The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Bulk Drill Bits

25, Aug. 2025

 

Drill Bits Buying Guide - Lowe's

Drill Bit Materials and Finishes

The materials from which bits are manufactured and the finishes applied to them play a significant role in the life and performance of the bit. Common materials and finishes include:

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  • High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits can drill wood, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and soft metals such as aluminum.
  • Cobalt drill bits are extremely hard and dissipate heat quickly. They're mostly used for boring in aluminum and tough metals such as stainless steel.
  • Black oxide-coated HSS drill bits have a finish designed to help resist corrosion and increase durability. They last longer than basic HSS bits and work well on a variety of materials including metal, hardwood, softwood, PVC and fiberglass.
  • Titanium-coated HSS drill bits produce less friction. They're tougher than basic HSS bits and stay sharp longer. They work for drilling wood, metal, fiberglass and PVC.
  • Carbide-tipped drill bits stay sharp much longer than steel, HSS or titanium bits. They're effective for drilling tile and masonry.

Drill Bit Construction

For most drill bit types, the angle of the point helps determine what type of material the bit can drill. Flatter points, such as those with 135-degree angles, are suited for drilling into harder material. They may require a pilot hole to keep the bit from wandering. Bits with steeper points, such as those with 118-degree angles, are suited for softer material. They stay on center better and produce cleaner entry and exit holes. Bits with split-point tips improve drilling accuracy by keeping the bit from wandering when you begin to drill.

Bit size reflects the diameter of the body. Some projects call for specific drill bit sizes, but a bit set that includes sizes from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch will work for many jobs around the home and workshop. You can add larger bits — 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, 7/16-inch and 1/2-inch bits — if you need them.

The chuck on a hand drill or drill press secures a drill bit to the tool along the bit's shank. A smaller drill for work around the house typically has a 3/8-inch chuck. More powerful drills for heavier applications have a larger, 1/2-inch chuck. Drill presses also have larger chucks, 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch, for example. The bit shank size must not exceed the chuck size of the drill. A larger bit may have a reduced shank — a shank with a smaller diameter than the body of the bit — allowing you to use it with smaller chucks.

  • A round shank allows you to accurately center a bit in the chuck.
  • A hex shank has flat surfaces, allowing the tool to grip the bit more securely for greater torque. Hex shanks such as the one in the image above work with quick-change chucks — common on cordless drills — allowing you to insert and remove them without tightening and loosening the chuck.
  • A slotted drive system (SDS) shank is designed for use on a hammer drill. It fits a spring-loaded chuck that doesn't require tightening. The bit can move forward and backward with the hammering motion of the drill, while flattened areas and slots on the shank allow the chuck to hold the bit.

How to Choose the Right Drill Bit

When deciding which size and type of drill bit you need for the job, take into consideration the size of hole you want and the material you’re drilling into. In most cases, you should drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw you’re using so the threads of the fastener have something to cut into. For example, you would need a drill bit with a 2 mm diameter for a 2.5 mm screw. For wall anchors, use a drill bit with the same diameter as the anchor.

When pondering metal vs. wood drill bits or any other types, you’ll need to choose a bit that’s designed specifically for the material. For example, drill bits for wood are not intended for drilling into steel.

Drill Bit Maintenance and Lubricants

Drill bits are tough power tool accessories, but they can wear and become damaged without proper maintenance and care. There are several things you can do to maintain your drill bits and keep them working effectively:

  • Keep your drill bits clean. Remove loose debris with a soft brush or cloth.
  • Use the right type of drill bit for your application. Using the wrong drill bit for a material is a safety hazard. It can also damage the bit, the workpiece and the drill.
  • Store your bits in a dry location where they’re protected from accidental damage. Storing bits in a drill bit case or using divided storage trays and magnetic holders helps minimize the risk of damage.
  • Use a cutting tool lubricant when necessary. Drilling into metal generates lots of heat and the heat can shorten the effective life of a bit. Using a cutting tool lubricant can help your bits last longer and let you drill into metal faster.
  • If you do a lot of drilling, you might want to invest in a drill bit sharpener. This tool uses a grinding wheel to sharpen the cutting edges of many types of drill bits.
  • Inspect a drill bit before using it. Replace the bit if you find any damage — don’t use a damaged drill bit.
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The Ultimate Diamond Drill Bits Buying Guide - The Tool Locker

Introduction

When it comes to drilling through hard materials like tile, stone, or porcelain, having the right tools is essential. Diamond drill bits offer exceptional performance and precision in these demanding tasks. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about diamond drill bits. Whether you're a construction professional or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the features and considerations of diamond drill bits will help you make informed purchasing decisions. So, let's explore the fascinating world of diamond drill bits together!

