When you are looking for a drill bit, the hardness and type have to do with what the project is, and what material you are going to be drilling through. When you need hard drill bits you have to choose the best one for the job to get it done the first time without problems. Here is a little overview of some of the types of bits and hardness based on materials.
Needing a drill bit for wood
One of the most common materials people need to drill into is wood. There are a number of drill bits suitable for wood, here is a look at three and their specific purpose.
Twist drill bits - When you think of standard bits for wood work this is the twist drill bit for making simple, clean and neat holes. You can get them in a wide range of sizes and even in different materials including plastic and metal.
Auger bits - When you need to drill larger holes then this tends to be the type of bit used. They have a spiral head so as you drill the bit is pulled in and you do not have to push down hard. It is important to use them more slowly than the standard bit. They do not get clogged easily and create a neat, smooth and deep hole in wood.
Spade bits - Also known as flat wood drill bits these are good for larger hole making but the results are rougher than with an auger bit. They are often used for making holes when you need to lay cables or wires.
Needing a drill bit for metal
When you are looking at drilling into metal you will need hard drill bits designed specifically for that. Standard HSS bits are often used, HSS means High Speed Steel. They can also be used for very hard wood. They are durable and resistant to the heat that can happen because of drilling into a hard material. This also means they can go at quicker speeds.
Needing a drill bit for masonry
Masonry is a harder material to drill into so you will need hard drill bits even more so here. You need to use drill bits specifically for masonry like concrete, brick or limestone. They need to be tougher and they are often made from tungsten carbide so that they have a better lifespan. You should drill at slower speeds to avoid overheating issues.
Needing a drill bit for tile
If you need to drill into tile then again there are specific drill bits that will lessen the issue of cracking or chipping. Regular and even masonry bits are not hard or strong enough. Tile bits tend to be tipped with diamond or carbide. It is a good idea to have new or mostly new bits and use masking tape on the tiles.
Other types
Diamond core drill bits - Made with diamond to make them harder and more efficient, choose these when you need hard drill bits for tough materials and large holes.
Countersink drill bits - Used for woodworking mostly to make countersunk holes so flat head screws can sit against them.
Multi-purpose drill bits - Great for everyday needs and can be used with different materials.