Discover the ultimate guide to drill bit types for wood metal masonry and more plus expert tips to choose the perfect bit every time.

Drill Bit Basics – Anatomy and How to Read Any Bit

Understanding your drill bit starts with the basics — knowing what each part does and how to pick the right one quickly.

Key Parts of a Drill Bit:

• Point Angle: Usually either 118° or 135°.
  • 118° is great for general-purpose drilling in wood and metal.
  • 135° is sharper and flatter, perfect for harder materials like stainless steel — it resists walking and lasts longer.
• Flutes: These are the spiral grooves cutting away debris as you drill. More flutes mean a cleaner hole but slower feed rate.
• Shank Types: The part that fits into your drill.
  • Round shank works in most standard chucks.
  • Hex shank offers a better grip, less slipping — great for quick bit changes.
  • SDS shank fits hammer drills for heavy masonry work.
• Coatings: Protective layers that boost durability.
  • Black oxide resists rust and reduces friction—basic but effective.
  • Titanium nitride (gold color) lasts up to 6x longer than HSS, good for light metal and wood.
  • Cobalt (silver-gold) handles heat better — ideal for stainless steel and tough metals.
  • Carbide-tipped bits are super tough, usually for masonry or tile.

Materials Decoded:

• HSS (High-Speed Steel): The standard go-to, good for wood, plastic, and light metal. Budget-friendly and versatile.
• Titanium Nitride (Gold): Coated HSS, great for longer life and cleaner cuts.
• Cobalt: Alloyed steel with 5-8% cobalt, tougher and heat-resistant, best for stainless steel and hard metals.
• Carbide-tipped: Tough enough for concrete and tile, but expensive and brittle.
• Black Oxide: Surface-treated steel that resists rust and adds friction control.

Pro Identification Hack:

You can often tell a bit’s material by color + tip shape:

• Gold tips = Titanium-coated bits
• Silver/gold shiny = Cobalt
• Matte black = Black oxide
• Rough grey = Carbide-tipped

Knowing this lets you grab the right bit at a glance — no guesswork, no wasted holes. Keep this cheat sheet handy during your next project!

Twist Drill Bits – The Everyday Workhorse

Twist drill bits are the go-to for most DIYers and pros alike. They handle a wide range of materials including wood, metal, plastic, and even light masonry without breaking a sweat.

Common Types:

• Standard HSS (High-Speed Steel): Great all-around bit for general use.
• Titanium-coated: These last longer and resist heat better – perfect for longer jobs.
• Cobalt: Built tough for drilling stainless steel and harder metals without dulling fast.

Sizes You’ll Find:

Most home toolkits have sizes from 1/16″ up to 1/2″, covering most everyday jobs.

Vast Recommendation:

I highly recommend the vast 29-Piece Titanium Twist Set. This set stays sharp 6x longer than regular bits, making it a smart buy if you want durability and consistent performance for your projects.

Wood Drill Bits – Clean Holes Without Splintering

When you’re working with wood, the right drill bit makes all the difference in getting clean, precise holes without splintering or tearing. Here’s a quick rundown of the common types and when to use them:

• Brad Point Bits: These are perfect for pinpoint accuracy, especially when drilling holes for shelf pins, dowels, or any task where neat edges matter. The sharp tip keeps the bit from wandering.
• Spade/Paddle Bits: Need fast, rough holes in framing lumber? Spade bits get the job done quickly, though the hole edges won’t be as clean. Great for rough carpentry and electrical work.
• Auger Bits: Ideal for deep, clean holes in thick wood—think running wires or plumbing through studs. The screw tip pulls the bit through, cutting efficiently without slowing you down.
• Forstner Bits: These deliver flat-bottomed pockets, perfect for installing hinges or making concealed fastener holes. They excel at clean, precise cuts in flat surfaces.
• Hole Saws: When you need large diameter holes—like for doorknobs or recessed lighting—hole saws are the way to go. They cut out a clean circle without messing up the surrounding wood.

