Brad Point Drill Bits: What Are They and How Do You Use Them?

If you ever need to drill precise, even holes, then give brad point drill bits a try. This unusual drill bit doesn’t always come with a standard drill bit kit, but it’s worth having. Brad point drill bits are very versatile and have many unique benefits. What are brad point drill bits? Explore our guide to learn more about this helpful drill bit type.

What Is a Brad Point Drill Bit?

A brad point drill bit is one of the best drill bits for wood. It is a special type of bit that’s designed to give especially clean and accurate cuts. A standard wood bit can do a decent job of drilling holes. However, the bit tends to wiggle a little as you cut. Even if you don’t notice this subtle movement, the holes can end up slightly wider than the bit.

Meanwhile, if you use a brad point bit, you end up with holes just as wide as the bit itself. Furthermore, your holes will be very straight and even. Not only are they correctly sized, but you don’t have to sand the wood around the hole afterward. Brad points can even cut precise holes when you are drilling at an angle. Ultimately, these drill bits are helpful for woodworkers who prioritize professional, high-quality results.

How to Identify a Brad Point Drill Bit

Just like regular drill bits, brad point drill bits can have a variety of sizes, lengths, and thread thicknesses. What makes a bit a brad point drill bit? The key feature is a small spike in the center of the bit tip. This little point helps to center the drill on your hole and keep it in place as you drill. Another identifying characteristic is the spurs along the edge of the bit. Most will have two small spurs right at the top of the drill threads. These spurs neatly clip away wood at the front of the cut, which results in a hole that has even edges.

Brad Point Drill Bits vs. Auger Drill Bits

Keep in mind that brad point drill bits are different from auger drill bits. Though these wood drill bits have a similar function and shape, they’re not identical. An auger bit does have a sharp point on the end, just like a brad point bit. However, they have much chunkier threads that are spaced much farther apart. An auger drill bit does a better job of making very deep, very wide holes. Meanwhile, brad point bits are more precise and work better on smaller holes. Another advantage of brad point bits is that you can use them at higher speeds.

What Are Brad Point Drill Bits Used For?

Brad point drill bits are very popular for woodworking projects. Their ability to create clean, precise holes makes them very popular. People use them for everything from making furniture to hanging cabinets. There are a few particular tasks that brad point drills are especially good at performing.

Creating Slots for Dowels

If you plan on holding two pieces of wood together with dowels, a brad point bit is essential. Brad point drill bits are ideal for doweling because they ensure a snug fit. You never have to worry about ending up with a wide or crooked hole that a dowel won’t fit in. Instead, you just pick a bit that’s the same size as your dowel and start drilling.

Placing Holes in a Very Precise Spot

When precision is an essential part of your project, turn to a brad point drill bit. The tiny point on this drill is perfect for properly centering your drill. Unlike standard bits, you don’t just have to center it by eye. Instead, you can firmly poke the brad against your mark and begin drilling. This makes sure the hole winds up exactly where you need it. You don’t have to worry about misaligned holes that make your project look crooked.

Ensuring All Visible Holes Look Clean and Tidy

Working on a project where the holes you drill will be visible in the final piece? Whenever your drilling holes are going to be visible, a brad point bit is a great idea. Compared to other drill bits, brad points create much cleaner results. There won’t be cracks, splinters, or tearing around the hole. Instead, you end up with a smooth, even cut. So, whether you’re making a decorative pattern or cutting holes to hold variable-height shelves, a brad point bit is helpful. It ensures that you get tidy, professional-looking outcomes.

Explore the Different Brad Point Drill Bit Types

Since they’re used in so many situations, brad point drill bits come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. To get the best results on your projects, you’ll need to choose the right style of drill bit.

Different Shapes Work Best for Different Woods

All brad point drill bits have the same sharp brad in the middle and spurs on the edges. However, there are some subtle differences in shape that make different styles better suited for different wood types.

Hardwood Brad Point Drill Bits

Hardwood brad point drill bits have sharply pointed spurs along the outer edge. These sharp points crisply snap off the grains of harder wood. These brad point drill bit types are popular for things like maple, oak, and walnut. You can technically use a hardwood point for a softer wood, but it’s a bad idea. The more aggressive cutting edge can rip away grains and cause ragged edges. Standard brad point drills are hardwood drills. They can also be used for synthetic materials like plastic, PVC, or fiberboard.

Softwood Brad Point Drill Bits

A softwood bit is one of the best drill bits for wood like pine, cedar, or redwood. Softwood brad point bits have a slightly rounded spur on the edge. This shape firmly holds wood grains in place as it sheers them away. Typically, this gentler drill bit won’t work well on hardwood or other rigid materials. It’s more of a specialty drill bit shape that you’ll only need for specific projects.

Which Brad Point Drill Material Is Right for You?

When you’re picking drill bits for your next project, keep in mind that they come in different materials. All these different materials have their own perks, so the right choice just depends on your preferences.

Carbon Steel Brad Point Drill Bits

Standard carbon steel is one of the most budget-friendly options. However, keep in mind that carbon steel drill bits get dull quickly. This makes them problematic for brad point drill bits that are mostly used for precision cutting. A steel brad point drill bit can work in a pinch for a single project. However, they’re not the best drill bits for woodworkers who plan on doing a lot of projects in the future.

Titanium-Coated Brad Point Drills

For added strength, some brad point bits use a titanium coating over a steel layer. The titanium layer is fairly hard, so it doesn’t wear away as easily. Titanium is also corrosion-resistant, so your drill bits will last longer if stored in humid environments. This is a practical choice for a casual DIYer. The only downside of titanium coatings is that they can’t be sharpened. Unlike other drill bits, once the drill is dull, you have to replace it.

Carbide-Tipped Brad Point Bits

These drill bits have a carbide coating that strengthens them. The bits can stay sharp for a long amount of time and create very clean cuts. Carbide-tipped brad point bits are more resistant to temperature than other similar materials like cobalt. This makes carbide an ideal material for brad point bits, which often rotate at high speed. Just keep in mind that it’s a little brittle, so drilling at odd angles can cause it to snap.

Diamond Drill Bits

Diamond drill bits are the most durable type of brad point drill bit. They can last up to 20 times as long as carbide-tipped brad point bits. However, the main downside is that diamond drill bits are pricey. Since they use actual diamonds to maintain their cutting edge, they’re somewhat expensive, but their long-lasting design helps to offset the upfront cost.