Drill Bits Buying Guide
What are the Best Workshop Drill Bits to Buy?
There are so many choices for drill bits, it’s no wonder why people end up taking a chance on a product, only to ultimately be disappointed at the quality. I’m a maker, not a drill bit researcher. I need to get into my shop and make something, not doing a comparison of this vs that. To make things easier, I put together a list of the drill bits I love to use in my workshop. Each recommendation is based on a lot of use, as I put these drill bits through their paces constantly. Hopefully, this will help to shorten down your time shopping so you can get back into building things.
Best Wood Drill Bit Set
Fisch Chrome Vanadium Wood Twist Drill Bits 29-Piece Set
After using drill bit set after set, I finally decided to sit down and find the drill bits I need for every day use. I purchased this 29-piece set from Fisch and it has never failed me. They’re sharp and drill through wood like butter.
The set ranges from 1/16” to 1/2” diameter drill bits. The odd sizes that are included have come in handy and I use them much more often that I expected when I first picked up the set. I’m also a fan of the tip of these bits. They make it easy to line up the bit to exactly where I want to drill. compared to many others that seemed to short and rounded. After using them for over two years, I can say they drill like they’re brand new and I’ve never broken a bit, even the tiny ones. Oh, they also come in Imperial and Metric sets.
Best Heavy Duty Drill Bit Set
Masterforce AXIS POINT Cobalt Twist Drill Bits 21-Piece Set
Sometimes, you need to drill something tough, like metal, and you need a drill bit that’s up to snuff. That’s where this set of cobalt drill bits from Masterforce come in. When I first purchased these, I wasn’t sure how they’d perform. I wasn’t familiar with the helix head that these drill bits advertise. I quickly realized that these bits are up for the task!
I’ve used them to drill aluminum, brass, and various grades of steel (including stainless). They drill though them like it was nothing! The helix head didn’t wander around the workpiece either, so my drill locations were accurate. What I really like about this set of drill bits is the reduced heat. After prolonged drilling in stainless steel, the bits didn’t get too hot, which is what I’ve encountered with other bits.
Masterforce® AXIS POINT™ Cobalt Twist Drill Bit Set - 21 Piece
Best Self Centering Drill Bits
Set of 3 Snappy Tools Hinge Bits
One thing that I do not like doing in the workshop is installing hinges. I can certainly do it, but it doesn’t mean I enjoy it. Hinges can be a pain to get properly aligned. To reduce the chances of a mistake, I like to use this set of 3 Snappy Tools Hinge Bits.
They come with three spring-loaded bits that center the drilling hole perfectly so the hinge screws end up where you want them, verses wandering off like I’ve encountered with some other bits. The drill bit sizes should cover just about any size hinge screw. And these bits are made in the USA.
Best Countersink Bit
Amana Tool 55227 Carbide Tipped Countersink Bit
This is one of my favorite drill bits to use. It is so good at what it does, which is perfectly drill and countersink holes all in one step. They aren’t the cheapest drill bits on the market, but you get what you pay for. This bit is reliable and consistent. I know that every screw hole will be identical every, single time.
I tend to use the 3/8” diameter bearing 1/8” drill bit version for just about everything. Mine came with a plastic storage sleeve and hex wretch for quickly adjusting the countersink depth and/or drilling depth. The large bearing stops the drill bit from plunging too far into the workpiece and never leaves a mark. You are simply left with ultra clean screw holes. Amana’s countersink bit is a thing of beauty!
Best Forstner Bit Set
Rockler 22-Piece Forstner Bit Set
Forstner bit sets can get a tad pricey. But it also somewhat makes sense. They are large so that means more materials are used to make them. Knowing the price can hurt, I chose the “buy once, cry once” approach.
The Rocker 22-piece Forstner Bit Set includes bits from 1/4” to 2-1/8”. In the years I’ve used them they have help up very well. They have always cut cleanly and quickly. If the price is an issue, I’d look closely at the Yonico 16-Piece Forstner Bit Set. While I’ve never personally used them, the set looks awful close to those sold by Rockler, including the storage case.
Rockler 22-Piece Forstner Bit Set
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