Types of Wood Drill Bits – Use the Correct One

Most of us are guilty of using the wrong tool for the job — either out of necessity or laziness. Still, there's something satisfying about using the right tool for the job. Often, using the right tools will help you get the best results. When drilling, accessories matter—maybe even more so than the tool you choose. Knowing the various types of woodworking drill bits and how to use the correct one can really improve speed and quality.

Discover the wide range of woodworking drill bits

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

Drill bits suitable for drilling in wood are available in steel, high speed steel, titanium coated and black oxide coated. Those other bits are best for metal. We've written about black oxide coatings and reviewed the best drill bits as well as the best metal drill bits.

Some tips before you start drilling holes in wood

Learn about general wood types

Wood species are divided into two broad categories, softwoods and hardwoods, but hardness also varies widely within these categories. Wood types make a big difference in bit selection. Drilling soft pine is much easier on the drill bit than hard hickory. You can drill softer woods with steel (although we recommend using HSS for any job), but as the hardness increases it has to match the drill bit hardness. This means that titanium or black oxide coatings are suitable for hardwoods.

What type of hole is required?

The purpose of drilling will affect the choice of drill bit. Will the hole accommodate an anchor that holds the picture, is it for wire or conduit, and do the fasteners inserted into it need to be countersunk?

Twist Drill

When you hear "drill," this is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It is the most common type of drill and is used on job sites and for general use around the home. Cork can get stuck in the flute, so gently remove it with a brush or blow dry.

As we mentioned above, twist drills (or “twist drills”) range in price from affordable black oxide coated drills to expensive carbide drills for milling. When it comes to selecting drill bits for your woodworking project, a good set of high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits should do just fine.

Bradpoint Wood Drill Bits

The distinguishing feature of this wood drill is in the name. The pointed point on the Brad Point drill helps position the drill for precise holes. These bits won't step on you when you start a hole. This makes it the right woodworking drill when you need a really accurate start.

shovel position

Spade bits have a wide, flat area and are used to drill larger diameter holes in wood. Spade bits don't have flutes, so when drilling deeper holes you may have to back off the bit as it advances. While traditional spade bits have perfectly flat surfaces, products like the Bosch Daredevil spade bits have self-feeding tips and slightly curved surfaces.

Auger bit

You'll immediately notice the tips of the threads on the auger bit. This type of wood drill uses the tip to quickly pull the bit through the wood. Auger bits maintain a constant flute throughout the entire length of the bit. These bits challenge cordless drills because they "force" the bit to maintain speed throughout the hole with a self-feeding tip.

self-sufficient drill

Often confused with Forstner bits, self-contained drill bits include a threaded tip, like an auger bit. This pulls the bit through the wood. These bits are good for holes that go all the way through the wood. This is the right type of woodworking drill when you want to make lots of larger holes for roughing. Typically, self-feed drills are used to drill larger holes.

Self-feed drills can be more aggressive than other large diameter wood drills. They can use one or two cutting heads in addition to peripheral cutting teeth. Check out our reviews of the Milwaukee Self-Feeding Drill and the Diablo SPEEDemon Self-Feeding Drill.

Mounting drill (also known as a bell hanger or fishing drill)

As the name suggests, these slender "bell hanger" wood bits are used by electricians for pulling wire or performing similar installation work. In addition to the longer length, there is usually a hole near the front end where the bit is mounted, for pulling the wire.

Related to installation drills are flex drills, which simply use a flexible shaft to let you get into tight spaces as needed. They can be up to 72 inches long.

countersink bit

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

foster bit

These odd looking bits will drill through the wood or create a flat bottomed hole if the hole doesn't go all the way through the wood. Use them when installing cabinet hinges or similar applications.

hole saw

Hole saws use a pilot auger bit to guide a large diameter rotary saw to remove plugs from wood. This allows conduit or wire to pass through. You can also use these bits when drilling locksets for doors. You can find hole saws for wood and metal.

in conclusion

By now, we think it's pretty clear when and how to use the correct woodworking drill. Do you have anything to add? Give us a voice on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and let us know what's on your mind!