The 9 Best Wood pilot Bits (2023 reviews)

The meichoon wood pilot bit is capable of outshining several other bit featured in this list in overall features. Even if you want a back up set these are definitely a good set to have. They drill an almost-flat hole, don't care if the hole intersects the edge, and drill incredibly smoothly. It has two spurs much like a spade bit. The holes are reasonably precise, although that is some tear-out. It makes a perfectly flat recess surface for the bolts/washers to grab onto.

The cuts are precise, flat bottom with clean sides. It is used to cut holes in other hardwoods (walnut) as well. It comes with care and patience, these bits will make sharp clean cuts for you.

Why We Like This:

You can keep the individual containers or combine them
Decent quality, smooth cuts in rock maple and bubinga, not exactly in a "case
Works good on the drill press

Best For hardwood: Roman Carbide Wood pilot Bit

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Roman Carbide line of bit come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The sharpening geometry of carbide for woodworking requires very sharp angles which will typically chip or break when encountering steel. This 2-1/2 Forstner bit is perfect for drilling holes to make homeade Tiki torches using. It features two carbide cross-face cutters, two outer diameter edge cutting teeth and a center spur tip for smoother, faster and chatter free cutting.

The end of the shaft is a hexagon and the side to side span is almost exactly 1/4 of an inch. The bit is fairly sharp which is particularly important on something this size (2 3/8") where even slight dulling translates to a huge increase in effort. This bit cuts quickly, leaves nice clean sides and bottom. It works best when using a very small drill bit first as a pilot.

Why We Like This:

With no hassle or headaches, sure beats any high speed steel bits
Worked very well drilling through 2" maple
Good for use in the drill press with the wood clamped down

Best For mill: Basynol Wood pilot Bit

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This product is a heavy duty bit. It can cut at angles or cut along the edges of a board with a drill press while the wood holds firmly in place on the table beneath the drill bit, something that one would be hard-pressed to do with a spade or twist drill bit. It has multiple cutting edges, so it slices throughout the rotation of the bit with less splintering and chipping, and produce perfect flat-bottom holes.

This worked well for drilling through a 2" thick wood wall for installing a conduit box. It is soft on the wood and only removes material when it is absolutely necessary. This doesn’t get overheated and smoke like the cheaper bits do.

Why We Like This:

Cuts through thin metal and wood
Worked great and stayed sharp all the way through the 100 plus holes
Good investment for long term

Best For pistol Drill: Rocaris Wood pilot Bit

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The rocaris wood pilot bit is specially designed for your daily usage and has all useful features. A lot of these bits are very rough and they look like cast iron. They're very well made, they come individually packaged, each in it's own plastic bag within their own individual plastic box. It is suitable for pistol drill, bench drill, vertical drilling machine hand held electric drill, stand motor-driven drilling machine and mobile ribbon type magnetism drilling machine, etc.

It is made from tungsten steel and is hot-treated, sharp edge, high hardness, accurate positioning, high precision, smooth cutting, impact resistance, high toughness. They're very heavy duty, the initial bore is a little rough but when it goes it goes. It can be used in wood drilling, installation of a spherical door slightly. It is good for long term use.

Why We Like This:

Comes individually wrapped in oil sheet and plastic container
Bits are good quality and cut cleanly
Cutters straight and free of nicks

Best With All standard Drill: BAIDETS Wood pilot Bit

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Next on the list, we've got yet another bit that manages to win our hearts. It's the baidets wood pilot bit and it's widely considered as bit that has the most suitable features. This drill is perfect for drilling holes for a tea candle. It takes 4x longer to drill the same hole in the same wood. This forstner bit makes holes that have sharp edges with no tearing or raggedness. It has design for fast and flawless cutting, ensures less friction and heat, which enable optimized chip removal, and longer service life.

It is compatible with all standard drill and drill press chucks. They hold tea lights and votive candles, which are 1.5" in diameter. This bit will not cut metal.

Why We Like This:

Makes a perfect hole attached to a drill
Good brand reputation

Best odd Size Forester Bit: Freud Wood pilot Bit

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The freud wood pilot bit should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. This Freud bit makes a great even cut with no burning. It is used to drill 150 holes in 3/4" plywood for a climbing wall. It's sharp, and quickly cuts a clean hole. This bit does not leave a true flat bottom. It is a useful size for using with 3/4 inch thick lumber.

Why We Like This:

Perfect for drilling climbing bolt holes
Nice clean cut with no burning
Clears chips well for a smaller forstner bit and left a great finish

Best piece: Hureson Wood pilot Bit

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The hureson wood pilot bit's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. It works well for cast iron brake rotors. It is made from high quality carbide tungsten steel and is hot-treated, sharp edge, high hardness, accurate positioning, high precision, smooth cutting, impact resistance, high toughness. The ends of each bit is round to be used in an adjustable drill chuck. It is suitable for pistol drill, bench drill, vertical drilling machine hand held electric drill, stand motor-driven drilling machine and mobile ribbon type magnetism drilling machine, etc. It is easy to use, compatible with most drill.

The set screw hole position in these upgrade rotors is inverted. They work amazing and have no trouble going through hardwoods and leave a very clean hole. More smooth, less noise. The shanks are round and can be held only on a drill chuck.

Why We Like This:

Useful tool for wood work lovers to do diy
Flat bit design, 16pcs per kit, ranges from
Delivers what they promise

Best For occasional Use: Steelex Wood pilot Bit

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention steelex wood pilot bit for regular usage. The screw tip forstner bits require less downward pressure and stay on-line better as the leading screw tip draws the larger bodied multi spur bit into workpeice. It will only allow you to go at the most 3 to 4 inches deep depending on how far you set it in the drill chuck. The adjustable tip is nice as well, since each job is slightly different.

This bit is perfect for drilling large holes in hard and soft woods. It makes it easier to back out while cutting. It comes in it’s own wooden box.

Why We Like This:

More leaning on drills and getting fatigued
Sharp, drills very well in stumps for burning
Perfect size for installing outdoor facets
Chews through wood like a warm knife sliding

Best For Hard And soft Wood: Cortool Wood pilot Bit

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Cortool has been making great bit for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. The Cortool brand feels sharper, with better attention to detail and finish. It is designed for cutting through hard and soft wood or other materials smoothly and efficiently. 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 holes using the same sized Cortool bits are created faster and are much smoother.

Speaking of the shank, it has a 3/8" hex milling at the top for a great lock in the drill press's quill. They cut nice clean holes effortlessly with no splintered edges. The hard case keeps all secure, plenty sharp, and cut through oak with ease using just a hand drill. It can be used on plexiglass, acrylic, or plastic.

Why We Like This: