Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Drillbits*

Drill bits come in thousands of different sizes and types. Here are the most common kinds that you may need:

Type Uses Example

Twist Bit
General purpose drilling in wood, plastic and light metal (photo1)

Brad Point Bit
Boring in wood
Has high points (brads) for easier positioning and accurate cuts
Has extra-wide flutes for chip removal (photo2)

Spade Bit
Boring large diameter holes in wood
Range from 1/4" to 1 1/2" in diameter (photo3)

Adjustable Wood Bit
Wood boring, adjustable blade allows boring of multi-diameter holes
Adjusts from 3/4" to 3" in diameter

Auger Bit
Wood boring
Coarse screw end for quick drilling
Has large flutes for chip removal
Hole Saw Boring large diameter holes in wood and light metal
Usually range from 1/2" to 6" in diameter (photo4)

Forstner Bit
Boring flat-bottomed holes in wood(photo5)

Drill Saw Bit
Cutting irregular contours and holes in wood or metal

Counterbore, Pilot and Countersink Bit
Drilling pilot, countersink and counterbore holes in one step
Has replaceable and interchangeable pilot bits (photo6)

Installer Bit
Installing phone wire, TV cable, computer and security system wire
Has a hole in the bit head for pulling wire through hole

Left Hand Bit
Extracting broken, right-hand-threaded studs, screws and bolts (photo6)

Step Bit
Repetitive drilling in steel, copper, brass, aluminum, plastic and wood
Deburring holes

Glass/Tile Bit
Boring in glass or tile (photo8)

Masonry Bit
Boring in masonry
Used in rotary hammers or hammer drills
Scaling Chisel Chiseling, scaling and chipping masonry
Used in rotary hammers or hammer drills (photo9)

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