How To Get Drill Bit Out Of Drill

How to Select a Drill Bit Size for Your Home Project

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No matter if you're installing new cabinets in your kitchen or want to hang a large painting on your living room wall, you'll need a drill to complete a lot of projects around the house. Not all drill bits are the same. You need to choose the right type and size to ensure the best results for your project. Use this guide to help you find the best drill bit for the job.

Drill Bit Materials

The drill bit material is just as important as the size. Drill bits are made from several materials, and some work better for certain projects than others. Choose the bit based on the materials in your project.

High-Speed Steel (HSS) - soft metal, PVC, wood and fiberglass Steel - softwood Black-Oxide Coated HSS - metal, hardwoods, softwoods, PVC and fiberglass Cobalt - stainless steel and aluminum Titanium Coated - metal, wood, fiberglass and PVC Carbide-Tipped - concrete, tile and masonry

Drill Bit Types

Wood drill bits are the most commonly used type of drill bit and are also the most versatile. You can identify this bit because it has a pointed tip and spurs on each side. The spurs grab onto the wood to carve it away and make a smooth hole. Steel is a popular material for this type of drill bit and works well for softwoods, but if you're working with hardwoods, you'll need something more durable. If you plan to use the drill bits for more than the occasional project, consider titanium-coated bits.

Metal drill bits are designed to power through a variety of metals. They have a wide-angle point and are often painted black. Steel drill bits will work with soft aluminum, but HSS, titanium or cobalt bits will last longer and perform better for your projects.

Masonry drill bits are some of the toughest and most durable drill bits available because they have to power through cinder blocks, bricks and tiles. They have a gently sloping tip, often coated in carbide to prevent them from wearing out too soon.

Drill Bit Sizes

Once you've chosen the drill bit material and type, you can look for the right size. Selecting the right size drill bit for your home project is something that takes a bit of practice. Fortunately, most drill bit sets come with a diagram that you can use as a guideline for your project. The drill guide chart shows how big the hole will be based on the size bit that you use. You'll need a set with a wide range of sizes so you'll be able to complete just about any project. A kit with drill bit sizes ranging from 1/16 inch to ¼ inch should be sufficient.

If the home project you're working on involves soft wood, then select a drill bit that is 1/64 inch smaller than you need. For all other materials, select a drill bit that's the exact same size as the hole you need. However, if you're in doubt, you can select a drill bit that's 1/64 inch larger than the hole you need to account for wood density and screws.

Drill Chuck Sizes

The chuck is the part of your drill that attaches to the bit. For home projects, drills usually have chucks that are ⅜ inch to ½ inch in size. Industrial power drills have chucks in larger sizes. In addition to choosing the right size bit, make sure the chuck size that you choose is compatible with the drill that you're using. Just because they are the same brand does not mean that they work together.