Drill bits are indispensable cutting tools usually placed at the end of drills to remove materials when cutting holes. They come in different types, sizes and shapes and can be used to create different kinds of holes in several types of materials. However, while having several options to choose from means you can always find something that works best for your needs, getting the right one may be challenging. That's because you will need to consider several factors to narrow down your options to the ideal type. Therefore, here are quick tips to help you in your selection.

Know What You Are Drilling

Most drill bits can work on a wide range of surfaces. However, it's always best to select a drill bit that's designed for the surface you intend to drill for the best results. Typically, you will find drill bits for wood, metal, masonry, glass and tile. Therefore, make sure you understand the surface you intend to drill and choose the appropriate drill bit.

Consider Drill Bit Material

Drill bits also come in different material options. Generally, the ideal drill bit material depends on the application at hand, so make sure you evaluate your needs before shopping for drill bits. The standard drill bit materials include hard metal drill bits, carbide drill bits, high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits, ceramic drill bits, cobalt drill bits and diamond drill bits. Hard metal drill bits are designed for general drilling use. HSS drill bits are some of the most common options you will find. As the name implies, HSS drill bits are designed for drilling at high cutting speeds. In addition, they are hard, resistant to heat and usually inexpensive compared to other options.

If you are looking for something that's more wear and heat-resistant, easy to resharpen and holds up better than HSS, go for cobalt, usually high-speed cobalt (HSCO). And if you are after the hardest material for the most abrasive and hardened materials, carbide drill bits are the perfect solution. These drill bits have higher cutting speeds than options like HSS, are longer-lasting, and have excellent chip and heat resistance. However, they are also some of the most expensive options you will find. In addition, they are fragile and tend to be more difficult to sharpen.

On the other hand, if you are working on surfaces like tile, glass, porcelain, stone or ceramic, diamond drill bits are the ideal option to consider. Usually, it's recommended that you use water when working with diamond drill bits to prevent damaging the tool or your workpiece. However, diamond drill bits can also be costly like their carbide counterparts because they are designed for specific purposes.

For more information on drill bits, contact a company like Illawarra Fasteners Pty Ltd.