Drill Bit Basics
Drill bits are the most common type of cutting tool, and our customers use them every day. But how do you know that you’re using the optimal drill bit for your needs? This guide will get you started on selecting the correct product for your application.
Drill Bit Material
High Speed Steel (HSS): The most common type, this is good for drilling in wood, plastic, and softer steels.
Cobalt (HSCO): A cobalt drill features 5-8% cobalt blended into the base material. Used on stainless steel and other harder steels.
Carbide (Carb): This is the hardest (but most brittle) type of material. Designed for the hardest materials, these are used in production environments and typically inside of machinery, not hand tools.
Types of Drill Bits
Twist Drill Bits
This is probably what you have at home. These are useful for everyday projects and cutting metal, wood, or plastics. They typically have a cylindrical shank but some are modified to feature a hex shank.
Masonry Drill Bits
A masonry drill bit is used when a twist drill won’t get the job done. Used on concrete, brick, or other stone surfaces, they are typically used on a hammer drill for maximum effect. This drives the tip into the surface and then the flutes pull away debris.
Brad Point Drill Bit
Designed to cut wood, the brad point refers to the tips at the point of the bit that creates the hole diameter before the rest of the bit makes contact. The flutes are wider than other bits to more effectively move the material away from the tips, resulting in a relatively clean, smooth hole.
Auger Drill Bits
Auger bits are typically for creating larger holes in wood. Their distinctive feature is the screw tip that gets the bit started before the rest engages. They are designed to pull the bit through the material, reducing the effort needed to create the larger hole.
Another bit typically for wood or plastic, these can also feature a brad point, but their distinctive look comes from the flattened paddle blade. The main center point helps to position and start the drilling.
Countersinks are used so that the fastener sits flush (or below) the surface. While there are a variety of options, they typically are utilized with a twist drill and a stop, with the countersink providing the wider hole for the fastener head to sit.
Step Drill Bit
A multi-functional bit, the cone design of a step drill allows you to use one tool to create different size holes. These are typically used for softer materials, as steel and other hard materials will break them. Markings on the sides of the big aid you in knowing exactly how deep to go for a given size.
If this drill bit guide didn’t answer all of your questions, or if there are specific applications that require a professional, contact Martin today and one of our metalworking experts will be happy to help you find the right product for you.
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