What Makes Diamond Drill Bits Special

Diamond drill bits are designed with a unique composition that sets them apart from conventional drill bits. They feature a diamond-encrusted tip that provides remarkable hardness and durability. The diamond coating enables smooth and precise drilling, allowing you to achieve clean holes without causing damage to the surrounding material. These drill bits are perfect for creating holes in materials like tile, stone, or porcelain, where standard drill bits may struggle to deliver the same level of accuracy and efficiency.

Explore our collection of diamond drill bits for tile and stone, such as the Rubi Tools Drygres Diamond Drill Bits, which offer exceptional performance and durability.

Factors to Consider When Buying Diamond Drill Bits

Size and Compatibility:

Diamond drill bits come in various sizes to accommodate different hole diameters. Ensure that you select a drill bit size that matches the diameter you require for your specific project. Additionally, check the compatibility of the drill bit with the material you'll be drilling. Different drill bits are designed for specific materials, such as tile, stone, or porcelain.

Wet vs. Dry Drilling:

Diamond drill bits can be used for both wet and dry drilling. Wet drilling involves using water as a lubricant to cool down the drill bit and flush away debris, resulting in smoother and more efficient drilling. Dry drilling, on the other hand, is suitable for smaller projects and can be done without the need for water. Consider the requirements of your project and choose the appropriate drilling method.

Speed and Rotation:

The speed and rotation of the drill play a crucial role in the performance of diamond drill bits. Optimal speed and rotation will ensure effective drilling without causing excessive heat buildup or damaging the drill bit. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the suitable speed and rotation for the specific diamond drill bit you're using.

How to Drilling a Hole in Glass, Stone or Ceramic

If you are using a drill press or bench press, you won't be able to angle the drill. Instead, secure your material in place with a vice. However, if you are using a hand-held drill like a Dremel, flex shaft, pendant drill, cordless drill, or handheld rotary tool, continue reading.

To prevent the drill bit from skittering across the surface, angle your drill when starting the hole. Once the initial hole is made, you can drill vertically. This technique is particularly useful when drilling through smooth materials like glass or stone pebbles.

Are you interested in learning more about Bulk Drill Bits? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Another option is to use a small piece of masking tape on the starting point. This prevents the drill bit from sliding around, which is especially handy when drilling through tile or glass bottles. However, this method is more effective with larger drill bits, typically ¼” and above, rather than smaller ones.

For drilling holes in glass, stone, or ceramic, consider using high-quality tools like the Milwaukee Diamond Plus Hole Saws or the Milwaukee Diamond Max Hole Saw 3-Piece Set, available in our collection of drill bits for tile and stone

Expanding Holes with Diamond Twist Drills

Diamond twist drills excel at enlarging holes rather than creating them. They are highly popular among bead artists for increasing hole sizes in beads and are ideal for pearls as well. Sizes range from 1/64” to ⅛” m.

Tip: Diamond twist drills can also be useful for preventing condensation build-up in double-glazed windows. By making a hole in the inside bottom corner window and the outside top corner window with a ⅛” twist drill, you can follow a suitable tutorial to address the issue of misted-up windows.

While there are videos showcasing the use of ball burrs to drill holes, it's important to note that diamond ball burrs are primarily intended for shaping, engraving, carving, and grinding, however they are not designed for drilling holes and are not as effective as the small diamond drill bits.

Shovel-shaped, spade-shaped, and pointed drill bits are also available for drilling holes in hard materials. However, based on our extensive experience, we have found that these options do not perform as well as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions about Diamond Drill Bits:

Q: Can I use a diamond drill bit on glass?

A: Yes, diamond drill bits are suitable for drilling through glass. However, it's crucial to use a slow speed and apply gentle pressure to avoid cracking or chipping the glass. Additionally, using a lubricant like water during the drilling process can help reduce heat and ensure smoother drilling.

Q: How long do diamond drill bits last?

A: The lifespan of a diamond drill bit depends on various factors, such as the quality of the bit, the hardness of the material being drilled, and the drilling technique employed. With proper care and usage, diamond drill bits can last for a significant number of drilling hours, providing reliable and precise performance.

Q: Can diamond drill bits be used on metal surfaces?

A: Diamond drill bits are not designed for drilling through metal surfaces. They are specifically engineered for hard materials like tile, stone, or porcelain. For drilling through metal, it's recommended to use drill bits specifically designed for metal drilling to achieve the best results.

Q: What are some recommended diamond drill bits for drilling through tough materials like tile and stone?

A: For exceptional performance in drilling through challenging surfaces, we highly recommend the Milwaukee Diamond Plus Hole Saws. These hole saws are specifically designed to tackle the rigors of tile and stone drilling, delivering precise and clean results.

Buy Tools Online:

At The Tool Locker, we understand the importance of having high-quality tools for your construction projects, that’s why you can buy a wide selection of diamond drill bits designed to meet the needs of professionals in the industry. Explore our collection of diamond drill bits for tile, stone, and porcelain and experience the precision that these exceptional tools provide.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Iron Oxide Pigment. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.