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Types of Drill Bit

There are many different types of drill bits available which we’ll look at in this section. In the drill bit guide below, we’ve split them into three categories: type of drilling application or material being drilled, the best types of drill bits, and then shank types.

Drill bit material guide: Drilling applications

The most important factor to consider when buying a drill bit is the type of material you’re drilling into. This will determine the type of metal and coating the drill bit is made from and the shape of the cutting lip.

Here’s a list of the best types of drill bit to use for the most popular drilling applications or material types:

Image of Masonry Drill Bits
What drill bit for masonry?

A specialist masonry drill bit is the best type of drill bit to use if you’re drilling into brick, block, concrete, natural or artificial stone. They prevent the likelihood of chips and cracking and can help to reduce noise levels. They’re typically made from high-speed steel with a tungsten carbide cutting lip. They can have two, three or four cutting lips – the more cutting lips there are, the harder the material it will cut into. Most masonry drill bits can be used with a hammer action drill, but check before buying.

Image of Metal Drill Bits
What drill bits for metal?

Specialist metal drill bits are the best drill bits for metal. However, not all metals are the same as some are harder or denser than others. So, it’s important to consider what type of metal you are drilling as the drill bit must be harder than the metal it’s drilling. For example, drill bits made from high-speed steel (HSS) are fine for soft metals, while cobalt is the best drill bit for stainless steel. But solid carbide or tungsten carbide drill bits are needed to cut through hard, dense metals. Also, check the drill bit’s coating. A TiN coating will slow down wear and tear and increase resistance to abrasion and heat, and SG is best for penetrating dense metals.

Image of Multi Metal Drill bits
What multi-material drill bit?

If you want a drill bit that can tackle a range of materials, then a multi-material drill bit or a metal drill bit is ideal. Multi-purpose drill bits are usually made from high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt and have a tungsten carbide tip.

Image of Tile Drill bits
What drill bit for tiles?

To drill ceramic tiles, use a specialist tile drill bit designed to cut through class 4 tiles (tiles used in high traffic areas). These drill bits have a diamond-shaped point made from tungsten carbide that’s designed to cut through the ceramic without causing the tile to chip or crack. They also have a centring tip that stops the drill bit from slipping or wandering. A masonry drill bit can also be used on tiles if used at a slow speed and without the hammer action.

Image of Glass Drill bits
What drill bit for tile and glass?

To drill tiles and glass with a class 3 rating (used in light to moderate traffic areas), use a specialist tile and glass drill bit. These drill bits have a tungsten carbide tipped diamond-shaped point. They can withstand the high temperatures created when drilling into tile and glass.

Image of Wood Drill Bits
What wood drill bit types?

Most drill bits will drill through wood, but the best drill bits for wood are specialist wood drill bits. Most are made of steel, and different types of wood drill bits are available to drill different size holes. A twist bit is used to drill holes up to around 17-20mm and is better for drilling thick wood, while a flat drill bit can drill large holes from 13mm upwards in shallow wood. Some wood drills are three-point bits used in carpentry to drill small holes.

High-speed Steel M35 Double Ended Drill Bit

HSS 6542 Double Ended Drill Bits Fully Ground

HSS M2 135° Double Ended Rivet Drill Bit

Gold Surface Treated Fractional Two Ended Drill Bit

135° Split Point Double End HSS Drill Bit Black Oxide 3/16″

Black Oxide Coated High Speed Steel Double Ended Drilling Bit 9/64″

Black Oxide Straight Shank Double Ended HSS Drill Bits