Question 1

What's the difference between HSS and masonry drill bits?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Are Bosch PointTeQ bits actually worth the premium over standard HSS?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How many drill bits do I actually need in a set?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can I use the same drill bits for wood, metal, and plastic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What drill bits should I avoid buying cheaply?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Do I need different drill bits for a hammer drill vs. a standard drill?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Which drill bit brands offer the best value in 2026?

Accepted Answer

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.

Drill Bits Price Comparison

DeWALT DT70757-QZ drill bit Drill bit set 55 pc(s)

DeWALT DT70751-QZ drill bit Pilot drill bit 9 pc(s)

DeWALT DT70761-QZ drill bit Drill bit set 72 pc(s)

DeWALT DT70760 Drill bit set 68 pc(s)

DeWALT DT70755-QZ drill bit Drill bit set 21 pc(s)

Draper Tools 67800 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 67674 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 67541 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 67436 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 54634 drill bit 3 pc(s)

Bosch 2 608 594 253 drill bit

Bosch 2 608 833 774 drill bit Hammer drill bit 1 pc(s)

DeWALT DT6682-XJ drill bit

DeWALT DT9532-QZ drill bit

DeWALT DT9542-QZ drill bit

Draper Tools 81068 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41797 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41795 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41793 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41790 drill bit 2 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41788 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41597 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41552 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Draper Tools 41508 drill bit 1 pc(s)

Drill Bits Price Comparison