Date Posted:28 March 2024
If you have a construction project on the horizon, you may be debating between using metal drill bits versus wood drill bits. If you struggle to remember the difference, you’ve come to the right blog. This post will examine each side of the metal-drill-bit-vs-wood-drill-bit debate, breaking down why what’s good for a robot isn’t necessarily great for a Trojan horse. Whatever the magnitude of — or intent behind — your project, we’re not here to judge. What we are here to do is bore into the nitty-gritty of a boring drill bit. So, much like a drill itself, let’s push on!
Returning to basics here, a drill bit is a cutting tool you attach to a drill’s chuck. Once you activate the drill, the bit will repeatedly rotate on its axis, thanks to the rotational force of the drill’s motor. Exerting downward pressure on your material of choice, you can leverage the drill bit’s spinning motion to penetrate the material’s surface and drill holes. Different drill bits will suit different materials, which is the essence of the metal-drill-bit-vs-wood-drill-bit debate.
Metal drill bits are — surprise, surprise — built for drilling through metal. How do they break through such a tough surface? They fight fire with fire — or metal with metal, as the case may be. Composed of either high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt steel, metal drill bits can handle the heat and pressure inherent to metal drilling. But being literal drills of steel is only the half of it.
For such small specimens, metal drill bits have more features than you may expect. From their sharp cutting edge to their spiral flute design, metal drill bits can cut through metal with a precise pierce and spit out the remnants. The flute design assists in removing chips, preventing clogging and overheating. Many metal drill bits also have a black oxide coating, which reduces friction and makes them all the more durable.
More hardcore than a drill bit for wood, the metal drill bit is the go-to in the automotive, construction and manufacturing industries, as it can easily bore through metal sheets or pipes. If you also have wood or plastic to push through, a metal drill bit can handle this, too. Overall, the metal drill bit is a versatile tool that can leave a fierce pierce. Choose this one if you’re working at an industry level or if there’s a lot of metal on your plate.
Built for drilling into wood, wood drill bits have a flat, wide cutting edge and a pointed tip. The former feature fluently removes wood throughout drilling, and the latter allows for precision and reduced splintering. A simple design all-round, its flatness prevents it from catching in the wood or straying the course. In the interests of user-friendliness, wood drill bits often have a hex shank so that they can easily attach to drills.
However obvious it may sound, wood drill bits are a carpenter’s choice. Ideal for drilling through wooden boards, beams, and surfaces, they’re perfect for woodworking projects, furniture making, and DIY. Like their harder metallic cousins, wood drill bits can bore through other materials, making them relatively versatile. So long as you stick with plastics and other softer materials — avoiding the cold, hard steel or metal surfaces — they should work like a dream!
As exciting as it would be to watch a robot obliterate a Trojan horse to sawdust, we must stay the course and conclude the metal-drill-bit-vs-wood-drill-bit debate. When it comes to boring, there is no clear winner — however boring that sounds. Metal drill bits are excellent for heavy-duty or industrial work while wood drill bits are a carpenter’s or hobbyist’s delight. One is too powerful for smaller-time contexts while the other can’t handle the heat and pressure of metal drilling. Simply put, if you’re drilling metal, choose a metal drill bit; if you’re drilling wood or softer materials, stick with a wood drill bit. Ultimately, it all comes down to which material you’re working with!
At Bits4Blokes, we pride ourselves on providing the drill bit set you need for your next project. Whether you’re working at an industrial scale or just want to get busy in your workshed, we have the necessary tools and accessories. Compare metal drill bits vs wood drill bits in our online store and find your favourite. After all, what is a drill without its tiniest yet most powerful component?
