Use this guide to compare tool capability, accessory compatibility and setup. Always check the manual for the exact tool, battery, blade, bit or abrasive you use.
Wood bits prioritize clean entry and chip removal
General twist bits can drill wood, but brad-point bits are useful when you want accurate starting and cleaner edges. Spade bits remove material quickly for larger rough holes, while hole saws create large circular openings. Support the back of the work when possible to reduce breakout as the bit exits. For deep holes, withdraw the bit periodically to clear chips.
Metal drilling depends on sharpness and speed
High-speed-steel and related metal-cutting bits need a controlled start. A center punch can reduce wandering on many metals. Smaller bits generally use higher speed than large bits, but excessive speed creates heat and dulls edges. Appropriate cutting fluid can help on some metals. Clamp the work securely; a spinning piece of sheet metal is far more dangerous than a slow drilling job.
Masonry bits work with impact and hard cutting tips
Masonry bits use a carbide-style tip that crushes and chips mineral material. With a suitable hammer drill, the bit rotates while the tool adds rapid impacts. Avoid using hammer mode on tile surfaces or materials that can crack from impact. Concrete can contain reinforcement, utilities or embedded services, so drilling location matters as much as the bit.
Tile and glass need a controlled non-hammer start
Specialty spear-point, carbide or diamond-style bits are used for brittle surfaces depending on the tile type. Start without hammer action and prevent the bit from skating. Heat control and manufacturer guidance matter, especially on hard porcelain. Once through the tile, the substrate behind it may require a different bit. Always consider hidden pipes and wires before drilling into a wall.
Practical planning notes
Material identification comes before bit selection
Do not choose a bit just because the diameter matches the hole you want. Confirm whether you are drilling wood, metal, masonry, tile or a layered assembly, then use a bit designed for that material and the tool mode recommended for it. Keep spare bits for common sizes because a dull cutting edge creates heat and poor control. When drilling walls, the material at the surface may not reveal what is hidden behind it, so combine bit choice with a proper hidden-services check.
Project checklist
- Identify the material before selecting a bit
- Clamp movable workpieces
- Start accurately before adding pressure
- Use a speed suitable for the bit size and material
- Check for hidden services before drilling walls
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a masonry bit with hammer action on brittle tile
- Running a large metal bit at excessive speed
- Forcing a dull bit harder instead of replacing it
- Drilling into walls without considering wires or plumbing
Frequently asked questions
Can one drill bit work on everything?
Some general-purpose bits cover several light tasks, but material-specific bits usually cut more cleanly and safely.
Why does my bit turn blue?
Blue discoloration often indicates overheating. Reduce speed or pressure as appropriate, improve chip removal and use lubrication where recommended.
Should I use hammer mode for brick?
A hammer drill with a masonry bit is commonly used for many brick and masonry tasks, but fragile material and specific anchors can require a different approach.
Can one universal bit drill everything?
Multi-material bits exist, but a purpose-designed bit often gives better control and life when the substrate is known.
Why does a bit keep slipping on metal?
A center punch or pilot approach may be needed, and the bit must be suitable and sharp. Secure the workpiece before drilling.