While your power drill takes all the credit, it is the drill bit that actually gets the job done. Most of these bits are sold in a pack with an ambition to give maximum value to the user. If you have a specific task to target, try using the specialty bits for a particular material.
You can find a massive variety in the best drill bits for wood for undertaking woodworking chores.
A specialty drill bit will reduce the after work of cleaning debris. Also, they have a better finish to offer.
This review will help you understand different types of drill bits and how you can use them to get the best results.
In this post:
- Things To Know Before Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Wood
- 10 Best Drill Bits for Wood of 2024 Reviewed
- 1. Best Overall Drill Bits for Wood: Makita T-01725
- 2. Best Inexpensive Drill Bits for Wood: Bosch MS4034
- 3. Best Drill Bits for Wood for Beginners: Black & Decker BDA91109
- 4. Best Drill Bits for Wood for Professionals: Irwin 3018002
- 5. Best Drill Bits for Flat Bottom Holes: Porter Cable
- 6. Strongest Drill Bits for Wood: Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC
- 7. Drill Bits for Wood with Reduced Cutting Time: Irwin 1966892
- 8. Drill Bits for Wood with High Heat-Resistance: DeWalt DW1354
- 9. Drill Bits for Wood with Parabolic Flute Design: DeWalt DW1177
- 10. Drill Bits for Wood with Organized Holder: Tooluxe 10171L
- Conclusion
Things To Know Before Choosing the Best Drill Bits for Wood
1. Type of Drill Bits
There is a wide range of drill bits that help you accomplish different tasks:
– Twist Bits
The twist bits are known to have the highest speed because of their corkscrew-like design. These are used for smaller holes in wood and wall.
However, you will get some dust gathered at the surface after using the twist bit.
– Brad Point
When you require clean and precise holes, the brad-point bit is a suitable choice. These have rubber stoppers that help in setting a certain depth. Due to their precision, these are very common among woodworkers.
– Masonry Bit
The masonry bits come in use when you have to create holes on the concrete surface. However, because of the tough concrete exterior, the masonry bits wear out soon. You might have to make frequent changes.
– Rivet Bits
The rivet bits are specially designed to handle thin layers of metal. You can easily drive these rivets in metal sheets.
– Spade Bits
The spade-like tip of these bits allows them to work their way through softwood conveniently. These can be used to create holes for running cables.
– Installer Bits
The professionals prefer installer bits to bore holes for installing security systems and entertainment units.
These have a tiny spot on their tip where the wire is inserted and then passed through the material.
Also, these bits are longer than any other variety, measuring up to 18-inches in length.
– Step Bits
These are shaped like little pyramids and are used to drill into metal. With the step bits, you can create holes in different diameters.
– Auger Bits
If you want to drill holes in thick and dry wood successfully, then prefer using auger bits. They have a unique design to bore into tough material easily.
These bits are extremely precise and do the job cleanly.
– Self-Feed Bits
The tip of the self-feed bit resembles the auger bits. They feature a screw tip to position the bit. As a result, these bits also create extremely precise and clean holes.
– Hole Saw
These bits have a wide mouth and allow you to drill large holes for door hardware installation.
Read More: The Best Hole Saw Kit
– Countersink Bits
These bits are pretty versatile and can drill holes on wood or counterbore.
– Plug Cutters
The bits are used to drill holes in wood while cutting it in the plugs you need to conceal recessed fasteners.
– Tile Bits
The tile bits have carbide tips that neatly drill holes in the tile without cracking or damaging it.
Since there is a large variety in these bits, you have to pick the right bit for the correct application.
– Adjustable Wood Bits
These have an adjustable mechanism to bore holes of different sizes. This eliminates the need to purchase variable sizes for multiple tasks.
– Bullet Point Bits
These are extremely versatile bits, suitable to drill holes in plastic, wood, and metal material while accomplishing the task neatly.
