Drill bits can also be categorised by the type of hole they cut or their usage. Each one is usually suitable for drilling into specific types of materials too. Here are the most common types:

Flat drill bits are designed for drilling holes of 13mm or larger into shallow wood. They are also referred to as spade drill bits. They have a pronounced centre point that makes it easy to locate and drill through the centre of the hole, and the hole they produce has a flat bottom. They’re ideal for drilling large holes where the head of a screw or bolt needs to be sunk into the wood. This drill bit should always be used before drilling the pilot hole.

Although epoxy coated rebar offers excellent corrosion protection, care must be taken during handling and installation to avoid damaging the epoxy coating, as this can compromise its effectiveness. Additionally, epoxy coated rebar may be more susceptible to damage during construction activities such as cutting and bending compared to uncoated steel rebar.

Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension; rebar compensates for this weakness by providing tensile strength, making the overall structure more durable and resilient.Â

The main limitation of stainless steel rebar is its higher initial cost compared to carbon steel rebar. However, in environments where corrosion is a significant concern, the investment can be justified by the extended lifespan and reduced maintenance costs of the reinforced structure.

Carbon steel rebar, also known simply as steel rebar or black rebar, is the most commonly used type of reinforcing bar in construction. It is made from carbon steel, a material known for its high tensile strength and durability. The primary function of carbon steel rebar is to reinforce concrete structures by providing the tensile strength that concrete lacks.

You can purchase drill bits with these shank types in singles or packs, but drill bit sets with mixed shank types are also available.

Galvanized rebar is a type of reinforcing bar that has been coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion. This zinc coating acts as a barrier, preventing moisture and chemicals from reaching the steel underneath and causing rust.

Rebar comes in various sizes, grades, and types, each suited for specific applications and construction needs. The selection of the appropriate rebar is important, as it directly affects the load-bearing capacity and stability of the structure.Â

While carbon steel rebar is versatile and widely used, it is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture and chemicals. This can compromise the integrity of the reinforced concrete over time. To mitigate this issue, protective measures such as coatings or using corrosion-resistant types of rebar (like epoxy-coated or stainless steel rebar) are often employed in environments prone to corrosion.

A drill bit's suitability for drilling into certain materials usually depends on what the drill bit is made from and coated with. The drill bit guide below describes the main options:

Yes, you can use impact driver bits in a drill. They're designed to deal with high levels of stress, so, as a standard drill puts less stress on the drill bit than an impact driver, there wouldn't be any problems.

"How Much Concrete" is a suite of best-in-class concrete calculators that streamline the process of determining how much concrete you need for various projects. With customizable settings and the ability to add as many shapes as needed, our calculators simplify concrete planning.

A drill bit’s angle refers to the angle between the spur and the cutting lip on its point. There are two main drill bit point angles: 118° and 135°. A drill bit with a 118° angle cuts more aggressively and is best used for cutting into soft materials such as wood. A drill bit with a 135° angle is better for drilling into harder materials such as masonry.

This comprehensive drill bit guide will help you get kitted out for the job. It covers what drill bits are and what they’re made of. The types of drill bits available, what materials they’re best used for, specialist drill bits for specific jobs and the different types of shanks. You’ll also learn about drill bit angles and what size drill bit you need for various wall plugs and bolts. You can view our range of drill bits here.

Different countries have their own way of measuring rebar. Below, we break down the 3 most common: U.S., European and Canadian.

A drill bit is a cutting tool that’s fitted into a power drill and used to cut holes in materials. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have similar parts as follows:

Rebar, short for reinforcing bar, is a steel bar or mesh of steel wires used to reinforce and strengthen concrete structures.Â

HSS drill bits are an acronym for high-speed steel, which these drill bits are made of. HSS drill bits are used for drilling into wood and plastic materials but are particularly good for soft metals as they are resistant to the heat generated from the fast speed operation.

Understanding rebar sizes, grades, and types is important for anyone involved in construction or engineering, as it directly impacts the integrity and longevity of a structure.Â

The shank is the part of the drill bit that’s held in the chuck of a drill. There are several types available, and you should choose the one that matches the chuck of the drill you intend to use:

An SDS drill bit is a type of drill bit used in an SDS drill. SDS stands for slotted drive shaft, and it refers to how the drill bit is held in the drill's chuck. The shank of the drill bit has double grooves, which keep it extra secure and facilitates outstanding hammer action. It's made from tungsten carbide, and the drill and drill bit together make drilling holes into concrete, block and stone much easier.

