11 best installer drill bits
Installer drill bits are specialized drill bits designed for use by professionals or DIY enthusiasts in the installation of various fixtures, hardware, and fasteners. These drill bits are typically used with power drills and are known for their versatility and convenience in a range of applications. Here are some key points about installer drill bits:
Purpose: Installer drill bits are primarily used for drilling holes and installing fasteners, such as screws, anchors, and toggle bolts, in various materials, including wood, drywall, metal, and plastics.
Design: Installer drill bits often have a unique design that combines drilling and driving functions into a single bit. They typically feature a drill bit at one end and a driver bit, such as a Phillips or square drive, at the other end.
Versatility: These drill bits are versatile tools suitable for a wide range of tasks, such as hanging shelves, cabinets, curtain rods, and other fixtures. They eliminate the need for multiple bit changes during installation.
Types: Installer drill bits come in various types, each designed for specific tasks.Some common types include:
- Spade or paddle bits: These are used for drilling larger holes in wood.
- Multi-material bits: Suitable for drilling in various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
- Drywall bits: Designed for drilling holes in drywall and are often equipped with a depth stop to prevent over-penetration.
- Countersink bits: Used to create a recess for screw heads to sit flush with the surface.
- Hole saw bits: These create larger holes for items like doorknobs or electrical boxes.
Quick-Change Systems: Many installer drill bits are compatible with quick-change systems, making it easy to switch between drilling and driving without the need for separate tools or bit changes.
Depth Control: Some installer drill bits come with depth control mechanisms, allowing users to set specific drilling depths to prevent over-drilling or damaging underlying materials.
Material Compatibility: It's important to select the right installer drill bit for the material you're working with. Using the wrong type of bit can result in inefficient drilling or damage to the material.
Safety Considerations: When using installer drill bits, it's essential to wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
Maintenance: Like all drill bits, installer drill bits should be kept clean and sharp for optimal performance. Dull or damaged bits should be replaced.
Consult the Manufacturer's Instructions: To ensure the proper use of installer drill bits and to maintain their longevity, it's advisable to consult the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines provided with the tool.
In summary, installer drill bits are versatile tools designed to simplify the installation of various fixtures and hardware. They combine drilling and driving functions into a single bit, making them convenient for DIY projects and professional installations. To achieve the best results, it's essential to choose the right type of installer drill bit for the material and task at hand and follow proper safety and maintenance practices.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best installer drill bits on the market
Eagle Tool US EC56272 Flex Shank Installer Drill Bit, Serrated Split Point, 9/16-Inch by 72-Inch, Made in the USA
Eagle Tool US
Product description
Eagle Tool serrated style flex bit. This bit is best for all types of wood. Aggressive and self feeding. Three flat non-slip grip on the chuck end. Flexible spring steel shank. Wire fishing accommodation holes in the head and shank. 9/16-inch head diameter, 3/16 inch shank diameter, and overall length is 72-inch.
- Split Point for better starting and Serrated body for aggressive cutting
- Flexible spring steel shank with wire fishing accommodation holes in the head and shank
- Three flat non-slip grip on the chuck end
- Add a Quick Switch Hex to adapt to a Quick Change chuck part number ETHXKIT187
- Made in USA
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this bit cut through metal studs |
| Answer: | No, this is for wood, the split point will just not grab metal. |
IRWIN 1890709 Straight Shank Installer Drill Bit for Wood, 18-Inch by 3/8-Inch `
Irwin Tools
Product description
IRWIN Straight Shank Wood Installer Bits feature an 82˚ point for fast, smooth drilling in wood. These bits are made with a hole in the flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors. They have a 3-flatted shank to prevent slipping in drill chucks and the shank also includes a hole for wire pulling. Plus, they are made from premium high carbon steel for extended drilling life in wood.
From the Manufacturer
IRWIN Straight Shank Wood Installer Bits feature an 82˚ point for fast, smooth drilling in wood. These bits are made with a hole in the flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors. They have a 3-flatted shank to prevent slipping in drill chucks and the shank also includes a hole for wire pulling. Plus, they are made from premium high carbon steel for extended drilling life in wood.
