When installing cabinets, drilling clean, precise holes is crucial for getting a professional result. The type of drill bit you use can make all the difference between success and failure. So what is the best drill bit for cabinet holes? There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a drill bit for cabinetry work:
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Drill Bit Type
The most common drill bit types for cabinet holes are:
– Brad Point Bits – Designed for drilling into wood, the centered brad point keeps the bit from wandering and leaves a clean exit hole. The spurs around the point also cut an exact hole diameter.
– Forstner Bits – These drill overlapping circles into the material to create flat-bottomed holes with near perfect accuracy. Great for hinge and handle holes.
– Auger Bits – Have a screw tip to pull the bit into the wood and carved flutes to remove material. Good for quickly drilling deep holes.
– Hole Saw – A cylindrical saw blade that attaches to an arbor which is chucked into a drill. Makes large, clean holes for handles and knobs.
Drill Bit Material
– High-Speed Steel (HSS) – The most common and cost-effective material. Provides good wear resistance and edge retention.
– Cobalt – Stronger and more heat resistant than HSS. The cobalt allows it to cut harder materials without overheating.
– Carbide-Tipped – Small carbide inserts on the cutting edges add hardness and durability. Best for abrasive materials like tile or masonry.
– Solid Carbide – Entire drill made of durable carbide able to withstand very high temperatures. Most expensive option.
Drill Bit Coatings
Special coatings can improve drill bit performance and longevity:
– Titanium Nitride (TiN) – Adds lubricity and a gold color. Reduces friction and temperature.
– Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) – Dark gray coating resists heat and increases tool life. Good general purpose coating.
– Diamond Coatings – Provides hardness to abrasively machine tough materials like tile or glass.
– Teflon/PTFE Coatings – Minimizes friction and buildup on bit. Useful when drilling metals.
Best Bits for Common Cabinet Holes
Hinge Holes
Forstner bits are ideal for drilling the large, flat-bottomed holes needed for most cabinet door hinges. Their precise cutting action creates clean holes for a perfect hinge fit. Just be sure to set your drill press depth stop or mark your drill bit to avoid drilling all the way through the cabinet door.
Shelf Pin Holes
You’ll want a brad point bit for drilling the holes that shelf pins insert into. The brad point will keep the bit centered and prevent tearing out the backside of the hole. Choose the size that matches your shelf pins – typically 5mm or 3/16″. Make sure to drill straight and square.
Drawer Front Holes
Installing drawer pulls calls for round holes bored through the drawer front. A Forstner bit is ideal, but a sharp twist bit or spade bit will also work. Clamp a block behind the drawer front to prevent tear-out. Size the bit according to your hardware’s requirements.
Door Knob Holes
For boring large, round holes through cabinet doors for knobs and pulls, use a hole saw matched to the hardware’s shank size. Apply firm pressure and let the hole saw work without forcing it. Keep the door supported near the hole to prevent splintering as the saw breaks through.
Dowel Holes
For joining cabinets with dowels, you’ll need a brad point bit matched to your dowel diameter. Allowing the brad point to guide the hole ensures a straight fit for your dowels. Take your time and drill straight dowel holes at precisely measured depths.
Toe Kick Holes
Installing the recessed toe kick on base cabinets calls for straight holes drilled up into the cabinet bottom. Use a long, straight bit to drill these holes without angling. Twist bits work, but Forstner and brad point bits improve accuracy. Clamping a guide lets you drill straight toe kick holes.
Pilot Holes
Drilling pilot holes prevents splitting when driving screws into cabinet frames, doors and face frames. Use a sharp twist bit slightly narrower than your screws’ shanks. Slowly drill straight pilot holes sized according to the screws’ diameter.
Drill Bit Size
Correctly sizing your drill bits is key to achieving tight-fitting cabinet hardware and hinges. Consult the specifications for your specific hardware and use the size drill bit recommended by the manufacturer. Some general sizing guidelines include:
Hinges
– Concealed Hinges – 35mm to 40mm
– Pull-out Hinges – 28mm
– Inset Hinges – 4mm to 10mm
Drawer Slides
– Side Mount – 7mm to 10mm
– Bottom Mount – 3mm to 5mm
Shelf Pins
– Metal Pins – 5mm or 3/16″
– Plastic Pins – 4mm or 5/32″
Knobs and Pulls
– Typical Sizing – 6mm to 25mm
– Match hole size to hardware shank diameter
Using Hole Guides
For professional results, using jigs as hole guides is a best practice when drilling cabinet holes. Guides provide added precision and consistency compared to drilling holes freehand. Some recommended options include:
Cabinet Hinge Jig
This template attaches to your cabinet door and has slots to guide the drill bit for hinge cups. Ensures properly aligned hinge holes.
Self-Centering Bits
These have a spring-loaded tip that forces the bit back to center while drilling. Reduces wandering and wobbly holes.
Drill Press Table
The drill press table allows you to clamp jigs and fixtures to guide the drill. Great for keeping holes straight and readjusting for multiple holes.
Drawer Front Guide
Foolproof templates center on your drawer front and guide the bit for professional knob or pull pilot holes.
DIY Cabinet Jigs
Homemade jigs from plywood with holes drilled to rest your bit in while drilling to the right depth.
Getting Clean Holes
Taking steps to back up your workpiece and bore clean throughholes avoids tear-out and splintering on the backside of the hole.
Screw Backer Blocks
Clamp or screw blocks of scrap behind where you are drilling to provide support when the bit breaks through.
Drill Press Setup
Adjust your drill press depth stop or simply lay a piece of tape to mark your desired hole depth to avoid plunging too deep.
Nail Hole Pilots
Drilling small starter holes with an awl or nail sets the drilling point and prevents wandering.
Tape Exit Points
Apply masking tape over where holes will exit to keep splintering in check.
Backer Jig
For longer workpieces, a dedicated backer jig with dust collection keeps exit holes crisp and clean.
Conclusion
Drilling clean, accurate holes is one of the most important parts of cabinet installation. With the right drill bit type and size along with proper hole-drilling techniques, you can achieve flawless results. Bradley point bits, Forstner bits, and hole saws are all good options depending on the cabinet hardware you are installing. Take your time, use hole guides when possible, and avoid tear-out by backing up your workpiece. Your new cabinets will have a professional fit and finish when you use the best drill bits for cabinetry work.