Drill Bit Chooser
Woodworking

Which drill bit should you use for wood?

A brad-point tip helps locate a smaller hole accurately. Backing support and suitable speed improve exit-face results.

Quick answer

For wood, the hole you need is often more important than the species: brad-point bits suit clean, accurately located holes, spade or auger families suit larger through-holes, and Forstner bits suit flat-bottom recesses.

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Interactive selector

Find a bit for your setup

Answer only the questions that change the selection. If the combination is not documented, the tool will say so.

Anchor / safety details (important for wall drilling)

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This does not verify workpiece condition, bit stock length, chuck capacity, structural loads or exact cutting speed. Follow the chosen manufacturer’s specification and use appropriate eye, hearing, workpiece and dust protection.

What changes the bit choice?

Precise and clean holes

A brad-point tip helps locate a smaller hole accurately. Backing support and suitable speed improve exit-face results.

Large through-holes

Spade, auger and hole-saw families suit different diameter, depth and finish requirements. Confirm drill torque and the exact product’s ratings.

Flat-bottom recesses

Forstner bits are a common choice where the hole needs a flat bottom, but diameter and usable depth remain product-specific.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using a masonry bit instead of a wood-specific bit.
  • Assuming all large bits require the same drill torque.
  • Drilling through without supporting the exit face where finish matters.

Frequently asked questions

Brad-point or twist bit?

For precise, clean holes in wood, a wood-specific brad-point bit is generally the better fit.

What bit makes a flat-bottom hole?

A properly rated Forstner bit is designed for that task.

Need a different material? Browse all ten material guides. Interested in wall fixings? Read our anchor-size warning and workflow.