5 8 Drill Bit Guide: Sizes, Uses and Techniques
Learn how to choose, use, and maintain a 5 8 drill bit. This Drill Bits Pro guide covers sizes, materials, tips, and safety for DIY and professional drilling.
5 8 drill bit is a cutting tool sized at five eighths of an inch in diameter, used to create holes in wood, metal, or plastic. It comes in variants like high speed steel and cobalt with different tip styles.
What is a 5 8 drill bit?
The 5 8 drill bit is a cutting tool sized at five eighths of an inch in diameter. It is a common standard size used across wood, metal, and plastic projects, depending on the tip geometry and material. Unlike very small bits, a 5 8 hole is large enough to pass hardware such as bolts and fasteners, while staying manageable in a standard drill. In practice, DIYers and professionals use 5 8 bits from various families such as high speed steel (HSS), cobalt, or carbide, each offering different wear resistance and life. The shank is typically straight and compatible with standard drill chucks; some bits come with a reduced shank for smaller chucks or with longer flute sections for deeper holes. In short, the 5 8 drill bit is a versatile tool for mid to larger hole sizes that shows up in many woodworking, metalworking, and plastics projects.
Material options and construction
Most 5 8 drill bits are produced in High Speed Steel (HSS), which offers a good balance of toughness and price for wood, plastics, and soft metals. For harder metals such as stainless steel, cobalt alloy bits extend life and stay sharper longer. Carbide tipped bits exist for extremely tough applications or long life when drilling through hardened materials, but are more brittle and require careful handling. Some bits come with coatings like titanium nitride (TiN) or titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) to reduce friction and heat buildup, which can help with longer life in high speed drilling. When choosing, consider the material you'll drill, expected wear, and your budget; for casual DIY, a basic HSS 5 8 bit will cover most needs, while professional shops may reach for cobalt or carbide for repeated use.
Tip geometries and their applications
Tips determine how the bit engages the workpiece. A standard twist bit used on metal or wood typically has a 118 degree point to reduce wandering and improve start accuracy. A split point variant can start holes more cleanly in tougher metals, while minimizing walking. For soft woods, brad point bits with a centered tip and spurs help prevent tear-out, and multi flute designs aid chip clearance. When drilling through plastic, select a tip with a moderate helix and avoid excessive feed pressure to prevent cracking. For all sizes, pairing a 5 8 bit with appropriate drill speed and a sharp edge yields the best edge quality and hole straightness.
How to use a 5 8 drill bit safely
Prepare the work area by securing the workpiece with clamps and setting a depth stop if your drill has one. Use the correct drill speed for the material and bit type to avoid overheating. Apply steady, moderate pressure—let the bit cut rather than forcing it. If drilling metals, consider a pilot hole and use cutting oil or coolant to reduce heat and prolong life. Start with a center mark or punch to guide the bit and prevent wandering. Always wear eye protection and keep hands clear of the rotating bit. If you encounter binding or a skip, back the drill out, clear chips, and recheck alignment before continuing.
Got Questions?
What does 5 8 drill bit mean?
It refers to a drill bit with a 0.625 inch diameter. It is a mid size used for a variety of materials depending on the bit’s material and tip geometry.
A 5 8 drill bit is simply a hole making tool with a five eighths inch diameter, used for different materials based on its design.
Can I use a 5 8 drill bit for wood?
Yes, you can drill wood with a 5 8 drill bit. For clean edges, use a wood friendly tip such as a brad point or pilot hole to prevent tear-out.
Yes, it works for wood; use the right wood friendly tip and a pilot hole if needed.
What materials can a 5 8 drill bit handle?
It depends on the bit material and coating. HSS bits handle wood and plastics and some metals; cobalt enhances metal performance; carbide tips work on tougher materials but are less forgiving.
It depends on the bit. HSS works for wood and plastics, cobalt for metal, carbide for very hard materials.
How do I sharpen a 5 8 drill bit?
Sharpening involves restoring the cutting edge while preserving the original point geometry. Use a fine file or a sharpening tool and check the angle after a test cut.
Use a fine file or grinder to restore the edge, keeping the original angle.
Should I drill metal with a 5 8 bit at high speed?
Drill metal slowly and with lubrication to manage heat. Choose a bit material suited for metal, such as cobalt or carbide, to reduce wear.
Drill metal slowly and stay cool with lubricant to prevent dulling.
Is a 5 8 drill bit good for a pilot hole?
A 5 8 bit can be used for larger pilot holes, but for very small pilots, start with a smaller bit to guide the hole and reduce wandering.
Yes, for large holes a pilot hole helps keep the bit from wandering.
Top Takeaways
- Choose material based on the workpiece for durability
- Match tip geometry to material to improve edge quality
- Clamp and pilot holes to prevent wandering
- Keep bits sharp; sharpen or replace as needed
- Maintain a small assortment for common tasks