2. Drill Bit Materials
The next significant thing to keep in mind is the material. There are a handful of materials used for drill bit’s construction. Let’s take a look at the best ones:
– High Speed Steel
High speed steel is among the most commonly used material to make drill bits. It has high-resistance and is decently tough. The steel bits are made in combination with chromium and vanadium additives. These are suitable for boring holes in soft metals, plastic, or wood.
The Makita T-01725, constructed with high-speed steel is definitely one of the most dependable products on the list.
– Cobalt
The cobalt material has extreme structural strength, making it perfectly suitable to drill holes in rather tougher surfaces like stainless-steel. It can withstand heat superiorly.
The Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC, constructed with cobalt material is the strongest product on the list.
– Carbide
Carbide is known as the strongest material on the planet. It is formed by combining carbon with metal. However, the material is very expensive to create the whole set.
That is why manufacturers make carbide tip drill bits to provide extensive strength and functionality to the bits.
3. Drill Bit Coating
To provide extra strength to the drill bits and make them wear-resistant, they are coated with additional material.
– Black Oxide
It helps retain the lubricants on the bits and provides extra resistance to rust.
– TiN Coated
The titanium-nitrate coating is given to the bits that have to deal with the hardest materials. This coating slows the wear progression on the bits.
– TiAin Coating
The titanium aluminum nitrate coating massively increases the bit’s heat and abrasion resistance.
– SG Coating
The silicone coating helps the bits to conveniently penetrate deep inside the firm and hard metals.
4. Number of Pieces
Drills bits are usually available in sets, and they all have different amounts of pieces given in each pack. It can vary from 8 – 118 pieces.
The Black & Decker BDA91109 is one of the best woodworking drill bits pack with 109 pieces to suit the most versatile needs.
10 Best Drill Bits for Wood of 2024 Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Makita T-01725 (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Bosch MS4034 (Best Inexpensive) |
|
 | 3. Black & Decker BDA91109 (Best for Beginners) |
|
 | 4. Irwin 3018002 (Best Professional) |
|
 | 5. Porter Cable (Best for Flat Bottom Holes) |
|
 | 6. Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC (Strongest) |
|
 | 7. Irwin 1966892 (With Reduced Cutting Time) |
|
 | 8. DeWalt DW1354 (High Heat-resistance) |
|
 | 9. DeWalt DW1177 (With Parabolic Flute Design) |
|
 | 10. Tooluxe 10171L (With Organized Holder) |
|
1. Best Overall Drill Bits for Wood: Makita T-01725
Photo: Makita
- Material: High Speed Steel
- No: of Pieces: 70
The Makita T-01725 secures the best overall position with its 70-piece high-speed steel drill bits in a versatile collection. The durability, strength, and easy working of this set is incredible. What makes this set more dependable is the black oxide coating to resist rusting.
The set is suitable for professionals as well as beginners that are getting into serious woodworking. The bits are easy to use. They create clean and precise holes due to the 135-degree split-point tips. You will not have to clean the mess after using them.
Furthermore, these are manufactured with Ultra-Lok 1/4-inches hex shank, which is compatible with various quick-change connector systems.
There is pro-grade, 3-inch bit holder and nut driver that offer extra-strong fastener retention to enhance the performance.
Everything, from cost to performance and durability, this model justifies being among the best woodworking drill bits. The only thing you may not like is that there is no adjustable wood bit in this set to add versatility.
Pros:
- High quality drill bits
- Very easy to use
- Suitable for beginners and professionals
- Compatible with various connector systems
Cons:
- Set does not have adjustable wood bit
2. Best Inexpensive Drill Bits for Wood: Bosch MS4034
Photo: Bosch
- Material: Metal
- No: of Pieces: 34
The Bosch MS4034 gives you an incredible product while keeping the cost to the minimum. This one comes in a set of 34 drill bits. You can find insert screw bits, countersink bits, rotary masonry bits, and brad bits. Undeniably, this is among the most versatile bits on the market.