There is no particular colour for a drill bit used for brick. Instead, you should use a masonry drill bit specifically designed for this type of task. Masonry drill bits are typically made from high-speed steel (HSS) with a tungsten carbide cutting lip.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional pouring the foundation for a large building or a DIYer looking to make their soon-to-be patio stronger, knowing the right rebar for your project can make all the difference.Â

Drill bits can be purchased individually as and when you need them, but drill bit sets are ideal if you want to have a variety of drill bits always at hand.  Drill bit sets are available in various combinations, including multi-purpose drill bit sets, drill bit sets for specific materials and drills, and those for specific uses. You can view our range of drill bit sets here.

Rebar grades refer to the standard specifications that define the mechanical properties and characteristics of reinforcing bars used in construction. These grades are typically designated by numbers or letters and indicate the yield strength of the rebar, which is the amount of stress at which the rebar will deform permanently. The most common rebar grades used in construction include:

Straight shank - A round, straight shank with no grooves or slots, used for drills with keyed or keyless chucks that hold drill bits between 10-13mm.

Threaded shank - A shank with a thread that screws into a hand-held drill. These drills are more compact because they don't have a chuck, so they're ideal for use in tight spaces. Other threaded shank drill bits include bits designed to be used in grinders rather than power drills.

These rebar grades are standardized by organizations such as ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ACI (American Concrete Institute) to ensure consistency and quality in construction materials. The selection of the appropriate rebar grade depends on factors such as the structural design, intended use, and environmental conditions of the project.

From small residential projects to large-scale commercial and industrial ones, rebar plays its part in ensuring that concrete can withstand various stresses and environmental conditions.

Gold drill bits are designed to drill into metal. Their gold colour comes from a titanium nitrate coating which slows down wear and tear. Drill bits without this coating are grey or silver, and their uses vary. For example, they may be multi-purpose or designed specifically to drill into wood or masonry.

Canadian rebar sizes are denoted using a number system that relates to the nominal diameter of the rebar in millimeters. Here’s a breakdown n of what these numbers mean and how they relate:

Have you ever wondered how the strength and durability of concrete structures are achieved? The secret lies in the use of rebar, or reinforcing bar, which is essential for enhancing concrete’s tensile strength.Â

U.S. rebar sizes are denoted using a number system that represents the nominal diameter of the rebar in eighths of an inch. Here’s a breakdown of what these numbers mean and how they relate:

Countersink drill bits are used to drill conical holes that enable flat-headed screws to sit flush against the material being worked on. Most countersink drill bits are designed to drill into wood, but some can drill into metal and minimise sharp edges. Also available are combined countersink with clearance drill bits, which allow you to drill the pilot hole and countersink in one operation.

Hinge drill bits are similar to forstner drill bits as they are used to drill the holes needed to fit hinges. With these drill bits, you use the hinge as a template. The head of the drill bit sits in the space for the hole to enable you to cut the hole in the exact location.

SDS max shank - A slotted drive system shank with grooves that slot into the drill's chuck. This type of chuck is found on most hammer drills and some standard drills. It's used for heavy-duty jobs.

Cone drill bits are specialist drill bits used for drilling holes in plastic pipes and sheet metal up to 2mm thick. They are made from high-speed steel (HSS) and have a TiN coating to reduce friction. They have a cone-shaped point, making it easy to drill holes of different diameters without changing the drill bit size.

In addition to drill bits being available in different types, they’re also available in various sizes to allow you to drill a hole that suits your needs. The list below gives answers to the most commonly asked questions around drill bit sizes:

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the complexities of rebar specifications, helping you choose the right materials for your project needs. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of rebar characteristics and how to apply them effectively, ensuring your projects are both safe and well put together.

Before buying a drill bit, it’s important to consider what you need it for. You can purchase multi-purpose drill bits, but you’ll get better results by using one specifically designed for the material and type of hole being drilled.

Specialist metal drill bits are the best drill bits for metal. However, not all metals are the same as some are harder or denser than others. So, it's important to consider what type of metal you are drilling as the drill bit must be harder than the metal it's drilling. For example, drill bits made from high-speed steel (HSS) are fine for soft metals, while cobalt is the best drill bit for stainless steel. But solid carbide or tungsten carbide drill bits are needed to cut through hard, dense metals. Also, check the drill bit's coating. A TiN coating will slow down wear and tear and increase resistance to abrasion and heat, and SG is best for penetrating dense metals.

