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’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products. The best drill bits for metal, and particularly for carbon steels, goes to Milwaukee for their excellent cobalt bits. Just like their titanium bits, they have the Red Helix variable flute design. They also have a 135° QuadEdge Tip that helps it drill much faster than other cobalt bits we tested and still keep the walking to a minimum.

Most brown wall plugs are 7mm in diameter, so to drill a hole for a brown plug, you will need a 7mm drill bit. 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 SDS plus shank - This is another type of slotted drive system. It’s used for most masonry 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? 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. 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 Cobalt: an incredibly strong alloy metal used to drill through tough materials. It can withstand heat and resistance and is the best drill bit for stainless steel.

Kenny’s life around power tools started early. His grandfather was an airplane mechanic in WW2 and took up woodworking as a hobby after retiring from the power industry. Building everything from bookshelves to lazy Susans, he became extremely accomplished while his young grandson observed, fascinated at the way raw wood could turn into something both beautiful and functional. In fact, Kenny still uses several pieces that his grandfather made more than 30 years ago. 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. A drill bit's suitability for drilling into certain materials usually depends on what the drill bit is made from and coated with. The drill bit guide below describes the main options: Milwaukee updated these bits with Enhanced Tapered Web. This new core design strengthens it with better flute durability. 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: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. 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. TiAIM: a titanium aluminium nitrate coating that increases resistance to abrasion and heat on drill bits designed to cut metal. Grey wall plugs can vary in diameter (6-14mm). So, to drill a hole for a grey wall plug, you will need a drill bit that’s the same diameter as the plug you choose.