There are various types of drill bits designed for different materials and applications:

• Twist bits: For general-purpose drilling in wood, metal, and plastic.
• Masonry bits: Designed for drilling into brick, concrete, and stone.
• Wood bits: Include spade bits, auger bits, and Forstner bits for drilling clean holes in wood.
• Brad point bits: For precise drilling in wood with minimal splintering.
• Tile and glass bits: Made with a carbide tip for drilling through glass and ceramic tiles.
• Cobalt bits: High-speed steel bits with cobalt, ideal for drilling hard metals.
• Step bits: Cone-shaped bits for drilling multiple hole sizes in metal and plastic.

Consider the following factors:

• Material: Select a bit designed for the material you’re drilling (wood, metal, masonry, etc.).
• Bit type: Choose the appropriate bit type for the hole size and shape you need.
• Durability: For frequent or heavy-duty drilling, opt for more durable bits like cobalt or carbide-tipped bits.

A pilot hole is a small hole drilled before the main hole. It helps guide the larger drill bit, reduces the risk of splitting the material, and ensures accurate and clean drilling.

Standard drill bit sizes in the UK are typically measured in millimeters. Common sizes include 1mm to 13mm in increments of 0.5mm. Fractional inch sizes and numbered sizes (e.g., #1, #2) are also available for specific applications.

While you can use metal drill bits for wood, they may not provide the cleanest results compared to wood-specific bits. Metal bits are not suitable for masonry as they lack the durability and design needed for drilling into hard materials like concrete or brick.