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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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    Table of Contents

    • What Is a Brad Point Drill Bit?
      • How to Identify a Brad Point Drill Bit
      • Brad Point Drill Bits vs. Auger Drill Bits
    • What Are Brad Point Drill Bits Used For?
      • Creating Slots for Dowels
      • Placing Holes in a Very Precise Spot
      • Ensuring All Visible Holes Look Clean and Tidy
    • Explore the Different Brad Point Drill Bit Types
      • Different Shapes Work Best for Different Woods
        • Hardwood Brad Point Drill Bits
        • Softwood Brad Point Drill Bits
      • Which Brad Point Drill Material Is Right for You?
        • Carbon Steel Brad Point Drill Bits
        • Titanium-Coated Brad Point Drills
        • Carbide-Tipped Brad Point Bits
        • Diamond Drill Bits

    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
    COMOWARE 12“ Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set - 300mm Carbon Steel Wood Drill Bit Set for Hardwood, Plywood, Plastic, 12Pcs | 1/8'', 3/16'', 1/4'', 5/16'', 3/8'', 7/16'', 1/2''
    COMOWARE 12“ Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set - 300mm Carbon Steel Wood Drill Bit Set for Hardwood, Plywood, Plastic, 12Pcs | 1/8'', 3/16'', 1/4'', 5/16'', 3/8'', 7/16'', 1/2''
    • EXTRA LONG LENGTH & 2 TYPE SHANK: Extra long 300mm body provides better stability and balance during quick operation to ensure position is intact. Flute length is 180mm with ROUND shank and REDUCED shank.
    • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Classic Carbon Steel Material for fast cutting against tough wood material. High hardness, offer superior cutting power and durable.
    • 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.
    • FULL SET OF STANDARD SIZE: With the drill bits we offered, you can process 7 different diameter holes, ( Round shank| 1/8'', 3/16'', 1/4'', 5/16'', 3/8'' Reduced Shank| 7/16'', 1/2'' ), which meet your different needs perfectly.
    • MULTIPURPOSE & LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Suitable for bench drill, hand drill and conventional electric drill. Perfect for wood, fiberboard, particleboard, plywood, plastic, PVC, rubber etc. Set includes the drill bit holder for easy storage and organizing. We only care about your satisfaction. We stand behind all of our high quality products so we offer a No Question Asked on our Drill Bit Set. Please contact us (through Amazon if past the standard return window) and we will be pleased to assist you.
    $22.99
    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.

    SaleBestseller No. 1
    Milescraft 1812 Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 7-Piece (imperial)
    Milescraft 1812 Drill Bit Set, Brad Point, 7-Piece (imperial)
    • Set includes: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", and 1/2" drill bits and storage case
    • Precision cutting edges reduce splintering when drilling
    • Sharp brad point tips allow for accurate positioning and prevent walking
    • Precision ground steel for long-lasting use
    • Bits larger than 3/8" have reduced shanks to fit 3/8" drill chucks
    $17.99
    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
    wesleydrill Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set 7 Pcs 12' 300mm Carbon Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Fit for Bench Hand and Conventional Electric Drill
    wesleydrill Extra Long Brad Point Drill Bit Set 7 Pcs 12" 300mm Carbon Steel Wood Drill Bits Set Fit for Bench Hand and Conventional Electric Drill
    • [Specifications and packaging]: 7pcs 12" long point wood drill bits set.Include size:1/8",5/32",3/16",1/4", 5/16", 3/8",1/2".
    • [Fitment]: Brad point drill bits suitable for bench drill, hand drill and conventional electric drill. Perfect for hardwood, fiberboard, particleboard, plywood, plastic, PVC, rubber etc.
    • [Material]: Long drill bits are made of classic carbon steel material for fast cutting against tough wood material. High hardness, offer superior cutting power and durable.
    • [Advantage]: Impact wood drill bits set extra long 300mm body provides better stability and balance during quick operation to ensure position is intact. Flute length is 180mm with round shank and reduced shank.
    • [Brad-Point design]: Extra long drill bits's 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.
    $17.99
    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.

    SaleBestseller No. 1
    DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
    DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361)
    • DEWALT drill bit set has connectable accessory storage system to optimize storage space
    • Patented bit-bar design of the drill bits set allows easy removal of bits and customizable placement
    • Clear lid of the Titanium Nitride Coated drill bit set allows you to easily see contents at glance
    • Clip latch for secure closing
    • Small Bulk Storage size fits inside the Small and Medium ToughCase plus (sold separately) - Ideal for organizing loose bits
    $26.67
    Buy on Amazon

    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.

    SaleBestseller No. 1
    Century Drill & Tool 37280 Brad Point Drill Bit Set, 25 Piece, High Speed Steel
    Century Drill & Tool 37280 Brad Point Drill Bit Set, 25 Piece, High Speed Steel
    • Set includes 1/8" through 1/2" in 1/64" increments.
    • Made of heat treated high speed steel. Will outlast inferior carbon steel bits.
    • For drilling in wood where an exact, clean hole is required.
    • Designed for woodworking projects, especially furniture making, cabinetry, and doweling.
    $49.91
    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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