Drill Bit Guide: Types, Materials, and Best Sets

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Drill bits wear out. Cheap ones wear out fast, expensive ones wear out slowly, and the wrong bit for the material wears out immediately. This page covers the five main types you will actually use in a home workshop, what materials they cut, and which sets are worth buying.

When to Replace

A dull drill bit generates heat instead of cutting. If the bit smokes, squeals, or takes noticeably longer to punch through the same material it used to handle, it is done. HSS bits can be resharpened on a bench grinder, but most people just replace them. Carbide-tipped masonry bits last much longer but crack if dropped on concrete.

Types Overview

Twist bits (HSS)

Wood, plastic, soft metals. The general-purpose bit.

$8-30 for a set

Spade bits

Fast, rough holes in wood for wiring and plumbing runs.

$10-20 for a set

Hole saws

Large-diameter holes in wood, drywall, and thin metal. Door knobs, recessed lights.

$15-50 per saw

Step bits

Clean holes in sheet metal and electrical boxes. One bit covers multiple sizes.

$12-25 each

Masonry bits (carbide-tipped)

Concrete, brick, and block. Requires a hammer drill for best results.

$8-25 for a set

Cobalt bits

Stainless steel and hardened metals. More heat-resistant than standard HSS.

$20-50 for a set

Buying Tips

Buy a 21-piece HSS set from a reputable brand and keep it organized. Loose bits in a drawer get lost and damaged.
Hex-shank bits work in both drills and impact drivers. Round-shank bits slip in impact drivers.
Titanium coating (gold color) reduces friction but cannot be resharpened without removing the coating. Cobalt is alloyed throughout the bit, so it stays heat-resistant even after sharpening.
For masonry, you need carbide-tipped bits and a hammer drill. Standard HSS bits will burn out in seconds on concrete.

Top Picks

DeWalt $28

DW1361 21-Piece Titanium Set

General-purpose HSS set for wood, metal, and plastic

Milwaukee $70

48-89-4631 29-Piece Cobalt Set

Hard metals and stainless steel where HSS fails

Makita $22

B-65399 18-Piece Masonry Set

Concrete and brick with a hammer drill

Bosch $18

DSB5013 13-Piece Spade Bit Set

Rough boring through framing lumber

Borrow or Buy?

Always Buy

Drill bits are personal consumables. They wear to match your drill, your technique, and your materials. Borrowing a half-dull set from someone else just means you start with compromised performance. A decent HSS set costs less than lunch.

Common Questions

Can I use regular drill bits in an impact driver?

Only hex-shank bits. Round-shank bits will spin in the impact driver chuck. Many bit sets now include hex shanks for this reason. If you use both a drill and an impact driver, hex-shank sets save you from swapping.

What is the difference between titanium and cobalt bits?

Titanium is a surface coating that reduces friction and extends life on wood and soft metals. Cobalt is mixed into the steel itself, making the entire bit more heat-resistant. Cobalt costs more but handles hard metals (stainless, cast iron) that burn through titanium-coated HSS.

Do I need a pilot hole for every screw?

In hardwood, yes. The pilot hole prevents splitting and lets the screw draw tight. In softwood and plywood, self-drilling screws skip the pilot hole if the lumber is thick enough. In sheet metal, always pilot first.