- Wood Drill Bits: These can be identified by a small, pointed tip at the very end. If you look closely, you can see spurs on each side. ...
- Masonry Drill Bits: These bits have a gently sloping tip. ...
- Metal Drill Bits: These have a wide-angled point at the end, and they may also be painted black.
What size drill bit do I Need?
When you are drilling into softwoods, always choose a bit 1/64-inch smaller than the target hole size. However, when you are drilling into other materials, choose a bit that is exactly the same size as the hole. In case you are not sure which one to choose, use a drill bit that is 1/64-inch larger than the hole you want to drill.
What is the maximum drill bit size?
- Core drill bits up to 6” walls
- Concrete demolition
- Professional demolition and construction work.
What size is a number six drill bit?
Your pilot-hole drill-bit size will depend on the size of your sheet-metal screw. A size-4 screw should have a pilot-hole drill size of 3/32 inches; size 6, 7/64 inches; size 8, 1/8 inches; size 10, 9/64 inches; size 12, 5/32 inches; size 14-1/4 inches, 3/16 inches; and 5/16 inches, 1/4 inches.
What drill bit do I need for making big holes?
- Installer bits are designed for installing wiring. ...
- Self-centering drill bit ensures that the drill hole is accurately centered each time the drill is applied. ...
- Drill saw bits are used for cutting irregular holes in metal or wood. ...
- Pocket hole bits, when used with the proper jig, let you drill angled holes for screws. ...
What are the 5 types of drill bits?
Drill Bit Types: Physical ShapeTwist bit. A twist bit (sometimes called a fluted bit) is far and away the most common type of drill bit, probably because it's the one with the greatest number of uses. ... Spade bit. ... Hole saw. ... Step bit. ... High-carbon steel. ... High-speed steel. ... Carbide or carbide-tipped. ... Coatings.More items...•
How do I identify a masonry drill bit?
Masonry bits look like larger twist drills with a slightly tighter corkscrew shape. You can identify them thanks to their wide arrow-shaped heads. They're commonly used in hammer drills to grind masonry down as they cut through it.
How are drill bits numbered?
Number drill bit gauge sizes range from size 80 (the smallest) to size 1 (the largest) followed by letter gauge size A (the smallest) to size Z (the largest). Although the ASME B94. 11M twist drill standard, for example, lists sizes as small as size 97, sizes smaller than 80 are rarely encountered in practice.
How can you tell if a drill bit is wood or steel?
0:000:52Metal vs. Wood (Lip & Spur) Drill Bit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it suited for a wood. This little dipper centers the drilling bit and flap or the other one forMoreAnd it suited for a wood. This little dipper centers the drilling bit and flap or the other one for this one is needed to create a small point on the metal. In order the drilling bit not to wander.
What color are masonry drill bits?
Masonry bits have a toughened tip which is quite different to normal twist drills. There is no special colour. Most masonry bits we use are plain grey or silver.
Why are drill bits different colors?
Different colored bits are mainly processed differently. Of course, you can make a general judgment from the color, but the current poor quality drill will also have its own color treatment to achieve the appearance of a quality drill.
Why are some drill bits lettered?
Letter and numbered drill bits were developed to make up the gaps in between metric and fractional sizes. The most common use is for using taps. There will not be an exact match for fractional sizes but you can refer them to closest fractional bit that is larger than the numbered bit.
What does the first number in a drill bit mean?
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the numbers on a drill represent the amount of torque the tool can apply to an object (such as a screw) or for hole drilling. The numbers usually range from 1 to 20 (or more) with 1 representing the least amount of torque and 20, the greatest.
What does 8 mean on a drill bit?
OK. What size is a #8 drill bit? Numbered drill bit gauge sizes range in ascending order from 80 (smallest) to 1 (largest). Thus, drill bit #8 is on the larger side of your standard drill set.
What does wood drill bit look like?
Wood drill bits are often silver. Tip. The tip of a metal drill bit will look different from the tip of a wood drill bit. Metal drill bits have a slightly angled tip, but a wood drill bit will have what's known as a brad, which is a sharp tip that snags the wood and helps prevent the bit from wandering as it turns.
What color are metal drill bits?
Usually, drill bits that are for metal can be distinguished by their black color. They are also usually made from tungsten carbide, cobalt or titanium, which should be noted on the packaging if you're buying new.
