Whether you’re a professional fabricator or a DIY builder, choosing the right drill bit is one of the easiest ways to save yourself time, frustration, and money. The wrong bit can dull quickly, slip, or even damage your project. The right one makes drilling smoother, cleaner, and safer.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best drill bits for metal and wood, give you a few pro tips, and explain how to get the most out of your tools.
Drill Bits for Metal
Drilling through metal puts a lot of stress on your tools. Heat buildup, tough surfaces, and precision all come into play. Here are the main types of bits you’ll want to know about:
1) High-Speed Steel (HSS)
- Best for light metals like aluminum and copper
- Affordable and widely available
- Good for occasional use
2) Cobalt Bits
- Tougher than HSS; built for harder metals like stainless
- Withstand higher heat, so they last longer on tough jobs
- Great for repeated drilling in steel fabrication
3) Carbide Bits
- Strongest and most heat-resistant option
- Designed for thick or hardened steels
- Ideal for production jobs where lifespan matters
Pro Tip: Always use cutting oil when drilling metal. It reduces friction, keeps the bit cooler, and can extend bit life significantly.
Drill Bits for Wood
Wood is softer than metal, but it comes with its own challenges: splintering, cracking, and accuracy. Using the right bit helps you avoid mistakes.
1) Brad Point Bits
- Sharp center point for precise placement
- Clean holes in hardwood or softwood
- Smooth edges with minimal tear-out
2) Spade Bits
- Flat, paddle-like shape
- Great for larger, rough holes (e.g., wiring)
- Not ideal for fine finishing
3) Forstner Bits
- Bore flat-bottomed holes with clean edges
- Perfect for cabinetry and precision woodworking
Pro Tip: Drill at a steady speed and let the bit do the work—pushing too hard causes splintering and premature wear.
Metal vs. Wood: Quick Comparison
- Pressure Needed: Metal typically requires more downward force; wood requires less.
- Heat Management: Metal generates heat quickly—use lubrication. Wood runs cooler but can burn at excessive RPMs.
- Bit Design: Metal bits favor durability and heat resistance; wood bits prioritize precision and clean edges.
Getting the Most Out of Your Tools
Even the best drill bit won’t perform well if your drill setup isn’t right. Common challenges:
- Drilling where mag drills can’t stick (thin plate, tubing, curved surfaces)
- Working overhead or on beams where stability is an issue
- Applying enough pressure without exhausting yourself
Why Rapidrill: A mobile drill press like Rapidrill gives your cordless drill over 1,000 lbs of feed force and clamps anywhere (including round tubing)—no magnetic base required.
Wrap-Up
Choosing the right drill bit is a small decision that pays off big. For metal, pick between HSS, cobalt, or carbide depending on toughness and heat. For wood, brad point, spade, and Forstner bits will cover almost everything.
Pair the right bit with the right drill setup and you’ll drill faster, cleaner, and safer—whether you’re building in your shop or fabricating on a job site.
Watch a 30-second Rapidrill demo to see how it makes tough spots easier.
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