Types of Drill Bits

The right type of drill its can make any home improvement projects a lot simpler. A drill bit is a cutting tool that can be attached to a drill press to make cylindrical holes. Specialized bits are also available to create non-cylindrical holes. The following are several types of drill bits.

Twist Drill Bits

Twist bits or twist drills are the most in demand type of drill because they are low priced, easy to use and require low maintenance. They look like a cylinder with deep, spiral grooves and can be attached to an electric drill or a hand drill. The front tip penetrates the material and the helical grooves along the length of the bit take away the debris from the hole and help to keep the bit straight.

Screwdriver Drill Bits

These bits are useful for drilling pilot holes, which are smaller holes drilled into a material before drilling bigger holes. In effect, it increasing the size of the hole and lessens the probability of splitting the material. A screwdriver drill bit has a shaft shaped like a hexagon and is intended to be used with a rechargeable screwdriver.

Masonry Drill Bits

As the name implies, these bits are ideal for drilling into stone, bricks, quarry tiles, blocks, or concrete. The tip is usually made of tungsten carbide attached to a spiral steel shaft. Other masonry drills are referred to as ‘durium tipped’ which pertains to the incredibly resilient silicon bronze alloy tip that cuts the materials. Masonry drills are normally used with a power drill but you can use them in a hand brace with a great deal of effort.

Spur Point Drill Bits

Spur point bits feature a central point and a pair of spurs that help the bit to drill straight. The bit penetrates wood quickly and makes a clean hole when used in an electrical drill. These bits are generally known as a dowel or wood bits and must be used only for drilling timber and some plastics.

Bullet Pilot Point

Bullet drills feature a point at the center for alignment and two spurs that cut materials. This type of drill can cut holes in timber, plastics, and metal. Furthermore, they are more precise compared to twist bits and result in lesser damage to the materials being drilled.

Tile Bits

A tile bit is perfect for drilling holes in ceramic tiles, porcelain, marble, granite, mirrors, and glass tiling.

Flat Wood Drill Bit

A flat wood bit can be used with a power drill to cut medium to large, deep holes in chipboard, plastics, and wood. This type of drill is ideal in electrical and plumbing jobs.

Hole Saw Drill Bit

A hole saw is ideal for cutting large holes of up to 18mm in depth such as for door locks and large pipes. This type of bit can cut thin wood, soft metal or plastic.

Forstner Bits

Forstner bits are widely-used in to make holes with a flat base, for instance, cabinets and door hinges.