What to Do With Drill Bits: A Practical Guide
Learn how to sort, inspect, sharpen, and safely use drill bits for wood, metal, and masonry. This practical guide from Drill Bits Pro covers maintenance, storage, and best practices for DIYers and pros.
By the end of this guide, you will know how to assess drill bits for wear, sort and label them for quick access, and select the correct bit type for wood, metal, or masonry. You’ll also learn practical sharpening and maintenance routines and essential safety steps to prevent breakage and injuries, plus fast-use tips for common materials. The goal is reliable performance, efficient workflow, and a well-organized toolkit for both DIYers and professionals. According to Drill Bits Pro, smart habits start before you drill and continue long after the job is done.
Why Proper Drill-Bits Handling Matters
Drill bits are tiny precision tools, and their performance hinges on routine care. When you neglect them, you invite dull edges, wandering trajectories, and premature failure, which can damage workpieces and slow projects. For DIY enthusiasts and professionals, the way you handle bits—inspection, cleaning, sorting, and storage—translates directly into cleaner holes, fewer breakages, and faster progress. In practice, what to do with drill bits starts long before you touch a drill: inspect for bent shanks, chipped tips, and rust; separate compromised bits for sharpening or disposal; and set up a labeled system so you can grab the right bit instantly. Keeping heat in check during drilling protects cutting edges and preserves life. According to Drill Bits Pro, proper handling is as important as choosing the right size, because even premium bits degrade quickly without care. The overarching aim is reliable performance across materials while maintaining organization and safety.
The Drill Bits Pro team found...
Tools & Materials
- Assorted drill bit set (wood, metal, masonry)(Include common sizes from about 1/16 in to 1/2 in, plus brad-point and twist bits.)
- Bit sharpener or file(Use a fine file or dedicated sharpener for regular edge maintenance.)
- Safety glasses or face shield(Eye protection is essential when sharpening or drilling.)
- Lubricant or cutting oil (for metal drilling)(Helps reduce heat and wear on steel alloys.)
- Work gloves (optional)(Protection when handling sharp bits; avoid while drilling to prevent gloves snagging.)
- Clamps or a workstation vise(Keeps material steady and reduces bit deflection.)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Inspect and sort bits
Remove bits from the tray and visually inspect every edge for chips, dullness, rust, or bending. Separate into wood, metal, and masonry piles, and set aside any bits that show obvious damage for sharpening or disposal. This upfront screening protects tool life and improves hole quality.
Tip: Handle bits by the shank; don’t touch sharp cutting edges. - 2
Choose the right bit for the job
Match the bit type to the material: brad-point or twist bits for wood, high-speed steel (HSS) bits for metal, and carbide or masonry bits for concrete. If you’re unsure, start with a smaller pilot hole to guide the larger bit and minimize breakout.
Tip: When in doubt, test a scrap piece first to confirm the bit’s performance. - 3
Secure the workpiece and set a pilot hole if needed
Clamp the workpiece securely to prevent movement. For hard materials or large-diameter holes, drill a pilot hole first to guide the final bit and reduce wandering. Ensure your drill bit is perpendicular to the surface before starting.
Tip: Pilot holes reduce stress on the bit and improve accuracy. - 4
Set the correct speed and feed
Refer to the bit manufacturer guidelines and material recommendations. In general, wood requires higher speeds with steady feeds, metal needs slower speeds with adequate lubrication, and masonry uses hammer action with caution. Avoid forcing the bit; let the tool do the work.
Tip: Too much pressure overheats bits and dulls tips quickly. - 5
Drill, then withdraw and deburr
Begin drilling with a steady, straight pull. When the hole is complete, slowly withdraw the bit while still spinning to clear debris. Deburr the edge with a file or deburring tool for a clean finish and to prevent sharp edges.
Tip: Back off slightly before pulling the bit out to prevent a torn entrance. - 6
Inspect for wear and re-sharpen as needed
After use, inspect the edge for nicks and dullness. If edges are dull, sharpen using a proper bit sharpener or file, following the bit’s angle. Regular sharpening reduces heat buildup and extends life.
Tip: Keep the bit’s original angle during sharpening to preserve cutting geometry. - 7
Clean and lubricate for metal bits
Wipe away dust and metal shavings, then apply a light coating of cutting oil before storage if you drill metal frequently. This helps prevent corrosion and keeps edges from sticking in storage wallets or cases.
Tip: Do not oil steel bits excessively; wipe off excess to avoid attracting grit. - 8
Store consistently and label by type
Return bits to labeled organizers or cases. Group by material and size, and keep a running list of what you have. Labeling reduces wasted search time and prevents misalignment when grabbing bits.
Tip: Use transparent cases or magnetic strips to keep bits visible. - 9
Plan a routine maintenance
Schedule periodic checks—every few months for casual users, monthly for heavy use—to sharpen, replace dull bits, and refresh labels. This reduces downtime and keeps your toolkit mission-ready for the next project.
Tip: Create a simple maintenance calendar and stick to it.
Got Questions?
What are the main types of drill bits and their uses?
Common drill bits include twist bits for metal and wood, brad-point bits for clean wood holes, spade bits for large wood holes, and masonry bits for concrete. Each type has a distinct tip geometry and recommended materials. Use the right bit for the job to avoid chatter, breakage, and poor hole quality.
Twist bits work well for metal and wood, while brad-point bits are best for clean wood holes; masonry bits handle concrete. Match the bit to the material for best results.
How can I tell if a drill bit is dull?
Dull bits show rounded or chipped edges, poor cutting action, and more heat during drilling. If the bit struggles to cut, leaves rough edges, or requires excessive force, it’s time to sharpen or replace it.
If cutting feels sluggish or leaves rough holes, the bit is likely dull and needs sharpening or replacement.
How do I sharpen a high-speed steel drill bit?
Use a dedicated bit sharpener or a fine file to restore the cutting edge, keeping the original point angle. Dish out burrs carefully and maintain symmetry on both edges. Check the bit by testing on a scrap material.
Sharpen with a proper tool, keep the original angle, and test on scrap to ensure it cuts cleanly.
What is the best storage method for drill bits?
Store bits in labeled cases or on a magnetic strip by type and size. Keeping bits dry and organized reduces rust, prevents loss, and speeds up setup between tasks.
Label and store bits in an organized rack or case, so you can grab the right one quickly.
Can I reuse drill bits after drilling metal?
Yes, if the bit remains sharp and undamaged. Inspect for chipping or bending after use; sharpen or replace as needed. Reusing compromised bits leads to poor holes and increased heat.
Reuse only if the bit is sharp and intact after checking for damage.
Are carbide-tipped bits worth the extra cost?
Carbide-tipped bits stay sharp longer and work well in hard materials, but they’re more brittle and expensive. They’re worth it for high-volume or demanding projects where extended life saves time and money.
Carbide-tipped bits last longer and are ideal for tough materials, though they cost more and can be brittle.
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Top Takeaways
- Sort bits by material and size before use.
- Choose the correct bit for wood, metal, or masonry.
- Sharpen and inspect regularly to maintain cutting geometry.
- Store bits properly to prevent rust and loss.
