Quick summary: Choosing the right drill bit stops holes tearing out, burning or cracking. This beginner-friendly guide explains how bit types, materials and coatings work, gives you a simple material cheat sheet, and shows you the basic speed and safety habits that make drilling cleaner and more predictable on wood, metal and plastic.
Which drill bits should I use for different materials? Use brad point bits for clean holes in wood, masonry bits with a hammer drill for brick and concrete, HSS or cobalt bits for metal, and sharp HSS or plastic-specific bits at low speed for plastic. Match the bit to the material, use the correct speed, and let the bit do the cutting.
🧱 INTRODUCTION
When you're new to DIY, it can be confusing to know which drill bit to choose for each job. Using the wrong bit can burn out your drill, damage your materials or produce rough, messy holes. This guide breaks down the different drill bit types, what they’re used for, and how to choose the right one for wood, metal, plastic and masonry.
Need help choosing a drill as well as the bits?
Read my full buyer’s guide: Best Cordless Drills in the UK (2025 Buyer’s Guide & Comparison).
Understanding Drill Bits: The Basics
Before choosing the right drill bit for your project, it's important to understand the different types of drill bits available. Drill bits come in various shapes, materials, and coatings, each designed for specific purposes. Here's a simple break-down to help you understand the basics ⬇️
✔ Shank: The smooth part of the drill bit that connects it to your drill.
✔ Flutes: Curved grooves along the bit that remove material as you drill.
✔ Point: The cutting tip of the drill bit.
✔ Coating: A special layer (e.g., titanium or black oxide) to make the bit last longer and stay sharp.
Different materials require different drill bit types, and using the wrong one can damage both your drill and the material. Below, we’ll explain how to choose the right drill bit for each material you’re working with.
Drill Bits for Wood 🪵
Wood is one of the easiest materials to drill through — but only if you use the right bit. These are the best types of drill bits for wood:
- Brad Point Bits: Best for precise, clean holes in soft or hard wood. The point helps keep the bit centred.
- Spade Bits: Great for drilling large holes quickly, though they leave rougher edges.
- Auger Bits: Ideal for deep, clean holes in thick wood. The spiral helps remove debris efficiently.
Pro Tip: Avoid using metal or masonry bits in wood — they can burn the wood or cause splintering.
Drill Bits for Metal 🔩
Metal needs stronger bits designed to handle heat and pressure. Here are the best types of drill bits for metal:
- HSS (High-Speed Steel): Good for drilling into soft metals such as aluminium and copper.
- Titanium-Coated Bits: More durable than standard HSS bits. Great for frequent drilling.
- Cobalt Bits: Ideal for drilling into tough metals like stainless steel. Highly heat resistant.
Pro Tip: When drilling metal, use a slower speed and add cutting oil to keep the bit cool and prolong its life.
Drill Bits for Plastic 🔵
Drilling plastic requires care to avoid cracking or melting the material. Here’s what works best:
- Standard HSS Bits: Work well for most plastics when used at a slow speed.
- Step Bits: Ideal for enlarging holes in thin plastic materials.
Pro Tip: Let the drill bit do the work — apply very light pressure to avoid cracking the plastic.
Drill Bits for Masonry 🧱
Masonry materials like brick, concrete, and stone require a heavy-duty bit. These bits are designed for hammer drills:
- Masonry Bits: Feature a carbide tip that can withstand impact and abrasion.
Pro Tip: Use a hammer drill setting for best results when drilling into masonry.
Drill Bit Coatings Explained 🎨
Coatings make drill bits more durable and resistant to heat:
- Titanium: Good for wood and metal. Stays sharp longer.
- Black Oxide: Helps resist rust and increases durability.
- Cobalt: Built to withstand high heat — best for hard metals.
Drilling Speed Tips ⏱
- Wood: Fast speed
- Metal: Slow to medium speed
- Plastic: Slow speed
- Masonry: Hammer drill mode
When to Replace a Drill Bit 🔄
- The bit has become dull
- You notice burning or smoke
- Holes become rough or uneven
- The drill struggles to cut through material
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: Can I use a metal drill bit on wood?
Technically yes, but it won’t produce the cleanest results. Wood-specific bits are recommended.
Q: What’s the best drill bit for stainless steel?
A cobalt drill bit is the best choice due to its heat resistance and durability.
Q: Can I use a hammer drill with wood or metal?
No — the hammer function should only be used with masonry bits.
🛠 Useful Tools & Accessories
- Bosch 50-Piece X-Line Titanium Drill & Screwdriver Bit Set A versatile all-in-one set with bits for wood, metal and masonry – ideal for beginners.
- BLACK+DECKER 18V Hammer Drill Starter Kit A beginner-friendly cordless hammer drill that handles wood, metal and masonry jobs.
- DEWALT Extreme 2 29-Piece HSS-G Drill Bit Set A durable set of metal-specific bits – great for steel, alloy and regular DIY drilling.