If you want a reliable, all-in-one kit, check out the vast 13-Piece Wood Master Set. It includes self-centering brad point bits and covers a range of common wood drilling needs, saving you the hassle of buying different bits for every project.

Metal Drill Bits – Cut Steel Like Butter

When working with steel or other tough metals, having the right drill bit is a game changer. Here’s the lowdown on metal drill bits that make your job easier:

• Step Bits: These are perfect for sheet metal. One bit handles multiple hole sizes, saving you from swapping bits constantly.
• Cobalt Bits: Built tough to resist heat, cobalt bits cut through hardened steel and stainless with ease. They last longer when you’re drilling thicker metal.
• Reduced-Shank Bits (Silver & Deming): Need holes over ½ inch in thick metal plates? These heavy-hitters have a smaller shank so your drill can handle larger diameters.

Pro Tip: Always use cutting oil when drilling metal—this can extend your bit’s life up to 300%, reducing heat and friction.

For serious metalwork, I recommend the vast M35 Cobalt 15-Piece Set. It’s designed for automotive and fabrication tasks, tough enough for any job around your shop or garage.

Masonry & Concrete Bits – Hammer Through Brick and Block

When it comes to drilling into brick, block, or concrete, you need the right masonry drill bit to get the job done without slowing down. Carbide-tipped masonry bits are your go-to for standard hammer drill tasks—tough enough to chip through these hard materials without wearing out fast. For heavier work, SDS-Plus and SDS-Max bits fit rotary hammers and deliver serious power, perfect for big projects like concrete walls or footings.

If you’re after larger holes, core bits are the way to go. They handle clean, wide cutouts for plumbing or electrical pipes with ease. For reinforced concrete or stone, diamond core bits are your best bet—they cut cleaner and last longer against tough materials.

Safety first: Always wear dust protection. Silica dust from cutting concrete can be harmful, so a good mask and ventilation are a must.

For a reliable kit, check out the vast SDS-Plus 7-Piece Masonry Kit—built tough to handle all your brick and block drilling needs with ease.

Tile, Glass & Brittle Material Bits

When drilling tile, glass, or other brittle materials, you need the right drill bit to avoid cracks and chips. The best option? Spear-point carbide bits. These are designed for slow speeds and should be water-cooled to keep the material from overheating or breaking, especially on ceramic or porcelain tile.

For bigger holes, like those for shower fixtures or glass inserts, diamond-grit hole saws are your go-to. They cut cleanly without shattering the surface.

Pro tip: Start drilling at a 45° angle to prevent the bit from wandering. This technique gives you a steady, precise entry point and keeps your project looking professional.

Specialty Bits Every Toolbox Needs

When you want to tackle more than just basic holes, these specialty drill bits come in handy.

• Installer BitsDesigned for long reach, these bits help you fish wires through tight spaces or behind walls.
• Countersink BitsPerfect for making screw heads sit flush with or below the surface. Great for a clean, professional finish.
• Plug CuttersUse these to create wood plugs that cover screw holes, hiding fasteners for a seamless look.
• Self-Centering (Vix) BitsIdeal for hinge screws and cabinet doors, they prevent slip and ensure perfectly aligned holes every time.

Keep these specialty bits in your kit to cover all your common project needs with ease.

Drill Bit Selection Chart

Material	Best Bit Type	Point Angle	Speed Setting	vast Product Link
Wood	Brad Point, Forstner	118°	Medium to High	vast 13-Piece Wood Master Set
Metal	Twist (HSS, Cobalt)	118°–135°	Medium to Low	vast M35 Cobalt 15-Piece Set
Stainless Steel	Cobalt	135°	Low	vast M35 Cobalt 15-Piece Set
Masonry & Concrete	Carbide-Tipped, SDS	118°	Hammer Mode	vast SDS-Plus 7-Piece Masonry Kit
Tile & Glass	Spear-Point Carbide	118°	Low with Water	vast Diamond Core Bits
Plastic	Twist Drill	118°	Medium to High	vast 29-Piece Titanium Twist Set
Thin Sheet Metal	Step Bit	135°	Medium	vast M35 Cobalt 15-Piece Set

Quick Tips:

• Higher point angles (135°) are best for hard metals like stainless steel.
• Use lower speeds on metals to avoid overheating.
• Soft materials like wood and plastic work best with 118° point angle bits.
• Masonry bits require hammer action and dust safety gear.