- 82˚ point for fast, smooth drilling in wood
- Hole in flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors
- 3-flatted shank prevents slipping in drill chuck and includes hole for wire pulling Hole not included on 12" length bits
- Premium high carbon steel construction for extended drilling life in wood
- 82˚ point for fast, smooth drilling in wood
- 3-flatted shank prevents slipping in drill chuck and includes hole for wire pulling Hole not included on 12" length bits
- Premium high carbon steel construction for extended drilling life in wood
User questions & answers
| Question: | what is the diameter of the shank between the drill head and the 3-flattened shank that goes into the chuck? And how long is the 3-flattened part |
| Answer: | 1890711 is a ½” diameter by 18” long: Bit diameter: 1/2" Shank diameter: 3/8” 3 – Flat diameter: 8.5mm (~11/32”) Flat length: 2” |
| Question: | what size drill chuck is required for using this particular drill? Need it to fit a 3/8 chuck |
| Answer: | You will need a 1/2 inch chuck or larger for this bit. |
| Question: | Would this drill bit be long enough to go through a wood floor to the basement |
| Answer: | Usually floors are 12.5” but keep in mind depending where you drill, you may hit a 2x4 but more than likely you will be fine and it will drill through the floor |
| Question: | Will this fit my 1/4 hex impact driver |
| Answer: | I do not believe it will, and even if it did fit you would a fair amount of torque to use the bit, and a 1/4 drill would not do it. I used a Skil 1/2 drill and it just fit. |
IRWIN 1890754 Flexible Installer Drill Bit with Auger Tip, 1-Inch Shank, 36-Inch Length
Irwin Tools
Product description
IRWIN Flexible Installer Bits with Augur Tip feature a Type A tip which combines a screw tip with an aggressive pitch for easy starts and fast drilling with dual cutting spurs for faster, cleaner holes with less breakout. These bits are made with a hole in the flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors. They have a 3-flatted shank to prevent slipping in drill chucks and the shank also includes a hole for wire pulling. The bit is designed with a tapered flute for faster chip ejection which delivers less binding and smoother drilling. Plus, the bits are made from premium high carbon steel for extended drilling life in wood.
From the Manufacturer
IRWIN Flexible Installer Bits with Auguer Tip feature a Type A tip which combines a screw tip with an aggressive pitch for easy starts and fast drilling with dual cutting spurs for faster, cleaner holes with less breakout. These bits are made with a hole in the flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors. They have a 3-flatted shank to prevent slipping in drill chucks and the shank also includes a hole for wire pulling. The bit is designed with a tapered flute for faster chip ejection which delivers less binding and smoother drilling. Plus, the bits are made from premium high carbon steel for extended drilling life in wood.
- Screw tip with aggressive pitch delivers easy starts and fast drilling Show as "Type A" tip icon on packaging
- Dual spurs for faster, cleaner holes and less breakout
- Hole in flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors
- 3-flatted shank prevents slipping in drill chuck and includes hole for wire pulling
- Tapered flute for faster chip ejection, less binding and smoother drilling Does not apply to 1/4" diameter SKUs
User questions & answers
| Question: | How flexible is this bit? Does it flex 45 degrees, 90 degrees? I need to drill through a floor joist from a hole in a drywall ceiling to run romex |
| Answer: | i had to return mine because it was to big and little to stiff |
12" Long Brad Point Bit Set (7 Drill Bit Set). Perfect for Drilling Wood, Plastic, Drywall and Composite Materials
Fulton
- If you have drilled a piece of wood and came up short or had to somehow line it up from the other side and attempt to correctly drill, then this drill bit set is for you. Each bit in the set is approximately 12" long and they are made from high speed steel. Typically brad point drill bits are perfect for drilling wood, plastic and some composite materials. Brad points have a sharp point on the tip, which prevents the bit from "walking" like standard twist bits tend to do.
- Woodworkers love to use brad point drill bits on most all of there projects.
- Brad point drill bits don't move from the original contact point which tends to produce much more accurate and cleaner results.
- The extra long brad point drill bit set comes with the following diameter drill bits: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16" and 1/2".
- Each bit is engraved with the size for easy identification.
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the largest shank diameter, the part that would fit into a chuck or more to the point, into an extension socket |
| Answer: | The grid is curved to it helps keep them round. The pan works well and is deep enough for all the grease and drippings even with skin on chicken! |
| Question: | I have a Bosch Xtreme Bulldog, are these compatible |
| Answer: | I do ping pong ball size maybe a tad larger |
| Question: | warranty how long is it? if bit breaks do you replace free of charge? individual or whole set ? what if not satisfied with cut quality return anytime |
| Answer: | I dont know but it cleans up well |
| Question: | I need just the 1/2 inch bit. Do you sell these separately |
| Answer: | No. Its a coated metal. I spray rack with non stick before I use. Meatballs come out great. |
Product features
Its all about accuracy...
