Wood Drill Bits

About Wood Drill Bits

Wood drill bits are essential cutting tools designed specifically for drilling clean, precise holes in softwood, hardwood, plywood, MDF, and other timber-based materials. Whether you're a professional carpenter, joiner, or dedicated DIY enthusiast, having the right wood drill bits makes all the difference between rough, splintered holes and clean, professional results. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of wood drilling solutions, from precision brad point bits to heavy-duty auger bits for deep boring applications.

Our wood drill bit category encompasses several specialist types, each engineered for specific woodworking tasks. Brad point drill bits offer exceptional accuracy for dowelling and fine joinery work, whilst flat drill bits (spade bits) provide fast, cost-effective drilling for larger diameter holes. Forstner drill bits deliver flat-bottomed holes with clean edges for hinge recesses and decorative work, and auger drill bits excel at deep drilling through thick timber sections. MyToolShed also supplies specialist options including hinge drill bits for cabinet installation, plug cutters for concealing fixings, and rasp drill bits for shaping and enlarging holes.

Applications

Wood drill bits are used across numerous trades and applications, including:

• Carpentry and joinery - furniture making, dowel joints, cabinet construction
• Electrical installation - running cables through timber joists and studs
• Plumbing - drilling access holes for pipe work in wooden structures
• Construction - timber frame assembly, fixing installations, structural woodwork
• Kitchen and bedroom fitting - hinge drilling, worktop joining, cabinet assembly
• Decking and fencing - pilot holes to prevent timber splitting
• DIY and home improvement - shelving, picture hanging, general woodworking projects

Choosing The Right Wood Drill Bits

Selecting the appropriate wood drill bit depends on several key factors:

• Hole size requirements - smaller bits (3-10mm) for pilot holes and fixings; larger diameters (10-50mm+) for pipework, cables, and specialist applications
• Drilling depth - standard bits for shallow holes; extra-long auger bits for deep boring through thick timber sections
• Accuracy needed - brad point bits for precise positioning; flat bits for speed over precision
• Hole finish - Forstner bits for clean, flat-bottomed holes; standard bits for through-holes where finish is less critical
• Material hardness - consider carbide-tipped options for abrasive materials like chipboard and MDF
• Power tool compatibility - standard hex shanks for 240v corded drills and cordless drivers; round shanks for drill chucks
• Frequency of use - professional-grade bits with enhanced durability for trade use; economy options suitable for occasional DIY tasks

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between wood drill bits and metal drill bits?

Wood drill bits feature sharper points, wider flutes for chip removal, and cutting geometries optimised for timber fibres rather than metal. Using wood-specific bits prevents tear-out, reduces splintering, and provides cleaner holes. Metal HSS bits can drill wood but produce rougher results and may wander on entry.

How do I prevent wood from splitting when drilling?

Always drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than your fixing diameter, particularly near board edges. Use sharp bits - blunt cutters tear fibres rather than cutting them. For through-holes, drill from one side until the point just breaks through, then complete from the reverse side to prevent break-out splintering.

Can I use wood drill bits in a cordless drill?

Yes, virtually all wood drill bits work perfectly in cordless drills. Ensure your drill has sufficient torque for larger diameter bits - 18V models handle most applications comfortably. Hex shank bits suit impact drivers, whilst round shanks require a keyless chuck. Battery-powered tools provide excellent control for precision woodworking.