Wood drill bits

Q: Which bit should I choose to drill a wooden beam?

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Q: What is the difference between an auger bit and a self-feed bit?

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Q: Is a 29-piece set useful for wood?

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Q: How do I prevent wood from splintering when the bit exits?

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Q: Can I drill metal with a wood bit?

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Complete guide to choosing your wood drill bits

Auger bit or self-feed bit: which one to choose?

An auger bit has a lead screw that pulls the bit into the wood. It suits deep holes in beams and studs. Irwin offers them from 1/2 in to 1-1/4 in, up to 17 in long.

A self-feed bit, like the DeWalt 1-3/4 in, drills large diameters quickly in wood. It needs a powerful drill and a firm grip. Choose the auger for depth, the self-feed for diameter.

Which diameter and length for the job?

To run wires or pipes through studs, a 7/8 in to 1-1/8 in auger that is 7 in long is enough. To go through a beam or a thick wall, look at the 17 in lengths.

A 6-piece set, like the Irwin one, covers small woodworking jobs. A DeWalt 29-piece set suits the shop that changes diameters often. Buy single bits to replace a worn one.

Drilling wood well: speed, pressure and maintenance

Drill at moderate speed and let the bit advance without forcing. Withdraw it regularly to clear chips in deep holes. Place a wood backer behind the workpiece to limit splintering on exit.

Sharpen or replace a bit that overheats or burns the wood. Clean resin from the flutes with a mild solvent. Store the bits in their case to protect the cutting edges.

We answer your questions about wood drill bits

Which bit should I choose to drill a wooden beam?

Choose a 17 in auger bit to go through a beam. Its lead screw pulls the bit into the wood and clears the chips. Plan for a high-torque drill. See our drills and screwdrivers.

What is the difference between an auger bit and a self-feed bit?

An auger bit is for deep, long holes, such as in beams. A self-feed bit drills large diameters quickly, like the DeWalt 1-3/4 in bit. It requires a powerful drill and a firm grip.

Is a 29-piece set useful for wood?

Yes, if you change diameters often. The DeWalt 29-piece set suits a shop that varies its holes. For a specific need, buy the bit individually. A 6-piece Irwin set suits small jobs.

How do I prevent wood from splintering when the bit exits?

Place a wood backer behind the workpiece and drill at moderate speed. Slow down when the tip breaks through. A sharp bit cuts cleaner than a worn one. For other materials, see our metal drill bits.

Can I drill metal with a wood bit?

No. A wood bit dulls quickly in metal. Use an HSS or cobalt drill bit for steel. For thin sheet metal, see our step drill bits.

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Complete guide to choosing your wood drill bits

Auger bit or self-feed bit: which one to choose?

Which diameter and length for the job?

Drilling wood well: speed, pressure and maintenance

We answer your questions about wood drill bits

Which bit should I choose to drill a wooden beam?

What is the difference between an auger bit and a self-feed bit?

Is a 29-piece set useful for wood?

How do I prevent wood from splintering when the bit exits?

Can I drill metal with a wood bit?

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