A lot of us typically buy many different brands of drill bits just to get a specific job done. While there is nothing wrong with this, most box stores only stock one type of bit. Its a standard bit that is in all honesty much better for drilling into metal more than it is for wood. Brad point bits are unique in that they have a very sharp point on the tip. This allows the user to pinpoint the mark with the drill bit. It also means that the bit won't do that annoying walk across the project when you power on the drill. Brad point bits are an absolute god send for woodworkers.
The extra long brad point drill bit set comes with the following diameter drill bits:
1/8"
3/16"
1/4"
5/16"
3/8"
7/16"
1/2"
Eagle Tool US ETS7501 Installer Drill Bit, Interchangeable Switch Bit, Screw Point, 3/4-Inch, Made in the USA
Eagle Tool US
Product description
Eagle Tool individual interchangeable heads for use with the switch bit line. Applications: wood. Easily removable for sharpening. Aggressive and self-feeding screw point. Nickel flash finish for faster drilling speeds and less binding. Wire fishing accommodation holes in the head and in the three flat non-slip grip. 3/4-inch Head diameter. Uses 1/4-inch shank diameter.
- Interchangeable Screw Point head
- Interchangable shanks ETSHK21, ETSHK22, ET25033, ET25015, ET25021, ET25051, ET25069
- Add a Quick Switch Hex to adapt to a Quick Change chuck part number ETHXKIT250
- Aggressive and self-feeding screw point and easily removable for sharpening. Replaceable set screw and allen wrench kit ETAKIT1.
- Wire fishing accommodation holes in the head and in the three flat non-slip grip
User questions & answers
| Question: | which flex shank should i use for this bit |
| Answer: | 1/4" shanks, ET25015, Et25021, ET25033, ET25051, ET25069, ETSHK21, ETSHK22 |
| Question: | size of the hole in the shaft |
| Answer: | I would say 3/16” |
Irwin Installer Drill Bit 18 " Long, 3/8 "
Irwin Industrial
Product description
Sold as 3 UNITS at $13.32 per unit. (1 unit = each.) 18" long. Hole in flute aids pulling wire. For wood. Pouched. 3/8". Manufacturer number: 39106. SKU #: 23961. Country of origin: (TBA). Distributed by Irwin Industrial.
- 18" long
- Hole in flute aids pulling wire
- For wood
- Pouched
Eagle Tool US ETS56236 Flex Shank Installer Drill Bit, Interchangeable Switch Bit, Screw Point, 9/16-Inch by 36-Inch, Made in the USA
Eagle Tool US
Product description
Eagle Tool US is proud to announce our newest line of flexible installer bits. The switch bit line offers interchangeable head styles and various shank lengths so you can quickly customize your set for any application or situation. Starter combo packages include an interchangeable head with a removable 33-inches flexible spring steel shank. Application: wood. Easily removable for sharpening. Aggressive and self-feeding screw point. Nickel flash finish for faster drilling speeds and less binding. Wire fishing accommodation holes in the head and in the three flat non-slip grip. 9/16-inch head diameter. 3/16-inch shank diameter.
- Interchangeable with heads ETS375, ETH375, ETM375
- Interchangable with shanks ETSHK11, ETSHK12, ET18715, ET18721, ET18751, ET18769
- Add a Quick Switch Hex to adapt to a Quick Change chuck part number ETHXKIT187
- Aggressive and self-feeding screw point and easily removable for sharpening. Replaceable set screw and allen wrench kit ETAKIT2.
- Wire fishing accommodation holes in the head and in the three flat non-slip grip
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this item include the extension cable as shown in the video? If not, what is the link to that product |
| Answer: | This item includes an extension shank approximately 32 inches long, for a total length (with bit) of 36 inches. The video mentions a 54 inch bit, so it it longer in the video. These bits and shanks are interchangeable, and different length shanks are available. Sorry, I do not have a link the the longer shank. |
Eagle Tool US EM50072 Flex Shank Installer Drill Bit, Carbide Tip, 1/2-Inch by 72-Inch, Made in the USA
Eagle Tool US
Product description
Eagle Tool's high quality carbide tip masonry bit. It is the best fit for difficult situations. This bit comes standard with a three flat non-slip grip, fish accommodation holes in the drill and the Flexible spring steel shank. It works well in concrete block, tiles, brick and most other masonry products. 1/2-inch head diameter, 1/4 inch shank diameter, and overall length is 72-inch.
