11/30/2017 Drill Bit Types - The Ultimate Guide

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Drill bits are the most common accessory for
drills. There are many different drill bit types,
with each being designed for different, specific
applications and operated in different ways. Sponsors

It is important to note that you should not use

a drill bit that exceeds the maximum drilling
capacities of your drill, as this could cause !Advertise Herel !Advertise Herel !Advertise
permanent damage to your tool.

High Speed Steel (HSS) Bits

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Also known as 'twist' drill bits, these bits are the most common of the many drill bit types and are
ideal for everyday drilling through wood, metal and plastics. They will normally have a cylindrical
shank, but some will be modified to feature a " hex shank. This shank also allows tools such as He e Advertise Her

cordless screwdrivers and impact drivers to perform small drilling tasks.

Brad Point (Wood) Bits

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These drill bits have a brad point tip (also known as a W-point tip) that allows the outside cutting
edges of the drill to cut the diameter of the hole before the centre breaks through. This results in
the bit not grabbing and producing a very clean hole. It is therefore perfect for drilling into wood and
some plastics and for jobs like dowelling. These drill bits will sometimes come packaged with small
rubber rings called depth stops that fit around the bit and allow you to choose the depth you would
like to drill to.

Masonry Bits

These tungsten carbide tipped bits are used on hammer drills (on hammer mode) for drilling into
bricks, concrete, and stone. Some professional quality masonry drill bits will also feature a
hexagonal shank (instead of a cylindrical shank) to stop the bits from slipping in the chuck when the
drill is experiencing substantial loads, and also a percussion ground carbide tip. These drill bits heat
up rapidly during use, and this can melt the tungsten brazing on the drill bit's tip, allowing the tip to
move and chip when drilling. To keep the temperature of the bit down, you should withdraw the bit
regularly to clean its flutes and use the correct drilling RPM.

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11/30/2017 Drill Bit Types - The Ultimate Guide

Especially designed for drilling holes for rivets, these drill bits commonly have flutes on both ends,
so you can get twice as many holes out of one drill bit. These bits are only designed for shallow
holes through thin metal, where the hole is no deeper than 1.25 x 'the diameter of the hole'.

Note that the drill hole must be larger than the rivet size to allow for the expansion of the
rivet, and to reduce the metal's fatigue.

Spade Bits

Using an expanded brad point tip with angle spurs and a distinguishable spike, spade bits are a drill
bit type used exclusively for drilling large holes through wood. They most commonly feature a ""
hex shank, come in a range from 6-38mm in diameter, and can be combined with an extension
shank to extend their reach.

Auger Bits

Auger bits are capable of drilling very large holes with ease and are
designed only for drilling into thick, hard and dry timber. The screw REDUCE TURNARO
thread at the tip of the drill bit draws the drill bit into the material -
eliminating the need to push - whilst the single-spur cutting edge
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scribes the circumference of the hole for a smoother finish and the J
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large flutes on the drill bit rapidly remove the woodchips. They 111 .' l
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commonly have a hexagonal shank to create a firmer and more "+- ;"''I
secure connection between the chuck and the bit. Pop-A
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Forstner Bits

Forstner bits are a very specialised drill bit type commonly used for installing concealed hinges
(usually 26mm or 35mm in diameter). They are capable of boring large diameter holes in wood,
and their flat-bottom design enables users to pull just short of going through the piece of wood.
There are two types of forstner bits - those with a continuous rim and those with a saw-tooth rim.
Continuous rim (as shown) bits leave a very clean edge and are best for smaller holes, while saw
tooth bits produce relatively rough holes, but are better for larger holes (over 25mm in diameter)
and last longer.

These bits can be used in a handheld drill, but require a large amount of forward pressure to
operate. It is therefore recommended that a drill press be used instead.

Countersink Bits

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