Cordless drills are now the default tool on every job site and in most home toolboxes. But the drill is only half the story — the bits you choose make a huge difference to battery life, speed, and finish. The right bits work faster, draw less power, and produce cleaner holes. The wrong ones will drain your battery in minutes.
Quick Recommendations: Best Bits by Task
| Task | Best Bit Type | Top Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| General wood drilling (combi drill) | Brad point hex shank | Bosch or DeWalt 13-piece wood set |
| Impact driver use | Impact-rated hex shank bits | DeWalt or Milwaukee hex shank set |
| Metal drilling (combi drill) | HSS or cobalt hex shank | Makita or Bosch metal set |
| Masonry (combi with hammer) | Masonry hex shank bits | Bosch or DeWalt masonry set |
| SDS rotary hammer | SDS Plus bits (not hex shank) | Bosch or DeWalt SDS Plus set |
| General mixed material | Multi-purpose hex shank | Bosch 18-piece mixed set |
Impact Driver Compatibility: Hex Shank Is Essential
Impact drivers require 1/4″ hex shank bits and they must be impact-rated. This is non-negotiable.
Standard round-shank bits will slip in the hex chuck or snap under the hammering action of an impact driver. Impact drivers work by delivering rapid hammer blows plus rotation. Only bits designed for this punishment will survive.
What “Impact-Rated” Means
Impact-rated bits have:
- Hardened hex shank: The connection between bit and chuck is reinforced so it doesn’t slip or deform under impact stress
- Stronger material: Often cobalt or hardened steel rather than standard HSS
- Better heat tolerance: Impact driving generates more friction and heat; the bit is designed to handle this
- Bit-specific design: Screw-driving bits, brad point bits, and spade bits are all made differently for impact use
You can identify impact-rated bits by the labelling on the package — it should clearly say “impact driver” or “impact-rated.” If it doesn’t say it, it’s not rated for impact use.
Non-Impact Bits in Impact Drivers
What happens if you use a standard round-shank bit in an impact driver? After a few seconds:
- The hex chuck doesn’t grip the round shank securely
- Slipping occurs and the bit spins without the chuck driving it
- Or, if the chuck grabs, the rapid hammer blows cause stress and the bit snaps
- The shank can deform or break inside the chuck
Don’t do it. Buy impact-rated bits for impact drivers.
Buy impact-rated hex shank bit set on Amazon
Combi Drill Compatibility: Hex and Round Shank Both Work
A standard cordless combi drill accepts both round shank and hex shank bits (with a standard chuck or a hex chuck adapter). You’re not limited to one type.
Round shank bits: Traditional design, work well in combi drills. Cheaper and widely available. Fine for wood and general work.
Hex shank bits: Faster to change (quick-change capability), cleaner connection in some chucks. Work just as well in combi drills as round shank.
The choice is mostly personal preference and what’s available. For regular bit changes, hex shank is convenient. For one-off holes, either works.
SDS Plus Bits: Only for SDS Drills
If your cordless drill has an SDS Plus shank (a locking chuck rather than a traditional chuck), it uses only SDS Plus bits. These are not compatible with standard drills.
SDS Plus bits have a distinctive shank with two or three slots. They only fit SDS Plus chucks. They’re the standard for rotary hammer and dedicated concrete drilling.
If you’ve got an SDS drill, buy SDS Plus bits only. Using anything else is impossible anyway — they won’t fit the chuck.
Buy SDS Plus bit set on Amazon
Battery Efficiency: Sharp Bits Save Power
This is the practical reason to care about bit choice. A sharp, well-chosen bit for your material drains significantly less battery power than a blunt or inappropriate bit.
How Bit Choice Affects Battery Life
Sharp vs blunt: A sharp bit self-feeds and cuts efficiently. A blunt bit requires more pressure and generates more resistance, drawing power faster. A fresh brad point bit might drain a 5Ah battery slowly over 200 holes. A dull bit might drain it over 40 holes.
Right bit type: A brad point bit in hardwood cuts cleanly with minimal wasted energy. A spade bit (which is broader and blunter) works but uses more power. A masonry bit in hardwood produces dust and uses more power than a wood bit would.
Pilot holes: For large-diameter holes, a pilot hole (say 2–3mm) followed by the large bit uses less power overall than trying to drill the large hole straight. The pilot helps the large bit track straight and cuts more efficiently.
Power-Saving Tips
- Keep bits sharp — a sharp bit uses 30–50% less battery power than a dull one
- Use the right speed setting — too fast = more power draw and heat
- Use pilot holes for large-diameter bits
- Stop and cool the bit regularly — a hot bit draws more power as resistance increases
- Use brad point bits in hardwood instead of standard twist drills — 15–20% less power
Best Drill Bit Sets for Cordless Drills: By Material
For Wood and General Work
Best choice: Brad point hex shank set (13–16 piece)
Brad point bits have a sharp centre point and cutting spurs that make precise entry holes and clean edges. They work beautifully in all wood types and are worth the extra cost (usually £2–3 more than a standard twist drill set).
For cordless drills, a 13–16 piece set covering 2–10mm is enough for most jobs. If you do fine cabinetry or joinery, buy a premium set. For general DIY, a mid-range set from Bosch or DeWalt is perfect.
