Topic
Bits and blades
Bits and blades decide how clean and fast a cordless tool cuts. The right shank for the chuck and the right point for the material matter more than the brand.
- Shanks
- Round · 1/4 in hex · SDS plus · SDS max
- Wall plugs
- Match the bit to the plug size
Drill bits come in round shanks for keyless chucks, 1/4 inch hex (6.35 mm) for impact drivers, SDS plus (10 mm, grooved) for SDS drills and SDS max (18 mm) for heavy breakers.
Use HSS bits for metal, brad point bits for clean holes in wood, masonry bits with a carbide tip for brick and block, and tile and glass bits for ceramic, without hammer.
Saw blades are sized by diameter, bore and tooth count. Match the diameter and bore to the saw, and choose more teeth for a fine finish on trim and fewer for fast rip cuts in carcassing.
Guides on this topic
- Which drill bit for which wall plug?Common UK colour coded wall plugs matched to typical masonry bit sizes and screw gauges, with tips for brick, block, plasterboard and SDS bits.Guide
- What is an oscillating multi-tool used for?Flush cuts in door frames, plunge cuts in floors, grout removal and detail sanding: what an oscillating multi-tool does and how to use one.Guide
- SDS drill bits explained: types, lengths and tipsSDS plus and SDS max bits explained: two and four cutter tips, flutes, working and overall length, chisels and when to replace a worn SDS drill bit.Guide
- Multi-tool vs reciprocating sawOscillating multi-tools make precise plunge and flush cuts; reciprocating saws make fast rough cuts. See which jobs suit each and whether you need both.Comparison
- Are multi-tool blades universal? OIS, Starlock and moreUniversal fit blades, OIS and the three Starlock levels explained, and which oscillating multi-tools take which blades, with listing examples.Guide
- Mitre and circular saw blades: teeth, bore and kerfTooth count, hook angle, bore size and thin kerf blades for cordless saws explained, with which blade to fit for ripping, crosscuts and trim.Guide
- How to remove grout with a multi-toolHow to remove old grout quickly with an oscillating multi-tool: choosing carbide or diamond grout blades, depth, angle, dust control and protecting tile edges.How-to
- How long do circular saw blades last?Signs a circular or mitre saw blade is dull, how to clean resin build up, when resharpening a TCT blade is worth it and what shortens blade life.Guide