Check out vast’s kits that cover all these types, so you’re ready for any job.

Maintenance & Sharpening Tips

Keeping your drill bits in good shape saves time and money. Here’s what I’ve learned about maintenance and sharpening:

When to resharpen vs replace:

• Resharpen bits if they’re just dull but not chipped or broken. Sharp bits cut faster and cleaner.
• Replace when the tip is damaged, worn down a lot, or if resharpening won’t bring it back to shape.

Easy storage to avoid rust:

• Keep bits dry and in a case, like the vast drill bit sets offer.
• Use silica gel packs or anti-rust strips in your toolbox.
• Wipe bits with light oil if storing long term—this blocks moisture.

How vast’s lifetime warranty helps:

• If your bits break or wear out unexpectedly, vast’s warranty clips replacement costs.
• It’s peace of mind knowing your investment is protected while you work.

Good care means your drill bits will perform better, last longer, and save you money down the road.

Buying Guide – Build the Perfect Set Under $100

If you’re putting together drill bit types for your toolbox without breaking the bank, here’s how to get the most bang for your buck — all under $100.

Starter Kit: 21-Piece vast Titanium Set

This set covers all your basics with titanium-coated bits that stay sharper, longer. Great for wood, metal, and plastic, it’s perfect for new DIYers or homeowners who want reliable drill bits without overspending.

Pro Upgrade Paths

Once you’ve got the basics down, step up to specialized sets:

• vast M35 Cobalt 15-Piece Set for heavy-duty metal and stainless steel drilling
• vast 13-Piece Wood Master Set for clean, splinter-free holes in wood
• vast SDS-Plus 7-Piece Masonry Kit for brick and concrete work using hammer drills
  These upgrades cover all materials and projects, so your drill bit collection grows with your skills.

Where to Buy vast Authentic Sets

Stick to trusted U.S.-based retailers like major hardware stores and online marketplaces with verified vast listings. This ensures you get genuine quality, full warranty coverage, and support. Avoid knockoffs—authentic vast bits deliver consistent performance and durability, helping your projects go smoothly every time.

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Keep your set balanced and focused on your common projects, and you’ll always have the right bit for the job without wasting a dime.

FAQs About Drill Bit Types

Can I use wood drill bits on metal?

Short answer: No. Wood bits like brad points and spade bits are designed for softer, fibrous materials. Using them on metal will quickly dull the bit and can damage your workpiece. Stick with metal-specific bits like twist or cobalt for best results.

Titanium vs cobalt — which lasts longer?

Cobalt drill bits outlast titanium when drilling hard metals like stainless steel. Titanium-coated bits are great for general-purpose use and stay sharp longer than standard HSS bits but wear down faster than cobalt under heavy use. Choose cobalt for tough jobs, titanium for everyday DIY.

What’s the best bit for drilling stainless steel?

Go with cobalt drill bits. They handle heat better and keep their edge when cutting through stainless steel, which is tough and heat-sensitive. Always use cutting oil to extend bit life and get a cleaner hole.

How do I remove a broken drill bit?

1. Stop drilling immediately to avoid damage.
2. Use locking pliers to grip any exposed part of the bit and twist it out gently.
3. If stuck, try an easy-out (screw extractor) tool or drill a small hole into the broken piece for better grip.
4. For tough cases, a professional tool or service might be needed.

Got more questions? Feel free to reach out or check out our full drill bit guide!