How can you tell the difference between a wood bit and a masonry bit?
Masonry bits resemble wood bits at a casual glance because they'll also have a deep spiral groove to help channel debris from the hole as you drill. The main visual difference is that masonry bits don't have the blunt, gently rounded tip you'll see on standard general-purpose bits.
What does a cement drill bit look like?
0:071:02Masonry drill bits - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook out for Eureka's. New exciting drill bit range yellow for wood glue for metal green for masonryMoreLook out for Eureka's. New exciting drill bit range yellow for wood glue for metal green for masonry. And orange for screwdriver bits Eureka.
What is the difference between a masonry and wood drill bit?
Masonry bits can be used for drilling rough holes in timber. However, the hole will be rougher and progress slower. This is because the drill just chips its way by brute force through the wood. A proper wood drill bit shaves its way through timber like a chisel.
Can I use a regular drill to drill into brick?
Drilling into a brick wall with a regular drill requires a high-quality masonry bit at the least. With no hammer action, the tool has to rely on its turning speed. Without a proper hammer drill, the process will take longer. You will also need to remove the drill from the hole more often.
Which drill bit is used for brick?
You can never use wood or metal drilling bits to drill holes in masonry, you must use specific masonry drill bits designed for masonry. Masonry bits are excellent for drilling bricks, Thermalite or concrete blocks, mortar (cement), concrete and some tiles as well.
What are the different types of drill bits?
Wood drill bits. Masonry drill bits. Tile/glass drill bits. As I say, there are many different drill bits however they fit into the following families; Wood and timber and plastics, Masonry and stone, Tiles and glass, Metals and other materials. Metal drill bits.
What can you use a metal drill bit on?
In general Metal cutting drill bits can also be used on many other materials, such as wood, timber, plastic, various metals up to and including steel, rubber and other more dense materials.
What is split point drill?
Metal drill bits. Traditional split point metal drill bits were originally designed to be used with milling machines, lathes or pillar drills. Their use was adopted by hand rotary drills over the years, however this is why most drill bits snap.
What is a centre drill used for?
The centre drill has a tip on both sides and is basically used for countersinking . Also this is our first HSS drill bit, so can be used with steel, other metals, woods and plastics. Generally if it’s HSS (meaning High Speed Steel) then it will cut a multitude of different materials.
Why use a hexagon shank in a drill?
The hexagon shank helps the drill bit to stop spinning in the chuck or can be used in a bit holder type driver, usually magnetic. It’s not recommended to use screwdriver bits in a power drill as these are not clutched to use them, this will lead to the screw head or the driver bit being rounded off or damaged.
What is a spade bit?
It’s also known as the spade bit. There is also a type of flat bit which is a cross between an auger and a flat bit, called an expansive bit. This has a fitting attached so the size of the drill bit can be changed to the size of the hole you need it to be.
Which is more accurate, a cone drill or a step drill?
Also another steel and other metals drill bit, although may only have one cutting face. The cone drill is more accurate with its cut than the step drill as the step drill has to forced through the material down each step.
How to Identify a Wood Bit From a Metal Drill Bit?
Although most drill types are pretty identifiable, the two that get mixed up are both brad-point (wood) and twist drills (metal). At first sight, as a novice, they can look somewhat similar. But failing to use them for the proper purpose can be catastrophic and result in you burning them out or splitting the wood. Here’s how I would identify each of them:
What is a wood drill bit?
Wood Drill Bits. A drill bit can be defined as a rotating cutting tool that is used to create holes in a piece of wood, plastic, metal, etc. Generally, a wood drill bit can be identified by the protruding point in the center and lips on the periphery.
What bit is best for cutting wood?
The bright finish HSS bits are the cheapest and are suitable for cutting wood, plastic and soft metals. Next is the black-oxide coated bit that offers better tool life and is good for mild steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc. A titanium drill bit with a more expensive titanium nitride coating is excellent for most steel, including cast iron and stainless steel. You need a cobalt drill bit or tungsten carbide bit to drill hard metal and tough alloy tool steels such as Inconel.
What is a Brad Point bit?
1. Brad Point Bits. This type of wood drill bit is by far the most precise and well-known in its category. Also known as lip and spur bit, it comes equipped with a small spur on the drill bit tip. The Brad point bit is known as a dowelling bit since it is widely used for drilling holes to make dowel joints.