Buy brad point hex shank set on Amazon
For Metal and Steel
Best choice: HSS or cobalt hex shank set (13–17 piece)
Standard HSS (high-speed steel) works fine for drilling steel and aluminium with a cordless drill. For regular metal work, cobalt bits are tougher and last longer.
Important: use cutting oil with metal bits. A small bottle of 3-in-1 oil and a drop on the bit every few holes makes an enormous difference to bit life and drilling speed.
For cordless drills, you’re limited to smaller holes (typically up to 10mm comfortably). Anything larger uses too much battery power.
Buy cobalt metal bit set on Amazon
For Masonry with Cordless Combi Drill
Best choice: Masonry hex shank set (6–10 piece)
If your combi drill has a hammer function, masonry bits (carbide-tipped) work well for pilot holes and small holes in brick and block. Large-diameter masonry work is still better done with a rotary hammer.
A cordless combi with hammer can handle 4–8mm masonry holes quite easily. Anything larger gets slow and drains batteries quickly.
Important: use the hammer function on your drill. Without it, masonry bits are nearly useless.
Buy masonry hex shank bit set on Amazon
For Mixed Materials (Compromise Option)
Best choice: Multi-purpose hex shank set (16–18 piece)
If you’re doing a variety of work and don’t want to swap bit sets constantly, a multi-purpose set handles light wood, metal, and masonry work reasonably well. They’re not optimised for any material, so performance is a compromise on all tasks.
For occasional home repairs and general DIY, a good multi-purpose set is convenient and covers most situations.
Buy multi-purpose hex shank bit set on Amazon
Screw-Driving Bits vs Drill Bits
Don’t confuse drill bits with screw-driving bits. They’re different tools:
- Drill bits have spiral flutes that cut and remove material. Used for making holes.
- Screw-driving bits (Phillips, flathead, square, torx) have no spiral — they’re designed to drive screws. They don’t cut material.
For general cordless drill work, you need both. Most cordless drills come with a mixed set of both drill bits and screw bits included. If your set is only screw bits, you need to add drill bits.
For impact drivers specifically, you want impact-rated screw bits or impact-rated drill bits, depending on what you’re doing.
Bit Storage and Organisation for Cordless Users
Cordless drills are grab-and-go tools, so bit storage matters:
- Magnetic bit holder: Attaches to your drill or belt for quick access to frequently-used bits
- Bit case: A small plastic case that fits in a toolbag — keep your most-used bits (wood, metal, masonry) separate
- Impact bits separate: Keep impact-rated bits separate from general bits so you don’t accidentally use the wrong type
- Quick-change chuck: If you’re swapping bits constantly, a quick-change hex chuck (available for most drills) saves a minute per swap
Specific Top Picks (2026)
Best Overall: Bosch 13-Piece Brad Point Set
Reliable, widely available, and works beautifully in all wood types. Around £6–8 per set. This is what tradespeople carry in their toolbags.
Best for Impact Drivers: DeWalt Impact-Rated Hex Shank Set
Specifically designed for impact driver stress. Fast-change hex shank, clearly labelled impact-rated. Around £10–15 per set.
Best for Metal: Makita Cobalt HSS Set
Tough cobalt material handles steel and aluminium well. Good performance even with older cordless drills. Around £12–16 per set.
Best Budget Option: Any 16-Piece Mixed Set
If you’re starting out and want to cover most jobs cheaply, a basic 16-piece set (drill bits + screw bits) for £5–8 is enough for home repairs and light trade work.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Round Shank Bits in a Cordless Drill?
Yes. Standard combi drills have regular chucks that grip round shank bits just fine. Hex shank bits are convenient for quick changes, but round shank bits work equally well. You only need hex shank bits for impact drivers.
Why Do Impact-Rated Bits Cost More?
They’re made from tougher material (usually hardened steel or cobalt) and the hex shank is reinforced. They have to withstand thousands of hammer blows per minute, so quality matters. The extra cost is worth it if you’re using an impact driver regularly.
How Often Should You Replace Cordless Drill Bits?
Depends on use. A sharp bit lasts for dozens of holes in softwood. In hardwood or metal, bits dull faster. Keep bits you use frequently sharp (sharpen or replace when they get dull). For occasional use, bits last months or years.
Do Cordless Drills Have Enough Power for Metal Drilling?
Yes, for small holes (up to 10mm). Modern 18V and 20V cordless drills have plenty of power. Larger holes (15mm+) use enormous amounts of battery power. For serious metal work, consider a mains electric drill instead.
What’s the Difference Between a Combi Drill and Impact Driver?
A combi drill rotates smoothly and has optional hammer function for masonry. An impact driver delivers rapid hammer blows plus rotation for driving screws and drilling hard materials. Combi drills are more versatile; impact drivers are more powerful for specific tasks. Most cordless tool kits include both.
Should You Use Cutting Oil with Cordless Drills?
Yes, for metal drilling. A drop of oil on the bit every few holes cuts power draw and reduces heat. For wood, it’s optional but helpful with hardwood.
Can You Sharpen Cordless Drill Bits Yourself?
Yes — use a bench grinder or sharpening jig. The technique is the same whether the bit came from a cordless or mains drill. Keep bits sharp and they’ll perform better and last longer.
