Finding the right drill bit in the UK depends on what you’re drilling into, how often you use it, and whether you need individual bits or a full set. This guide covers the best options available from UK retailers for every common material — from masonry and metal to wood and tile.
Whether you’re a tradesperson restocking your kit or a DIYer tackling a weekend project, knowing where to find quality bits at a fair price saves time and money. We’ve rounded up the most reliable drill bits from trusted brands, with links to buy them online and tips on choosing the right type.
Quick Links by Material
| Material | Recommended Bit Type | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Brick & Mortar | Masonry / Carbide-Tipped | Drill Bits for Brick |
| Concrete | SDS-Plus Masonry | Drill Bits for Concrete |
| Metal | HSS / Cobalt | Drill Bits for Metal |
| Stainless Steel | Cobalt (M35/M42) | Drill Bits for Stainless Steel |
| Wood | Brad Point / Spade / Forstner | Drill Bits for Wood |
| Tiles | Diamond / Carbide | Drill Bits for Tiles |
| Glass | Diamond Core / Spear-Point | Drill Bits for Glass |
| Plastic | HSS / Brad Point | Drill Bits for Plastic |
| Plasterboard | HSS / Step Bit | Drill Bits for Plasterboard |
Best HSS Drill Bit Sets
HSS (High Speed Steel) bits are the all-rounders. They handle metal, wood, and plastic, making them the most versatile option for any toolkit. A good HSS set covers most everyday drilling jobs.
Bosch HSS-G 19-Piece Set
The Bosch HSS-G set is a professional-grade collection covering 1mm to 10mm in 0.5mm increments. Ground from solid HSS with a 135-degree split point for accurate starts without walking. These are the bits most tradespeople reach for day-to-day — reliable, sharp, and widely available.
Makita D-29941 HSS-G 19-Piece Set
Makita’s equivalent HSS-G set offers excellent value with the same 1–10mm range. Ground tips and a sturdy metal case make these a solid choice if you’re already in the Makita ecosystem. Comparable performance to the Bosch set at a slightly lower price point.
Buy Makita HSS-G Set on Amazon
DeWalt DT7926 Extreme 29-Piece HSS-E Set
The DeWalt Extreme set uses cobalt-enriched HSS-E steel for improved heat resistance — ideal if you’re regularly drilling into harder metals. The 29-piece set covers 1–13mm and comes in a tough plastic case with indexed slots.
Buy DeWalt Extreme HSS-E Set on Amazon
Browse All HSS Drill Bit Sets on Amazon
Best Masonry Drill Bits
Masonry bits have carbide-tipped heads designed to handle brick, block, concrete, and stone. For standard drilling into brick and mortar, a regular masonry set is fine. For concrete, you’ll want SDS bits in a rotary hammer.
Bosch CYL-1 Masonry 7-Piece Set
Bosch’s CYL-1 masonry set covers the most common sizes (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12mm) for wall plugs and general masonry work. Carbide tips stay sharp through brick and lightweight block. Fits standard 3-jaw chucks.
Buy Bosch CYL-1 Masonry Set on Amazon
DeWalt DT6952 Masonry 8-Piece Set
The DeWalt DT6952 set includes 3–10mm bits with a round shank suitable for all standard chucks. Good all-round masonry bits at a competitive price — popular with both tradespeople and DIYers.
Buy DeWalt Masonry Set on Amazon
Browse All Masonry Drill Bits on Amazon
For drilling into concrete and reinforced masonry, see our SDS Drill Bit Compatibility Guide and Where to Buy SDS Drill Bits page.
Best Wood Drill Bits
Wood drilling requires different bit types depending on the job. Brad point bits give clean, accurate holes. Spade bits are fast for rough holes. Forstner bits cut flat-bottomed holes for hinges and dowels.
Bosch Brad Point 8-Piece Set
Bosch brad point bits are the standard choice for clean holes in softwood and hardwood. The centre point prevents walking, and the outer spurs cut clean entry holes. This 8-piece set covers 3–10mm.
Buy Bosch Brad Point Set on Amazon
Makita D-47173 Flat/Spade Bit Set
Spade bits are the go-to for fast, large holes in wood — cable runs, pipe holes, and rough carpentry. The Makita D-47173 set covers common sizes and features hex shanks that fit both chucks and quick-change holders.
Buy Makita Spade Bit Set on Amazon
Forstner Bit Sets
Forstner bits cut clean, flat-bottomed holes — essential for hinge recesses, dowel joints, and decorative work. Look for sets covering 15–35mm. Brands like Bosch, Faithfull, and Trend all offer quality Forstner sets.
Browse Forstner Bit Sets on Amazon
See our full comparison: Brad Point vs Twist vs Spade Bits and Forstner Bits vs Hole Saws.
Best Cobalt & Specialist Bits
For harder metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and hardened fixings, standard HSS bits won’t last. Cobalt bits (M35 or M42 grade) contain 5–8% cobalt for improved heat resistance and edge retention.
