By Glenda Taylor | Updated Apr 14, 2021 10:19 AM

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When assembling a tool kit for home improvement, maintenance, and construction projects, one of the first items purchased is often a power drill, followed by an assortment of drill bits. These attachable cutting implements are what bore into surfaces, drilling a wide range of hole types and sizes. There’s a nearly endless supply of drill bits on the shelves of home improvement stores in different types, sizes, and material options—each suited to specific tasks—and a DIYer must know the appropriate one to use. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right one for the job and why we’ve picked the below as the best drill bits on the market.

In the United States, standard drill bits are most often sized in fractional, 1/64th inch increments, commonly ranging from 1/16th inch up to one inch. If you need a larger hole, you can opt for a spade bit or hole saw bit. Bit size may also be labeled in millimeters and decimals, but don’t worry about trying to figure out which sizes are equivalent—conversion charts are posted everywhere bits are sold, and they can be found online as well.

While all drill bits are made from metal, some types of metal are better than others for drilling holes in different types of material.

For precision drilling in wood, it’s hard to beat the COMOWARE Brad Point Drill Bits Set. The flutes in the sides of the carbon steel bits carry wood chips out and away for smooth, clean holes in solid wood and wood fiber products. Available as a set of six that ranges in size from ⅛- to 1-inch, these accurate, durable brad point drill bits belong in every woodworker’s tool chest.

For drilling small holes in wood, cast iron, alloy steel, and hard plastic, count on the BOSTAL 60-Piece Drill Bits Set. This all-around set of twist bits is made from high-speed steel and boasts a titanium coating for durability and rust resistance. Ten bits in each of six sizes are available, ranging from 3/64- to 1/8-inch. That way, if one breaks, you’ll have another of the same size. Reviewers love having such a generous number of high-quality spares to keep on hand.

When you need to drill a hole for a recessed fastener, reach for the COMOWARE’s Countersink Drill Bit Set of seven fluted bits with sharp tips for precision drilling. The bits range in size from 3mm to 10mm and are suitable for use on wood, plywood, PVC, plastic, and particleboard.

To create the flat-bottom holes needed for dowel construction, look no further than the Freud Precision Forstner Bit Set. The sharp chisel edges on the bits create flawless dowel holes without chipping or splintering the wood. Seven bits are available in sizes to match the most common dowel widths, from ¼- to 1-inch.

If you need to bore a hole through dimensional lumber (while running electrical wire through wall studs, for example), you’ll need a spade bit, or several. The DEWALT Spade Drill Bit Set stands out as DIYers’ favorite, because its bits—in six sizes, ranging from 3.8- to 1-inch—feature guide spurs for precision and razor-sharp cutting edges necessary to achieve a splinter-free result.

With the 16-piece EONLION Hole Saw Kit, you get the saw bits you need to drill large holes in wood, plywood, drywall, and thin plastic. The set comes with hole saw bits that range in size from 3/4-inch all the way up to 5 inches in diameter, plus two mandrels, and an install plate that assists in attaching the bits to the mandrel.

With three titanium-coated step bits, the Neiko Titanium Step Drill Bit Set will have you easily drilling and enlarging existing holes in plastic, aluminum, and other types of sheet metal. Bit #1 features six steps ranging from 3/16- to 1/2-inch. Bit #2 features 13 steps ranging from 1/8- to 1/2-inch. Bit #3 features nine steps ranging from 1/4- to 3/4-inch. The steps on each bit are clearly marked for easy reference.

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