughest of metals with an even tougher material, why not check out this product. This tool comes with a titanium coating to see the job done with perfection.
The bits will cut through materials with precision, thanks to the pilot pointed tip they come with. It will start working immediately on contact by eliminating walking.
This set of different types of drill bits is suitable for using on professional works as well as the home jobs. What’s more, it comes with a carrying case providing you with an easy storage facility and allowing you to carry the tools to places. Only I wish that it came with better quality.
In terms of performance, you won’t get a chance to complain. The drill bits cut the object with great strength and finish the work in no time. For drilling holes into metal pipes, you can use them as you like.
What’s convenient is that you won’t have to worry about any walking, since they have introduced a pilot point to address the issue. Moreover, this tool is pocket-friendly. And in terms of durability, you can rest assured too.
Pros
The pilot point eliminates walking and the heavy construction for drilling hard metals is a plus. The numerous pieces provide versatility.
Cons
The tools come with a low-quality case.
Makita T-01725 Contractor-Grade Bit Set, 70-Pc
Now, we are talking about another popular brand that has been on the game for quite a while. It has come with a drill bit set that will offer you a wide range of works.
From drilling to fastening, you can do it all with this set. They have made the bits resistant to corrosion by adding black oxide coating to them. This way, the durability of the machine becomes enhanced.
They have gone to the extremes of length to give the bits long lives by introducing heat treatment engineering in them. Moreover, there are ¼ inches ultra-lock hex shanks in place to ensure safety in using the device.
If you are looking for a kit that will be a good match for your driver-drill, you should get this kit. It will also get along with impact drivers like these.
To make the unit strong, manufacturers have used premium steel in making it. And to address the issue of bit walking, the machine comes with split point tips that will rotate as much as 135 °.
Moreover, it features a bit holder that is highly magnetic. What’s more, there are nut drivers in place to make sure that the fastener retention is efficient.
But there are some issues with the unit. The bits do not come off the enclosing section easily. Some users also complained about the bits not being quite sharp. Only if the brand could fix these problems, this unit would make a great possession for do-it-yourselfers as well as professionals.
Pros
It offers drilling as well as fastening, driving, etc. The tools are corrosion-resistant and have no drill bit walking.
Cons
Bits do not come off the enclosing section easily and they could have made the bits sharper.
BLACK+DECKER BDA91109 Combination Accessory Set
The brand is well-renowned in the industry of tool kits. It comes with a combination set this time. There’s hardly any type of drill bit that you won’t find in this box. When it comes to offering serious versatility, the kit doesn’t mess around. For, you have 109 pieces of useful tools that comes in this accessory set.
Homeowners and contractors across the globe have been appreciating this remarkably versatile tool kit set. There aren’t many tasks these tools can’t do. They have made these durable and highly functional also.
In constructing these tools, manufacturers have used the best of materials. And when it comes to storage, you will find the tool holding components to be outstanding too.
These tools come in different sizes to do a lot of works. Be it vinyl, wood, metal or masonry, there are all types of drill pieces in the box to deal with these materials. They have given the screws appropriate sizes for offering help in most of the drilling jobs a professional goes through. The kit is also ideal for numerous home projects.
The case that contains this huge number of tools is also durable and strong. It comes with extra storage so that the tools are organized properly. Even the beginners will find this drill set useful.
What’s also brilliant is that the product won’t cost much as some would assume by looking at the number of tools. However, it’s a shame; it doesn’t come with a hex tool.
Pros
A large number of pieces for providing versatility and outstanding holding components. They are highly durable.
Cons
No hex tool.
CO-Z 5pcs Hss Cobalt Multiple Hole 50 Sizes Step Drill Bit Set
This is a product that will certainly impress you with its modern design. It features steel drill bits that work with furious speed. They have introduced titanium coating with the cobalt to cut through toughest of materials, such as drill bits for stainless steel. By enhancing edge retention, this titanium coating provides durability for the bits.
What I liked about this unit are the impressively designed drill bits. You will benefit from such design while wanting to make holes varying in size. What’s astonishing is that you don’t need a large number of tools in the process. The few tools the kit comes with will see all the different jobs done with perfection.
Its shanks have compatibility with three different chuck sizes. This means you can have high flexibility in operating the drills. Thus, the unit offers you convenience. Among other worth mentioning features are the anti-walking tips.
It will be easy for you to center them and make them firm on their positions while working with slippery surfaces, namely aluminum and steel sheets.
You will find the bits effective on various types of materials, such as plastic, wood, etc. If the material is thinner than these drill bits, they will have no difficulty in drilling it. But, with thicker materials, they are not the most effective.
Pros
It has the ability to drill differently sized holes without having to change bits and it reduces impact shock greatly. Durability is impressive.
Cons
Less effective with thick materials.