All these components are stored in a portable job site tough case. Since most of these bits are reusable, you can conveniently keep them after usage. They will be away from outdoor components that will increase their life as well.
In this set, you can find drilling and fastening drill bits. It further enhances the flexibility of the product. To top it all, there is a 90-day warranty that helps in decreasing the risk. You can buy, use and replace if you are not satisfied.
Now, the drawback is that not all the bits are finished with black oxide. Therefore, some of them are highly susceptible to rusting.
Pros:
- Most affordable
- Easy to take to the job site
- Versatile
- 90-day warranty
Cons:
- Some bits are more prone to rusting
3. Best Drill Bits for Wood for Beginners: Black & Decker BDA91109
Photo: Black & Decker
- Material: Steel
- No: of Pieces: 109
If you are new to woodworking, the wise decision is to get a drill bit set with a decent number of options and easy usability. In Black & Decker BDA91109, you get it all. This set contains 109 drill bits in a large variety to give you more playroom.
Since this set’s cost is reasonable, you can buy it as your first set and try using different bits for all kinds of projects. Once done with the task, store the reusable ones back in the storage box.
One thing that every new user will appreciate is the ease of usability of this model. You can bore holes in wood, metal, plastic and masonry. While you can use these, to begin with, these bits are not suitable for heavy-duty applications. Moreover, these are not heat-resistant.
Pros:
- Wide number of options
- Suitable for different surfaces
- Comes with a storage box
Cons:
- Not heat resistant
- Not ideal for heavy-duty applications
4. Best Drill Bits for Wood for Professionals: Irwin 3018002
Photo: Irwin
- Material: Cobalt
- No: of Pieces: 29
Quality is the most important thing for professionals. The Irwin 3018002, constructed with a combination of steel and cobalt is high in quality. Due to the cobalt material, these bits are heat and abrasion-resistant. Furthermore, the heavy-duty web construction gives it strength and durability.
This is a 29-piece set, suitable for different woodworking needs. You get 1/16 – 1/2 inches drill bits, in an increment of 1/64 inches. The 135-degree split point tip immediately starts to drill, without requiring any force from the user.
Since all these bits are reusable, you will have them in your workshop for the longest time. There is a rubber molded storage box to protect the components. Plus, the drill selection chart helps in identifying all the drills that go with these bits. The only drawback is the high cost of this set.
Pros:
- Exceptional quality
- Suitable for various woodworking needs
- Easy to drill holes
- Comes in a durable storage box
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Best Drill Bits for Flat Bottom Holes: Porter Cable
Photo: Porter Cable
- Material: Hardened Steel
- No: of Pieces: 14
The Porter-Cable drill bits have optimized cutting edge for flat-bottom holes. These are specialty bits and available in a pack of 14 reusable bits.
The pack includes common sizes from 1/4 – 2 inches. The open tooth design creates remarkably cleaner holes with a smooth finish.
The set has promising construction of hardened steel. However, due to the lack of finish, it might be susceptible to corrosion and rusting.
While it comes in a storage box, the steel construction makes it heavy with an overall weight of 3.92 lbs.
Pros:
- Specialty bits
- Available in common sizes
- Cleaner holes
Cons:
- Heavyweight
- Susceptible to rusting and corrosion
6. Strongest Drill Bits for Wood: Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC
Photo: Drill America
- Material: Cobalt
- No: of Pieces: 29
The combination of high-speed steel with cobalt tip and gold oxide finish makes the Drill America DWD29J-CO-PC the strongest product on the list. These bits won’t rust, corrode, wear, or break.
They have remarkable durability and strength for easy penetration through high-tensile materials like stainless-steel, titanium, and Inconel.
The product meets ANSI specifications. The 135-degree split point tip encourages swift penetration without applying a lot of force.
The round shank accommodates most drill chucks. For easy identification, you get a plastic index case with labeled compartments. These are high-quality wood drill bits for all kinds of applications. The only drawback is the high cost of the product.
