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
What is the best drill bit for wood?
Brad point bits for precision, spade bits for speed, and auger bits for depth.
What is the best drill bit for large holes in wood?
A hole saw or large Forstner bit.
What is the best drill bit for drilling through wood?
For general use, a brad point bit. For deep holes, an auger bit.
What is a wood drill bit used for?
Drilling clean, accurate holes in wood and similar soft materials.
What are wood drill bits called?
Common types include twist bits, spade bits, auger bits, and Forstner bits.
Should you lubricate drill bits when drilling into wood?
No. Wood drills best dry; lubrication is for metal or masonry.
Is it better to drill wood fast or slow?
Moderate speed—too fast can burn the wood, too slow can cause tearing.
Is it better to drill into wet or dry wood?
Dry wood. Wet wood can gum up bits, swell, and split when it dries.
Is a flat wood bit better than a hole saw?
Flat (spade) bits are faster and cheaper; hole saws cut cleaner and handle larger diameters better.
How to tell the difference between a wood drill bit and a steel drill bit?
Wood bits have a point and spurs; steel bits are blunter with a chisel edge for cutting metal.
How to tell a drill bit is for wood?
It has a sharp center point and often spurs on the edges.
How to make wood not crack when drilling?
Use a sharp bit, pre-drill pilot holes, avoid drilling too close to edges, and reduce speed near the end.
How to know which drill bit to use for wood?
Match the bit type to the job—twist bits for small holes, spade bits for quick larger holes, and Forstner bits for clean, flat-bottom holes.
How to drill perfectly straight holes in wood?
Use a drill guide or drill press. Without one, keep the drill steady and check alignment from multiple angles.
How to drill holes in wood without chipping?
Use painter’s tape over the spot, drill slowly, and back the bit out gently before it breaks through.