While expanded metal rebar offers numerous advantages, it may not be suitable for all applications, particularly those requiring precise placement of reinforcement or where high levels of corrosion resistance are needed. Additionally, expanded metal rebar may have limitations in terms of achieving specific design requirements compared to traditional steel rebar.

While fiberglass rebar offers many advantages, it is generally more expensive than steel rebar, which can impact project budgets. Additionally, GFRP rebar may require special installation techniques and hardware due to its different properties compared to steel rebar. Care must also be taken during handling and installation to avoid damage to the rebar's surface or fibers.

Typically made from carbon steel, rebar features surface deformations or ridges to improve its bond with concrete. These ridges ensure that the rebar remains securely embedded within the concrete, preventing slippage and enhancing the structure's integrity.

European rebar sizes are typically expressed in millimeters (mm) and indicate the nominal diameter of the rebar. Here’s a breakdown of what these numbers mean and how they relate:

Most drill bits will drill through wood, but the best drill bits for wood are specialist wood drill bits. Most are made of steel, and different types of wood drill bits are available to drill different size holes. A twist bit is used to drill holes up to around 17-20mm and is better for drilling thick wood, while a flat drill bit can drill large holes from 13mm upwards in shallow wood. Some wood drills are three-point bits used in carpentry to drill small holes.

A specialist masonry drill bit is the best type of drill bit to use if you’re drilling into brick, block, concrete, natural or artificial stone. They prevent the likelihood of chips and cracking and can help to reduce noise levels. They’re typically made from high-speed steel with a tungsten carbide cutting lip. They can have two, three or four cutting lips – the more cutting lips there are, the harder the material it will cut into. Most masonry drill bits can be used with a hammer action drill, but check before buying.

While welded wire fabric rebar offers numerous advantages, it may not be suitable for all applications, particularly those requiring precise placement of reinforcement or where complex shapes or configurations are involved. Additionally, WWF rebar may have limitations in terms of achieving specific design requirements compared to traditional loose rebar.

To drill tiles and glass with a class 3 rating (used in light to moderate traffic areas), use a specialist tile and glass drill bit. These drill bits have a tungsten carbide tipped diamond-shaped point. They can withstand the high temperatures created when drilling into tile and glass.

Step drill bits have a cone-shaped point with a series of pyramid-shaped steps. They're designed to drill into sheet material and enable you to drill holes of different diameters without changing the drill bit size. In addition, some step drill bits have spiral flutes, which help remove the waste material.

Understanding rebar is crucial for anyone involved in construction or engineering. This guide has provided an overview of what rebar is, how to interpret rebar size charts from different regions, and the significance of rebar grades.Â

Galvanized rebar is used in various construction projects where increased durability and resistance to corrosion are needed, including:

Brad point drill bits are another type of wood drill bit that offers precision drilling. They have a pronounced point at the end to ensure the bit stays in the right place and extra-wide flutes that help remove the waste material quickly. They also come with rubber stoppers which allow you to set how deep you want to drill into the wood.

Forstner drill bits are specialist drill bits used in woodworking and cabinet making. They create large, flat-bottomed holes which are required for tasks such as fitting hinges. They drill clean and smooth holes into the wood. Some have a pronounced central point for precision drilling, while others don’t.

Stainless steel rebar is used in various construction projects where enhanced durability and resistance to corrosive environments are critical, including:

Welded Wire Fabric (WWF) rebar, also known as wire mesh or wire fabric, is a prefabricated reinforcement material composed of interconnected steel wires welded together to form a grid or mesh pattern. This mesh is used to reinforce concrete structures, providing both tensile strength and crack control.

There are many different types of drill bits available which we’ll look at in this section. In the drill bit guide below, we’ve split them into three categories: type of drilling application or material being drilled, the best types of drill bits, and then shank types.

Expanded metal rebar, also known as expanded metal mesh, is a type of reinforcing material made from a sheet of metal that has been slit and stretched to form a pattern of diamond-shaped openings. This mesh is used to reinforce concrete structures, providing strength, support, and crack control.

