Tool Guide

Drill Bit Types: The Complete Guide for Wood, Metal, Concrete and More

Which drill bit should you use for which material? In this guide, we explain the most important drill bit types, their properties and typical applications – from wood and metal drill bits to SDS, masonry, step and core drill bits.

Drill bits are among the most important tools in trade, industry and DIY projects. Whether you are building furniture, renovating a property or working professionally on a construction site, choosing the right drill bit for the material is essential for clean and accurate results.

Basics

What is a drill bit?

A drill bit is a rotating cutting tool used to create holes in a material. It can be fitted into tools such as a drill, cordless drill driver or rotary hammer.

The main parts of a drill bit

Shank The shank is the part of the drill bit held by the chuck or tool holder.

Flutes The flutes transport chips, dust and material away from the cutting area.

Cutting edge or tip The shape and geometry of the tip are major factors in determining which material the drill bit is designed to work with.

Not all drill bits are the same.

Depending on the application, drill bits differ significantly in their geometry, cutting tip, material, coating and shank design.

Drill bit types

The most important drill bit types at a glance

Choosing the right drill bit primarily depends on the material you want to drill. The following types are among the most commonly used options.

Wood Drill Bits

Wood drill bits are specifically designed for drilling timber and wood-based materials.

Solid wood Plywood Chipboard MDF

One of their most recognisable features is the centre point, also known as a brad point. It helps the drill bit start accurately at the desired position without wandering across the surface.

Typical features

Centre point for accurate positioning
Outer cutting spurs for clean hole edges
Flutes for efficient chip removal

Brad Point / Twist Wood Drill Bits A versatile standard choice for many woodworking applications.

Forstner Bits Ideal for large, clean and flat-bottomed holes, for example when fitting concealed cabinet hinges.

Spade Bits A simple and economical solution for drilling larger holes in wood.

View Wood Drill Bits

Metal Drill Bits

Metal drill bits are designed for machining metallic materials and typically feature a conically ground cutting point.

Steel Aluminium Brass Copper Stainless steel

Common point angles include 118° and 135°. The most suitable geometry depends on factors such as the material, drill design and application.

Common drill bit materials

HSS – High Speed Steel A proven standard material for many general metal drilling applications.

HSS-Co Cobalt-alloyed HSS offers excellent hot hardness and is particularly suitable for demanding steels and stainless steel applications.

Carbide Used for demanding industrial applications and particularly hard or abrasive materials.

View Metal Drill Bits

Masonry and Concrete Drill Bits

Hard mineral building materials require robust drill bits designed to withstand significant mechanical loads.

Concrete Masonry Brick Natural stone

Masonry and concrete drill bits typically feature carbide cutting edges at the tip.

Typical features

Durable carbide cutting edges
Designed for percussion or hammer drilling applications
Robust construction for mineral building materials

For concrete in particular

For frequent or demanding concrete drilling, SDS drill bits used with a suitable rotary hammer offer particularly effective drilling performance.

View Concrete Drill Bits

Multi-Material Drill Bits

Multi-material drill bits are a practical choice for users who frequently switch between different materials and prefer not to change bits for every application.

Wood Plastic Masonry Various materials

Their main advantage is versatility. However, for frequent or demanding applications, a dedicated drill bit designed specifically for the material will generally deliver better results.

View Multi-Material Drill Bits

Glass and Tile Drill Bits

Glass, ceramic and tiles are sensitive materials that require specialised cutting geometries and particularly controlled drilling.

Tiles Ceramic Glass

Typical features

Specialised, often spear-shaped cutting tips
Precise starting on delicate surfaces
Controlled drilling speed required

Do not use percussion mode on glass or tiles

When drilling delicate materials, start without hammer or percussion action, as this can cause cracks or chips.

View Glass & Tile Drill Bits

Step Drill Bits

Step drill bits have a conical profile with several progressively larger cutting diameters.

Sheet metal Plastic sheet Installation work

Their key advantage is that one drill bit can create several different hole sizes or enlarge an existing hole in controlled stages.

View Step Drill Bits

Core Drill Bits

Core drill bits are used when large hole diameters are required. Rather than removing all of the material inside the hole, they cut around the circumference.

Pipe penetrations Installation work Large diameters

Because a material core remains in the centre, large holes can, depending on the drilling system, be produced much more efficiently.

View Core Drill Bits

Quick comparison

Which drill bit should you use for which material?

The following table provides a quick overview to help you choose the most suitable drill bit.

