Best Drill Bits & Accessories for Home DIY

For beginner DIY enthusiasts, having the right drill bits and accessories is essential. Whether you’re planning to take on a larger project such as home upgrades or you have plenty of home decor ideas you’re dying to try, there’s no doubt that a cordless drill will be a game-changer. Once you’ve invested in a drill, you can start stocking up on drill bits and other accessories that will help you get the most from your new tool. 

The bits and accessories you get will depend on a few factors but the main thing you’ll need to consider is how you plan to use your drill. Going crazy and buying every drill bit you can find may seem like a good idea. However, unless you plan on using these bits for specific projects, it is often better to start with the basics and move on from there. 

Which bits are best to get started with your home DIY projects, and what other accessories do you need to tackle the various tasks on your to-do list? Let’s take a look.

Choosing Drill Bits for Home DIY Projects

Stock up your tool kit with these must-have drill bits and accessories that will be ideal for a wide range of home DIY projects.

Basic essentials

If you’ve just gotten your first drill and you don’t have much experience using power tools, you’ll need to start with basic bits that can be used for simple projects. One of the most versatile bits of all is the multi-purpose bit. This twist bit can be used to drill wood, thin sheet metal and brick wall. With this bit, you can do anything from hanging pictures on walls to making wooden shelves. 

Getting a multi-purpose drill bit set will give you a selection of sizes to suit your needs. When choosing bits, always use sizing charts and measure the hole you need to make to be sure that the bit is the right size.

Speciality bits

While a multi-purpose bit will work for a wide range of projects, you will need a speciality bit in many cases. If you’re trying to make large, round holes in wood or plastic, you may need a hole saw, for example. These bits have a hollow design that allows you to drill straight through without jagged edges. For woodworking, there are many different wood bits that are used to make holes of various sizes. If you need to retile a floor or wall, you will need a glass and tile bit that can get through tile without damaging your material, bit or tool. For brick, you will need masonry bits made specifically for concrete or harder types of brick. For metal, you may need HSS (High-Speed Steel) bits made to get through tough metal types. 

Using the right bit for the material you are drilling is vital to ensure results. The best way to start building your collection is to get the bits you need for the specific project you are planning, and then add more bits as you take on more projects that require speciality bits.

Chucks & adaptors

Drill chucks are used to attach bits to your drill, holding your tool secure within its spindle. They have a three-jaw design and are typically self-centring, ensuring that bits stay in place as you drill. There are two types of chucks - keyless and keyed. Keyless chucks are loosened or tightened by hand or with the application of torque. Keyed chucks are loosened or tightened with a key, making them ideal for heavy-duty projects with a higher risk of slips.

Along with chucks, you may also need an adaptor if you are using an SDS (Slotted Drive System) drill. These drills are designed to work with SDS drill bits. Without an adaptor, you will not be able to use regular bits in an SDS drill. Using an adaptor will make it easier to use any type of bit in this type of drill.

Other accessories

There are numerous other accessories to include in your toolbox once you’ve stocked up on the bits you need. Safety should always be a priority, whether you’re planning a small, simple project or something more complex. Safety gear to have on hand includes eye protection, heavy-duty gloves and dust masks. It is also important to wear appropriate clothing when doing any type of work involving power tools. Wear tight-fitting clothing that cannot get caught on drills. Wear closed shoes or work boots and long sleeves to protect against flying debris. 

Other equipment that will make it easier to work includes a proper workbench or a surface that is secure and stable. A clamp to hold your workpiece in place is also essential. Basic hand tools will make it easier to get things done, while lubricants and coolants, rags and sponges, a small brush or mini-vacuum to clear debris, a toolbox big enough to keep your basic tools in place, and a drill storage shelf to keep power tools safely stored will also be needed to make sure that your workspace is fully equipped. 

Looking for quality bits made to last? Ruwag has you covered, with a wide range of premium drill bits for every project.