Drill Bit Sets Explored

As we know, drill bit sets are essential tools and power tool accessories ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

So, whether you are assembling furniture, installing shelving, or working on a large-scale construction project, having a quality drill bit set can really make all the difference in achieving the precision and efficiency you need.

With a wide range of types, sizes, and materials available, choosing the right drill set for you is key to the success of any project.

So, let's find out which drill set is right for you and your project, and if you are still not sure exactly, our customer service team is here to help you.

Types of Drill Bit Sets

To start off, there are various types of drill bit sets available, each designed for different tasks and materials, with some of the most common types consisting of:

Twist Drill Bits

The most adaptable and widely used, these twist drill bits can drill into wood, metal, and plastic.

This is due to their spiral flute design, which helps clear debris while drilling.

Twist bits are available in sets ranging from 1-10mm to 1 - 13mm for drilling precision holes in non-ferrous metals and alloy steel as well.

Spade Bits

Ideal for drilling large holes in wood, these flat bits work quickly, although they leave rough edges.

Wood bit sets also often feature spade bits, which are perfect for carpentry and DIY projects alike.

Masonry Drill Set

Designed for tough materials like brick, concrete, and stone, these bits often feature more of a carbide tip for overall durability.

Masonry drill bit sets are also essential for use with hammer drills and SDS drill bits for construction and heavy-duty work as well.

Auger Bits

Perfect for woodworking, these bits have a screw tip that pulls the bit into the wood for clean and precise cuts.

Auger bits are also commonly found in wood bit sets for professionals working with timber and softwoods.

Forstner Bits

Ideal for projects that require more flat-bottomed holes in wood, these bits offer you clean, precise results, and they are great for furniture making and cabinet installation especially.

Step Bits

Great for drilling multiple hole sizes in metal and plastic, these bits have a unique tiered design to accomplish this.

A cobalt drill bit set also often includes step bits for use on stainless steel, cast iron, and tougher materials as well.

HSS Drill Set (High-Speed Steel)

HSS drill bits are adaptable and affordable, as well as suitable for a range of materials like wood, plastic, and light metals.

These HSS drill bit sets offer you good all-around durability, making them a popular choice for general-purpose tasks in DIY and professional projects - including metal drilling.

HSS-Co

HSS-Co drill bits feature a cobalt alloy blend, which then offers you enhanced heat resistance and durability when you need a high-speed drill bit.

They are ideal for drilling through hard metals like stainless steel, making them a go-to for tough, high-temperature applications in both power tools and impact drivers.

HSS-E (5% Cobalt)

HSS-E bits contain 5% cobalt, which increases heat resistance and their hardness.

This in turn makes them excellent for drilling into hard metals and maintaining sharpness over extended use - providing you with a superior performance in more demanding tasks involving high-strength materials like stainless steel and cast iron for instance.

HSS-R

HSS-R bits are rolled and offer you excellent toughness and flexibility on the whole.

They are more of an economical choice for general-purpose use in soft metals, wood, and plastics, as they provide you with very reliable performance without sacrificing their durability - especially in home or light industrial tasks.

Consequently, these are commonly found in piece drill sets for DIY enthusiasts.

Steel

Steel drill bits are an affordable option best suited for drilling into soft materials like wood or plastic.

Though not as heat-resistant as other materials, they still offer you good performance for light-duty tasks and are widely available for everyday use - especially in basic hand tools and drills.

Cobalt

Designed for tougher metals like stainless steel, these bits are heat-resistant and maintain their sharpness longer as a result.

Cobalt drill bit sets are also perfect for professional use on non-ferrous metals as well.

Carbide-Tipped

Extremely durable and perfect for drilling into hard materials like stone and masonry, Carbide drill bits are often featured in heavy-duty SDS Plus drill bit sets and hammer drills.

Titanium-Coated

These bits offer you more increased durability and reduced friction, making them ideal for smooth, fast drilling through metal.

Titanium drill bit sets are also coated with titanium nitride, which helps to ensure that they get a longer bit life and improved efficiency when used with power tools as well.

Diamond-Tipped

The hardest option is that these bits are designed especially for materials like glass, tile, and porcelain.

Diamond-tipped bits are also commonly used in hole saws for tiling and bathroom renovations as well.

What Makes Up a Drill Bit?

By understanding the parts of a drill bit, it will help you choose the right one for your application, along with how to use it correctly as well.

For instance, a drill bit is made up of several areas, such as:

Shank

The shank is the part that fits into the drill chuck, which matches the shank size to your drill and ensures that you get a secure fit as a result - especially with hex shank or SDS bits.

Flute

The flute then contains spiral grooves that run along the bit's body and help clear debris from the hole being created.

Fluted designs are essential for efficient debris removal when working with multi-purpose drill bits.

Cutting Edges

The sharp surfaces at the tip do the actual drilling, so keeping these sharp will improve your overall drilling efficiency - especially in jobber drill bit sets.

