Proper drill bit maintenance is not much different from maintenance for most tools, and it helps prolong the life of your drill bits and keeps them ready for the next job. Caring for your drill bits can also be a matter of safety; dull or damaged drill bits can create problems both in the work and for the worker.

This guide highlights drill bit types so you can choose the right single bit or drill bit set to get your project off the ground.

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The shank is the end of the drill bit that fits into the drill and is secured by the chuck. A round shank centers a bit in the chuck more accurately. The flat surfaces on a hex shank allow the chuck to grip the drill bit securely.

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Quarter-inch hex shank bits are used on 1/4-inch impact drivers and can be quickly changed. SDS (slotted drive system) shanks are used for concrete drills and demolition bits and work specifically with SDS-Plus and SDS-Max rotary hammer drills.

Twist drill bits, also called fluted bits, are used on light metal, wood, plastic, metal, ceramic and masonry. This type of drill bit is works well for holes up to one inch in diameter and are useful for home repairs, maintenance and building projects with metal, wood or ceramics. This is the most common types of drill bits for home use.

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Most drill bit sets are sold in a case with space to hold each bit in place. This keeps the drill bits from being nicked or scratched and also provides excellent organization. Each spot is marked for the bit's size and type, making it easy to quickly find the right bit for the project you are completing. If your set didn't come with a case or you've been buying individual drill bits, add a storage box with dividers to your tool set. Don't store more than two bits together and use a permanent marker to mark each space with the size and type of drill bit stored there.

Among the various wood drill bits, glass drill bits and concrete drill bits, there are other options and accessories for more specialized tasks:

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For most home projects, twist or brad point styles are usually the most useful drill bit types. You can always add other sizes and specialty drill bits as you need them as well. Choosing the correct drill bit size may seem like a challenge at first, but it gets easier the more you use your drill.

Forstner drill bits can be used on wood and are useful for woodworking. This type of bit creates a clean hole with a flat base. It also works better in a drill press than a handheld drill.

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Drill bits are cutting tools. If you do a lot of home projects or heavy-duty construction work, periodically sharpening your drill bits will be necessary. Dull drill bits can increase time and effort needed to complete work and possibly damage the materials you're working on, and may even cause injury. A sharpening tool can be a good investment to keep your drill bits in top shape. More experienced DIYers can accomplish the task with a good set of grinding tools.

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Auger drill bits can be used on wood and are ideal for large woodworking and building projects. Their screw-tip helps draw the drill and requires less pressure to perform.

Drill bits come in a range of drive styles, and different options can be useful depending on the work you're doing. Here are a few common types to know:

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Sized for their diameter, types of drill bits are constructed in a range of styles to help with specific tasks. You can find a drill bit set that includes many of the standard bits needed for home repair.

When it comes to drills, there are two easily identifiable parts you need to know about – the shank and the chuck. The following information explains how drills and drill bits work:

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Drill bits make holes in a variety of different common materials. These include different types of wood, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, porcelain and concrete. Different types of drill bits made for steel, aluminum, copper, cast iron, sheet metal, fiberglass, brick, vinyl flooring and more are also available.

The chuck is the part of the drill that attaches the drill bit. Most power drills for home use have a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck. Larger chucks come in 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch sizes, but are usually fitted on heavy-duty and industrial power drills and drill presses.

Always follow the manufacturer's use and safety recommendations for drill bits and accessories. Make sure the drill bit is compatible with the specific drill you are using, even if they are the same brand*.*

A drill is one of the best additions to the home toolbox and is essential in just about any project, whether it's a quick decor change, major room upgrade or building addition. However, a good drill is useless without correct types of drill bits for the job.