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
Can taper shank drill bits drill metal, wood, and plastic?
Yes — choose the right material and point style for the material being drilled.
Do you need a pilot hole with a taper shank drill bit?
For large diameters, yes — starting with a smaller drill improves accuracy and reduces load on the bit.
What materials are taper shank drill bits made from?
Usually high-speed steel (HSS) for general-purpose drilling, with cobalt or carbide options for harder materials.
What sizes do taper shank drill bits come in?
They range from small diameters to over 3 inches, with shanks matching common Morse taper sizes.
Can you use a taper shank drill bit in a handheld drill?
No — they’re designed for stationary machines with matching tapered sockets.
Do taper shank drill bits slip in the socket?
When properly seated and clean, they rarely slip. If slippage occurs, clean both the bit shank and the spindle socket.
How do you remove a taper shank drill bit?
Use a drift key (wedge-shaped tool) inserted into the spindle’s slot to knock the bit free.
How do you install a taper shank drill bit?
Insert the shank directly into the matching Morse taper socket and seat it with a slight twist or tap to lock it in place.
What is a Morse taper?
A standardized taper system (MT1, MT2, MT3, etc.) used to match drill bits and machine spindles for secure, friction-fit mounting.
What machines use taper shank drill bits?
Commonly used in drill presses, milling machines, and lathes equipped with Morse taper spindles or arbors.
What is the advantage of a taper shank drill bit?
The tapered fit provides maximum torque transfer, secure seating, and easy removal, making it ideal for heavy-duty drilling.
What is a taper shank drill bit?
A taper shank drill bit has a conical shank that fits directly into a matching tapered socket in a drill press, lathe, or other machine, eliminating the need for a chuck.
What industries use Silver & Deming drills?
They’re popular in construction, fabrication, maintenance, woodworking, and general metalworking.
What’s the best drill speed for large HSS bits?
Use slower speeds for larger diameters, especially in metals, to reduce heat buildup.
How do you sharpen a Silver & Deming drill bit?
They can be sharpened on a bench grinder or with a dedicated drill bit sharpener, keeping the correct cutting angles.