What is the difference between a metal drill bit and a wood drill bit?
The main difference between a metal and wood drill bit is in geometry. The wood bit has a spur in the center that will penetrate the wood and keep the bit stable during drilling. The metal bit is a twist bit with conical cutting tips followed by spiral flutes. The above image shows two of the most popular bits used for drilling wood and metal.
What type of drill bit is used for wood?
Twist drill bits are the most common type of bit for drilling holes in metal. The metal drill bits commonly get confused between wooden ones. Although metal drill bits can be used for wood, they do not have protruding lips and hence less efficient at creating holes with a good finish in wood.
Why use an auger bit with a drill?
This is because it allows the auger to perform better, as it’s able to extract the wood easier without clogging up. But as new and improved auger bits were released into the market, many people use these with a power drill due to convenience.
Where are drill bits marked?
Typical drill bits have markings somewhere on the shank above the threads. It's small, but it usually has the drill-bit diameter stamped into the metal; the number is written in fractions. For example, the markings may read: 1/4-inch, 3/6-inch or 25/32.
How to measure the diameter of a screw?
The diameter of a screw or bolt is measured from the outer thread on one side to the other side's outer thread, according to Fastener Superstore's Fastener Guide.
How to size a screw?
The bottom jaw slides up and down. To size a screw, place the body of the screw (not the head) between the jaws and push the jaws shut with your fingers. You can pick up a pair of calipers at any home supply or tool store.
Can you find drill bits in drawers?
You open a drawer only to find scattered drill bits. They are similar enough that identifying one you need almost seems impossible. And even if they are regularly spaced inside a package, choosing the right one can be daunting. Even professionals get confused at times.
What is a drill bit used for?
This type of drill bit is used to punch into masonry or stone materials to hang pictures, put up shelves, and other items.
What is a masonry drill bit?
The masonry drill bit is a twist bit with tungsten carbide cutting tips. A typical masonry bit has a carbon steel or HSS body and a sloping tip that is often covered in carbide. The carbide helps keep the bit sharp when punching through masonry or concrete.
How can you tell the difference between a wood bit and a concrete bit?
On a wood bit there will be a sharp pointed spur in the center whereas the masonry bit has a carbide tipped cutting edges that are ground to 135-degree angle.
What type of wood bits are used for drilling holes?
Forstner Bits. This type of wood bits are also used for drilling large holes. The advantage here is that, the radial cutting edges deliver smooth finish. There is also the hole-saw which you can use to cut large diameter holes.
What is the difference between wood drill bits and masonry drill bits?
Another difference is the hardness as masonry bits are made from tungsten carbide which is a considerably stronger material. Many wood drill bits are made from carbon steel which will quickly dull if used on masonry or concrete .
What is the point angle of a tungsten carbide cutting tip?
As you can see in the above image, the tungsten carbide cutting tip is ground at angle with no spur point in the center. Unlike a metal bit, the point angle of a masonry bit is 135° which gives them more strength. This is worth noting down especially if you are considering sharpening the masonry bit by yourself.
What is a brad point bit?
Wood drill bits are made of high carbon steel or high-speed steel. A brad point bit is the one that is commonly referred to as wood drill bit. But there are several other types of wood drill bits.
Materials of Drill Bits
Coatings of Drill Bits
- After discussing the materials, now comes the coatings of the drill bits, which is another way of distinguishing between certain kinds of drill bits.
25 Different Types of Drill Bits and Their Uses
- 1. Twist Drill Bits
Twist bits are one of the most used drill bits out there as anyone can utilize them, be it a regular craftsperson or a professional. These bits can do a great job drilling through wood, plastic, steel, and even concrete. They are mostly known to be great performers when cutting metal. Check ou… - 2. Counterbore Drill Bits
Counterbore drill bits are used for enlarging an already existing hole to make the screw stand firmly at its position. The counterbore drills a hole of the same length as the screw upto the screw head.
Conclusion
- Now that all of the bits are explained with their uses, you can easily choose which one to go for to complete your project. Remember that making the right choice will save a lot of hard work. Once you buy one of these bits, it’s important to keep maintaining these drill bits in order to prevent them from wearing out. Here are some additional tips for doing so; 1. Make sure you use the cor…