- Carbide tip installer bit
- Flexible spring steel shank with wire fishing accommodation holes in the head and shank.
- Three flat non-slip grip on the chuck end
- Add a Quick Switch Hex to adapt to a Quick Change chuck part number ETHXKIT250
- Made in USA
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long is inflexible bit itself (NOT the shaft |
| Answer: | 36 inches with a 3 inch shaft. |
IRWIN 1891002 Flexible Installer Drill Bit with High-Speed Steel Tip, 3/8-Inch Shank, 54-Inch Length
Product description
IRWIN Flexible Installer Bits with HSS Tip feature a unique combination of a 135 Degree self-centering split point stepped to 118 Degree hole enlarging body for fast, easy starts and smooth drilling in metal, wood or plastic . These bits are made with a hole in the flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors. They have a 3-flatted shank to prevent slipping in drill chucks and the shank also includes a hole for wire pulling. The bit is designed with a tapered flute for faster chip ejection which delivers less binding and smoother drilling. Plus, the bits are made from premium high speed steel for extended drilling life in metal, wood and plastic.
From the Manufacturer
IRWIN Flexible Installer Bits with HSS Tip feature a unique combination of a 135 Degree self-centering split point stepped to 118 Degree hole enlarging body for fast, easy starts and smooth drilling in metal, wood or plastic . These bits are made with a hole in the flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors. They have a 3-flatted shank to prevent slipping in drill chucks and the shank also includes a hole for wire pulling. The bit is designed with a tapered flute for faster chip ejection which delivers less binding and smoother drilling. Plus, the bits are made from premium high speed steel for extended drilling life in metal, wood and plastic.
- Unique combination of 135 Degree self-centering split point stepped to 118 Degree hole enlarging body for fast, easy starts and smooth drilling
- Hole in flute for easy wire pulling through walls, ceilings and floors
- 3-flatted shank prevents slipping in drill chuck and includes hole for wire pulling
- Tapered flute for faster chip ejection, less binding and smoother drilling Does not apply to 1/4" diameter SKUs
- Premium high speed steel construction for extended drilling life in metal, wood and plastic
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this work for metal studs |
| Answer: | Maybe. You are going to wear out the bit fast. The flex in the shaft will allow the head to dance on the metal. Always try to drill down between the studs thru the cap. Easier |
Eagle Tool US ET25033 Installer Drill Bit Shank, Used with Interchangeable Switch Bit Heads, 1/4-Inch by 33-Inch, Made in the USA
Eagle Tool US
Product description
Eagle Tool individually sized, flexible spring steel shanks. Flexible spring steel shanks come with fish accommodation holes, three flat, non-slip chuck grips and a ground non-slip notch for the interchangeable head. Wire fishing hole in chuck end.Shank measures 1/4-inch diameter by 33-inch length.
- For use with Heads ETS7501 ETH500, ETM500, and Extension Adaptor ETHXKIT250
- Flexible spring steel shank
- Non-slip flat (drill end) and Non-slip three flat grip (chuck end)
- Wire fishing hole in chuck end.
- Replaceable set screw and allen wrench kit ETAKIT1.
Eagle Tool US EHS25072 Flex Shank Installer Drill Bit, Heavy Duty High Speed, 1/4-Inch by 72-Inch, Made in the USA
Eagle Tool US
Product description
Eagle Tool heavy duty split point high-speed installer bit. This bit comes in handy in a variety of situations. It is the best when encountering nails, steel plate, as well as different kinds of wood. High speed, heavy duty, split point. A three flat non-slip grip and fish accommodation holes in the shank. Flexible spring steel shank. 1/4-inch head diameter, 3/16 inch shank diameter, and overall length is 72-inch..
- Heavy duty high speed, Split Point for better starting
- Flexible spring steel shank with wire fishing accommodation holes in the shank.
- Three flat non-slip grip on the chuck end
- Add a Quick Switch Hex to adapt to a Quick Change chuck part number ETHXKIT187
- Made in USA
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