Brad Point Drill Bits

About Brad Point Drill Bits

Brad point drill bits, also known as lip and spur bits or dowelling bits, are precision drilling tools specifically designed for clean, accurate holes in wood and wood-based materials. Unlike standard twist drill bits, they feature a sharp central point (the brad) that prevents wandering on initial contact, plus two raised spurs that score wood fibres before the cutting edges remove material. This distinctive design ensures holes start exactly where intended, making brad point bits essential for fine woodworking, joinery, cabinetmaking, and any application where precision matters.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Makita, Draper, Stanley, Trend, and Faithfull. Available as individual bits from 3mm to 16mm or in convenient sets (typically 5-piece, 7-piece, 8-piece, and 9-piece configurations), our selection includes both standard round shanks for traditional chucks and hex shanks for quick-change systems. Manufactured from high-speed steel (HSS) or carbon steel, many feature premium coatings that reduce friction and extend working life, delivering clean entry and exit holes with minimal tear-out in hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, MDF, and chipboard.

Applications

Brad point drill bits are used across numerous trades and woodworking applications:

• Joiners and Cabinetmakers – precision dowel holes, shelf pin holes, and furniture assembly
• Carpenters and Chippies – accurate drilling in door frames, window installations, and timber framing
• Kitchen and Bedroom Fitters – hinge boring, handle fixings, and unit assembly
• Shopfitters – clean holes in display fixtures, shelving systems, and retail installations
• Staircasing Specialists – balustrade fixings and newel post installations
• Model Makers and Craftspeople – detailed work requiring exceptional accuracy
• DIY Enthusiasts – home improvement projects, furniture building, and decorative woodwork

Choosing The Right Brad Point Drill Bits

Individual Bits vs. Sets: Comprehensive sets from Bosch Professional or DeWalt offer better value for regular woodworking, with 7-piece or 8-piece sets covering 3mm to 10mm in 1mm increments – the most commonly used sizes for pilot holes, dowelling, and general boring. For occasional use, individual bits may suffice.

Shank Type: Standard round shanks suit traditional three-jaw chucks on cordless drills and pillar drills. Hex shank variants work with quick-change systems and impact drivers, offering faster bit changes and preventing slippage under load.

Material and Coating: Premium HSS bits from manufacturers like Trend and Makita maintain their edge longer in hardwoods. Titanium or black oxide coatings reduce friction and heat build-up, extending bit life – worthwhile for professional tradespeople.

Brand Quality: While budget options from Draper suit light DIY use, professionals should consider premium ranges from Bosch Professional, DeWalt, or Irwin for superior steel quality, sharper grinding, and longer working life under daily site conditions. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks options for every budget and application.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate eye protection when drilling, as wood chips and dust can cause serious injury. Ensure workpieces are securely clamped – never hold small pieces by hand. Set appropriate speeds for the material and bit diameter; excessively high speeds cause overheating and premature wear. Sharp bits are safer than blunt ones – dull bits require excessive pressure, increasing the risk of slipping or binding. When drilling through-holes, support the underside with scrap wood to prevent tear-out. Be aware of hidden fixings in reclaimed timber, as these will instantly damage brad point bits and can cause dangerous kickback. Follow HSE guidance on dust extraction when drilling wood-based materials, particularly MDF and treated timber.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between brad point bits and standard twist drill bits?

Brad point bits feature a sharp central point and two outer spurs that score wood fibres before the cutting edges remove material, resulting in cleaner holes with less wandering and tear-out. Standard twist bits lack these features and tend to drift on initial contact, making them less suitable for precision woodwork.

Can I use brad point drill bits in metal or masonry?

No – brad point bits are designed exclusively for wood and wood-based materials like MDF, plywood, and chipboard. The sharp spurs and point would be instantly damaged by harder materials. For metal, use HSS twist drill bits; for masonry, use dedicated masonry bits with tungsten carbide tips.

What sizes should I have in my toolkit?

A 7-piece or 8-piece set covering 3mm to 10mm in 1mm increments suits most general woodworking and joinery applications. This range handles pilot holes for screws, dowelling work, and general boring operations. Professional cabinetmakers may also want larger individual bits (12mm, 14mm, 16mm) for specific applications.