The main drill bit types are twist bits for general use, brad point bits for clean holes in wood, masonry bits for brick and concrete, spade and auger bits for large timber holes, and holesaws for wide openings in plaster or timber. Choosing the right drill bit for the material gives you cleaner holes, less effort and far longer tool life.
Why do drill bit types matter?
Each material behaves differently, so each needs a bit ground and built to suit. The wrong bit can wander, overheat, tear the surface or simply refuse to cut.
Matching the bit to the job is the single biggest factor in getting a neat result. It also protects your drill, since a struggling bit forces the motor to work far harder than it should.
The good news is you only need a handful of types to cover almost everything around the house. Stock those well and store them tidily in your tool accessories kit so the right bit is always at hand.
Twist bits: the all-rounder
Twist bits are the everyday bits most people picture. They handle wood, plastic and thin metal, making them the natural first set for any home.
For general timber and plastic, standard high-speed steel (HSS) twist bits are fine. For metal, look for titanium-coated or cobalt HSS bits, which run cooler and stay sharp longer under the extra heat.
Best for: general holes in timber, plastic, sheet metal and pilot holes for screws.
Brad point bits: clean holes in timber
Brad point bits have a sharp central spur that stops the bit wandering as you start. That centre point bites first, so the hole lands exactly where you marked it.
The sharpened outer edges score the timber cleanly, leaving crisp holes without the ragged edges a twist bit can cause. They are the go-to for furniture, cabinetry and dowel joints.
Best for: precise, splinter-free holes in solid timber and boards.
Masonry bits: brick, block and concrete
Masonry bits have a hardened tip, usually tungsten carbide, that grinds through brick, concrete, render and block. They are built to take the pounding of a hammer drill.
Use them with your drill's hammer setting for anything harder than soft brick. Ease off the pressure and let the bit do the work, since forcing it only builds heat and dulls the tip.
Best for: wall plugs, masonry anchors and fixing into brick or concrete.
Spade and auger bits: big holes in timber
When you need a wide hole in timber, spade and auger bits clear material fast. Spade (or paddle) bits are flat and cheap, ideal for rougher work where the hole will be hidden.
Auger bits have a screw tip that pulls the bit through the timber, producing deeper, cleaner holes with less pushing. They suit running cables or plumbing through joists and studs.
Best for: large-diameter holes in framing timber, decking and posts.
Holesaws: wide openings in sheet materials
Holesaws cut large-diameter circles that ordinary bits cannot manage, such as openings for downlights, pipes, tap holes or door hardware. A pilot drill in the centre keeps the saw steady as it starts.
Carbon steel holesaws handle plaster, plywood and soft timber neatly, while bi-metal versions tackle tougher materials. A kit like the Craftright 5 Piece carbon steel downlight holesaw set gives you several common sizes for ceiling and plaster work in one go.
Best for: downlight cut-outs, pipe penetrations and large round openings.
Which drill bit types suit which person?
| You are... | Start with these bits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A first-home DIYer | HSS twist set plus a few masonry bits | Covers timber, plastic and hanging things on walls |
| A keen woodworker | Brad point set and spade or auger bits | Clean joinery holes and large timber openings |
| A renovator | Masonry bits, holesaws and cobalt twist bits | Walls, downlights, pipes and the odd metal job |
| A weekend fixer | Mixed twist and masonry set | One tidy kit handles most household repairs |
How to make your drill bits last
Let the bit cut at its own pace rather than leaning on it. Excess pressure builds heat, and heat is what ruins a cutting edge.
For metal, drilling slower and adding a drop of cutting oil keeps the bit cool and sharp. For masonry, clear the dust from the hole regularly so the tip is not grinding through packed debris.
Store bits so their tips do not knock together, and keep them dry to prevent rust. A well-kept set from the tools and hardware range will outlast a neglected one many times over.
A quick word on holding your work
Clean holes start with steady material. Clamp your workpiece, or wedge a swinging door with something like the Adoored black timber wedge door stop before you drill into it, so nothing shifts as the bit bites.
A moving workpiece causes wandering holes and snapped bits, especially with brad point and holesaw bits that rely on an accurate start. Take the extra minute to secure everything first.
With the right bit for the material and your work held firm, clean and accurate holes become the norm rather than a lucky outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What drill bits do I need for a starter kit?
A general HSS twist bit set plus a few masonry bits covers most home jobs. The twist bits handle timber, plastic and light metal, while masonry bits let you fix into brick and concrete. Add brad point bits later if you take on furniture or cabinetry work.
Can I use a wood drill bit on metal?
Standard HSS twist bits will drill thin metal, but they blunt quickly and can overheat. For regular metal work, use titanium-coated or cobalt bits made to run cooler. Never use a brad point or masonry bit on metal, as they are ground for entirely different materials.
What is the difference between a masonry bit and a normal bit?
A masonry bit has a hardened tungsten carbide tip built to grind through brick, block and concrete, usually with a hammer drill. A normal twist bit cuts timber, plastic and metal. Using a normal bit on masonry will quickly blunt it and produce little more than heat.
Do I need a special drill bit for downlights?
Yes. Downlights need a wide, clean circular opening, which a holesaw cuts far better than any standard bit. A carbon steel holesaw set sized for common downlight diameters lets you cut neat holes in plaster ceilings quickly, guided by the saw's central pilot drill.
