Auger bits closely mirror spade bits but work better for deeper holes that require lots of chip removal at the point of entry. The full-fluted design makes this possible. You typically need a stronger drill when using these bits. This becomes very apparent when drilling deep holes or holes that exceed 3/4-inches in diameter. One of the most cost-effective is a spade bit. Sometimes called a paddle bit thanks to its shape, spade bits throw chips out as they cut rather than sending it up through the flutes. It makes for a much cooler slow-motion video but generally leaves a larger mess. Unlike your standard twist bits, spade bits are really only good for making holes in wood. Auger Bits Carbide-tipped: one of the hardest materials on the planet, this drill bit only uses carbide on the tip. It’s suitable for drilling masonry, tiles and concrete. We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products. TiAIM: a titanium aluminium nitrate coating that increases resistance to abrasion and heat on drill bits designed to cut metal.

Flutes: a spiral channel that runs from the cutting lip to the shank. It helps to remove the material as it’s cut from the hole. Tungsten carbide: made from a mix of tungsten metal and carbon. It's even more hard-wearing than the standard carbide above. It is suitable for drilling into extremely tough materials such as masonry.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year. We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

SDS-Plus and SDS-Max rotary hammers do best for drilling on concrete and masonry materials. Hammer drills, however, more than suffice for drilling smaller diameter holes. When you start looking for the best concrete drill bits and the best masonry drill bits, the need for handling multiple materials arises. For that, our Pros consistently turn to Bosch Daredevil Multi-Purpose Drill Bits.We know we didn’t cover every category of hole-making accessories like hole saws and didn’t touch driver bits, either. While we chose to draw the line where we did, keep your eyes open for more buying guides to cover those accessories down the road! Disagree With Our Choices? Twist bits work best for drilling in a myriad of materials when the target is a hole diameter of 1/2-inch or less. As you move beyond a 1/2″ hole diameter, you move away from traditional twist bits into some different options. Spade Bits They’re great for moving beyond your standard twist bit sizes and eliminating the need for a punch for holes up to 1-1/4″ or a little more. They also feature a flat flute with a slight taper at each step. This gives you the ability to drill in sheet metal and other thin metals that might deform if you cut through at an angle. In addition to making new holes, they also excel at enlarging existing ones. Auger bits have a threaded tip that pulls the bit forward as it rotates in the wood. Its strong, full-fluted design also makes it easier to drill nice and straight. Step Bits In addition to drill bits being available in different types, they’re also available in various sizes to allow you to drill a hole that suits your needs. The list below gives answers to the most commonly asked questions around drill bit sizes:

SDS plus shank - This is another type of slotted drive system. It’s used for most masonry drill bits.Most red wall plugs are 6mm in diameter, so to drill a hole for a red plug, you will need a 6mm drill bit. Hex shank - A hexagonal-shaped shank used in screw guns or electric screwdrivers with a hammer mode. White wall plugs can vary in diameter (6-10mm). So, to drill a hole for a white wall plug, you will need a drill bit that’s the same diameter as the plug you choose. When the tips on these bits dull, consider sharpening them since cobalt runs throughout the steel. Avoid using them when you don’t need them to prolong their life for when you do. When you’re looking for the best cobalt drill bits for the money, the 15-piece kit presents a compelling option. Most brown wall plugs are 7mm in diameter, so to drill a hole for a brown plug, you will need a 7mm drill bit.