Drill Bits Price Comparison
Compare 2,476 drill bits from Bosch, DeWALT, Makita and more. Find the best price across top UK retailers — from HSS twist bits to masonry sets.
Drill Bits price comparison UK
Drill bits are one of those purchases that look deceptively simple — until you buy the wrong type and end up with a blunt tip, a ragged hole, or a snapped shank. Our analysis of 2,476 products across this category reveals a market dominated by Bosch, which accounts for a significant chunk of listings at a competitive average price, while RUKO sits at the premium end with a noticeably higher average. That gap tells you something useful: there's a wide spectrum here, and brand name alone won't guide you to the right choice.
The most important decision isn't actually about brand — it's about material compatibility. HSS (High Speed Steel) twist bits handle metal and general-purpose work well, but send one into a brick wall and you'll blunt it in seconds. Masonry bits with their distinctive carbide tips are built for concrete, brick, and stone, while wood bits — often with a brad point — deliver cleaner entry holes in timber. Bosch's PointTeQ geometry is worth noting: it self-centres without a pilot hole, which is genuinely useful for anyone who drills on smooth or curved surfaces regularly.
Prices span from 1 £ for individual HSS bits up to 51 £ for professional-grade sets or specialist carbide options. The sweet spot for most DIYers and tradespeople sits around the median — a decent mixed set from Bosch, Draper Tools, or IRWIN that covers the most common diameters without breaking the bank. If you're outfitting a workshop or need to drill hardened steel, RUKO's premium HSS-G ground bits justify the higher outlay. For occasional home use, Stanley and Yato offer reliable entry-level options at prices that make sense. You can compare live prices across Currys, Amazon.co.uk, and specialist tool retailers directly on MagicPrices.
One thing worth flagging: sets are almost always better value than buying individual bits — unless you need a very specific diameter or length. A 15-piece set covering 1–10 mm will handle the vast majority of household and light trade jobs. For more demanding applications, pairing your bits with the right rotary hammer accessories or upgrading your drill chuck can make as much difference as the bit itself. And if you're working with a rotary tool rather than a standard drill, the engraver bits category is worth a look for fine detail work.
How to Choose the Right Drill Bits
With 2,476 products ranging from under a pound to several hundred, the drill bit market is surprisingly complex. The biggest mistake buyers make is treating all bits as interchangeable — the material you're drilling into should dictate every other decision. Here's what actually matters.
Match the bit type to your material
This is the single most important criterion. HSS twist bits are the go-to for metal and general-purpose drilling. Masonry bits — identifiable by their wider, carbide-tipped head — are essential for brick, concrete, and stone; using an HSS bit on masonry will destroy it almost immediately. Brad-point (wood) bits give cleaner holes in timber and MDF. If you're drilling into multiple materials on the same job, a quality universal or multi-material bit saves time, though it won't outperform a dedicated bit in any single material.
HSS grade and coating — where the real quality difference lies
Not all HSS is equal. Standard HSS suits occasional home use. HSS-G (ground finish) bits, typical of RUKO's range, offer tighter tolerances and longer life — worth it for trade use or hardened steel. Coatings add further performance: a TiN (titanium nitride) gold-coloured coating reduces friction and extends bit life noticeably. Black oxide coatings offer modest corrosion resistance. Bosch's PointTeQ geometry — a self-centring split point — reduces walking on smooth surfaces and is a genuine improvement over a standard 118° tip, not just marketing.
Set size vs. individual bits — getting the balance right
A 15-piece set covering 1–10 mm handles the vast majority of DIY and light trade jobs, and almost always offers better value than buying individually. Go up to 25 pieces if you regularly need larger diameters. That said, if you drill a specific size constantly — say, 8 mm for wall plugs — buying a handful of quality individual bits makes more sense than a large set where most sizes gather dust. Sets from Draper Tools and IRWIN sit at accessible price points; Bosch and Makita sets cost more but tend to last longer under regular use.
Shank compatibility with your drill
Most standard drills accept round-shank bits up to 13 mm via a keyed or keyless chuck. SDS drills use a completely different shank system — standard bits won't fit without an adapter, and even then it's not ideal. Check your drill's chuck size before buying: a 10 mm chuck won't grip a 13 mm shank. If you're using a rotary tool (Dremel-style), you'll need bits with a much smaller shank — typically 3 mm — which is a different product category entirely.
Bit length for the job at hand
Shorter bits are stiffer and more accurate — use them for precision work or when space isn't an issue. Long series bits (75–150 mm+) are necessary for deep holes or awkward access, but they flex more and are easier to snap if you apply sideways pressure. Extra-long bits are a specialist purchase; don't buy them as a default. Most sets include standard-length bits, which suit the majority of applications.
Price range and what it actually buys you
Entry-level bits from 1 £ to 4 £ are fine for occasional use — drilling a few holes for shelves or picture hooks. Once you're drilling regularly, especially into harder materials, the step up to the median price range makes a real difference in longevity. Over 15 £, you're looking at professional-grade sets, carbide-tipped specialist bits, or large-count sets for trade use. RUKO's premium positioning reflects genuine quality in HSS-G grinding, but for most users, Bosch or DeWALT in the mid-range is the pragmatic choice.
