Whether working with metal, wood, concrete, or rebar, selecting the right drilling tools makes tough jobs easier, faster, and safer. This guide explains the most common types of drill bits, step drills, and specialty tools so you can choose the right option for your application.
Master the Bit: A Complete Guide to Drilling Tools
From jobber length to step drills, learn which drilling tools deliver precision and efficiency across every material.
Drilling Tools For Metal
When drilling into metal, you need a durable bit that stays sharp and delivers clean, precise cuts.
Jobber Length Drill Bits
- Most common style worldwide
- Shank sizes always match the cutting diameter
Maintenance Length Drill Bits
- Slightly shorter than jobber drills, ideal for tight spaces
- Often feature 3-flatted shanks to reduce slippage in the drill chuck
Reduced Shank Drill Bits
- Popular for maintenance and repair work
- Shank is smaller than the cutting diameter, allowing larger holes than typical drill chucks can accommodate
Hex Shank Drill Bits
- Common for maintenance jobs
- Typically feature a 1/4" hex shank for quick-change chucks
- Allow fast accessory swaps between drills and drivers
Drilling Tools For Wood
While standard drill bits can cut wood, wood drill bits increase productivity and create smoother, cleaner holes.
Augers Bits
- Designed for drilling deep holes in wood
- Screw point helps start holes and prevents walking
- Hex-shaped shanks reduce slippage
Spade Bits
- Most economical option for boring fast, clean holes
- Not ideal for very deep holes
Forstner Bits
- Cut flat-bottomed or complete holes in wood framing
- Screw point ensures accurate starts
Bell Hanger Bits
- Long bits with a hole for pulling wire
- Ideal for installing telephones, stereos, and similar applications
Drilling Tools For Concrete & Rebar
Construction projects often require drilling through concrete, brick, or reinforced structures. The right drilling tools maximize efficiency and durability.
Drill Types
Masonry Drills
- Built for deep holes in concrete, brick, and masonry
- Feature carbide tips brazed to a steel body for durability
- Available in various shank styles for different drills
Rebar Cutters
- Designed for cutting through steel rebar embedded in concrete
- Often sold in sets with replacement heads and shanks
Bit Styles
Rotary
- Cut like a drill, gradually grinding the building material to create a hole
- Require constant pressure from the user
- Less productive than hammer bits
Hammer
- Combine percussion impact with rotary action for faster drilling
- Require less pressure from the user
Shank Styles
- Spline Shank
- Straight Shank
- SDS, SDS-Plus, SDS-Max
Multi-Diameter Step Drills
Maintenance jobs often require drilling several holes of different sizes or enlarging an existing hole. Using a drill bit that can cut multiple diameters saves time and effort. Step drills provide that functionality.