Milwaukee Red Hex Shockwave HSS-G Cobalt Set
The Milwaukee Shockwave cobalt set is designed for impact drivers as well as standard drills. Hex shanks prevent slipping under torque. These bits handle stainless steel and hardened metals well, and the red oxide coating reduces friction.
Buy Milwaukee Cobalt Set on Amazon
Dormer A002 Cobalt HSS Bits (Individual)
Dormer A002 bits are a trade favourite for individual cobalt bits in specific sizes. Made in Sheffield, they offer excellent quality for precision metalwork. Available individually so you can replace sizes as they wear.
Buy Dormer Cobalt Bits on Amazon
See our full comparison: HSS vs Cobalt vs Titanium Drill Bits.
What to Know Before Buying Drill Bits
Match the Bit to the Material
The single biggest mistake is using the wrong bit type. HSS bits will blunt instantly on masonry. Masonry bits will shatter on metal. Wood bits will burn in metal. Always check what material you’re drilling into and choose accordingly — our Drill Bit Compatibility Guide covers every combination.
Check Your Chuck Type
Most standard drill bits have round shanks that fit 10mm or 13mm keyless chucks. SDS bits need an SDS chuck (SDS-Plus or SDS-Max). Hex shank bits fit both standard chucks and quick-change holders on impact drivers. Make sure the bit fits your drill before ordering. See our Hex Shank vs Round Shank comparison.
Sets vs Individual Bits
Sets offer better value if you’re building a toolkit from scratch. Individual bits make more sense when you need a specific size or want to replace worn bits. Trade-quality sets from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee are worth the premium over budget brands — they last significantly longer and drill more accurately.
Coatings Matter for Longevity
Titanium-coated bits resist heat and friction, extending life in metal drilling. Black oxide coating prevents corrosion. Cobalt enrichment improves cutting edge retention. For occasional use, standard HSS is fine. For daily trade use, invest in coated or cobalt bits.
UK Retailers for Drill Bits
Amazon UK offers the widest range and best prices for drill bit sets and individual bits. Next-day delivery makes it the most convenient option for most buyers.
Screwfix stocks Bosch, DeWalt, and Milwaukee drill bits in-store for same-day collection. Ideal if you need bits immediately on site. Their own Titan brand offers budget alternatives.
Toolstation carries a similar range to Screwfix with competitive pricing. Good for Makita and Bosch bits in particular, with free click-and-collect.
Power Tool World is strong on trade-grade sets and often has bundle deals on Makita and DeWalt drill bit sets that you won’t find elsewhere.
Axminster is the specialist for woodworking bits — Forstner sets, brad points, and premium lip-and-spur bits from brands like Fisch and Famag.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best drill bits for general use?
A quality HSS set covering 1–10mm handles most everyday drilling in metal, wood, and plastic. The Bosch HSS-G and DeWalt Extreme sets are the most popular trade choices in the UK. Add a 7-piece masonry set for wall plugs and you’re covered for 90% of jobs.
Are expensive drill bits worth it?
Yes, for regular use. Trade-quality bits from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee last significantly longer and drill more accurately than budget alternatives. The cost per hole is actually lower because they stay sharp longer. For occasional DIY use, mid-range sets offer good enough performance.
Can I use regular drill bits in an impact driver?
Only hex-shank bits are designed for impact drivers. Round-shank bits can slip in an impact driver’s quick-release chuck, damaging the bit and workpiece. If you use an impact driver regularly, invest in a hex-shank set designed for impact use — Milwaukee Shockwave and DeWalt Impact Drilling sets are good options.
How do I know what size drill bit for a wall plug?
Match the drill bit to the wall plug size, not the screw. A red plug (6mm) needs a 6mm masonry bit. A brown plug (7mm) needs a 7mm bit. A blue plug (10mm) needs a 10mm bit. See our full Wall Plug Drill Bit Size Guide for the complete reference chart.
Where is the cheapest place to buy drill bits in the UK?
Amazon UK generally offers the best prices, especially on sets. Screwfix and Toolstation are competitive for individual bits and run regular promotions. For budget sets, Toolstation’s own brand and Amazon’s generic options are cheapest, though quality varies. Avoid the very cheapest sets — they’ll blunt quickly and frustrate you.
What drill bits do I need for concrete?
For concrete, you need either a masonry bit in a hammer drill (for small holes in lightweight concrete) or an SDS-Plus bit in a rotary hammer (for anything serious). Standard masonry bits won’t cope with dense concrete or aggregate. See our What Drill Bit for Concrete guide for full recommendations.
Explore the Full Drill Bit Range
For detailed information on every drill bit type, material compatibility, and brand comparisons, visit our main Drill Bit Compatibility Guide. You’ll find size charts, shank type comparisons, and recommendations for every drilling scenario. Also see our Drill Bit Size Chart for a complete reference.
