When you’re starting out in woodworking, the wrong drill bit can ruin a project fast. Splintered holes, crooked starts, and busted boards are all too common if you don’t have the right setup. Today, I’m walking you through five drill bits every beginner woodworker should own, plus one bit I’d skip altogether.

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Watch The Full Youtube Video Here: The ONE Drill Bit Secret That Changes EVERYTHING!

Why the Right Drill Bit Matters

Choosing the right drill bit isn’t just about making clean holes—it’s about:

Protecting your project from tear out
Saving time and frustration
Getting professional looking results even as a beginner

Let’s break down the five must-have drill bits for your shop.

1. Twist Bits: The Everyday Workhorse

Twist bits are the most common drill bits in any shop. They’re perfect for:

Pilot holes
General drilling through wood

👉 Grab a budget-friendly 100pc Twist Bit Set here

Pro Tip: Pair twist bits with a Spring Loaded Center Punch. This gives the bit a clean starting point so it doesn’t “walk” across your board.

For storage and organization, I like the Kobalt Mini Toolbox for keeping all my bits in one place.

2. Brad Point Bits: Pinpoint Accuracy

If you’ve ever needed a hole drilled in the exact spot you marked, brad point bits are the way to go. Their sharp center point makes them dead accurate.

👉 Here’s a solid 12-piece Brad Point Bit Set

I use mine on everything from sheetrock to hardwood. They don’t wander, and they leave a nice, clean entry hole.

3. Forstner Bits: Clean, Flat Bottom Holes

Forstner bits are a game changer when you need clean, flat bottom holes—like for installing hardware, creating handles, or making stove covers.

Irwin 8-Piece Forstner Bit Set – budget friendly
Irwin 14-Piece Forstner Bit Set – more sizes, better value
Fisch Wave Cutter Set – premium, ultra-clean cuts

Shop Tip: Wrap painter’s tape around the bit to mark your drilling depth. It keeps your holes consistent every time.

4. WoodOwl OverDrive Bits: Fast and Clean

These are the bits that had folks calling me a liar online—until they tried them. The WoodOwl OverDrive bits drill the cleanest through holes I’ve ever seen.

👉 3pc Set | 7pc Set

Why I love them:

Super fast drilling
Quarter-inch hex shank (works in drills and impacts)
Clean exit holes with very little tear out

If you’re drilling a lot of through holes, these are worth every penny.

5. Countersink Bits: Hide Those Screws

Countersink bits let you drill a pilot hole and create space for the screw head in one step. That means no more split boards or ugly screw heads sticking out.

Countersink Bit Set
W.L. Fuller Countersink Set – quality, American made

Also check out Self Centering Drill Bits if you’re installing cabinet hardware or hinges. They’ll save you tons of headaches.

Bonus: Hole Saws and Driver Bit Sets

Milwaukee General Purpose Hole Saw Kit – for cornhole boards and big holes
Driver bit sets I recommend:

The Drill Bits I Avoid

Spade bits. They’re cheap, but they leave nasty, torn-out holes. They’re fine for rough construction (like drilling through studs), but for woodworking projects? Skip them.

Instead, reach for Forstner or OverDrive bits for much cleaner results.

Accessories That Make Drilling Easier

A few simple add-ons can take your drilling game up a notch:

Montana Flip Bit Drill and Driver – drill and drive without swapping bits
Wera Screw Holder – perfect for ladder work
PowerBoot Magnetic Bit Holder – keeps screws and bits handy

These little helpers save time and frustration, especially if you’re working overhead or moving around the shop.

Stay Safe and Keep Learning

Remember—always let the bit do the work. Slow your drill speed for larger bits, use sharp bits, and back your workpiece with scrap wood to prevent tear out.

If you’re new to woodworking and want to dive deeper, I’d love for you to:

Sign up for my Daily Tool Deals – never miss the best prices on woodworking gear
Join my Woodworking Coaching Community on Skool – learn how to sell your projects and grow your woodworking business

Final Thoughts

With the right drill bits in your shop, you’ll get cleaner holes, stronger joints, and projects that look like they came from a pro. Avoid the cheap stuff, invest in a few essentials, and you’ll save yourself a ton of headaches.

Want more woodworking tips? Check out my latest blog posts below and keep building smarter, safer, and better projects.

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