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Power Tools / BUYING REFERENCE

Wood drill bits: brad-point, spade and Forstner choices

Choose wood drill bits by the wood product, required hole and tool connection. Brad-point, spade and Forstner bits have different cutting designs, and a wood label does not mean every family is documented for both softwood and hardwood. Read the exact diameter list before buying a set. The examples below separate material scope and cutting diameter from the shank held by the drill, so a familiar-looking accessory does not become an assumed fit.

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Search results. Match the specifications below to the selected listing.

Three documented wood-bit sets

Bosch describes the brad-point design as using a centre point and cutting spurs. Its Self Cut Speed spade family uses a threaded feed tip; the Forstner example uses a peripheral cutting edge. These are different designs, not interchangeable names for a mixed wood-bit pack.

Three documented wood-bit sets
Exact Bosch referenceNamed material scopeSupplied diametersManufacturer source
PRO Wood Brad Point 2607010527Softwood and hardwood4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mmManufacturer reference ↗
EXPERT Self Cut Speed 2608902107Softwood and particleboard20, 22, 25 mmManufacturer reference ↗
Forstner set 2608577022Softwood and hardwood15, 20, 25, 30, 35 mmManufacturer reference ↗

The hole size is not the holder size

The Forstner set lists cutting diameters up to 35 mm but shank diameters of 8 and 10 mm. Those numbers describe different parts of the accessory. Check both the drill's permitted application and the chuck's capacity; accepting a shank does not establish that a tool supports every cutting diameter.

Bosch explicitly gives the Self Cut Speed spade family a 1/4-inch impact-rated hex shank. Keep that permission specific to this family. Do not infer impact suitability for other wood bits merely because their holder ends are hexagonal.

Buy for the hole, not the advertised piece count

Write down the required diameter, depth and wood material before choosing a set. In the examples above, the three-piece spade set starts at 20 mm while the five-piece brad-point set stops at 10 mm. More pieces would not make either set cover the other's complete range.

For an Amazon comparison, retain the exact manufacturer code alongside the bit type and diameter. Confirm the selected pack, supplied sizes and tool requirements. These references establish published specifications; they do not rank cutting finish or speed from hands-on testing.

Comparison sources

Manufacturer references checked 2026-10-03. These examples describe published specifications, rather than a hands-on review.

MATCH THE DETAILS TO YOUR JOB

What to check before buying

  1. Identify softwood, hardwood or a manufactured board and check the named bit's application.
  2. Compare the required hole diameter with each size actually supplied in the set.
  3. Check shank shape and diameter against the tool holder and chuck capacity.
  4. Read usable depth and overall length separately; do not infer either from the photograph.
  5. Require explicit impact suitability when using an impact driver; a hex shank alone is insufficient.

Compare the related product types

Cordless combi drills →Masonry drill bits: material, shank and size checks →Screwdriver bit types and sets →

Answers for your next purchase

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

Reference & scope

Bosch UK wood-bit families and exact set contents

This page is a selection checklist for a product type. The manufacturer instructions and exact retailer listing determine suitability, included accessories and available variants.

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