Bosch MS4034 34-Piece Drill and Drive Bit Set
This is a product of another highly reputed company. The brand is known to produce top-class products at a cheaper rate. They have been producing all sorts of tools for some time now. And the consumers always have appreciated the quality of these tools.
The most remarkable thing about this bit set is that it comes with driver bits along with drill bits. Thus, you are offered to do a whole bunch of drilling jobs without any hassle. In terms of compatibility, these tools will cut through various materials, be it masonry, metal or wood. That’s high versatility for a drill bit to offer.
Manufacturers have also done a great job in making the case strong as ever. You won’t be having any problem in organizing the tools, thanks to the large space it provides.
What’s more, it’s easily portable. You won’t see such a lightweight product when it comes to drilling bit kit like this one. Thus, carrying it around becomes a lot easier. You won’t get hand fatigue in doing so.
What I loved about it is its compactness. That’s also something that the drill bits do not offer much often. You can store it anywhere. What’s the best thing about this product is that it doesn’t cost much despite offering you all these impressive features.
There’s something I didn’t like about it though. When you have to take the bits in and out, you won’t find the bits holders to be of much use.
Pros
It’s remarkably affordable and comes with both drill bits and driver bits. The set can be used to drill any type of material; metal, wood, concrete, etc.
Cons
Ineffective bits holders.
DEWALT DW1587 Spade Drill Bit Assortment
This is a tool kit that features six of the most commonly used bits. If you have this unit, you won’t need any other tools for most of the regular jobs. They have made sure that the tools are sturdy as well as durable.
There aren’t many products out there that can beat the speed of these drill bits. For this reason, many term this unit as the drill bits for woodworking.
Manufacturers have used something very special in making this unit, and that is Cubitron. It enhances the sharpness of the bits outstandingly since it is self-sharpening. In addition to that, it is highly abrasive. All these add to the durability of these tools. Not to mention, the ease of use they provide.
Longer lasting drill bits offer a longer life for the nail. Thus, you won’t have to go to any other unit anytime soon. And the speed channel this model comes with makes the chip removal much more efficient than that of other units.
Manufacturers have done a tremendous job by using high-quality shanks in making the bits. That’s why they are so durable.
There are a few aspects that I wasn’t quite happy with. You will find that the edge tip wears off quickly. They could have made them stronger. Also, the tools are more suitable for casual jobs, since they start becoming dull after a while.
Pros
It’s extremely easy to use and offers six different sizes for versatility. The heavy-duty steel construction is impressive.
Cons
Edge tip wears off fast and tools become dull quickly.
Irwin Tools 3018002 Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set
This brand knows how to produce masterpieces when it comes to hand tools as well as power tools. They have been producing outstanding products since the time they came into the scene. And when a brand has an experience of a century, you got to give it to them and trust their product’s quality.
This particular product we are talking about comes with perfection as far as build is concerned. They have given it a cobalt construction to ensure its durability. In terms of design, they have made sure it can handle heavy tasks. Even if it is the hardest of steels, the drill bits will manage to get through.
Another spectacular feature this unit comes with is its remarkable heat resistance. And it’s resistant to abrasion also. There are about 30 pieces of tools you will find in the package. Therefore, you won’t have to think twice before starting a new project, no matter how tough it is.
What’s also worth mentioning is the reduced shank of the bits. This way, you can work with larger bits in an impressive chuck. There’s also a removable bit cartridge in place offering you with ease of carrying the tools around. This feature will be most appreciated by professionals.
The unit provides various sizes of bits. By using these, you will be able to cut through hard metals. What’s more, it comes with a rubber case that will provide storage for all the tools. Though, some might find it a bit awkward at times.
Pros
Multiple sizes of bits for versatility and cobalt-made bits for heavy jobs. The unit is lightweight and comes with a storage case.
Cons
The rubber case isn’t of the highest quality.
PORTER-CABLE PC1014 Forstner Bit Set, 14-Piece
You need variety in your drill bit set. Only a sufferer knows how annoying it is to open up a bit set and find every single size in it except the one you are looking for. But, you won’t have to go through such annoyance if you buy this particular product we are reviewing now.
We are talking about 14 different sizes. Thus, you will be content knowing there are enough options to choose from in terms of size of drill bits. Another feature I liked about this model is the compactness of its case.
It won’t take much space and will be comfortable for carrying around. This unit will be most suitable for people who have modest workspace.
What’s also amazing is that you can place the bits into hand drills. Now, in the process of providing you with a lot of variety, this unit compromises on something else. It cannot offer you the maximum sharpness of the bits as other units do.
You will find them getting dull after a while. Therefore, you will have to re-sharpen them regularly. This is because the bits are packed tightly inside the case for being large in number. Tight arrangement of the bits gives rise to high temperature inside the case. And that leads to dulling of the drill bits.
Pros
The 14 different sizes offer a great variety of works and the compact case is easy to carry around. It has the ability to place the bits into hand drills.
Cons
The bits get dull quickly.
