The rigidity of short-length bits without sacrificing reach. The shallow drilling depth makes these less likely to wobble than bits of the same length, so they stay centered and drill straighter.

With flutes that lift chips out of the hole, you don't have to stop drilling to clear these bits manually. The flutes improve coolant flow to dissipate heat and prevent clogs that can damage the bit and ruin the hole.

Designed for soft metals that can gum up other drill bits, wide flutes lift chips out of the hole. This prevents clogs that can weaken and damage the bit and ruin the hole. Also known as slow spiral bits.

Excellent for challenging metals such as stainless steel and nickel alloys, these bits cut aggressively and evacuate chips quickly. The grooved flutes prevent clogs and improve coolant flow to dissipate heat that can damage the bit or your material.

With more cutting edges than other drill bits, these cut continuously and consistently for a smoother finish. They also stay centered to produce holes that are straighter and more accurate. However, since there’s less space between the cutting edges, they don’t clear chips as quickly.

Straight flutes withstand the heavy pressure needed to penetrate hardened steel. These bits cut more aggressively and resist stress better than spiral-flute bits.

Short flutes make shallow cuts through sheet metal and thin-wall tubing without snagging and deforming the material.

With flutes that spiral in the opposite direction of other bits, these are primarily used to remove stripped screws. Choose a bit that’s slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw’s head. Set your power tool to rotate in reverse. Slowly drill in the center of the screw head, maintaining constant pressure. As the bit penetrates, it will catch onto the screw and reverse it out of the hole. If the screw is badly stripped, you might need to punch a starter hole. Also known as reverse-flute bits.