Drill Bit Sets - A Complete Guide

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.