The 9 Best Hex Shank Forstner Bits (2023 reviews)

The irwin tools hex shank forstner bit is capable of outshining several other bit featured in this list in overall features. It fits 3/8" and larger drills and drill presses, 1-1/2" (38.1mm), 1-5/8" (41.2mm), 2" (50.8mm) forstner bits. They arrive with dull and somewhat jagged edges, but work great once sharpened. They will work in an electric or battery drill. It comes in a sturdy custom fit storage/carrying case.

Grinder marks on the cutting edges are very course, however they are still relatively sharp. They are a pleasure to use and they produce an excellent result. It is a good set of bits for a hobbyist, definitely need to step up to high quality for professional wood working and major output projects. It will hold up to moderate use.

Why We Like This:

Accurate hole with minimal effort, perfect for any woodworker
Durable and they cut the wood with no problem
New and hot release

Best For Drilling into Wood: Steelex Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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The clever wooden case is invaluable, in itself. It is designed to cut in only one direction, the normal way a drill bit rotates. It allows the lid to fold completely under the bottom and bit storage racks tilt out for easy access. The beautiful wooden box has two tilting shelves with nylon bushings for each bit to hold them securely in place while keeping them organized and easily accessible.

The purpose bits included in this set are constructed with tough high carbon steel for cutting a variety of material. The edges are rolled over and the bit abrades it way more than cut into the wood. These are sharp enough to require some care getting them in and out of the storage box. The case ships in very basic and okay for storing the bits in after. It comes with a layer of cosmoline that takes a little while to clean off.

Why We Like This:

Excellent, well cutting, accurate drill bits
Sharp and work well to create clean holes in all wood
Very sharp, no defects and the box is a nice touch

Best For Hard And soft Wood: INTOO Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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The intoo hex shank forstner bit should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. This ino forstner bit set dulls fast in more dense wood. It fits all electric power machines and drill presses, and promises no spinning. They also do well cutting through OSB and plywood, and some hardwoods like walnut, but not maple and oak. It can be used in a drill press.

For low use drill bits on wood, these work great. They perform well even on hard woods. It reduces cutting time plus it is easy to install and tighten, prevent the bit from slipping fast in more dense wood. The holes are relatively clean and precisely cut.

Why We Like This:

Good performance in softwoods and thinner ply
1-inch bits to drill entry holes in bird houses for small birds
Razor-sharp outer edge cuts veneers for a perfect hole

Best For door locks: Mlcs Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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This bit is a heavy duty beast. It is used to hollow out the insides of a bowl carving project. It has a design for larger diameter bits (1-inch and larger) to stop burning and cut faster without losing the advantages of forstner bit action. It is designed to drill flat bottom or through holes cleanly in end grain, thin stock, veneers and regular stock. The shank is hexagonal, and fits into a 1/2 inch chuck.

The center point isn't extremely sharp, and is at a very wide angle, coming to a point form 4 sides. It takes quite a bit of horsepower to keep it cutting. The kickback is very very strong. It makes a lot of chips and is messy, and the bit will grab and jerk.

Why We Like This:

Makes hole cutting easier and last longer than a regular hole saw
Must use with a powerful drill
Slow is better, with very little pressure

Best For The money: Cortool Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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The cortool hex shank forstner bit's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This scary sharp equates to silky smooth holes that are drilled with minimal effort. It is designed to make precise holes that have flat bottoms (except for the small pilot point in the center) smooth sides and a clean entry cut with limited splintering in any type of wood. All of them are a little over 3 5/8" long, which does limit the depth a little, but it is pretty much standard length. This is a wonderful set of forstner bits stored in a plastic case with a see through top, good to help identify the contents.

The set comes in a clear plexiglass fronted case with a place for each bit. There's a great range of diameters from 1/4" to 2 1/8" in 1/8" increments, each with it's diameter clearly labeled on the bit. The hard case they come in is also very convenient and easy to store.

Why We Like This:

Clean, flat bottom holes without tearout
Great bits in a nice variety of sizes
Cuts nice clean holes right out of the box
Bits drill very neat and smooth holes

Best For bench Drill: Asnomy Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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These are decent bits as long as you slow your work speed, slow your cut rate, and pay attention to what you are doing. Due to their design, you can easily overlap holes to take out large areas of wood. These are fairly good quality forstner bits, fairly well made, work well enough, carbide should last a long time, precise enough for construction carpentry, but measurements are off for high precision work.

These are fast going through wood and can go all the way through very quickly. They also come with very nice individual plastic cases for each bit. Sizing is not critical for this, the green wood cuts cooler, and the flat bottom decreases later finish work. The non-carbide bits feel a lot smoother to use, and the resulting hole is a little smoother as well. It does get hot pretty fast though and the drill speed is relatively slower than a normal bit. It is a nice starter set for the cost but will need to be replaced or sharpened with repeated usage.

Why We Like This:

A unique design that requires slower speed and feed rate
Better suited to a drill press
Good investment for long term

Best For metal: Famag Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention famag hex shank forstner bit for regular usage. Both long inside cutting edges have a chip breaker design that features offset or staggered cutting edges. It allows easy starting in wood and allows drilling of overlapping and angled holes. It has vertical channels that assist in chip ejection. It allows for fast penetration to add to that features offset or staggered cutting edges.

The low profile outside rim has longitudinal cooling fins or grooves ground into the surface minimizing metal contact with wood reducing friction resulting in much better heat dissipation. These offset cutting edges break up chips into smaller pieces for better chip ejection.

Why We Like This:

All bits can be sharpened with a diamond file
You can drill at higher rpms without fear of excessive heat build
Available in sizes from 1/4 to 2-1/8 inch in 1/16 inch increments

Best For hinge: WSOOX Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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The wsoox hex shank forstner bit's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. It can fit 1 extra long forstner bit for summary advantages. It is made from high quality tungsten carbide tipped cutters, solid hardened steel body, ensuring its high hardness, rust proof, sturdy and durable.

Why We Like This:

Good investment for long term
Delivers what they promise

Best For harder Wood: Fulton woodworking tools Hex Shank Forstner Bit

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Best part: fulton woodworking tools hex shank forstner bit costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. It comes with seven of the most commonly used drilling diameter forstner bits included, so you’ll be able to perform a wide variety of flat bottom or through hole drilling applications. It is made from high carbon steel, these forstner bits are perfect for repeated flat bottom hole or through hole drilling. It is sharpened on honed right out of the box and is ready for use.

The set comes in a wooden box that folds back to lay completely flat or stand vertically to view your bits. It has a projecting center point for absolute precision when initiating the drilling process. It can be used in battery operated hand drills, manually operated hand drills and drill press machines. The center point allows you to precisely position the bit before drilling ensuring the accuracy needed for your woodworking project.

Why We Like This: