Your Complete Drill Bit FAQ & Resource Guide
Drill Bit FAQ’s – Expert Answers & Buying Guide
Welcome to Drill Bits World’s ultimate FAQ library — your one-stop source for answers to everything drill bit related. Whether you’re a contractor, machinist, DIY enthusiast, or industrial buyer, we’ve organized our most common questions by category so you can find exactly what you need fast.
From choosing the right drill bit for your material to understanding specialty designs like auger, masonry, carbide, diamond, and extra long drill bits, you’ll find detailed, straightforward answers backed by decades of experience.
Need to know what bit works best for stainless steel, how to drill without cracking brick, or what “SDS” really means? It’s all here — plus tips to help extend tool life, improve drilling accuracy, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you don’t see your question here, contact us and our team will be happy to help.
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- FAQ's: Annular Cutters
- FAQ's: Carbide Tipped Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Diamond Drills
- FAQ's: Electrician's Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Extra Long Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Holesaw Drills
- FAQ's: Masonry Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Metal Working Drills
- FAQ's: Percussion Core Drills
- FAQ's: Reamers
- FAQ's: Reduced Shank Drills
- FAQ's: Silver & Deming Drills
- FAQ's: Stanley Hydraulic HD-45 & Skil 736 Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Taper Shank Drill Bits
- FAQ's: Wood Drill Bits
How to use a hole saw with a hole already?
Clamp a scrap board over the existing hole, drill through the board to keep the saw steady as it enters.
How to tell if a hole saw is for metal or wood?
Metal hole saws have fine, hardened teeth or carbide tips; wood hole saws have larger, aggressive teeth. Check the packaging or markings.
How to hole saw a bigger hole in metal?
Center a larger hole saw over the existing hole using a guide plate or scrap wood clamped as a template.
How to enlarge a hole in metal without a drill?
Use a round file, rotary tool, or nibbler to manually widen the hole.
How to drill a hole in metal at home?
Use a metal-rated hole saw or step bit, slow drill speed, firm pressure, and cutting oil for lubrication.
How to drill a bigger hole using a hole saw?
Use a larger hole saw with the right arbor, or use a hole saw guide to enlarge an existing hole without wandering.
Does it matter which way you drill a hole?
Yes—drill straight and perpendicular for a clean cut. For delicate materials, drill halfway from each side to reduce tear-out.
Can you use a hole saw without a pilot bit?
Possible, but harder to center. A pilot bit helps guide the saw and prevents wandering.
Can you use a hole saw with an impact driver?
Not recommended. Impact drivers deliver percussive torque, which can damage the saw or cause rough cuts. Use a regular drill or drill press.
Can you attach a hole saw to a drill?
Yes—use the correct arbor/mandrel to connect the hole saw to your drill’s chuck securely.
Will a diamond drill bit go through metal?
Not effectively—diamond bits are for non-metallic materials; they can burn out quickly on metal.
Why are diamond drill bits so cheap?
Many use a thin coating of industrial diamonds, which is inexpensive to produce compared to solid carbide.
Which is better, carbide or diamond drill bit?
Carbide for metals; diamond for hard, brittle non-metals.
What is the lifespan of a diamond drill bit?
It depends on material, cooling, and use—can range from a few holes to dozens when properly used with water cooling.
What is the difference between diamond and tungsten drill bits?
Diamond bits cut by abrasion; tungsten carbide bits cut by shearing. Each is best for specific materials.