Having the proper drill bit for your project makes all the difference in the end result
Drill bits are one of the most versatile and essential elements of any toolbox. Having the proper drill bit for your project makes all the difference in the end result. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming because there are so many different types of drill bits out there. Certain drill bits perform differently depending on the material you are drilling, whether it be tile, metal, or hardwood. Using the wrong bit can damage or ruin your base material. Incorrect bits can slow you down or bring your work to a halt. Here are some tips on choosing the right drill bit for your next project.
All About Drill Bits
Choosing the right drill bit depends on the size of the hole you are making and what you are drilling into. In general, when you’re drilling a hole you want it to be slightly smaller than the fastener. Otherwise, match the size of the bit according to the size of the fastener shank. For common household projects, a standard steel bit will suffice. Drill bits come in various materials. The material you choose largely depends on the type of application. While some materials are perfect fits for wood, others are ideal for metals and hardened steel. Some common materials of drill bits include:
- Carbon steels: comes in high carbon, which is good for harder materials like woods and metals, and low carbon which works best on softwood and plastic
- Cobalt: suitable for harder metals, steel, and stainless steel
- Diamond drill bits: best on non-wood surfaces such as tile, marble, stone, ceramic, porcelain, or glass
Best Drill Bits for Wood
With wood drilling, the type of bit material and coating isn’t as important as the drill bit’s design. The most common type of drill bit for wood is the twist drill bit. These are the spiral-shaped hole-bores that have stood the test of time in the woodworking industry. There are many different twist drill types, including jobber, stubby, pilot, and prentice styles. Another specialized drill tool is the Forstner bit. These bits allow you to drill a flat-bottomed hole and won’t leave an accidental breaking edge. Forstner bits are ideal for shallow drilling such as setting cabinet hinges. Check out our showroom to find high-quality Freud Forstner bits.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 16 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop , and Grex
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