What drill bit should I use for a 5mm screw?

For a 5mm wood screw, use a pilot hole of around 3.5mm to 4mm depending on the timber. This ensures the screw threads grip properly while reducing the risk of splitting and improving fixing strength.

Do you always need a pilot hole when using wood screws?

Pilot holes are recommended when using wood screws, especially in hardwoods or near edges. A correctly sized drill bit helps prevent splitting, makes screws easier to drive, and keeps fixings straight and secure.

What are the different types of drill bits used for?

Different drill bits are designed for specific materials. Wood drill bits have a centre point for accuracy, HSS drill bits are used for metal, and masonry drill bits feature a carbide tip for drilling brick and concrete.

What drill bit is best for wood?

Brad-point drill bits are best for wood as they provide clean, accurate holes and prevent wandering. Standard wood drill bits are also suitable for general drilling in timber and boards.

How do I choose the correct drill bit size for a screw?

The correct drill bit size usually matches the core diameter of the screw (excluding threads). This allows the threads to bite into the material while preventing splitting and ensuring a secure fixing.

Where can I find the correct drill bit size for my screw?

If you are unsure which drill bit size to use, try the pilot hole calculator on Xcatalogue. It helps you quickly select the correct size based on screw diameter and material type.

What size drill bit for a 3.5mm screw?

For a 3.5mm wood screw, a pilot hole of around 2mm to 2.5mm is typically used depending on the material. Softer woods use smaller pilot holes, while hardwoods may require slightly larger sizes to avoid splitting.

What makes hex drill bits better than standard round-shank bits?

Hex drill bits feature a 1/4″ hexagonal shank that locks securely into quick-change chucks and impact drivers. This design prevents slippage, increases torque transfer by up to six times, and eliminates bit “walking” when starting holes — giving you faster, cleaner results with less effort.

Can these titanium-coated bits drill through metal?

Yes. The titanium nitride (TiN) coating reduces friction and resists heat buildup, allowing smooth drilling through light metals such as aluminium, copper, and thin steel sheet. For thicker or hardened metals, use cutting fluid and moderate speed to extend bit life.

Are these hex drill bits compatible with all drills and impact drivers?

Absolutely. Each bit has a universal 1/4″ hex shank that fits any quick-change chuck, standard drill-driver, or cordless impact driver. You can swap bits in seconds — ideal for fast-paced workshop or on-site use.

What sizes are included in the 13-piece Imperial set?

The set covers the most common Imperial sizes for DIY and trade work: 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 11/64″, 3/16″, 13/64″, 7/32″, 15/64″, and 1/4″ — all neatly organised in a durable storage case.

drill bits Archives

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13-Piece Imperial Hex Shank Titanium-Plated Drill Bit Set
Rated 4.80 out of 5
£ 11.99
9 in stock | 34 sold
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13-Piece METRIC Hex Shank Titanium-Plated Drill Bit Set
£ 6.99
10 in stock | 5 sold
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3-Piece 90° Countersink Set – 12/16/19mm Hex Shank, 5-Flute Black Chamfer Bits
£ 5.95
1 in stock | 5 sold
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3pcs Impact Grade HEX Shank Socket Adaptors 1/4″ – 3/8″ and 1/2″
£ 6.00
5 in stock | 16 sold
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4x Quality Carpentry Countersink Drill Bit Set – Woodworking Pilot Hole Drilling
£ 6.46
2 in stock | 17 sold
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5-Piece HSS Countersink Drill Bit Set – Hex Shank Pilot Hole Bits for Woodworking
£ 6.99
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6pcs Flat Spade Woodworking Drill Bit Set
Rated 5.00 out of 5
£ 8.95
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8 Piece Wood Drill Bit Set 3–10mm – Brad Point Woodworking Bits with Storage Holder
£ 6.95
1 in stock | 17 sold
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99pcs Titanium Coated HSS Drill Bit Set in Organised Storage Case – for Metal, Wood & Plastic
Rated 5.00 out of 5
£ 22.98
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Drill Bit Sharpener Attachment for Angle Grinder 4–12mm Grinding Tool
£ 5.53
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Drill Bit Sharpener for Angle Grinder 2–13mm – 24 Hole Sharpening Jig
£ 7.37
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Hex Shank Multi-Material Drill Bit Set 3–12mm – Glass, Tile, Masonry, Concrete, Wood
Price range: £ 4.15 through £ 5.03
| 2 sold
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HSS DRILL BIT SET 1.5mm – 6.5mm Plastic/Wood/Metal Kit
£ 6.99
8 in stock | 14 sold
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Metric HSS Tungsten Carbide Tipped Drill Bit Set
Rated 5.00 out of 5
£ 9.99
2 in stock | 27 sold
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Right Angled Drill Attachment – For Screwdriver, Nut & Hex Shank Drill Bits (Black)
£ 4.99
15 in stock | 26 sold
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Step Drill Bits – Titanium HSS Cone Cutters (4-12mm, 3-12mm, 4-20mm)
£ 8.54
2 in stock | 22 sold
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13-Piece Imperial Hex Shank Titanium-Plated Drill Bit Set

13-Piece METRIC Hex Shank Titanium-Plated Drill Bit Set

3-Piece 90° Countersink Set – 12/16/19mm Hex Shank, 5-Flute Black Chamfer Bits

3pcs Impact Grade HEX Shank Socket Adaptors 1/4″ – 3/8″ and 1/2″

4x Quality Carpentry Countersink Drill Bit Set – Woodworking Pilot Hole Drilling

5-Piece HSS Countersink Drill Bit Set – Hex Shank Pilot Hole Bits for Woodworking

6pcs Flat Spade Woodworking Drill Bit Set

8 Piece Wood Drill Bit Set 3–10mm – Brad Point Woodworking Bits with Storage Holder

99pcs Titanium Coated HSS Drill Bit Set in Organised Storage Case – for Metal, Wood & Plastic

Drill Bit Sharpener Attachment for Angle Grinder 4–12mm Grinding Tool

Drill Bit Sharpener for Angle Grinder 2–13mm – 24 Hole Sharpening Jig

Hex Shank Multi-Material Drill Bit Set 3–12mm – Glass, Tile, Masonry, Concrete, Wood

HSS DRILL BIT SET 1.5mm – 6.5mm Plastic/Wood/Metal Kit

Metric HSS Tungsten Carbide Tipped Drill Bit Set

Right Angled Drill Attachment – For Screwdriver, Nut & Hex Shank Drill Bits (Black)

Step Drill Bits – Titanium HSS Cone Cutters (4-12mm, 3-12mm, 4-20mm)

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