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Step 1
Know the application for the drill bit. You need to know what material you want to use the drill bit on: wood, concrete or metal. Also, know what kind and size of hole you want to create with your drill.
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Step 2
Determine the material of the drill bit. Some of the most typical materials are steel bits, high-speed steel (HSS) bits, titanium coated bits and cobalt bits. Steel bits are the most common, but can dull quickly when drilling into hard woods. HSS bits and titanium-coated bits are harder and stay sharp longer than steel bits but also cost more. Cobalt bits are extremely hard and are good for drilling into metal.
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Step 3
Find the type of drill bit you need. There are several different types of drill bits for almost any job. Twist bits are the most common and are used to make small holes in many materials. Spade bits have a large, flat surface and can drill larger holes in wood. Masonry bits are used to drill into stone and concrete. Hole-saw bits can be used to cut holes from 1/2 inch to six inches in wood or metal.
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Step 4
Get a good set of HSS twist bits. You will likely use twist bits more than any other bits so be sure to have a good, large set that will not dull easily. Also, be sure to have some screwdriver bits for your drill to drive or remove screws quickly.
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Step 5
Pick up a left hand bit if you don't have one. Left-hand bits will help you extract broken right-hand threaded screws and bolts.
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Step 6
Be sure that the drill bit will fit the chuck on your drill. Chucks on drills are usually 1/8 inch, 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch. Larger chucks can handle smaller bits, but smaller chucks cannot accommodate larger bits.