Tip Point

The end of the bit that makes contact with the material is then known as the tipping point.

Different tip shapes then suit different materials, like pointed tips for wood and flat tips for metal drill bits, for example.

Standard vs Speciality Drill Bit Sets

A standard drill bit set typically includes a variety of twist bits, perfect for drilling into wood, plastic, and light metals.

These sets then give you lots of options and are ideal for everyday tasks around the home or workshop.

Speciality drill bit sets, on the other hand, are designed for specific materials and tasks.

For example, masonry drill bit sets are perfect for concrete and stone, while step drill bit sets are excellent for drilling multiple hole sizes in metal without changing bits.

Then, more speciality sets like tungsten carbide or SDS drill bits offer you superior performance for specific applications as well.

Choosing the Right Drill Bit Set

When selecting a drill bit set, you want to consider many factors, such as for instance:

Material

Ensure the bits you pick are designed for the materials you will be working with.

For metal projects, you will need durable, heat-resistant bits, for instance, like cobalt or titanium-coated ones.

For woodworking, Brad-point bits are then more ideal.

Purpose

Alongside the material, you also want to think about the types of projects you will be doing.

For instance a DIY enthusiast may only need a basic set, while a professional may require more specialised sets - like masonry drill bits or combination drills.

Drill Bit Sizes and Applications

Choosing the correct drill bit size is also critical for achieving the right hole dimensions, and they typically range from small to large and have different applications.

Small Bits (1/16" to 3/16")

These are ideal for precise work like drilling pilot holes or using small screws in multi-tool blades or screwdriver sets.

Medium Bits (1/4" to 3/8")

Medium bits are then more common for general-purpose drilling in wood, plastic, and metal, for instance.

These sizes are often found in jobber drill bit sets as well.

Large Bits (1/2" and above)

Then you have large bits which are used for heavy-duty drilling, like in construction projects or for installing large bolts with mitre saws and impact drivers for instance.

Drill Bit Coatings and Their Benefits

Another area to consider is coated drill bits, which offers you enhanced performance and longevity due to the coating applied.

Common coatings here, for instance, include:

Titanium

Titanium increases the durability and reduces friction when used which gives you more cleaner cuts and longer bit life as an end result.

Titanium drill bit sets are also ideal for smooth drilling in various purpose drill bit applications as well.

Black Oxide

Black Oxide then resists corrosion and heat, making these bits ideal for metalwork, as Black Oxide coatings extend the life of carbon steel and high-speed steel drill bits / HSS drill bits.

Cobalt

Great for drilling through tough metals at high temperatures, Cobalt drill bit sets are also essential for tackling stainless steel or cast iron with power tools like drill drivers for instance.

Diamond

Perfect for drilling into hard surfaces like glass, ceramic, or stone, Diamond drill bits are commonly used in hole saws and paddle mixers for tiling jobs for example.

Storing and Organising Drill Bit Sets

When it comes to storing and organising them, proper storage is essential for keeping your drill bit set in good condition.

For instance, many sets come with a tool holder or case, but for larger collections, you may want to consider a wall-mounted cabinet holder or a portable case with labelled slots.

This then lets you store your drill bits properly, which in turn helps prevent damage and ensures you can easily find the right piece in your screw bit sets or piece sets quickly when you need it.

Maintaining and Sharpening Drill Bits

Regular cleaning and sharpening are key to extending the life of your drill bits.

Consequently, if this is something you are considering, you should consider the following:

Cleaning

After each use, wipe down your bits to remove debris that has built up on them.

For bits used on metal or masonry, you can also use a small brush to clean off stubborn particles as well.

Sharpening

If you do not want to replace the drill part, and you know what you are doing, then you could consider a sharpening tool or machine to keep the cutting edges sharp as well.

Consequently, regular maintenance ensures consistent performance and saves money in the long run, especially with high-quality drill bit sets.

Drill Bit Sets Overall

As you can see, investing in a high-quality drill bit set is really key for anyone who regularly undertakes DIY or professional projects.

A well-rounded set, for instance, includes a variety of bits for different materials, making your tasks easier and more efficient.

Consequently, with proper care, maintenance, and an understanding of the different types of drill bits available, your set will then perform reliably for years to come - with many options offering next-day delivery or free delivery from trusted brands as well.

Contact us

If you are still not sure which drill bit set is right for you or need help, then please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

Delivery

We’ve extended our ordering hours to offer you 'next working day' delivery, making your shipping experience easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery option that suits you best to ensure the timely, hassle-free arrival of your products.

Standard next day delivery is available for all products ordered within the specified time, with FREE delivery for certain items.

About MSC Direct

At MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom.

We offer a vast selection of products, including cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, Reamer tools, and safety equipment, many of which are available with special offers.

We serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond.

Consequently, our outstanding customer service, fast delivery times, and technical support make us a trusted partner for all your business needs as a result.