Whether you’re assembling a set of shelves, framing a garden shed, or tackling a bespoke piece of furniture, one thing’s for certain: at some point, you’re going to need to drill a hole. And when that time comes, the job calls for some careful judgement – using the wrong type can lead to poor results, damaged timber, or even broken tools. All that means that knowing which drill bit to reach for is just as important as choosing the right wood.
When choosing a drill bit, you’ll need to consider the material of the timber, the type of hole you need, the finish required, and the drill you’re using. Each of these affects how well the bit performs and the quality of the result. As one of the top timber merchants in Wigan with more than 50 years of experience, that’s exactly where we can help here at Sherman & Young Timber. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Use flat drill bits for wide holes in timber
Also known as spade bits, flat drill bits are instantly recognisable by their broad, paddle-like shape. They’re designed to bore wide holes through wood quickly, so if you need to run cables or pipes through joists or studs, these are your go-to bits. They’re ideal for softwood, but with a steady hand and the right drill, they’ll get through hardwood as well.
Best of all, they’re fairly inexpensive, which makes them a practical choice for one-off jobs or large projects where multiple holes are needed. The centre point keeps the bit steady while the cutting edges dig in and remove material quickly. That said, they can be aggressive, especially in brittle timber, so it’s important to use them at a controlled speed. Some flat bits come with spurs to reduce splintering, and others have hex shanks for better grip in the chuck, helping prevent slipping when torque increases.
You won’t get a perfectly smooth finish with a flat bit, but that’s rarely the point – they’re made for functionality rather than appearance. If the hole will be hidden behind a wall or under floorboards, it’s the right tool for the task. Keep in mind they can splinter the exit side of the timber, so you can help to maintain a cleaner result by backing the wood with scrap material. They’re also not suitable for use with handheld drivers unless you can maintain a very steady pressure – otherwise you risk tearing the hole out in an uneven way.
Pick HSS drill bits for cleaner, smaller holes
High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are usually associated with metalwork, but they have a firm place in woodworking too. When you need a cleaner hole or are working with hardwood, HSS bits come into their own. Their sharper tips and more refined cutting edges make them useful for dowel holes, screw pilot holes, or anything that requires accuracy.
These bits are especially effective when you’re using hardwoods like oak, beech, or ash, where a softer bit might struggle or wear down more quickly. They’re also useful when working with engineered timbers such as plywood or MDF, particularly when you want to avoid tear-out and achieve a neat result. The flute design helps clear debris efficiently, which is important when drilling deeper holes or working in denser wood.
If you’re planning to use screws near the edge of a board, a clean pilot hole made with an HSS bit can help prevent the wood from splitting. They’re also a sensible choice when you’re drilling small holes for dowels, pegs, or hinges. Since they’re manufactured to tighter tolerances, they tend to give more consistent results in repeated drilling tasks, which is helpful in precise joinery and cabinet making.
Notably, unlike flat bits HSS drill bits can be used with or without a pilot hole, depending on the size and depth of the hole you’re aiming for. They’re also better suited to repeated use, especially in projects that involve precision drilling. For best results, it’s best to use them with a variable-speed drill so you can match the bit’s speed to the density of the wood.
Ask if you’re not sure what to use
Of course, it’s not necessarily always easy to work out exactly what drill bit you need for each project, especially if you’re trying out your hand at DIY for the first time. That’s exactly where we can help here at Sherman & Young Timber. Our experienced staff on hand understand the quirks of both wood and equipment, so whether you’re drilling soft pine or dense hardwood, putting together decking or fitting a timber frame into brickwork, a quick word with one of our team can save you time and prevent unnecessary issues.
As well as helping you to choose the right bit, it can also give you useful tips on drill settings, pilot hole sizes, or ways to prevent burning the wood. Knowing whether to use a brad point bit or a twist bit in a specific situation can make a noticeable difference to your results.
At Sherman & Young Timber, we’ve been supplying top-quality timber across Wigan, Manchester, Liverpool and the wider Lancashire area for over 50 years. As trusted timber merchants in Ashton-in-Makerfield, we’re proud to be the go-to timber yard in Wigan. Whether you’re searching for timber merchants in Wigan, timber merchants in Liverpool or anywhere in between, we’re here to make sure you get exactly what you need.
You can take a look at our full range of pressure-treated timber products here on our website, or if you’re not sure what you need, give our friendly team a call on 01942 727 314 – we’re always here to chat and help out!