Whether you’re a qualified tradesperson or an experienced DIYer, your drill is probably one of the most used tools you own. But having a great drill is only half the story when it comes to getting a job done quickly and efficiently. Using the right drill bit for the task is vital too. But with so many drill bit types available, what should you choose?

There are many multi-purpose drill bits available which can be considered universal. They can drill through wood, plastic and soft metals. However, some drill bits are designed to work with specific types of material or for specific uses. And not all drill bits are compatible with all kinds of drills as there are different shank types (the part that fits into the drill's chuck) available.

A HSS drill bit is made from high-speed steel, as described in the materials section above. It’s often used in multi-purpose drill bits as it can be used on wood, plastic and metal. HSS drill bits are also the best drill bits for soft metals.

Epoxy coated rebar is a type of reinforcing bar that has been coated with a layer of epoxy resin to protect it from corrosion. This coating acts as a barrier, preventing moisture and chemicals from reaching the steel surface and causing rust.

Mortice drill bits are specialist drill bits used in woodworking and cabinet making. They are used to cut square holes, corners or slots into wood to create mortise and tenon joints. They are used in mortising machines or drill presses rather than power drills.

Stainless steel rebar is a type of reinforcing bar made from stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. It is used in concrete structures where enhanced durability and resistance to harsh environments are required.

To drill ceramic tiles, use a specialist tile drill bit designed to cut through class 4 tiles (tiles used in high traffic areas). These drill bits have a diamond-shaped point made from tungsten carbide that's designed to cut through the ceramic without causing the tile to chip or crack. They also have a centring tip that stops the drill bit from slipping or wandering. A masonry drill bit can also be used on tiles if used at a slow speed and without the hammer action.

Diamond tile drill bits are ideal for cutting through tiles and other brittle materials. They have a cylindrical shaped point made of carbide that helps to reduce the risk of the tile chipping or cracking while reducing the amount of dust produced. There are different tile drill bits designed for different types of tiles, so always check to ensure you are buying the right one for the tiles you are drilling.

On drill bits, HSS stands for high-speed steel. This is the type of material the drill bit is made from. It’s a metal made from carbon steel with chromium and vanadium additives. And it’s suitable for drilling into wood, plastic and soft metals.

Metal drill bits, however, have a wider variety of point angles (90°, 120°, 135°, 140° and 145°). And the one you use should be tailored to the type of metal you plan on drilling and what the drill bit is made from. The harder the metal you're drilling into, the larger the point angle (and therefore, the flatter the point) you'll need.

Auger drill bits are designed for deep, clean drilling into thick, dry wood. They have a more pronounced central point or spur than standard wood drill bits, making it easy to locate the point that's being drilled and keep the hole on course. This type of wood drill bit is ideal for precision drilling and creating neat holes. So, this is the best wood drill bit to use if appearance is important.

Combination drill bits is the term used for drill bit sets containing multiple drill bit types suitable for various materials and uses. These sets are ideal for tradespeople or DIYers who need drill bits for a range of jobs rather than someone specialising in working with specific material types.

The most important factor to consider when buying a drill bit is the type of material you’re drilling into. This will determine the type of metal and coating the drill bit is made from and the shape of the cutting lip.

We also explored the various types of rebar, each suited for specific applications. With this knowledge, you can confidently select the right rebar for your projects, ensuring they are strong, durable, and reliable.

While galvanized rebar offers improved corrosion resistance, it is not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel rebar. The zinc coating can also be damaged during handling and installation if not carefully managed, potentially compromising its protective benefits. Additionally, the initial cost is higher than standard carbon steel rebar, though it is often justified by the extended lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements of the structure.

Plug cutter drill bits are used in professional carpentry work to cut plugs or holes into wood to hide recessed fasteners. They're often used alongside countersink drill bits. They allow the screw head to be inserted below the material's surface rather than flush with it.

The part that differs between drill bit types is usually the cutting lip. Their different designs make some more suited to cutting through certain materials than others. There are also different designs depending on the power drill they need to fit, and the type of hole being drilled.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar, also known as fiberglass rebar, is a type of reinforcing bar made from high-strength glass fibers embedded in a polymer resin matrix. This composite material offers several advantages over traditional steel rebar, including superior corrosion resistance and high tensile strength.

If you want a drill bit that can tackle a range of materials, then a multi-material drill bit or a metal drill bit is ideal. Multi-purpose drill bits are usually made from high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt and have a tungsten carbide tip.