When working with drywall, having the right drill bit is crucial for clean and precise holes. The type of bit you use depends on the specific task you need to accomplish. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of drill bits best suited for drywall and what to use them for.
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Step Drill Bits
Step drill bits are ideal for making various sized holes in drywall. They have multiple stepped edges in increasing diameters, allowing you to bore different sized holes with just one bit. This saves you from having to constantly switch between regular drill bits.
Step drill bits come with 3-5 steps generally. The steps let you drill pilot holes, followed by progressively larger holes in increments. For drywall, a 1/4-3/4 inch step drill bit set works well. It allows drilling pilot holes for anchors first, then sized up holes for outlet boxes, recessed lights, plumbing pipes, etc.
The steps on the bits are color coded for quick identification. The tip is usually 1/8 inch for piloting. The other steps scale up the hole size from there up to 3/4 inch. Step drill bits also have a tapered end to help alignment when widening existing holes.
When to Use
- Making holes of varying sizes with one bit
- Boring holes for electrical boxes, lights, pipes, etc
- Widening existing holes to a larger diameter
Drywall Bits
As the name suggests, these are drill bits engineered specifically for drywall. They have a sharp point to pierce the drywall smoothly and clean edges that cut precise, tear-out free holes.
The tips are made of carbide for enhanced durability and longevity. The flutes along the shaft help extract drywall dust out efficiently. Many drywall bits also have depth stops to prevent over-drilling once the right hole depth is achieved.
1/4 inch and 3/8 inch drywall bits are common sizes used. Drywall drill bit sets are also available with multiple sized bits for greater versatility.
When to Use
- Drilling mounting and anchor holes in drywall
- Cutting clean holes for running electrical, plumbing, etc
- Installing drywall fasteners
Auger Bits
Auger drill bits have a long, deep spiral flute design optimized for faster and cleaner material removal. This makes them useful for drilling larger diameter holes in drywall.
Their cutting edges extend to the tip, allowing smoother penetration with less tearing. The large flutes chip away drywall efficiently while also clearing out debris. 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch auger bits work best for most drywall drilling needs.
When to Use
- Boring holes larger than 3/8 inches in drywall
- Installing electrical boxes or other fixtures needing big holes
- Drilling holes for plumbing and HVAC piping
Hole Saw Bits
Hole saws consist of an open-ended cylinder with saw teeth on the edge. They are used with a pilot drill bit to cut clean, circular holes in drywall.
Their hollow, ring-shaped design is perfect for drilling large diameter holes with neat edges. Hole saw sizes generally range from 1 to 6 inches for drywall. Pick the diameter matching your electrical or plumbing fixture.
For enhanced control, look for hole saw kits that come with guides. The guide helps keep the bit straight and steady when cutting. Lubricating the teeth also helps minimize binding when cutting through drywall.
When to Use
- Cutting large, clean holes for electrical boxes
- Installing recessed lighting, ceiling fans, etc
- Boring holes for HVAC vents and plumbing pipes
Forstner Bits
Forstner bits have a flat bottom and rim with cutting edges around the perimeter. This lets them cut precise, clean holes with flattened bottoms.
The cylindrical design and sharp cutting edges also help minimize tear out on drywall hole edges. Forstner bits are ideal for boring flat-bottom holes that give fixtures a flush mounting surface.
Use small Forstner bits under 1 inch for decorative holes. For electrical boxes and plumbing fixtures, 2-3 inch bits work best. Larger 4-6 inch variants are also available for big fixtures.
When to Use
- Cutting decorative and shelf mounting holes
- Installing fixtures needing flat-bottom holes for flush mounting
- Making clean ventilation holes behind furnances/appliances
Spade Bits
Spade bits have a flat, spade shaped tip that tapers down to a sharp point. They lack the spiral flutes of twist drill bits and instead have clearance notches on the edges.
The flat tip helps prevent walking or wandering on drywall. While they cut fast, spade bits create more ragged edges compared to others on this list. They are best suited for rough holes that will be covered up.
Use 1/4 to 3/4 inch spade bits for quick, rough holes to run wires and pipes through drywall. Their fast cutting ability makes them handy for openings that don’t need to be pretty.
When to Use
- Boring rough access holes for routing wires and pipes
- Quickly cutting holes in places that will be covered up
- Making fast pilot holes to insert a keyhole saw
Installer Bits
Installer bits are specialty bits made specifically for cutting clean holes to mount electrical boxes in drywall. They come in 1/2 inch and 1 5/8 inch sizes to align with common electrical box knockouts.
The tips are tapered for easy insertion with less binding. They cut fast and smooth with minimal drywall dust. Long 1/2 inch and 1 5/8 inch installer bits allow you to drill from the front to make mounting holes in existing drywall.
The bright orange color provides high visibility. The hex shank allows use in both drills and drivers. Stop collars help prevent over-drilling once the hole is cut.
When to Use
- Cutting holes to mount electrical boxes
- Making retrofit holes for old work electrical box installation
- Aligning holes with electrical box knockouts
Vix Bits
Vix bits have a patented one-piece design optimized for fast, clean cuts in drywall. They are engineered to drill faster with less wear compared to standard drywall bits.
The recessed center point allows faster penetration to start holes. The tri-flute design improves chip ejection while drilling. This results in smooth, tear-out free holes. Vix bits also have a black oxide coating for increased durability.
For drywall, use the #6 and #8 size Vix bits. The #6 creates 1/4 inch holes, while the #8 makes 5/16 inch holes. The optimized cutting geometry reduces drill wobble for straighter holes.