Drill bit type	Typical materials	Key feature	Typical application
Wood Drill Bit	Wood, MDF, chipboard	Centre point	Furniture making, woodworking
Metal Drill Bit	Steel, aluminium, brass, copper	Ground cutting edges	Metalworking, workshop use
Concrete Drill Bit	Concrete, masonry, stone	Carbide cutting tip	Construction, installation, renovation
Multi-Material Drill Bit	Various materials	Versatile design	General installation work
Tile Drill Bit	Tiles, ceramic, glass	Special cutting geometry	Bathrooms, kitchens, sanitary installations
Step Drill Bit	Thin sheet metal, plastic	Multiple diameters	Electrical and installation work
Core Drill Bit	Depends on the core drilling system	Annular material removal	Large-diameter holes

Tool connection

Round Shank vs Hex Shank vs SDS

The cutting tip is not the only important feature. The shank also needs to match the machine and tool holder being used.

Classic

Round Shank

The traditional drill bit shank used with standard drill chucks.

Electric drills
Cordless drill drivers
Available in a wide range of diameters

Fast

Hex Shank

The hexagonal shape provides a positive connection and helps prevent the shank from slipping in compatible holders.

Fast tool changes
Common on bits and specialist drill bits
Suitable for compatible quick-change holders

Rotary hammer

SDS System

SDS shanks are specifically designed for use with compatible rotary hammers.

Fast tool changes
Effective power transfer
Ideal for demanding drilling in concrete and masonry

Buying guide

What should you consider when buying drill bits?

A good drill bit needs to match the machine, the material and the intended application. These factors are particularly important.

01. Material

First determine which material you want to drill. This is the most important factor when selecting a drill bit.

02. Diameter

Drill bits are available in a wide range of diameters. Select the size required for the intended hole.

03. Coating

Coatings such as TiN or TiAlN can improve wear behaviour and tool life on suitable drill bits and applications.

04. Quality

High-quality cutting edges, suitable materials and precise manufacturing contribute to cleaner results and longer service life.

Practical advice

4 Tips for Clean and Accurate Holes

1. Use the correct speed

The suitable rotational speed depends on the material and drill diameter. Larger drill bits generally require lower speeds.

2. Control the pressure

Excessive feed pressure generates additional heat and can unnecessarily stress the drill bit, workpiece or machine.

3. Use suitable cooling

For appropriate metal drilling applications, cutting fluids can reduce heat and friction and help extend tool life.

4. Pre-drill when appropriate

For larger diameters, depending on the tool and material, using a suitable pilot hole can make the drilling process easier.

Avoid mistakes

Common Drilling Mistakes

Using the Wrong Drill Bit

An unsuitable drill bit can produce poor results and wear out quickly. A wood drill bit, for example, is not designed for drilling metal.

Using Hammer Mode Incorrectly

Sensitive materials such as glass and tiles may be damaged by hammer or percussion action. Always adapt the drilling method to the material being worked on.

Drilling at Excessive Speed

Particularly when drilling metal, excessive cutting speed can cause significant heat build-up and increased drill bit wear.

Conclusion: The Right Drill Bit Makes the Difference

Choosing the right drill bit is essential for clean, precise and efficient drilling. Wood drill bits with centre points are ideal for timber and wood-based materials, while HSS or cobalt-alloyed HSS drill bits are commonly used for metal depending on the material. For concrete and masonry, robust masonry and concrete drill bits or SDS drill bits used with suitable rotary hammers are the preferred choice.

Anyone who regularly works with different materials will benefit from keeping a well-selected range of drill bit types available. This ensures that the right tool is ready for almost every drilling application.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Drill Bit Types

Which drill bit should I use for concrete?

Concrete requires dedicated concrete drill bits with robust carbide cutting edges. For demanding applications, SDS drill bits used with a suitable rotary hammer are particularly effective.

Can I use a metal drill bit for wood?

A metal drill bit can generally produce a hole in wood. However, dedicated wood drill bits usually provide cleaner and more accurate results because their centre point helps position the drill precisely.

What is the correct drilling speed?

The correct speed depends on the material, drill bit diameter, drill bit material and drilling method. In many applications, the required rotational speed decreases as the drill diameter increases.

How can I identify a wood drill bit?

Traditional wood twist drill bits usually feature a clearly visible centre point in the middle. Outer cutting spurs help produce clean hole edges.

Why does my drill bit become blunt so quickly?

Common reasons include using the wrong drill bit type, excessive drilling speed, too much feed pressure, insufficient cooling in applications where cooling is required, or normal wear over time.

What is the difference between SDS and a standard drill bit?

SDS refers to the drill bit shank and tool-holder system. SDS drill bits feature special grooves in the shank and are designed for compatible rotary hammers. Standard round-shank drill bits are usually clamped in a conventional drill chuck.

Which is better: a multi-material drill bit or a specialist drill bit?

Multi-material drill bits offer convenience and flexibility when working with changing materials. However, if you regularly drill the same material or require particularly clean and efficient results, a specialist drill bit designed for that specific material is usually the better choice.