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    Home » Brad Point Drill Bits: What Are They and How Do You Use Them?
    A person with medium brown skin and green gloves uses a yellow drill to put holes in wood.
    Drills

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

    December 2, 2022Updated:December 2, 2022No Comments
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    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?

    A person uses a yellow power drill to put a row of holes in a small piece of wood.

    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.

    Bestseller No. 1
    Sali 20pcs 3/16 inch Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Carbon Steel Wood Drill Bit Set for Hardwood, Plywood, Plastic Round Holes in All Types of Wood Extra Long 11 Inch
    Sali 20pcs 3/16 inch Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set Carbon Steel Wood Drill Bit Set for Hardwood, Plywood, Plastic Round Holes in All Types of Wood Extra Long 11 Inch
    • WHAT YOU GET: 20PCS 3/16" Brad Point Drill. the total length of the drill bit is 11.81" / 300mm,and drilling depth is 6.3"/160mm The quantity is enough for your daily use.
    • BRAD-POINT DESIGN -The Brad-Point Design can penetrate surface quickly because of the sharp point on the tip. This allows the user to pinpoint the mark with the drill bit. Better in CENTERING and NO SKID
    • SMOOTH SURFACE - Fully ground smooth drill bit body for less effort and higher accuracy. Titanium coating for higher wear resistance, ability to withstand higher temperatures, and increased durability
    • PERFECT FOR ALL TYPES OF WOOD - These specially engineered drill bits are specifically made to reduce chipping and splintering. Easily drill into Natural Woods like Pine, Maple, Cedar, Oak, Ash, and More. These also work will on all types of engineered woods.
    • WIDE APPLICATION - Perfect for soft, hard materials like wood, fiberboard, particleboard, plywood, plastic, PVC, MDF, acrylic, nylon, rubber etc. They can also be used for drilling soft metal sheets. A must-have for any woodworker.
    $22.99 Amazon Prime
    Buy on Amazon

    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.

    Bestseller No. 1
    Brad Point Woodworking 60Pcs Drill Bit Set Drill for Hardwood Softwood
    Brad Point Woodworking 60Pcs Drill Bit Set Drill for Hardwood Softwood
    • ✔️【WOOD BRAD POIINT DRILL SIZE】: 1/8" -5/32"-3/16"-1/4"-5/16"-3/8"-7/16"-1/2"
    • ✔️【BRAD POINT TIP】: Special brad-point tip bites into to wood, prevents drill bit from skipping or walking without centering punch. Great for use with oak, maple, cherry and other tough woods
    • ✔️【MATERIAL】: Made of chrome vanadium steel hardened and tempered for longer useful life, Use in Hand Drills Eletric Drills Drill Press and lathes.
    • ✔️【APPLICATION】: Designed to work for all wood projects especially suited for furniture making cabinetry and doweling where an exact hole is required
    • ✔️【USED WITH】: Use in hand drills electric drills drill presses and lathes
    $39.99
    Buy on Amazon

    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.

    Bestseller No. 1
    QWORK 12' Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set, 12 Pcs High Carbon Steel, Brad-Point Design for Quick and Precise Drilling, Ideal for Wood, Plastic, PVC, Composite, Rubber
    QWORK 12" Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set, 12 Pcs High Carbon Steel, Brad-Point Design for Quick and Precise Drilling, Ideal for Wood, Plastic, PVC, Composite, Rubber
    • Superior Quality: Crafted from high carbon steel, this drill bit set ensures durability and strength for long-lasting performance.
    • Precision and Efficiency: Featuring a brad-point design, these drill bits allow for quick and precise drilling, making them ideal for woodworking and various materials like plastic, PVC, composite, and rubber.
    • Versatile Compatibility: Compatible with bench drills, hand drills, and conventional electric drills, these drill bits are suitable for a wide range of drilling applications.
    • 6 Different Diameter Holes: Round shank 3/16'', 1/4'', 5/16'', 3/8'', 7/16", 1/2", meet your different needs perfectly. There are 2 in each size, so there are 12 in total, all 12 inches long.
    • Convenient Storage: The included drill bit holder ensures easy storage and organizing, keeping your drill bits organized and readily accessible.
    $19.97 Amazon Prime
    Buy on Amazon

    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.

    Bestseller No. 1
    Hymnorq Brad Point Wood Drill Bits 19PC Set, Metric Size 1mm-10mm by 0.5mm in Metal Case, Titanium Coated High-Speed Steel, Perfect for DIY Woodworking Carving Engraving Drilling
    Hymnorq Brad Point Wood Drill Bits 19PC Set, Metric Size 1mm-10mm by 0.5mm in Metal Case, Titanium Coated High-Speed Steel, Perfect for DIY Woodworking Carving Engraving Drilling
    • HIGH-SPEED STEEL - Constructed of high-speed steel with strict heat-treatment to enable high hardness and tensile to keep long cutting life to drill various wood material.
    • BRAD POINT - Brad-point tips allow for very accurate positioning of the hole. They also reduce splintering which results in a very clean hole, due to the spur design of the tip.
    • SMOOTH SURFACE - Fully ground smooth drill bit body for less effort and higher accuracy. Titanium coating for higher wear resistance, ability to withstand higher temperatures, and increased durability
    • 19-PIECE BITS SET: Includes 19 metric brad point drill bits from 1mm to 10mm by 0.5mm, which meet your different drilling requirements. Packed in a metal case for easy storage and transportation.
    • WIDE APPLICATION - Perfect for soft, hard materials like wood, fiberboard, particleboard, plywood, plastic, PVC, MDF, acrylic, nylon, rubber etc. They can also be used for drilling soft metal sheets. A must-have for any woodworker.
    $25.99 Amazon Prime
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    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.

    Bestseller No. 1
    Amana Tool - 201005 Carbide Tipped Brad Pt. Boring Bit R/H 5mm Dia x 57mm Long x 10mm Sh
    Amana Tool - 201005 Carbide Tipped Brad Pt. Boring Bit R/H 5mm Dia x 57mm Long x 10mm Sh
    • (B) Cutting height: 27mm
    • (D) diameter: 5mm
    • (D) shank: 10mm
    • Overall length (L): 57mm
    • Rotation: right hand
    $16.73 Amazon Prime
    Buy on Amazon

    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.

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