Drill Bits Edinburgh

A guide to the different types of drill bits you will commonly need for DIY tasks around the home. Having a decent drill is only part of any diy job. If you do not have the correct drill bit for the task at hand, you will be making things hard (and possibly dangerous) for yourself. You don't need a massive selection of every kind of drill bit available, but it is a good idea to have the more commonly used sizes and types in your toolkit.

Marchmont Hardware
0131 6676389
8 Warrender Park Road
Edinburgh
Cairney Hardware Ltd
0131 3131303
1 Distillery Lane
Edinburgh
Tip Top Home Improvements
0131 3460510
1F2 5 Henderson Terrace
Edinburgh
City Hardware Ltd
0131 6521245
6B King'S Haugh
Edinburgh
Tip Top Home Improvement
0131 4436487
40 Chesser Loan
Edinburgh
Houseproud Of Morningside
0131 4529012
169 Morningside Road
Edinburgh
All Hands Services
07950 163997
15 Home Street
Edinburgh
R Imrie
0131 3371849
202 Dalry Road
Edinburgh
E H S Architectural Ltd
0131 4441149
49 Lanark Road
Edinburgh
Bell Donaldson Steele
0131 3376303
17 Westfield Street
Edinburgh
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Drill Bits

Having a decent drill is only part of any diy job. If you do not have the correct drill bit for the task at hand, you will be making things hard (and possibly dangerous) for yourself. You don't need a massive selection of every kind of drill bit available, but it is a good idea to have the more commonly used sizes and types in your toolkit. For more specialised jobs, you can simply buy the bits you need when you need them.

Twist Drill Bits

Twist drill bits have a straight shaft and a simple bevelled tip. They are used for drilling wood, man-made board and metal. These are probably the drill bits you will use most around the home, so go for a good set of HSS (High Speed Steel) bits if you can afford it, in a range of sizes up to about 12mm. Store them in a metal case if possible, and agter use, rub the drill bit with an oily rag to stop them rusting in your toolbox. Some twist drill bits specifically designed for wood have a spur point (a small spike of steel at the end of the drill bit to help keep the hole true).

hss bit

Masonry Drill Bits

Masonry bits are designed to be used with a hammer action drill to make holes in walls and solid floors. They have a straight shaft with a larger "tooth" at the tip. This helps to remove dust and debris from the hole, as well as helping the drill bit to bite into the hard material. You probably don't need to buy a full set of masonry bits as you will mostly use one of three sizes: 5mm, 6mm or 7mm. Buy some good quality bits in these sizes for your toolbox and then buy any others as you need them.

masonry bit

Flat Wood Bits

Flat Wood Bits are specifically designed for boring larger holes in wood. They range in size from around 6mm up to over 40mm. There is no need to buy a full set, just buy them as you need them and store them in their plastic sleeves.

Core Drill Bits

Core drill bits consist of a masonry drill bit enclosed by a toothed circle of metal. The masonry bit is designed to keep the hole true, whilst the outer ring cuts out a large bore hole. Core drills are designed for cutting large holes in blocks and bricks, particularly for plumbing and electrical runs.

Countersink Drill Bit

This is a wide, short drill bit designed to make a cone-shaped recess in wood or metal to take the head of a screw. This allows the screwhead to be flush with the material, allowing for a neater finish. Useful to have in the toolbox.

Screwdriver Bits

Most cordless drills come with a few different screwdriver bits, allowing you to use the drill as a power screwdriver. If yours doesn't have any, you can buy them in small sets from any DIY store. Buy a good quality set and they should last for a long time.

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