Over at our PTR site, we recently published an article highlighting our picks for the best drill bits on the market. We even shot this handy video covering the subject. But, if you’re the type of person who could do without spending 10 minutes watching a video, or who can’t be bothered to click the links to read the full buying guide, I’ll list the salient points of the video and full article below. Here are our picks for the best drill bits right now.

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Our Best Drill Bits

Black Oxide

This inexpensive bit covers everything but masonry, though it’s not as durable as titanium or cobalt. Expect to drill holes up to 1/2″ with these.

Our pick: Ryobi Black Oxide Bits – $14.97 for their 21-pc set

Titanium

These mid-level bits work well for both wood and metal drilling. The titanium coating adds hardness and reduces heat build-up. You lose those benefits as the coating wears off the cutting edge though.

Our pick: Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Bits – $24.99 for a 15-pc set

Cobalt Bits

These bits have a higher price point and are typically reserved for metal cutting. Cobalt is blended with the steel to run through the entire bit. They can drill through tough metals like cast iron and stainless steel.

Our pick: Milwaukee Red Helix Cobalt bits – $39.99 for a 15-pc set

Concrete/Masonry Bits

These tungsten carbide tips chew through masonry and concrete like their SDS-plus/max brothers. They are more expensive than black oxide, titanium, or cobalt. You can take on holes up to 1/2″ before moving to a rotary hammer bit.

Our pick: Bosch Daredevil Multi-purpose bits – 5-piece set is $18.97

Spade Bit/Paddle Bit

Spade bits make for an inexpensive way to drill holes up to 1-1/2″. Multiple shaft lengths give you the ability to drill deeper holes in both thick and thin materials. These are not as smooth or clean cutting as an auger bit.

Our pick: Bosch Daredevil Spade Bits w/threaded self-feed tip – 6-pc set is under $10

Auger Bits

Auger bits are basically a large twist bit with wide flutes for drilling large diameter, deep holes in tougher wood. More expensive than spade bits, auger bits have a threaded tip which pulls the bit through the cut.

Our pick: Bosch Daredevil High-Speed Auger Bits – 3-pc set is $34.97

Step Bits

Multiple steps in these bits allow you to gradually cut wider holes in thin metal. They’re also great for widening existing holes and can eliminate the need for a knockout punch on holes up to 1-1/4″ or so.

Our pick: Irwin Cobalt Unibits – #4 bit is $60.99 and covers 3/16” to 7/8″ in 12 steps

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For more information about the PTR Best Drill Bits Buying Guide, head over to ProToolReviews.com.

https://youtu.be/VTNi7wL0YtQ