This category holds drill bits and hole saws for cutting holes in wood, metal, brick and concrete, for DIY users, tradespeople and workshops. The range includes bits made for standard drills and for rotary hammers, with Makita, Bosch and DeWalt supplying most of the models.
Over 70 products are listed, so it helps to match the bit to your tool and the material first.
How to choose drill bits and hole saws
Match the bit to your tool. Bits for a drill or drill driver have a round or hex shank that is held in a chuck, while rotary hammers take SDS bits that lock into the tool and move with the hammering action. Our range includes bits listed for use with drills and others for use with rotary hammers, so check which applies before ordering. An SDS bit generally cannot be held properly in a standard chuck.
Choose by material. Wood, metal and masonry each need a different bit design. Steel bits such as HSS cut wood and metal, while brick and concrete call for a carbide tip that can take repeated impact. Multi-purpose bits exist, but a dedicated bit usually drills faster and lasts longer.
Check diameter and working length. Diameter sets the hole size, so match it to the screw, wall plug or pipe you are fitting. Working length decides how deep you can drill, and for a hole right through thick brick or timber the usable flute length must exceed the thickness of the material. Sets cover the common sizes, while a single bit makes sense when you need one size or are replacing a worn one.
Pick the right hole saw. Hole saws cut large round holes for downlights, pipes, cables and lock fittings, and they need an arbor to connect to the drill. Bi-metal saws suit wood, plastics and thin metal, while tougher materials such as tile or masonry need carbide grit or carbide-tipped saws. Compare the cutting depth with the thickness of the board or door you are cutting.
Drill bit and hole saw brands we carry
- Makita: known for its cordless power tools and for accessories, including SDS bits, made to suit its own drills and rotary hammers.
- Bosch: well known for SDS-plus bits for rotary hammers and for its blue Professional line aimed at trade users.
- DeWalt: a yellow and black tool system brand that offers bits for drivers, drills and rotary hammers designed for site work.
- Dormer: a cutting-tool specialist best known for drills used in metalworking.
- Ryobi and Black+Decker: home and DIY power tool brands, with accessories that suit occasional use around the house.
Also in our range: Nilfisk.
Frequently asked questions about drill bits and hole saws
What drill bit do I need for concrete?
You need a masonry bit with a carbide tip, or an SDS bit if you are using a rotary hammer. The carbide tip withstands the impact and abrasion of concrete, which would quickly blunt a standard steel bit. For larger or deeper holes, a rotary hammer with an SDS bit is much faster than a drill.
What does SDS mean on a drill bit?
SDS describes a shank design that slots into an SDS rotary hammer without a chuck key. The bit can slide back and forth slightly, so the hammering action passes straight to the tip. The common types are SDS-plus for general work and SDS-max for heavier tools and larger holes.
What is a hole saw used for?
A hole saw cuts a large circular hole, typically for pipes, cables, downlights or door hardware. It is a cylindrical saw blade with a centre pilot bit, fitted to an arbor on your drill. Choose the saw by diameter, cutting depth and the material you are cutting.
Do I need the same brand of drill bit as my drill?
No, bits from different brands can be used together as long as the shank type fits your tool. A round or hex shank suits a chuck, and an SDS shank suits a rotary hammer. Matching the bit to the material matters more than matching the brand.
