Drill BIt Size Chart

Drill Bit Sizes

Drill bits come in a variety of sizes, both standard, and metric. Metric drill bits are measure in millimeters, while standard drill bits are measure in inches. It is important to understand the basics of drill bits, their sizes, and how they are measured to ensure efficient work when the drill is needed.

The most common sizes for both metric and standard drill bits are: 1/16″, 3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″ and 7/16″.

Drill Size Chart for Number and Letter Gauges

The size of a drill bit is also referred to as its gauge. There are two types of gauges: number and letter. Number gauges are the most common type of gauge. Letter gauges are less common, but they range from A (the smallest) to Z (the largest).

Drill Size Chart (Number and Letter Gauge)

Fractional-inch Drill Size Chart

How To Choose The Right Drill Bit?

When selecting a drill bit, it’s important to choose one that is the correct size for the job. Using a drill bit that is small can result in a hole that is too small for what you’re looking for while using a drill bit that is too large can damage the material you’re drilling into. It’s important to select the right type of drill bit tip for the job.

When measuring the length of a drill bit, measure from the tip of the bit to the point where the shank meets the body of the bit. The shank is the part of the drill bit that is inserted into the drill.

The body is the part of the drill bit that does the actual drilling. Drill bits can be either short or long, depending on their intended use. Short bits are generally used for drilling shallow holes, while long bits are used for drilling deep holes.

Choosing Drill Bits by Type

There are a variety of drill bits, each designed for a specific purpose.

Wood Drill Bits: Wood drill bits are designed for drilling into soft woods. They have a sharp, pointed tip that helps to prevent the bit from slipping.
Metal Drill Bits: Metal drill bits are designed for drilling into hard metals. They have a sharp, twisted tip that helps to cut through metal.
Concrete Drill Bits: Concrete drill bits are designed for drilling into concrete. They have a carbide or diamond tip that helps to penetrate the hard surface of concrete.
Hole Saw: Hole saws are large, saw-toothed bits that are used for cutting holes in wood, metal, and plastic.
Spade Bit: Spade bits are long, thin bits with a sharp point and a flat cutting edge. They are used for drilling into hard materials.
Forstner Bit: Forstner bits are designed for drilling flat bottomed holes in wood. They have a sharp point and a flat cutting edge, which helps to produce clean holes with minimal chipping.
Masonry Drill Bit: Masonry drill bits are designed for drilling into concrete, brick, and stone. They have a carbide or diamond tip that helps to cut through these hard surfaces.
Specialty Drill Bits: There are also a variety of specialty drill bits, such as hole saws and diamond bits, which are designed for specific purposes.

What Style of Drill Bit Should I Use?

When selecting a drill bit, it is important to consider the material you will be drilling into, the size of hole you need to make, and the type of drill bit tip you need.

Twist drill bits are good for drilling into soft materials like wood, while brad point drill bits are good for drilling into hard materials like metal.

Hole saws are good for cutting large holes in plastic or metal, while masonry drill bits are designed for drilling into concrete. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and make good use of drill bit charts before using a drill bit.

How To Use A Drill Bit?

Once you’ve selected the right drill bit for the job, it’s important to know how to use it properly. Here are the basic steps for using a drill bit:

1. Insert the shank of the drill bit into the drill

There are a variety of ways to determine the size of a drill bit. One way is to look at the size of the shaft of the drill bit. The shaft is the part of the drill bit that goes into the drill. Most drill bits have standard shaft sizes, which are: 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″.

Another way to determine the size of a drill bit is to look at its diameter. The diameter is the size of the bit at its widest point.

Once you’ve determined the size of your drill bit, you can then select the appropriate drill bit for the job. In general, smaller bits are used for drilling smaller holes, while larger bits are used for drilling larger holes.

Make sure to select the right size of bit to avoid any damage to the material you’re drilling into.

2. Secure the drill bit in the drill

Drill bits come in a variety of different sizes and styles, it’s important to select a drill bit that is the same size as the shaft of the drill. Most drill bits have standard shaft sizes, which are: 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″.

3. Set the drill to the correct speed

The speed at which you operate the drill can have a big impact on the quality of your work. In general, you should opt for slower speed when drilling into hard materials like metal, and a faster speed when drilling into soft materials like wood.

The type of drill bit you’re using will also dictate the speed at which you should operate the drill.

4. Apply pressure to the drill bit

When beginning to drill, it’s important to apply pressure to the drill bit. This will help to keep the bit in place and prevent it from slipping.

The amount of pressure you need to apply will depend on the material you’re drilling into and the type of drill bit you’re using. More pressure is needed when drilling into hard materials like metal, and less pressure is needed when drilling into soft materials like wood.

5. Drill the hole

Once you’ve secured the drill bit in the drill and set the drill to the correct speed, you can begin drilling the hole. Start by holding the drill steady and then slowly apply pressure to the trigger.

As the drill bit starts to cut into the material, you will need to apply more pressure to keep the bit in place. Once you’ve drilled the hole, you can release the pressure on the trigger and remove the drill bit from the hole.

6. Repeat as necessary

If you need to make additional holes, repeat as necessary. When finished, disconnect the drill from its power source and carefully put away all of your drill bits.

TIPS:

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a drill bit.

It’s important to select the right size bit, as using a bit that is too small can result in a hole that is too small, while using a bit that is too large can damage the material you’re drilling into.

The speed at which you operate the drill can have a big impact on the quality of your work. You should use a slower speed when drilling into hard materials like metal, and a faster speed when drilling into soft materials like wood.