Guide To Common Drill Bits

1. Twist bit will bore through angle iron, flat iron or sheet metal and can be used for rough drilling in wood and other materials. Twist bits are available in a wider range of diameters than any other bit type.

2. Brad-point bit looks like a twist bit, but has a center spur and side spurs to keep it from wandering. These bits can make clean cuts in wood and softer materials (but not metal).

3. Auger bit will bore deep, straight holes into timber or thick softwood. The threaded bit point helps keep the bit cutting true while the spiral cutting head carries wood shavings to the surface. Best used with hand-powered brace-and-bit or a power right-angle drill.

4.Counterboring bit creates a pilot hole and countersink hole to accommodate a screwhead and wood plug. Some bits are fully adjustable as to their depth. Common sizes are for #5, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 wood screws and 1/4-, 3/8- (most common) or 1/2-in. wood plugs.

5.Forstner bit will cut very clean holes with flat bottoms. It is especially useful in fine woodworking or when drilling into hardwoods. The bit will produce holes in any grain direction. Sold individually, or in sets. Use with a drill press only.

6.Countersink bit will ream out an existing hole so a screw can be driven flush, or slightly recessed, into the wood surface.

7.Spade bit is useful for boring through wood where precision is not critical. It is the bit of choice when boring wiring holes through studs or removing wood before chiseling (as when cutting a mortise).

8.Vix bit is designed to drill perfectly centered screw pilot holes through guide holes in hardware plates.

Which Drill Bit Brand is Best? Let’s find out!

12 drill bit (twist drill) brands tested for speed and durability on spring steel, 304 stainless, and mild steel using various drill bit sizes and a drill press. Drill bit showdown highlighted two very impressive brands. All drill bits tested were between $10 and $40 per set. Brands tested: Bosch, Craftsman, DeWalt, Harbor Freight (Warrior), Harbor Freight (Bauer), Ryobi, Walmart (HyperTough), Milwaukee, Metabo, Work Force, Black & Decker, and MasterForce (Menards).

Brad Point Drill Bits & Twist Bits

This is a short overview of 3 types of twist bits, including my favorite drill bits, Brad Point drill bits.

Understanding Auger Bits

https://youtu.be/Er8fCS4NnGs

Restoration craftsman Ron Herman uses tools from 50 to 100 years ago. You can too by keeping a sharp eye open at antique shows and flea markets. In this video Ron talks about Auger bits and explains how they function – often more effective when used in a brace than a modern cordless drill.

Counterbores -How To Make And Use

How to Use a Countersink Drill Bit & Plug Cutter Set

A good countersink and plug cutting set is a must have in my shop.

HOW TO USE A SPADE BIT

If you haven’t had much experience using a spade bit before, it can take a bit of time to learn how to get the most out of the piece. In this video, Andrew covers his top tips to get the perfect finish every time.

Vix Bit To Drill A Centered Hole

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