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Wood Drill Bits
wood-drill-bits
Wood Drill Bits for Trade and DIY Use Across the UK
Using the wrong drill bit in wood tears fibres and ruins the surface. A poor-quality bit wanders off centre and leaves a rough, oversized hole. Here you will find quality wood drill bits built for clean, accurate results. This range covers brad point drill bits, flat drill bits, auger bits, and more. All bits are suited to softwood, hardwood, MDF, plywood, and sheet timber. Whether you are on site or working at home, you will find the right bit here.
Why the Right Wood Drill Bit Matters
Wood is a natural, fibrous material. It needs a sharp, purpose-built bit. General-purpose or metal bits do not cut wood cleanly.
The best wood drill bits cut fast and leave a clean entry hole. They remove waste chips efficiently as they bore deeper. This reduces heat build-up and keeps the bit sharp for longer.
This range stocks the most widely used wood boring bits in the UK. Products come from trusted brands used by joiners, carpenters, and builders daily. Most items are available in single sizes and practical sets.
Quick tip: Always match the bit type to the wood and the job. Brad point bits give the cleanest holes in timber boards. Flat drill bits are best for larger holes in structural timber.
Types of Wood Drill Bits Available
Each bit type is designed for a different task. Here is a clear guide to what is stocked and when to use each one.
Brad Point Drill Bits
Brad point bits have a sharp central spur. This spur locates the bit precisely before drilling starts. It stops the bit from wandering across the surface. The outer spurs cut a clean, defined edge around the hole. They are the best brad point drill bits for clean work in softwood and hardwood. Ideal for dowelling, shelving, cabinetry, and furniture making.
Flat Drill Bits (Spade Bits)
Flat drill bits, also called spade bits, cut large-diameter holes fast. They have a flat, paddle-shaped blade with a central point. They are used for boring through structural timbers, joists, and stud walls. Common for running cables, pipes, and conduit through timber frames. Available in sizes from around 10mm up to 38mm and beyond.
Auger Bits
Auger bits have a deep spiral flute and a screw tip. The screw tip pulls the bit into the wood automatically. The flute lifts chips clear of the hole as you drill. They are ideal for deep holes in thick or green timber. Used in construction, fencing, and heavy woodwork.
Lip and Spur Bits
Lip and spur bits are similar to brad point bits. They have a centre spur and two sharp cutting lips. They produce very accurate holes in hardwood and softwood. They are a popular wood drill bit type in joinery workshops. Often used for precision work in furniture and fitting jobs.
Forstner Bits
Forstner bits cut flat-bottomed holes with very clean sides. They do not go all the way through unless you want them to. Used for hinges, knock-down fittings, and recessed holes. They work in hardwood, softwood, MDF, and plywood. Best used in a drill press or pillar drill for accuracy.
Countersink Bits
Countersink bits create a tapered recess above a drilled hole. This allows screw heads to sit flush with the wood surface. Some combine a drill bit and countersink in one tool. They are used in joinery, cabinet fitting, and general woodwork. A simple step that gives your work a neat, professional finish.
Picking the Right Wood Boring Bit for Your Job
Start by thinking about the hole size and depth you need. Then consider the type of wood and the finish required.
Small, Clean Holes in Timber
For dowel joints, shelf pin holes, or hinge pilot holes, use brad point bits. They give a clean entry and a flat base. Sizes from 3mm to 16mm cover most joinery tasks.
Large Holes for Cables and Pipes
For running cables, pipes, or conduit through stud walls and joists, use flat drill bits. They cut fast and remove a lot of material quickly. Available in large sizes well suited to first-fix electrical and plumbing work.
Deep Holes in Structural Timber
For thick joists, beams, fence posts, or green timber, use auger bits. The screw tip and deep flute handle deep boring with ease. They clear chips well and resist jamming during deep cuts.
Flat-Bottomed Recesses
For hinge pockets, connector recesses, or plug holes, use Forstner bits. They leave a very clean, flat-bottomed hole. Ideal for cabinet makers and fitted furniture installers.
MDF and Sheet Timber
MDF is abrasive and blunts standard bits quickly. Use sharp brad point bits or TCT-tipped bits in MDF and chipboard. Keep drill speed moderate to reduce heat and dust build-up.