Guide to Buy the Best Drill Bits for Wood
Let’s talk about the factors that play crucial roles in making a product great. In this section, we will emphasize the most important features that determine the quality of the drill bits.
You need a tough and strong unit for getting satisfactory results out of the work. And this buying guide is going to help you in finding one.
Keep in mind that going for a tapered pointed drill bit is not a cool idea. While working with metal, there’s a fat chance that the bit will fail to do the job when put through places.
Therefore, you need to watch out for a few things for getting a tool that won’t have any problem working with hard metals.
Material
It plays probably the most important role in determining the efficiency and performance of the drill bit. The material of the bit has to be tougher than the material of the object to drilling.
Among the most durable objects, there is hardened steel. They tend to come with better resistance against tear and wear.
So, let’s talk about the materials that can deal with this tough customer.
Carbide
It also goes by the name of ‘carb’. This is one of the toughest guys out there that can handle hardened steel. It’s so hard and brittle that you won’t find its equivalent anywhere. Manufacturers use this in heavy-duty drill bits.
But, there’s a price for its extreme brittleness that you might have to pay. Since they get too brittle at times; you might end up breaking them by applying an excessive amount of force. This material is very much prone to breaking and snapping.
You got to know the limits of pressure you apply to them if you decide to go after a drill bit made of carbide.
High-Speed Steel (HSS)
This is one of the most commonly used materials in drill bits. However, you won’t get the heavy service as carbide would have provided. You can drill through softer materials with it, such as plastic, wood, and soft steel.
It would make a great option if you have to work with only the soft metals. Then you will find it to be a lightweight and reasonably priced option that will see the job done.
Cobalt
This is more like an upgraded version of high-speed steel. Its base contains only 5-8 percent of cobalt. This thing can also help in drilling through hardened steel. They are quite effective with stainless steel.
Design
For determining the speed and overall performance of the drill bits, the design plays a vital role. Let’s talk about some important aspects of it.
Lengths of the Drill Point
Shorter bits usually are more useful in drilling metals. They are more rigid and accurate than longer bits. A long bit gives rise to walking and sometimes breaking itself. While the short one will be durable and more secure from such incidents.
The Angle of the Drill Point
The standard angle for a drill point is 118 degrees. However, in dealing with a steel surface, the 135-degree drill point will be more useful by enabling quicker drilling.
Design of the Flute
The efficiency of chip removal depends on flute design. A well-designed flute means high effectiveness of the bits. This design comes in two types. While one is considered to be the standard, which is a 30 degrees angled bit, the other one is more effective with plastic and other softer materials.
Coating
Drill bits with black oxide coating provide enhanced chip flow and reduced friction. But, it’s only suitable for ferrous materials.
On the other hand, bits having TiN coating offers increased durability of the tools. And TiCN-coated drill bits are harder and more resistant to wears.
Drill Bits for Wood vs Concrete vs Metal
Let’s compare the three of them.
Drill Bits for Wood
There are different types of woods out there that woodworkers drill commonly. Some of them are MDF panels, plywood, chipboard, and hard or softwood. The best tool for drilling them would be something that comes with a centering point and lets you position your drill bits accurately.
Also, you would find the tapered bits to be up for the job when it comes to wood drilling. They won’t rip the wood up.
Drill Bits for Concrete
For drilling a hard material like concrete, the best option would be a concrete or masonry drill bit. Apart from concrete, it will drill granite and natural stone. These units come with carbide tips. They usually have carbon steel construction.
Drill Bits for Metal
For drilling metals, you need a drill bit that is manufactured specially to drill metals, such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, iron, etc. These drill bits come with high-speed steel (HSS) we talked about in the buying guide earlier. They have a shape of a cone at their tops.
Now, with the high-speed steels, there’s an issue. They tend to wear out quickly if excessive force is applied to them. To prevent such from happening, you can use cutting oil or drilling fluid. Besides, it will be better to remove the tool from the hole regularly. That way, it will cool down a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I determine the type of bit to use?
Ans: It will depend on the type of material you want to use it on. If it’s metal, you will find the HSS bits to be most effective. And if it’s wood, you would better go for the spur bits or lip bits.
Q: How durable drill bits are?
Ans: Usually, a quality drill bit has the capacity of drilling 80-200 holes without starting to wear down.
Q: Are the drill bits used for drilling pen blanks?
Ans: Only if it is a drill bit for woods, it will drill pen blanks.
Q: How can I drill a large hole?
Ans: You have to maintain a low speed of the drill until you approach the drill bit’s end. Thus, you can drill a large hole.
Q: What are the strongest drill bit units?
Ans: Among the strongest drill bits are carbide, cobalt, and HSS.
Final Words
Now that you have read the entire article, finding the best drill bits for wood should be easy now.
Anyway, now it’s time for you to choose the one that you think fits the bill perfectly. Let us know how you found our recommendations to be.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
