Which Drill Bits Are Best for Total DIY Beginners?

If you’re a total beginner to the world of DIY, you may be wondering which drill bits you’ll need to get to work on your first projects. With such a wide variety of bits, it can be a little confusing knowing which ones are best for those with minimal experience with tools and equipment. Most bits are designed for specific materials and purposes. While a tradesman would need powerful bits made for drilling into concrete, you will need something far simpler and easier to use. Getting carried away and buying as many bits as possible, in the hopes that you will become a DIY master after a few projects will end up costing you a fortune. You may end up doing some damage to your material or drill, too, if you try and use bits that are better suited to those with more experience. 

With all of that in mind, how do you know which drill bits you should get for basic DIY projects? In this guide, we’ll share some advice on the most versatile, easy-to-use bits that you’ll want to have in your toolbox. 

Best Drill Bits for DIY Newbies

Looking for drill bits that will see you through a variety of projects? Here are a few essential bits for new DIY enthusiasts.

Multi-Material Bits

What they're used for: Multi-material bits, also known as twist bits, are the most common type of bit. These versatile bits can be used for drilling holes in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, softer brick and plastic. A twist bit set will easily be the most useful addition to your toolkit, allowing you to tackle a wide range of projects, from hanging photos to updating cabinet door handles and more. 

Why they're good for beginners: Twist bits are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find the perfect one for your project. They're also relatively inexpensive, so you can get a set without spending too much money.

Tips for using these bits: When choosing twist bits, consider the material you'll be drilling into to be 100% sure you can use this type of bit on the material. Trying to use this bit on tile, glass, concrete or other heavy-duty material can result in broken bits, broken tools and safety hazards. Always read drill bit selection charts to make sure that your bit is safe to use on your chosen material.

Standard Masonry Bits

What they're used for: Masonry bits are made for drilling into various types of masonry, including brick, concrete and stone. Thanks to their carbide tip, they are able to drill into very tough materials easily without the risk of breaking. There are many different types of masonry bits. For beginners, the best type is a standard brick bit. We recommend our Standard Brick Drill Set, which is ideal for drilling holes into walls and plaster. The set includes bits in assorted sizes. 

Why they're good for beginners: These bits are relatively easy to use, even for beginners. They also come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your project. If you want to hang pictures on walls, add cabinets to walls, hang mirrors or do other tasks involving drilling holes into brick or plaster, these bits will be ideal. 

Tips for using these bits: When selecting this type of bit, consider the size of the hole you plan to make. You’ll need to compare the size of the screw, nail or bolt to make sure that it fits the size of the bit. Using a bit that is too big for the hole can cause cracks or risk your bit getting stuck. Using one that is too small for the hole means that you will need to get bigger screws to make sure that they fit properly. This is why a set is recommended - you’ll get a selection of sizes to suit your needs.

Flat Wood Bits

What they're used for: Also known as spade bits, wood flat bits have a spade-shaped tip and a flat design. These are the best wood bit for drilling larger holes into wood. They have a sharp tip that ensures that the bit fits into the pilot hole you’ve made, making it easier to keep the bit stable as you work. If you want to make round, large holes, this is the bit you’ll need. You can use them for a variety of woodworking projects to drill holes quickly. 

Why they're good for beginners: Flat wood bits are easy to use and can be used for a range of projects. They're also relatively inexpensive, so you can get a set without breaking the bank. They’re a great choice if you want to make rough holes that are larger than the average-sized holes made by twist bits.

Tips for using these bits: As with any other type of bit, it's important to consider the size of the hole you need. For example, if you're drilling a hole for a large screw, you'll need a flat bit that is the same size as the screw. It’s also worth noting that these bits give you fairly rough holes. If you want to make larger-sized, smooth holes, you could try using a hole saw instead. These bits are also beginner-friendly. 

Once you’ve added these bits to your collection and gotten the hang of using your drill, you can gradually start to try other, more specialised bits. At Ruwag, you’ll find all the drill bits you need in one place, with a range to suit every project and DIY experience level.