Best Drill Bits for DIY (What to Use and When)

---

Looking for the best drill bits for DIY projects — but tired of guessing which ones actually work? Whether you’re hanging shelves, drilling through tile, or assembling furniture, using the right bit makes all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most essential drill bits every DIYer should own, what they’re used for, and the best sets worth buying. No more stripped screws, cracked tiles, or wasted time.

---

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep the DIY guides free and the lights on over here at Gold Team Home. Thanks for the support!

---

Essential Drill Bit Types (and What They’re For)

Not all drill bits are created equal. Here’s what you actually need as a homeowner or DIYer — and when to use each one:

---

1. Twist Drill Bits (Your Everyday Bit)

Best For: Wood, plastic, soft metals
DIY Uses: Hanging shelves, pilot holes, mounting brackets

Twist bits are your default, go-to bits. Most sets include them in sizes from 1/16” to 1/2”. They’re great for furniture builds, drywall anchors, and anything light-duty.

Pro Tip: For drywall or wood, twist bits work great — just pair them with the correct anchor size.

---

2. Brad Point Bits (For Clean Holes in Wood)

Best For: Wood
DIY Uses: Furniture builds, cabinetry, woodworking

These have a sharp center point that helps keep your hole centered — no drifting like with twist bits. Perfect for shelf pins, dowels, and visible holes where you want clean edges.

---

3. Spade Bits (For Big Holes in Wood)

Best For: Wood
DIY Uses: Running wires through studs, pocket holes, rough drilling

Spade bits are flat and aggressive — great for speed but not clean holes. Use them where looks don’t matter.

---

4. Masonry Bits (For Brick, Concrete, and Block)

Best For: Brick, concrete, cinder block
DIY Uses: Mounting TV brackets, shelves, or fixtures to masonry walls

These have a dull tip and carbide coating. Pair with a hammer drill for best results.

Need help drilling into masonry? Check out our post on how to drill into brick, block, or concrete.

---

5. Tile and Glass Bits

Best For: Ceramic tile, glass
DIY Uses: Towel bars, shelves, and mounts in bathrooms/kitchens

These often have spear-pointed tips and need low pressure + slow speed. Do not use hammer mode — it will crack tile instantly.

---

6. Step Bits (For Thin Metal & Sheet Goods)

Best For: Sheet metal, plastic, soft PVC
DIY Uses: DIY enclosures, wall plates, upgrading outlet boxes

Step bits increase hole size incrementally — great for when you don’t know exactly how big the hole should be yet.

---

7. Countersink Bits (For Flush Screws)

Best For: Wood
DIY Uses: Pre-drilling for cabinet hardware, furniture

These bits create a cone-shaped hole so your screw head sits flush with the surface. Helps prevent splitting and gives a clean finish.

---

Recommended Drill Bit Sets for DIYers

Whether you want a starter set or something more complete, here are our favorite options:

---

Top Starter Set: DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set (21-Piece)

Why We Like It:

• Includes most common twist bit sizes
• Titanium coating = longer life
• Comes in sturdy case that won’t spill open

---

All-in-One: Makita Impact-Rated Bit Set (70-Piece)

Why We Like It:

• Includes wood, metal, and masonry bits
• Comes with nut drivers + screwdriver heads
• Durable case, well-labeled layout

---

Best for Masonry: Bosch Carbide-Tipped Masonry Bit Set (7-Piece)

Why We Like It:

• Trusted brand for concrete and brick
• Works in hammer drills or rotary hammers
• Perfect for hanging anything in block, brick, or stucco

---

Drill Bit Materials: What to Know Before You Buy

Material	Best For	DIY Use Example
High-Speed Steel (HSS)	General use – wood, plastic, soft metal	Hanging shelves, furniture builds
Titanium-Coated	Longer life, less friction	Repeat-use holes, cabinetry
Carbide-Tipped	Masonry, tile, glass	Mounting shelves to brick or tile
Cobalt	Hardened steel, metal drilling	Advanced DIY, automotive or plumbing

---

What Size Drill Bits Should You Own?

Start with this basic range:

• Twist bits: 1/16″ to 3/8″
• Spade bits: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″
• Masonry: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″
• Countersink: #6, #8, and #10 screws

Need anchor help too? Check out our guide on what size wall anchors to use.

---

Final Thoughts: Buy Once, Drill Forever

Most of your DIY frustration comes from using the wrong bit for the job. Invest in a couple solid sets now and you’ll avoid cracked tile, burnt motors, and stripped screws later.

Start with a titanium twist set, add masonry and countersinks, and build from there. Your drill is only as good as what’s in the chuck.