Flat Drill Bits

About Flat Drill Bits

Flat drill bits, often called spade bits or paddle bits, are essential cutting tools designed for boring large-diameter holes quickly through wood and similar materials. Characterised by their distinctive flat, blade-like cutting surface and central pilot point, these bits excel at rapid material removal for construction work, cable routing, plumbing installations, and general building tasks. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bahco, and Irwin, with sizes ranging from 10mm to 38mm and beyond.

Our collection includes individual flat drill bits and comprehensive sets that offer excellent value for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. Many feature hex shanks for secure grip in drill chucks and quick-change systems, whilst professional-grade options like the Bosch Expert range incorporate self-cutting spurs and optimised cutting angles for faster, cleaner holes with reduced splintering. Whether you need standard length bits for everyday drilling or long series bits for extended reach through thick timber, MyToolShed.co.uk has the right solution for your needs.

Applications

• Carpenters and Joiners – Drilling holes for cable runs, dowels, and pipework through timber frames and floor joists
• Electricians – Creating access holes for electrical cables and conduits through wooden studs and beams
• Plumbers – Boring holes for pipework through floor joists, wall studs, and timber structures
• General Builders – Rough drilling work on construction sites where speed is prioritised over finish quality
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters – Installing pipework and services behind units and fixtures
• Fencing Contractors – Drilling pilot holes in fence posts and rails
• Maintenance Engineers – General repair and installation work across various facilities
• DIY Enthusiasts – Home improvement projects requiring larger diameter holes in wooden materials

Choosing The Right Flat Drill Bits

Size Range: Individual bits are cost-effective for occasional use, whilst comprehensive sets from Bosch, DeWalt, or Bahco offer better value if you need multiple sizes. Most tradespeople find sizes between 12mm and 32mm cover the majority of applications.

Shank Type: Hex shanks provide superior grip and compatibility with quick-change systems, making them ideal for professional use with impact drivers and modern cordless drills. They prevent slippage under load, particularly important for larger diameter holes.

Bit Length: Standard length bits (typically 150-200mm) suit most applications, but long series flat bits or extension shafts are essential when drilling through thick timber sections or working in confined spaces requiring extra reach.

Quality Grade: Budget-friendly options from Draper or Faithfull work well for occasional DIY use, whilst professional ranges like Bosch Expert, Milwaukee, or Irwin offer superior durability, cleaner cuts, and self-feeding designs that significantly reduce drilling effort on busy sites.

Cutting Technology: Premium flat bits feature self-cutting spurs, double cutting edges, and optimised flute designs for efficient waste clearance. These advanced features deliver faster drilling speeds, reduced splintering, and extended service life.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses or goggles when using flat drill bits to protect against flying debris and wood chips. Ensure your workpiece is securely clamped, as flat bits can grab suddenly when breaking through material, potentially causing dangerous spinning. Check for hidden cables and pipes using a cable detector before drilling through existing structures to avoid potentially fatal contact with live electrical wiring. Allow bits to cool naturally after use, maintain proper drill control especially at breakthrough, and replace worn or dull bits promptly to ensure safe, efficient operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between flat bits and auger bits?

Flat bits prioritise speed and are ideal for rough work, removing material quickly but leaving a less refined finish. Auger bits feature a screw thread pilot and helical cutting edges that produce cleaner, more precise holes but drill more slowly. Flat bits are considerably more affordable, making them perfect for construction work where appearance isn't critical, whilst augers are preferred for fine joinery and visible work.

Why do my flat bits keep splintering the wood?

Splintering typically occurs at the exit point when breaking through. To minimise this, drill slowly as you approach breakthrough, place a sacrificial backing board behind your workpiece, or drill from both sides meeting in the middle. Upgrading to self-cutting speed bits from Bosch Expert or Milwaukee also significantly reduces splintering through improved cutting geometry and sharper spurs.

Can I use flat drill bits with an impact driver?

Hex shank flat bits work well with impact drivers, particularly for drilling smaller holes up to 25mm. For larger diameter bits, a standard drill or combi drill provides better control and is generally recommended. Impact drivers excel at driving smaller flat bits quickly through softwoods but may be too aggressive for hardwoods or precise work.