Do you have a job that requires sinking holes into your workpiece? Do you have a workshop and need a complete set of working tools for all types of drilling jobs? If the answer to one or two of the above questions is "yes," you need to pick the right drill bits. However, this can be challenging because there are hundreds of bits on the market – so which one do you pick for your toolbox or application?

The answer to the question starts with the material you want to drill and the purpose of the hole. Selecting the right drill bits can help you avoid:

• Project delays
• Ineffective workpieces
• Broken workpieces
• Broken tools
• Unsafe practices

Keep reading to understand the main steps to follow when selecting drill bits for your application.

Start by Understanding the Drill Bit Features and Parts

While it is true that there are many types of drill bits, understanding their features will come in handy to help you when picking the perfect one for the project ahead. You might have seen these terms when dealing with or searching for bits, so it is vital to learn what they are and how they function. See the demonstration of a drill bit below:

Select the Drill Bit Designed Using the Right Material

The drill bit you select should be designed with material that is hard enough for your application. Therefore, you need to think about the workpiece that you will be drilling and go for a drill bit made using harder material. Here is a breakdown to help you understand the hardness:

Select the Right Drill Point Type

Most general-purpose bits use “conventional points.” Of these conventional points, the most recommended for wood, drywall, and softer substrates is the 118° drill point angle. However, those drilling very hard materials should go for the 135° split point angle because of increased angle bites and the right tolerances. The high spit angle also helps to reduce straying, damaging the workpiece, or causing workplace injuries.

Determine the Right Length for Your Drill Bits

Do you want to sink deep holes into your workpiece for holding equipment such as motors, pumps, and conveyors, or short ones for attaching electrical appliances? Well, you need a drill bit of the right length. Drill bits’ lengths can be classified into five categories:

• Jobber Length Drill Bits: These are the commonest in the general-purpose drill bit category. The bits have a full length of 9-14 times the drill bit diameter.
• Taper Length Drill Bits: These bits are designed for creating pilot holes for wood screws.
• Extra Length Drill Bits: These are also referred to as “aircraft-length” bits – a name derived from their original use of drilling fuselage in airplanes.
• Mechanical Length Bits: These bits come with a shorter flute length, and their overall length is also shorter compared to the standard jobber bits. This implies that they are less prone to breaking and are recommended for drilling harder materials.
• Screw Machine Length Drill Bits: These bits are the shortest of all the five categories.

NOTE: The diameter of any bit will dictate its length. Here is an example. If you are buying a ⅛” jobber bit, the length cannot be more than ¼” of the jobber bit.

Go for the Bit with the Right Coating

Drill bit coating is used to extend their life and enhance performance. So, here are some of the main coatings to help you pick the best bits.

• Black oxide coating: This is the commonest type of coating in drill bits and is preferred for helping retain lubricants used to create smooth holes or cool down drilling temperatures. Note that this is not a good option for drilling non-ferrous materials, such as aluminum.
• TiN Coating: Bits coated with Titanium Nitride offer better lubricity when drilling holes at high speeds. They also last longer.
• TiAIN Coating: Bits with Titanium Aluminum coating are recommended for drilling ferrous metals at high speeds.
• Bright Finish: This implies that the bit does not have any coating. Instead, the flutes are polished for better chip removal. It is recommended for drilling non-ferrous workpieces, such as aluminum.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right drill bit for your application, whether for maintenance works or DIY projects, can be challenging, but this guide has all that you need. Remember also to ensure that only the bits designed by top brands are bought and used in your facility. With the right bits and drilling tools, you are sure of making awesome holes and finishing your project safely.