Types of drill bits: choose by material, holder and hole size

Six common types and what distinguishes them

The named products give these comparisons a defined scope. Their applications are manufacturer specifications, not a promise that every bit sharing the same shape supports the same materials.

Read cutting diameter, working length and shank separately

Cutting diameter describes the intended hole size. Working length describes the usable drilling portion; total length includes the rest of the accessory. The shank is the connection held by the tool. A matching hole diameter therefore does not make a cylindrical bit and an SDS-plus bit interchangeable.

Bosch's PRO SDS plus-5X five-piece set 2608833910 illustrates why a contents list matters: it includes two 6 mm bits with working lengths of 50 and 100 mm. Repeated diameters can represent different useful depths. Compare the complete specification rather than treating the largest overall length or piece count as the main buying decision.

Wood and tile labels need a second check

A wood-bit pack should name the relevant timber or board. The brad-point example covers hardwood as well as softwood, while the selected spade family names softwood and particleboard. Do not transfer one family's material scope to another. For larger wood holes, the separate wood reference also compares a documented Forstner set.

For tile, distinguish a soft-ceramic claim from explicit porcelain coverage. Bosch's HEX-9 Hard Ceramic instructions require rotary-only operation; cooling is not required. RUBI EASYGRES is a wet diamond range for a non-percussive drill. These requirements belong to those specific families. A drill described as a hammer drill can still require its hammer function to be off for the selected accessory.

Take a complete specification to the shop

A useful shortlist records the material, cutting diameter, working length, holder and exact manufacturer family or part number. For a wall plug or anchor, get the required hole dimensions from that fixing's instructions. Then confirm the selected accessory is permitted by the drill manual and check the actual sizes supplied in the retailer's chosen variant.

Screwdriver bits are a separate purchase: PH2, PZ2 and other tip markings identify screw-driving profiles rather than these hole-drilling types. Use the bit-set reference for fasteners. The shopping links below lead to buying checks and Amazon searches; the manufacturer examples do not establish that a particular Amazon offer is the same article.