Synopsis: A survey of specialty bits, including those for countersinking, installing hinges, making wooden plugs, and boring through glass and tile. It includes an extensive list of sources.

The new multipurpose, carbide-tipped twist drills appear to be ideal for finish carpenters, who drill everything from hardwoods to ceramic tile. But are these bits really “the last drill set you will ever need,” as one company claims? Not unless you have lots of time on your hands. The ones I tried bored everything as advertised, but slowly. I think I’ll pass.

Multipurpose bits are the latest of countless drill bits and accessories I’ve used to expedite finish work. Some have been a bust, but others paid for themselves quickly. In this article, I’ll point out my favorite drill bits and accessories for finish work, including some I’ve used for years and others I tried while preparing this article—and probably would have used sooner had I known better.

First, install a high-performance chuck and toss the key

For jobs that require continuous bit swapping, time and patience disappear as you repeatedly adjust the chuck jaws from one bit diameter to another. One solution is to use two drills. A better one is to install a high-performance chuck, then chuck your chuck key. Keyless chucks are the best thing to happen to drills since the rechargeable battery. The jaws tighten and loosen with a twist of the wrist, and the nose spins freely to adjust the jaws. The chucks come standard on many new drills, but you can buy them to fit any 3/8-in. or 1/2-in. model, and they’re a breeze to install. Prices range from about $18 to $30.

Quick-change chucks hold hex-shank drill bits and screwdriver bits, which are installed or removed by pulling a spring-loaded lock collar and slipping the bit in or out. Two types of quick change chucks are available: flattened-shank ones that fit into standard adjustable chucks, or threaded ones that replace standard adjustable chucks. Prices range from $9 to $22.

Insty-Bit makes heavy-duty quick-change chucks, plus a nice assortment of hex-shank drill bits to fit them, including standard twist drills, brad-point bits and other specialty bits. W. L. Fuller sells adapters that convert round-shank twist drills to hex-shank ones.

I think keyless chucks equipped with quick change adapters make sense for finish carpentry. Keyless chucks alone handle a wide variety of drill bits and allow relatively speedy bit changes, but I can swap hex-shank bits in a quick-change chuck in two seconds flat.

For more photos and information on the best drill bits and their suppliers, click the View PDF button below. 

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