Buying Guide: Drill Bit Sets
Knowing which brands offer a good-quality drill bit set isn’t enough. You must know how to pick the one that suits your needs. Choosing the right drill bit set for your application can be a tough task, which is why we have compiled the following buying guide to help you out!
How To Choose a Good Drill Bit Set?
Material and coating
Drill bits are constructed using various materials. Each of these is designed with varying durability levels and applications. The most common materials are high-speed steel, high carbon steel, low carbon steel, and cobalt. With so many options out there, you should carefully consider your needs and choose accordingly.
After deciding on the build material, you need to think about the coating. The most commonly used drill bit coatings are black oxide and titanium nitride.
Black oxide is a cheap yet long-lasting coating that offers corrosion resistance, lubricity, and heat resistance. Titanium nitride, on the other hand, is a leading-edge coating that enhances the cutting precision.
Size
The size of a drill bit is judged on two parameters: shank and point. Shank is the part of the drill bit that fits inside the drill’s chuck.
The point, on the other hand, is the pointed end of the bit. Drill bit sets feature a variety of point sizes – however, it is generally believed that drill bits of the 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch variety is more than enough to perform most household tasks.
Number of drill bits
The total number of drill bits inside your desired set is another important aspect to look into. A set with more bits, for example, will let you address a vast variety of jobs.
To enhance your buying experience, you should carefully compare the different models available on the market and choose the one with a different and higher number of bits.
Carrying or storage case
Most drill bit sets available on the market come with carrying cases for easier storage and transportation. A majority of these cases are plastic but you can also find some models with aluminum cases too.
When choosing between different models, you should go for a set that comes with a waterproof and hard-wearing case – preferably with a magnetic interior to hold the drill bits securely.
Different Materials Used for Making Drill Bits
Cobalt
It is a steel blend made using 5 to 8% cobalt. Being sturdy, it strengthens the entire structure of the drill bit making it capable of drilling through almost anything.
High Carbon Steel (HCS)
Despite being quite durable, this material is prone to overheating. To promote a safe experience, you should allow it to cool every couple of minutes when this happens.
Such bits are highly suited for drilling hardwood.
Low Carbon Steel (LCS)
This is the cheapest drill bit material you can find on the market. Requiring constant sharpening, you can use these bits for drilling softwoods.
High-Speed Steel (HSS)
This material is a form of tool steel, hence is sturdier than HCS. It is hard and has more temperature tolerance – so you can use it to drill fiberglass, soft metals, and wood.
Tungsten carbide
Known as the hardest drill bit material, tungsten excels with its ability to hold its edge. Expensive yet extremely brittle, it is the exclusive choice for drilling masonry and other ceramic surfaces.
Popular Drill Bit Types
Twist bits
The twist bits are the most common type of drill bits used for home projects. They resemble corkscrews in appearance and are great for drilling small holes into wood or walls.
They work by channeling the dust out from the hole using their unique twisty design, making them suitable for drilling various materials when the target is a hole diameter of ½ inch or less.
Spade bits
As the name suggests, spade bits are shaped as small spades. Their spade-shaped tip allows them to bore in softwoods creating holes to install locks and even run cables.
Unlike twist bits that send the dust up the flute, the spade bits constantly throw excess chips out as they move.
If you’re a content creator, the process may make a satisfying slow-motion video with good results – but keep in mind that you’ll have a big mess to clean up.
Auger bits
While auger bits closely mirror spade bits in function, they are more suitable for drilling deeper holes as they remove a lot of chips upon entry.
Their strong, full-fluted design is great for straight drilling. The threaded tip propels it quickly into the wood – drilling a clean and precise hole for you to work with!
Step bits
Step bits are a step away from woodworking and into the world of metalworking. These drill bits are designed to drill holes in thin metals like breaker boxes and metal sheets.
Their design resembles a series of pyramid-shaped steps that allow you to create holes with varying diameters.
A positive of the flat flute allows you to drill thin metal without deforming it. You can use these to drill new holes as well as to enlarge existing ones.
