🧰 Why the Right Drill Bit Matters
Using the wrong drill bit doesn't just slow you down — it damages your material, ruins your bit, and can create a safety hazard. Whether you're drilling through mild steel, stainless, hardwood, or sheet timber, choosing the correct bit makes all the difference.
🪵 Drilling Into Wood
For wood, the key priorities are a clean entry point, minimal splintering, and the right bit for the depth and diameter you need.
- HSS (High Speed Steel) bits — the everyday general-purpose option for softwoods and sheet materials
- Spur point (brad point) bits — ideal for clean, precise holes in hardwood; the centre spur prevents wandering
- Spade (paddle) bits — fast and effective for larger diameter holes in framing timber
- Forstner bits — best for flat-bottomed holes, hinges, and dowels in furniture work
- Auger bits — long, self-feeding bits for drilling deep through thick timber
💡 Tip: Always reduce speed as you break through the back face of wood to prevent tear-out.
⚙️ Drilling Into Metal
Metal drilling requires harder cutting edges, slower speeds, and often cutting fluid to manage heat.
- HSS bits — suitable for mild steel, aluminium, and copper at moderate speeds
- HSS Cobalt bits (M35/M42) — the go-to for stainless steel and harder alloys; resist heat far better than standard HSS
- Titanium-coated HSS bits — longer-lasting surface hardness, good for repetitive drilling in mild steel
- Carbide-tipped bits — for hardened steel and cast iron where standard HSS won't cut it
- Step drill bits — perfect for thin sheet metal; one bit drills multiple hole sizes cleanly without a pilot hole
💡 Tip: Always use a centre punch to mark your hole before drilling metal — it stops the bit skating across the surface.
🔍 Quick Reference: Bit Type vs Material
- Softwood / Sheet timber → HSS or spur point
- Hardwood / Furniture → Spur point or Forstner
- Deep timber holes → Auger bit
- Large holes in wood → Spade bit
- Mild steel / Aluminium → HSS
- Stainless steel → HSS Cobalt (M35 or M42)
- Sheet metal (multiple sizes) → Step drill
- Hardened steel / Cast iron → Carbide-tipped
⚠️ Speed Settings: Get Them Right
- Wood — higher speeds generally work well; slow down for large diameter bits
- Mild steel — medium speed with light pressure
- Stainless steel — slow speed, firm consistent pressure, use cutting fluid
- Aluminium — medium-high speed; aluminium can grab, so use lubricant
⚠️ A bit that overheats will lose its temper and blunt rapidly — if your bit is turning blue or smoking, slow down and add fluid.
🛡️ Safety Reminders
- Always clamp your workpiece securely — never hold metal freehand while drilling
- Wear safety glasses — swarf and metal chips travel fast
- Keep fingers clear of the drill path
- Disconnect power before changing bits
The right bit for the right material isn't just about performance — it's about doing the job safely and cleanly, first time. Browse our full range of drill bits to find the right type for your next job.