Hardwood Drilling
Hardwoods like oak and ash need a sharp, strong bit. Brad point bits and lip and spur bits work well in hardwood. Keep the drill speed lower than in softwood to prevent burning.
Brad Point Bits vs Flat Drill Bits
These are the two most commonly used wood drill bit types. Both are available here. Here is how they compare.
Brad point drill bits have a sharp centre spur and outer cutting spurs. They locate accurately and cut a very clean hole. They are best for precise work in boards, panels, and joinery timber. Typical sizes run from 3mm to 20mm.
Flat drill bits have a wide, flat blade and a single centre point. They cut large holes fast but leave a rougher edge than brad point bits. They are used mainly for functional holes, not visible finish work. Typical sizes run from 10mm up to 38mm or larger.
For clean, visible holes in timber, brad point bits are the better option. For fast boring of large holes in structural work, flat drill bits win on speed.
Remember: Always start at a lower drill speed in dense or hardwood timber. Let the bit do the work. Forcing it causes burning and blunts the cutting edges faster. Keep bits clean and dry when stored to avoid rust on the tips.
Wood Drill Bit Size and Speed Guide
Drill speed affects hole quality and bit life. Use this table as a general starting point for common timber drilling tasks.
| Bit Type | Typical Size Range | Best Use | Drill Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Point Bits | 3mm to 20mm | Joinery, dowelling, cabinetry | Medium to high |
| Flat Drill Bits | 10mm to 38mm+ | Cable runs, pipe holes, structural timber | Low to medium |
| Auger Bits | 10mm to 32mm | Deep holes in thick or green timber | Low |
| Forstner Bits | 15mm to 50mm | Flat-bottomed recesses, hinge pockets | Low to medium |
| Countersink Bits | 5mm to 12mm | Flush screw fitting in all timber types | Medium |
These are general guidelines. Always check the bit manufacturer's guidance. Drill speed also depends on the hardness of your specific timber.
Find the Right Wood Drill Bit for Your Job
Use the filters above to sort by bit type, size, and brand. Check individual product pages for full size listings and pack options before ordering.
Whether you need the best brad point drill bits for clean joinery work, flat drill bits for fast cable runs, auger bits for deep structural boring, or Forstner bits for recessed fittings, this range covers the most useful wood boring bits for trade and DIY use across the UK. If you need matching fixings for your timber project, see our wood screws range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are brad point drill bits used for?
Brad point bits are used for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood. The centre spur stops the bit from wandering. They are ideal for dowelling, shelf pins, cabinet fittings, and general joinery.
What is the difference between a brad point bit and a flat drill bit?
A brad point bit gives a clean, precise hole suited to visible joinery work. A flat drill bit cuts large holes fast but leaves a rougher edge. Use brad point for finish work and flat bits for functional holes in structural timber.
Can I use wood drill bits in a standard cordless drill?
Yes. Most wood drill bits fit a standard 10mm or 13mm chuck on a cordless drill. Auger bits with hex shanks are designed specifically for cordless use. Always ensure the shank matches your drill's chuck size.
What size flat drill bit do I need for a 20mm cable?
For a 20mm cable or conduit, use a 25mm flat drill bit. This gives enough clearance to feed the cable through easily. Always allow a few millimetres extra when drilling for pipes or conduit.
Can wood drill bits be used in MDF or plywood?
Yes. Brad point bits and TCT-tipped bits work well in MDF and plywood. MDF is more abrasive than solid timber and blunts bits faster. Use a moderate drill speed and replace blunt bits regularly for clean results.
What is the best wood drill bit for hardwood like oak?
Brad point bits and lip and spur bits perform well in hardwood. Use a lower drill speed than you would in softwood. This prevents burning and keeps the bit sharp for longer.
How do I stop a wood drill bit from splintering the exit hole?
Place a scrap piece of timber behind the workpiece before drilling through. This supports the fibres at the exit point and prevents tear-out. Reducing drill speed just before breaking through also helps.
Related Drill Bits and Cutting Tools
Wood drill bits are often used alongside other cutting and fixing products. See our masonry drill bits for drilling into brick, block, and concrete.
For the screws and fixings that go into your drilled holes, see our wood screws range.