When to Use
- Drilling precise, clean mounting holes
- Achieving smooth hole edges without paper tear out
- Making clean electrical and plumbing openings
Counterbore Bits
Counterbore drill bits consist of a smaller pilot drill bit extending from a wider cutting head. This allows drilling a hole and counterbore all in one pass.
The counterbore creates a widened opening that allows flush or recessed mounting of fixtures. For drywall, use counterbore bits sized for common screw heads to create mounting holes for fixtures.
Look for counterbore sets matched to drywall screws. 1/4″, 5/16”, and 3/8” bits matched to #6, #8, and #10 screw sizes are ideal. Carbide tipped counterbores offer longest life in drywall.
When to Use
- Making recessed mounting holes for fixtures
- Achieving flush fixture installation in drywall
- Boring outlet and switch box holes
Self-Feed Bits
Self-feed bits have small, retractable teeth that emerge as the bit spins. The teeth grab and pull the bit through material for faster drilling with less pressure.
When drilling drywall, the self-feed action lets the bit bore through gypsum rapidly. This makes opening up large holes quick and easy. Self-feed bits also help reduce drill strain.
For drywall, use self-feed bits in 1/2 to 1 inch diameters. The self-feeding mechanism allows fast plunge cutting to open up big access holes. Extended length bits are ideal for deep holes.
When to Use
- Quickly boring large diameter access holes
- Reducing physical effort to drill big holes
- Minimizing drill binding/torque when cutting openings
Carbide Tipped Bits
Carbide is an extremely hard metal compound. Drill bits with carbide tips can bore through drywall with less wear compared to standard high-speed steel (HSS) bits.
The carbide tip helps the bit last up to 10X longer than an HSS bit. Carbide-tipped bits also run cooler, so they are less prone to overheating. They maintain their sharp cutting edges better as well.
For drywall, look for carbide-tipped step drill bits, drywall bits, and hole saws. The carbide allows drilling more holes before the bit becomes dull. The coating also prevents rusting.
When to Use
- Drilling many holes over time
- Maintaining sharper cutting edges through repeated use
- Improving bit life when doing major drywall jobs
Cobalt Bits
Cobalt drill bits also increase hardness and durability. The cobalt coating allows them to cut faster and last longer compared to standard HSS bits.
Cobalt decreases cutting temperatures and friction as well. So cobalt bits don’t overheat as quickly while drilling drywall. Their high-speed steel core provides strength and resistance to cracking.
Look for cobalt coated drywall, step, and hole saw bits. The cobalt improves performance when boring many holes or cutting hard drywall surfaces. It provides longer life for power users.
When to Use
- Heavy duty drywall drilling
- Maintaining faster cutting speeds over time
- Improving bit durability and longevity
Hollow Core Bits
Hollow core drill bits contain a hollow center rather than a solid shank. This allows inserting wires for use as electrical outlet boring bits.
The hollow design surrounds and protects wire running through the bit during drilling. The outer cutting edges simultaneously bore the drywall hole. This allows cleanly installing old work electrical boxes.
Use 1/2” and 1-5/8″ outlet boring bits with most electrical boxes. Match the size to the box’s knockout size. Look for bits with a flexible stop to control hole depth.
When to Use
- Boring holes and pulling wires simultaneously
- Retrofitting electrical boxes on existing drywall
- Protecting wires from damage during hole drilling
Right Angle Drill Bits
Right angle, or 90 degree drill bits, have a chuck head that sits perpendicular to the shank. This allows drilling holes in tight spots where a traditional drill can’t fit.
To drill drywall, right angle bits allow boring holes in corners, ceiling, and other hard to reach areas. Short length versions under 1/2” work for most drywall tasks.
Look for right angle bits with 1/4” hex shanks to use with right angle drill adapters. Slow speeds are required to avoid aggressive cutting and stripping screw heads.
When to Use
- Drilling access holes in tight corners
- Installing drywall anchors overhead
- Retrofitting electrical in finished areas
Hole Cutting Attachments
Hole cutting attachments allow turning power drills into jigsaws for cutting custom sized openings in drywall. Popular versions include:
RotoZips
RotoZip hole cutters consist of a drill bit surrounded by a rotary saw. As the drill spins, the saw blades cut a clean hole around the bit. RotoZips allow cutting accurate, clean holes from 5/8” to 3-1/8”.
Hole Pro Cutters
Hole Pro cutters have oscillating saw blades that spin around a central drill bit. This cuts a nice finished round hole up to 4 inches in diameter. The one-handed operation makes Hole Pro kits easy to use.
Spybit Hole Cutters
Spybits utilize a drill bit with milling flutes surrounded by carbide grit. As the bit spins, the grit carves out a clean hole in drywall up to 6” in diameter. The kit includes guides for steady cutting.
When to Use
- Cutting holes larger than those standard drill bits allow
- Making clean, finished openings for fixtures
- Adding electrical outlets without switch and outlet boxes
Conclusion
When choosing the right drill bit, always consider the hole size and your desired finish result. Smaller holes for anchors and fasteners are best with drywall, step, or Vix bits. For larger openings, hole saws, auger bits, and Forstners make clean cuts.
Spade bits cut quickly if finish and tear out are less important. Match bit size to the knockout or hole dimensions needed. Investing in quality bits specifically for drywall will save time and hassle on the job.
Take care not to over-drill or crack the drywall paper. Use lower drill speeds and firm pressure. Pull the bit out frequently to clear dust buildup. With the proper drill bit type and usage, you can achieve great results boring holes in drywall.