Note that you can use all of these drill bits with either a corded or a cordless drill. Thomas Hawkins, Master Electrician and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ, says that ideally, an avid DIYer or handyman should own both a cordless and a corded drill, adding that, “The corded-versus-cordless debate depends upon the project. If working in a tight area where you don’t need a lot of power but need versatility, go cordless. But if you’re not restricted in your movements and especially need extra power, go corded. It all boils down to what you’re trying to accomplish.” We evaluated drill bit sets based on versatility, durability, and completeness. Our top choice is the IRWIN 29-Piece Drill Bit Set, thanks to its strong cobalt steel construction, which can penetrate even cast iron. Here are the best drill bits for all of your DIY needs. This set earns the best overall spot because of the wide range of drill bits included and their versatility. Whether you’re an experienced handyman or a beginner, you will appreciate a kit that gives you everything you need and more. IRWIN packed this kit with 29 drill bits made with super-strong cobalt steel that can drill through even hard metals such as cast iron with ease. Each bit has a split point, which helps prevent the bit from “walking” across the surface being drilled, rather than penetrating. That’s especially helpful when drilling into harder materials, and it reduces the chance of damage to the surface you’re working on. The kit contains 29 bits ranging from a 1/16-inch to a 1/2-inch bit in 1/64-inch increments. Bits larger than 3/8-inch have reduced shanks to allow them to be used in a standard 3/8-inch chuck drill without need of an adapter, adding to the versatility of this set. The tap and drill selection chart is very helpful for those who are new to power drills and drill bits, and the sturdy case keeps the wide range of bits from falling out or twisting around inside of the kit when in transit. Price at time of publish: $109 Aside from stainless steel, it can be used for iron and bronze projects, as well as drilling into wood. If your projects often involve metal, this tiny workhorse performs well and produces professional results. It has a 1/2-inch shank. Price at time of publish: $25 This set of 21 titanium drill bits is made to last. The bits are ideal for a number of jobs in a wide range of industries, from drilling out broken bolts, adjusting manifolds, or removing exhaust systems, to fixing or installing car engine parts. These drill bits are designed to prevent chipping in the hardened steel and to dissipate the heat that can build when working with this durable material. They can also be used to drill wood and plastic. Price at time of publish: $27 The long-lasting bits are made of hard chrome vanadium steel. Each bit in the highly versatile Fisch 8-piece set has beveled edges for crisp, clean holes that are attractive and useful. Along with both hard and soft woods, the bits are good for drilling into laminates. Price at time of publish: $39 Bosch’s speed helix design gets the right bit through the correct material faster than other drill bits. The titanium bits last six times longer than high-speed steel and have a balanced double flute that significantly cuts down on vibration. That will save time, prevent muscle fatigue, and increase the lifespan of the drill battery on projects.  Price at time of publish: $28 Each bit is coated in high-speed steel (HSS) material titanium and is compatible with most impact drills and drivers. The set includes four spade drill bits, 30 black oxide HSS twist drill bits, 17 wood drill bits, and 21 masonry drill bits in a wide variety of sizes, along with many other tool accessories to create a complete, all-inclusive drill bit kit. Price at time of publish: $46 The bits are manufactured using high-speed steel with precision 135-degree split point tips. It cuts down on the drill bit walking across a slick surface of glass or metal or chattering, for a more precise result. The UltraLok 1/4-inch hex shanks allow for quick changes of drill bits. The affordable price tag is a bonus on top of the quality and durability of this set. You’ll be using these bits for a long time. Price at time of publish: $31 While intended for a hammer drill, you can use these drill bits with your standard drill as well, but be aware that the going will be much slower. This tidy package of drill bits can cut through concrete quickly and easily without making a dusty, clumpy mess. The carbide construction of each bit cleanly drills into masonry surfaces. The no-spin shanks reduce vibration and wear and tear on the chuck. The kit has a wide-range of bit sizes, from a pinhole 3/16-inch to a sturdy 1/2-inch bit for bigger jobs. Price at time of publish: $19 The pointed end of your bit is the business end, and drill bit sets contain a range of point sizes. Many DIYers find that 1/16-inch to 1/4-inch drill bits are sufficient for most household tasks, but if you deal with tougher drilling situations, such as construction, carpentry, or major household repairs, you’ll want to add some larger bits to the mix. Useful larger bit sizes include 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, 7/16-inch, and 1/2-inch.

Type

There are many different types of drill bits, generally differentiated by their intended uses. Here are some of the most common:

Twist: This is the most common type of drill bit. It is useful for general-purpose drilling into wood, plastic, and light metals.Spade: Shaped something like an oar with a point in the middle, these heavy-duty bits are for drilling large holes in wood.Brad-Point: Similar to a twist bit with a looser, larger twist, brad-point bits are for wood, and they create large, clean holes.Auger: These long, twisted-ribbon-shaped bits have a screw-shaped tip that pulls the rest of the bit into and through wood.Forstner: Used for drilling flat-bottomed holes that don’t go all the way through the wood.Countersink: Also called “screw pilot bits,” these are used to drill pilot holes or holes that let screws sit flush to the surface of the wood.Glass: Specialty bits for drilling into glass.Masonry: Specialty bits for drilling into brick, masonry, or concrete.Tile: Specialty bits for drilling into ceramic tile without causing cracks or chips.Step: Shaped something like a round arrowhead, these bits are mostly used for drilling into metal.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience, not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. There are electric drill-bit sharpeners available that make quick work of restoring the point to your twist bits. You can also tackle the job yourself with a bench grinder or a rotary tool with the appropriate grinding attachment. Another option is to use a metal sharpening file to do the job by hand. If your drill bits are rusty, submerge them in a bath of white vinegar for at least 30 minutes, and then use an old toothbrush or a metal cleaning brush to scrub the rust away. Rinse the bit thoroughly in clean water, and dry completely before using it or storing it. Today, left-handed bits are still sometimes used for removing bolts or other fasteners that have broken off inside the hole, making them very difficult to remove by hand. By drilling slightly into the broken fastener with a left-handed bit, you can often loosen the broken screw enough to pull it out and remove it. For this roundup, Michelle considered dozens of drill bit sets, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback. She also received advice from Thomas Hawkins, master electrician and owner of Electrician Apprentice HQ, as well as Johnathan Brewer, a licensed general contractor and member of The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board.