- Budget picks (From 1 £ to 4 £) : Individual HSS bits or very small sets from Stanley, Yato, and Draper Tools. Perfectly adequate for occasional home use — drilling a few holes a year. Don't expect them to last under sustained or heavy use.
- The sweet spot (From 4 £ to 7 £) : Where most buyers should start. Bosch PointTeQ sets, IRWIN mixed sets, and Draper Tools multi-packs sit here. Good quality, broad size coverage, and enough durability for regular DIY or light trade work.
- Serious DIY and trade (From 7 £ to 15 £) : Makita and DeWALT sets, larger Bosch packs, and specialist masonry or wood bit collections. Noticeably better longevity and precision. The right choice if you're drilling weekly or working across multiple materials.
- Professional grade (Over 15 £) : RUKO HSS-G ground bits, large professional sets (50+ pieces), carbide-tipped specialist bits. Justified for tradespeople, machinists, or anyone drilling hardened steel regularly. Overkill for most home users.
Top products
- Bosch HSS Twist Drill Bit PointTeQ Sets (Bosch) : The most-compared set in the category for good reason — PointTeQ geometry genuinely reduces walking, and Bosch's consistency across the range is hard to fault. The go-to recommendation for most buyers.
- Bosch HSS Twist Drill Bits PointTeQ (Bosch) : Individual PointTeQ bits at a very accessible price point — ideal if you need to replace a specific size without buying a whole set. Best value when you drill one size constantly.
- Draper Tools 18549 drill bit 15 pc(s) (Draper Tools) : A solid 15-piece set that covers the everyday size range without fuss. Not the most premium option, but Draper Tools' reliability makes this a sensible choice for occasional home use and light DIY.
- Metabo 626706000 drill bit Masonry drill bit 8 pc(s) (Metabo) : The standout masonry option in the top 15 — Metabo's carbide tips hold up well under hammer action. If you're drilling into brick or concrete regularly, this is the specialist pick the others can't match.
- Bosch 2608595517 (Bosch) : A well-priced mid-range Bosch option with strong retailer coverage. Good for those wanting Bosch quality at a step below the premium PointTeQ sets — though if budget allows, the PointTeQ sets are the better buy.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HSS and masonry drill bits?
HSS (High Speed Steel) bits are designed for metal and general-purpose drilling, while masonry bits have a hardened carbide tip specifically for brick, concrete, and stone. Using an HSS bit on masonry will blunt it almost instantly — the materials are simply too hard. Masonry bits are also used with hammer action on the drill, which HSS bits cannot withstand. Always check what you're drilling into before selecting a bit.
Are Bosch PointTeQ bits actually worth the premium over standard HSS?
Yes, for most users — the self-centring split point is a genuine advantage, not just a marketing feature. Standard 118° tips tend to 'walk' on smooth or curved surfaces before biting in, which leads to inaccurate holes. PointTeQ's geometry grips immediately, reducing the need for a centre punch. The difference is most noticeable when drilling into metal sheet or tiles. For drilling into wood or soft materials, the benefit is less pronounced.
How many drill bits do I actually need in a set?
For most DIYers, a 15-piece set covering 1–10 mm is sufficient for 95% of jobs. That range handles standard wall plugs (5–8 mm), pilot holes for screws (2–4 mm), and most general tasks. A 25-piece set adds larger diameters useful for plumbing or electrical work. Sets of 50 or more are really aimed at tradespeople who need to replace worn sizes individually without buying a whole new set.
Can I use the same drill bits for wood, metal, and plastic?
Multi-material or universal bits can handle all three, but they're a compromise. A dedicated HSS bit drills metal more cleanly; a brad-point bit leaves a neater entry hole in wood. For occasional mixed use, a universal set is practical. If you're doing a lot of woodwork, invest in proper brad-point bits — the cleaner holes are worth it, especially in visible surfaces or when accuracy matters for joinery.
What drill bits should I avoid buying cheaply?
Avoid very cheap masonry bits for anything harder than soft brick — they lose their carbide tip quickly and can become dangerous if the tip detaches under hammer action. Similarly, ultra-cheap HSS bits sold in bulk packs of 100+ are often made from low-grade steel that blunts after a handful of holes. For anything structural or precision-critical, spending a little more on Bosch, DeWALT, or IRWIN is worth it. The cost difference between a cheap bit and a decent one is small; the performance difference is not.
Do I need different drill bits for a hammer drill vs. a standard drill?
Yes — masonry bits are designed to work with hammer action, and using them without it in hard concrete is inefficient and wears the bit faster. Conversely, never use hammer action with HSS or wood bits; the impact will damage the bit and potentially crack tiles or split wood. SDS drills require SDS-Plus or SDS-Max shank bits, which are a completely different fitting to standard round-shank bits. Check your drill's mode and shank type before buying.
Which drill bit brands offer the best value in 2026?
Bosch offers the best overall value for most users — wide availability, consistent quality, and competitive pricing across retailers like Amazon.co.uk and Screwfix. IRWIN and Draper Tools are strong budget-to-mid-range options, particularly for sets. DeWALT and Makita are reliable choices for trade use. RUKO is the premium pick for HSS-G ground bits if precision and longevity are priorities, though their higher average price means they're best suited to professional applications.