Pros:
- Strongest drill bits
- Easy penetration through high tensile material
- Meets ANSI specifications
- Compatible with all kinds of drills
Cons:
- Very expensive
7. Drill Bits for Wood with Reduced Cutting Time: Irwin 1966892
Photo: Irwin
- Material: Stainless Steel
- No: of Pieces: 8
The Irwin 1966892 comes with ultra-sharp cutting teeth that significantly reduces the cutting time. This model is for the DIYers that need easy to use the product. It contains 8 drill bits in different sizes.
The stainless-steel construction makes it safe from rusting. These Forstner bits are suitable for basic applications and to draw holes in soft and hardwood.
The storage box is very stylish and made of superior quality material. The drawbacks are that this model is not suitable for heavy-duty applications. Plus, there is very little versatility in this set. It can only answer to the user’s basic needs.
Pros:
- Quick in working
- Suitable for soft and hardwood
- Durable storage box
Cons:
- Less versatility
- Not suitable for heavy-duty applications
8. Drill Bits for Wood with High Heat-Resistance: DeWalt DW1354
Photo: DeWalt
- Material: Titanium
- No: of Pieces: 14
The DeWalt DW1354 has high heat-resistance due to the titanium coating on the top. The material ensures to improve the overall life of the bits.
The 14-piece set comes with a patented pilot point tip that conveniently drills holes on the surface. It does not cause any mess on the floor as well.
The no spin shanks help prevent the bits from slipping away. Plus, the tapered web is responsible for increased durability and reduced breakage.
However, it also has a poorly constructed storage box. Moreover, this model is less versatile because of fewer options in drill bits.
Pros:
- Heat-resistant
- Bits don’t slip away
- Less breakage
- Easy application
Cons:
- Lack in versatility
- Poorly constructed storage box
9. Drill Bits for Wood with Parabolic Flute Design: DeWalt DW1177
Photo: DeWalt
- Material: Steel
- No: of Pieces: 20
The parabolic flute design of the DeWalt DW1177 gives it extra strength and easy usage. These spiral drill bits are purposed for various applications. You can draw holes in plastic, wood, and steel material.
The strength comes from steel construction with black oxide coating to minimize rusting and corrosion. Also, the 135-degree split point design makes it slip-resistant and easy to manage.
This set is suitable for beginners and professionals. There is a bit organizer where you can place all the bits after usage. It comes with a storage box; however, the quality of the box is poor.
Pros:
- Extra strength
- Easy to use
- Slip-resistant
- Comes with an organizer
Cons:
- Poor quality storage box
10. Drill Bits for Wood with Organized Holder: Tooluxe 10171L
Photo: Tooluxe
- Material: High Speed Steel
- No: of Pieces: 13
The Tooluxe 10171L comes in a highly organized holder with the bit sizes imprinted below each bit placement. With this set, you will never get confused about the bit size ever.
You will find this set of 13 has multiple sizes for variable tasks. Also, the bits are very quick and easy to change. The 1/4 inches shank securely locks into chucks.
The product is made of high-speed steel and has a titanium coating on the top. These are heat and abrasion-resistant for maximum performance and strength.
This one also has affordable pricing. The only drawback of this model is that there is no storage box with it.
Pros:
- Comes with an organized holder
- Affordably priced
- Available in various sizes
- Heat and abrasion resistant
Cons:
- Does not come with a storage box
Conclusion
The Makita T-01725 is a perfect combination of durability and versatility, establishing its position as the best overall product on the list. It comes in a set with different types of drill bits for various projects.
The Irwin 3018002 is the second-best model, especially for the professionals, due to the absolutely robust construction to perform well on every material.
We hope the drill bits for wood review will answer all the questions you may have about these products. Also, don’t forget to check the other models that justify their purpose as the most dependable products on the market.
Happy Shopping!