Drill Bit Tips: Choosing and Using the Right Bit
Drill bit tips for matching twist bits and driver bits to the material, picking the right size, and keeping the set organized.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
CRAFTSMAN 140 Pc Impact Driver Bit Set, Steel9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
230 Pieces Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set9.7/10View on Amazon - 3
DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set with Tough Case9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Driver Bit Set9.2/10View on Amazon
A shelf bracket needs holes in a stud, and the drill bit in the chuck is the wrong size for the job. Drill bit tips start with the match: twist bits drill holes, driver bits drive screws, and the size follows the hole or the screw. Pick the bit for the material first, then the size, and keep the set in its case so the next job starts with the right bit in hand.
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Below: how to tell twist bits from driver bits, how to pick a size, and the gear that covers the jobs.
Scores cover performance, build, value, safety and warranty, and the higher totals sit higher.
CRAFTSMAN 140 Pc Impact Driver Bit Set, Steel
A 140-piece impact drill and driver set in shock-resistant tool steel, with 21 drill bits, 97 1-inch bit tips, 15 2-inch power bits, 5 nut drivers, a socket adapter and a magnetic bit holder in a storage case.
Pros
- 21 drill bits plus 97 1-inch bit tips for drilling and driving
- CNC-machined bit tips fit screw heads and reduce cam-out
- Shock-resistant tool steel build
- Hex shanks fit nearly all major brands of drills and impact drivers
Cons
- A 140-piece set takes more storage space than a small kit
- Only 21 of the 140 pieces are drill bits
- 1-inch bit tips reach less far than the 2-inch power bits
- Suits a buyer who wants a full drill and drive set, not a twist bit set alone
230 Pieces Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set
A 230-piece titanium-coated high speed steel twist drill bit set with a 135-degree tip, in sizes from 3/64 inch to 1/2 inch, in a plastic storage box.
Pros
- 230 pieces from 3/64 inch to 1/2 inch cover all common sizes
- 135-degree tip centers itself and penetrates quickly with less pressure
- Titanium coated surface resists rust and reduces heat buildup
- Drills wood, cast iron, aluminum alloy, plastic and fiberglass
Cons
- A 230-piece set takes more storage space than a small kit
- Twist bits drill holes; they do not drive screws
- The bits at 3/64 inch suit fine holes, not large bores
- The largest bit is 1/2 inch, so larger holes need another bit
DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set with Tough Case
A 45-piece screwdriver bit set in a Tough Case with a bit-bar design, a clear lid and a clip latch, with 8 double-ended 55mm bits and 88mm power bits in PH2 and SL2.
Pros
- Bit-bar design allows easy removal and custom placement
- Clear lid shows contents at a glance
- Clip latch keeps the case closed
- Connectable storage system optimizes storage space
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- A screwdriver bit set drives screws; it does not drill holes
- The ToughCase+ it fits inside is sold separately
- Suits a buyer who wants a compact 45-piece set, not a large kit
Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Driver Bit Set
A 100-piece Milwaukee Shockwave impact driver bit set.
Pros
- 100 pieces for impact driving
- Shockwave bits made for impact drivers
- A full set for driving screws in the garage
- Suits a buyer who wants a large driver set
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Suits a buyer who wants driver bits, not twist drill bits
- A 100-piece set takes more storage space than a small kit
- A large set suits a full garage, not a small toolbox
Drill bit tips: match the bit to the material
A twist bit cuts a hole, and a driver bit turns a screw. The HURRICANE set is a twist drill bit set, the DEWALT and Milwaukee sets are driver bit sets, and the CRAFTSMAN set covers drilling and driving. Match the bit to the material first: the HURRICANE bits drill wood, cast iron, aluminum alloy, plastic and fiberglass, and the CRAFTSMAN set works in wood, metal and plastic.
| Bit type | Job | Set in this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Twist drill bit | Drills holes | HURRICANE 230-piece set |
| Driver bit | Drives screws | DEWALT 45-piece set, Milwaukee 100-piece set |
| Drill and driver set | Drills and drives | CRAFTSMAN 140-piece set |
How to pick a bit size
Pick the size from the hole or the screw, not from the set. The HURRICANE set runs from 3/64 inch to 1/2 inch, with 32 pieces at 3/64 inch and 30 at 1/16 inch. For driving, the CRAFTSMAN set has 97 1-inch bit tips and 15 2-inch power bits, and the DEWALT set has 8 double-ended 55mm bits and 88mm power bits. Check the size on the bit before you drill.
The gear for these drill bit tips
The bits below cover the jobs in this guide: the HURRICANE set drills the holes, the DEWALT and Milwaukee sets cover the driving, and the CRAFTSMAN set covers drilling and driving.
Read the manual before first use, wear eye protection, keep the work area clear and ventilated, and stay within every stated rating. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
FAQ: garage tools
What size drill bit fits a pilot hole?
Match the bit to the hole: the HURRICANE set runs from 3/64 inch to 1/2 inch. For driving the screw, the CRAFTSMAN set has 97 1-inch bit tips and 15 2-inch power bits.
Can driver bits drill holes?
No. Driver bits turn screws, and twist bits cut holes. The DEWALT and Milwaukee sets are driver bit sets, the CRAFTSMAN set covers drilling and driving, and the HURRICANE set is a twist drill bit set.
What does the 135-degree tip do on a twist bit?
The HURRICANE twist bits have a 135-degree fast cutting point that is automatically centered and penetrates quickly with less pressure. The point centers itself on the mark, so the bit starts the hole where you aim it.
How to store a large bit set?
Keep the set in its case or box: the DEWALT set has a Tough Case, the CRAFTSMAN set comes with a storage case, and the HURRICANE set comes in a plastic storage box.
Related: Best drill bit set, Drill bit size guide, Cordless drill vs impact driver, Best drill bit for steel, drill bit tips
