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      • Published 23 Jan 2023
      • Last Modified 29 Aug 2023
    • 10 min

    Drill Bit Sets - A Complete Guide

    Our guide will help you understand what drill bit sets are as well as the types of sets and drill bits available.

    Reviewed by David Carmichael, Solution Engineer (January 2022)

    What are Drill Bit Sets?

    Drill bit sets include a collection of drill bits, typically featuring a range of sizes to ensure suitability for different applications. Drill bits are the tools which allow drills to cut holes into different materials through the application of circular torque, or rotational force. The upper part of a drill bit is called the shank and this is attached to the chuck, a special clamp within the main body of the drill.

    Most modern drill bits are made from various types of steel. Some of the most common types include:

    • Carbon Steel – this is the ideal choice if you need a tough drill bit able to cut into harder substances. Carbon steel is resistant to high temperatures and bits made from this material typically have longer lifespans than alternative options
    • High-Speed Steel (HSS) – this material remains firm when subjected to high temperatures and can cut quickly and accurately
    • Cobalt Steel – the cobalt admixture increases strength and resistance to both heat and friction
    • Tool Steel with Tungsten Carbide Tips (TCT) - these have a tough and stable tip with a longer working life

    In addition to the use of alloys, modern drill bits often include chemical coatings to enhance their performance. Common coatings include:

    • Black Oxide – this prevents corrosion and increases resistance to stress. It also helps to retain any lubricants which have been applied, making it a good choice for iron and steel drilling
    • Bronze Oxide – this coating is also an effective choice for additional stress resistance. It is often used to help identify cobalt steel and can be used in combination with black oxide to help identify high-speed steel bits
    • Titanium Nitrate – added to increase the rigour of drill bits, this coating also helps to protect against the high temperatures generated by frictive materials like iron, steel and aluminium, thereby increasing their lifespan
    • Ferrous Oxide - another coating which provides effective shielding against heat

    Drill bit sets are useful because they contain a selection of drill bits in different shapes and sizes. Some contain bits specifically designed for use with certain substances - for example, masonry,woodmetal, plastic, concrete etc - while others are intended to meet the needs of professionals who routinely work with multiple materials.

    Drill bit sets made specifically for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts are also available. These tend to feature smaller bits intended for lighter work. Drill bit sets are normally supplied in sturdy carry cases, with individual components on clear display for ease of use.

    Types of Drill Bit Sets

    Auger Drill Bits

    Auger drill bits are very distinctive-looking bits featuring sharp helical spirals along their shaft called ‘flightlings’. They are designed to produce smooth, uniform holes, typically in wood, while also removing the shavings. Auger drill bits can also be used for cutting through ice. Dirt or ground auger drill bits perform the same function for cutting through soil. Auger drill bit sets will offer a good selection for use on handheld power drills.

    Cobalt Drill Bit

    Cobalt Drill Bits

    Cobalt drill bit sets are high-performance tools. The bits are actually made primarily from steel but a 5% cobalt admixture provides additional strength and heat resistance, even if cooling is limited. Cobalt drill bits can be used with resistant, high tensile metals - those which retain strength under tension. They include stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, titanium alloys and carbon fibre composites.

    Counterbore Drill Bit

    Counterbore or Pilot Drill Bits

    Pilot drills, also known as pilot point drills, are precise devices designed to create pilot holes. These are made in construction materials, including wood and plastic, in order to guide the insertion of larger drills or bore-making tools. The pilot hole may be a counterbore - i.e. have a wider section at the top. A set of pilot drill bits will provide a good selection of these important implements.

    Countersink Drill Bits

    A countersink is a conical hole cut into construction material via special drill bits. The primary use of countersinks is to provide a home for countersink bolts or screws, which can have aesthetic or safety benefits. A precise fit is needed for these. Countersink drill bit sets provide a good selection of these tools.

    Hex Drill Bit Sets

    Hex bits feature hexagonal shanks, either machined onto a round shaft or arising from an originally hexagonal bar. Hex drill bit sets feature a selection of the most useful bits for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

    Jobber Drill Bits

    Jobber Drill Bits

    Jobber drill bits are long and thin; the length is typically 9-14 times the diameter. They are one of the most widely used types of drill bit, suitable for a variety of less demanding jobs. Some jobber drill bit sets are impressively large, offering a comprehensive selection of lengths and sizes.

    Micro Drill Bits

    These are smaller bits designed for precise, close-up work. They can be used with such materials as steel, aluminium, brass, polycarbonate and glass fibre. Micro drill bit sets typically range from just 0.5mm to 2mm.

    Screwdriver and Drill Bit Set

    Screwdriver and Drill Bit Sets

    Drill bit and screwdriver accessory sets combine drilling attachments with screwdriver bits. The latter are detachable heads primarily made from steel in a variety of standard screwdriver designs (Phillips, Slotted, Pozidriv, Torx, etc). These can be attached via a shaft or chuck to manual screwdrivers or drill drivers - a power tool which combines drilling and screwing functions.

    Drill Bit Sets for Drilling Different Materials

    Drill Bits for Metal

    Drill Bit Sets for Metal

    Drill bit sets for working with metal typically contain a selection of tough steel and cobalt alloy bits in a vigorous, tapered design for a high level of cutting power without compromising precision or safety. Metal drilling produces a lot of friction so various heat-resistant chemical coatings are also applied by default.

    Masonry Drill Bits

    Masonry Drill Bit Sets

    Masonry drill bits are typically long and thick with a threaded shaft, made to cut cleanly through tough materials like concrete and stone. Masonry drill bit sets provide a good selection for builders and masons.

    Wood Drill Bit

    Wood Drill Bit Sets

    These drill bit sets are aimed at carpenters or other professionals who regularly work with timber. They contain a selection of driver bits specially designed to grind and bore through wood neatly and cleanly, with a minimum of burr. When working with wood, the emphasis lies in precision and smooth operation.

    Drill Bit Sizes

    Drill bits are available in a range of standard sizes. It is important to ensure that the size of the bit you intend to use is compatible with your drill - it should fit into the chuck (the gripping clamp) exactly for a secure fit that will withstand the pressure of the drilling.

    Two of the most common drill bit sizes are 9.53mm and 12.7mm respectively. However, for comparison, the minimum sizes available in drill bit sets can range from as little as 0.3mm all the way up to 16mm, while the maximum sizes can range from 1.6mm to 80mm.

    Other common sizes include:

    • 13mm drill bits
    • 15mm drill bits
    • 18mm drill bits
    • 23mm drill bits
    • 24mm drill bits
    • 26mm drill bits

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