Drill bits sets offer extreme levels of versatility, from multiple materials and finishes to uncountable types and variants. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional craftsman, the expansive range of available drill bits will leave you confused for once. But fret not, in this comprehensive we will sort out everything that you should know when deciding on the best drill bit set that is available out there.
What Exactly is a Drill Bit?
The drill bit set is the essential tool that is attached to the drill to create a puncture or hole. These drill bits utilize torque and rotational force that is delivered through the corded or cordless drill machine. The efficient drill bits are multipurpose and can work on many surfaces such as steel, metal, concrete, wood, and glass.
What Are the Major Parts of a Drill Bit?
It is essentially helpful to understand the anatomy of drill bits. Having the knowledge of specific parts will help you pick out the best drill bit sets easily. The drill bit has three parts, a shank, chuck, & a drill bit angle point.
Shank
The rear end of the drill bit that goes inside the mandrel of your drill is called a shank. The non-drilling end has design variations that drill through the metal surfaces effectively. There are two types of shanks:
- No-spin shank has a flute-shaped end. The shape is precisely what prevents the drill bit from slipping away.
- Hex shank is shaped like a protruding screwdriver that is suitable to drill through hard metal surfaces.
Chuck
It is a clamp that secures the bit’s shank. Mostly the chuck comes pre-equipped with smaller drills that measure up to 3/8th of an inch.
The angle point
The angle point is the tip of the drill bit that pierces through the surfaces. The angle point of the drill bit determines the suitable material for the drilling. A 135-degree drill bit is suitable for drilling into harder materials such as metals. Whereas, the standard angle of 118 degrees is to drill into the softer materials.
Factors You Should Look at When Buying the Best Drill Bit Set
Price
When looking up drill bit sets, you must narrow down your price range. The market is saturated with the cheapest sets to most high-end options ranging from just $10 to an upward of $100 options. However, we advise against investing in the cheapest-priced drill bit set because it won’t last you long and may split or break sooner than you think. Therefore, always opt for a drill bit that comes within an affordable price range but offers reliable operation and smooth function.
If you’re looking into a long-term investment that would last you through years of use, we suggest picking up a high-end drill bit set. While it will set you back a couple of dollars, you will have a whole range of bits in high-quality material and coating along with multiple accessories. Look for reviews, and always buy from a reputable brand if you want a heavy-duty drilling bit.
Warranty
The best drill bit sets come with a proper warranty promising durability and stable drilling experience throughout their use. Therefore, always pick out bit sets that come with a warranty period, as you can get a replacement if anything goes awry. The drill bit sets with a warranty also signify that the brand is delivering the perfect quality with proper customer support.
Drill bit material
If you want to drill perfect holes in the surfaces from hard steel to softwood, you need a drill bit set that won’t crack or split due to substandard manufacturing material. Drill bits are available in many materials from high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, carbon & carbides. Each material has its own perks and usage. For instance, carbon steel bits are suitable for wood, whereas carbide is brittle, but it will drill into non-ferrous metal effectively. So, research the proper material that will fulfill your drilling needs.
The coating on the drill bit
The coating on the drill bit helps to improve the drilling experience for the user. Not only does it increase the longevity of your drill bits, but coatings will also decrease friction, and heating up issues. You will encounter many different coatings from affordable priced - Black Oxide coating to steep options such as Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TIANT) & diamond powder. All are responsible for increasing the shelf life of your drill bits and reducing the risk of breakage. Most consumers opt for black oxide coated drills because they do not cost an arm & leg, but you can go for hard coating such as Titanium Nitride (TiN) if you want to extend the life of your drill bits when used on harder surfaces.
Selecting the right bit for the job
If a drill bit is meant to puncture the hard metal and you use it on a wood surface, you are setting yourself up for failure and frustration. When you are picking up the perfect drill bit set that’s out there, make sure that you get the right bit design, material, and coating for the job. A bit set designed for masonry and tiles specifically won’t fare well against rigid surfaces. If you are a generalist craftsman, opting for a multipurpose drill bit set will help you achieve results on different materials and surfaces easily.
For instance, a twist bit is a good option if you want a drill bit that can drill through various surfaces.
Value-added accessories
The perk of investing in a mid-range and high-priced drill bit set is the whole range of accessories that comes with it. The superior drill bit sets come with a nicely designed bag, and they’re great for storage purposes. Since drill bits are quite small, the tag-along case reduces the chance of losing them. If you are buying a drill bit set for the first time, we recommend opting for one that comes with a sleek and stylish case.
Tips for Drilling the Perfect Hole with Your Drill Bit
Here are the basic tips and tricks to drill a hole through any surface with perfect precision.
- Start with making an indentation in the material with the center punch of the bit.
- You should always apply a cutting fluid or oil on the drill bit to enhance its longevity and avoid stress and friction
- Always drill slowly at first and then pick up the pace to avoid breakage. If you drill longer bits at high speed right away the increased friction can damage the quality and performance.
- Always take small breaks and keep your hand steady when you’re drilling in the hole to get a consistent result. Otherwise, you’ll end up with blotchy results at the end because of uncontrollable high-speed movements.
Best Drill Bit Sets FAQs
Q: How do I maintain the drill bit set?
A: Maintenance of a drill bit is easy. Once you remove the bit from the drill machine, gently scrub any visible buildups and apply a good lubricant to make sure they do not get the rust.
Q: How many drill bits should a set ideally have?
A: As a first-time buyer, you should opt for a drill bit set with at least 14-21 pieces. Having a variety of drill bits gives the user higher flexibility and precision to drill through various surfaces and materials.
Q: Are drill bit sets long-lasting?
A: Yes, if you invest in a proper drill bit set, they will last you for a long time. The good-quality drill bit with premium material will last up to 80-200 drills. But if you carry out proper maintenance and occasional bit sharpening the drilling capacity may even increase for more uses.