Common Drill Bit Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Drill bits are essential tools in any workshop or DIY project. They come in various sizes and types, each designed for specific applications. Understanding the common drill bit sizes can help you choose the right tool for your needs. In this article, we will delve into the different sizes of drill bits, their uses, and how to select the appropriate one for your project.

Standard Drill Bit Sizes

common drill bit sizes,Common Drill Bit Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Standard drill bit sizes are typically measured in fractions of an inch. These sizes are widely used in woodworking, metalworking, and other applications. Here is a list of some common standard drill bit sizes:

Size (inches) Description
1/16 Used for small holes in soft materials like wood and plastic.
1/8 Commonly used for general-purpose drilling in wood and plastic.
3/16 Good for larger holes in wood and plastic, as well as smaller holes in metal.
1/4 Used for a wide range of applications, including metal and wood.
5/16 Recommended for larger holes in metal and wood.
3/8 Used for heavy-duty drilling in metal and wood.
1/2 Commonly used for large holes in metal and wood.
9/16 Recommended for larger holes in metal and wood.
5/8 Used for heavy-duty drilling in metal and wood.
3/4 Recommended for large holes in metal and wood.

Metric Drill Bit Sizes

Metric drill bit sizes are commonly used in Europe and other parts of the world. These sizes are measured in millimeters. Here is a list of some common metric drill bit sizes:

Size (mm) Description
1.5 Used for small holes in soft materials like wood and plastic.
2 Commonly used for general-purpose drilling in wood and plastic.
3 Good for larger holes in wood and plastic, as well as smaller holes in metal.
4 Used for a wide range of applications, including metal and wood.
5 Recommended for larger holes in metal and wood.
6 Used for heavy-duty drilling in metal and wood.
8 Commonly used for large holes in metal and wood.
10 Recommended for larger holes in metal and wood.
12 Used for heavy-duty drilling in metal and wood.
14 Recommended for large holes in metal and wood.

Drill Bit Materials

The material of a drill bit can significantly impact its performance and durability. Here are some common materials used in drill bits: