Spade Drill Bits: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Project

Understanding different drill bits is one of the most important things for mastering the art of drilling. Among a variety of drill bits, the spade drill bits turn out to be very handy for a lot of woodworkers. The best part is that you are not only limited to wood when using a spade drill bit you can work on metal as well.

Whether you just heard about them, or you want to know more about them, we have the perfect guide for you. Here we will share everything about spade drill bits.

So, if you are entering the world of drilling, and thinking of mastering the art, this is the perfect place for you to learn about spade drill bits.

Let’s get going.

What is a Spade Drill Bit?

A spade drill bit is a special kind of drill bit that can drill holes of varying sizes in wood, and sometimes metal. They are mostly flat and wide in shape with a sharp central point that gives you precise positioning for initial drilling stages. The bit is capable of rapidly removing the material using its two cutting edges as soon as it spins.

Types of Spade Drill Bits

There are primarily three types of spade drill bits:

• Standard Spade Bits: Standard drill bits are the most common type of drill bits. They tend to have a fixed diameter and are useful for general drilling purposes.
• Adjustable Spade Bits: With adjustable spade bits you can easily adjust the cutting edges by changing the hole diameter. It helps you get more flexibility in the drilling process without purchasing multiple bits.
• Pilot-Point Spade Bits: As the name suggests, the pilot-point spade bits come with a pilot point to help you guide the bit and avoid slipping issues.

What Does a Spade Drill Bit Do?

The functionality of a spade drill bit is quite similar to a regular drill bit. But there are some special features of the bits that make it unique compared to a regular drill bit. These features make the bit perfect for:

• Creating large holes: You can make large holes for electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and other similar applications where you need wide openings.
• Cutting out circular shapes: To cut out the perfect circular shape out of materials, spade bits work the best. These make it suitable for creating decorative elements or custom designs.
• Mortising and tenoning: In woodworking, spade bits are used to create mortises and tenons for joinery techniques.

What are the Best Spade Drill Bits in Australia?

Now, we will get into finding out the best spade drill bits you can find in Australia. All of them deliver in terms of performance and quality, the difference is just their sizes and application for your projects.

TurboBORE 13mm Spade Bit

Starting with the smallest in the batch, the TurboBore 13mm spade bit is perfect for creating small holes in various materials. They work great for both DIY and professional use cases.

Key Features

• Get rapid, clean cuts across a variety of materials, including wood, plastics, and more with the finely tuned 13mm bit.
• The TurboBORE spade bit is precision-engineered to a 13mm diameter for achieving flawless boreholes with ease.
• You can work on projects like woodworking to complex installations the spade bit can handle everything.
• The bits are compatible with almost all kinds of standard drill models out there.

TurboBORE 14mm Spade Bit

Experience making potential improvements to your DIY woodworking projects with the help of this TurboBORE 14mm Spade Bit. Planned to beat the opposite, this piece provides impossibly huge precision and potency.

Key Features

• The TurboBORE 14mm Spade Bit uses high-end technology to deliver unmatched drilling speed and precision.
• It has a solid construction that provides reliable performance for both casual DIYers and seasoned professionals.
• This spade bit is capable of producing clean, accurate holes to achieve flawless results with minimal effort.
• Its advanced features strike the perfect balance between power and control, allowing both novices and experts to achieve exceptional results effortlessly.

TurboBORE 16mm Spade Bit

Planning to work on a 16mm project? Then, you should definitely get this TurboBore 16mm spade bit for your next job. It has a highly accurate cutting tool with fine craftsmanship, intended to improve the result of woodworking projects.

Key Features

• The TurboBORE 16mm Spade Bit incorporates cutting-edge design elements to ensure blazing-fast, efficient drilling.
• Featuring meticulously crafted cutting edges, this spade bit consistently produces immaculate and precise bore holes.
• From dense hardwoods to pliable softwoods and modern composites, the TurboBORE 16mm Spade Bit tackles it all with ease.
• Its shank is engineered for broad compatibility, seamlessly integrating with most drill models.

TurboBORE 18mm Spade Bit

Cut through your woodworking projects with ease. The TurboBORE 18mm Spade Bit is a precision tool built for speed. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a DIY enthusiast, this bit will elevate your woodworking game.

Key Features

• You can get exact holes, with the 18mm spade bit with an extreme level of accuracy for various applications.
• The TurboBORE 18mm Spade Bit sets a new standard for durability and consistency, becoming the reliable cornerstone of your workshop.
• The innovative hex shank configuration ensures a rock-solid, slip-resistant grip, facilitating effortless attachment to your drill.
• TurboBORE's dedication to quality and user satisfaction is evident in every aspect of the 18mm Spade Bit.

TurboBORE 19mm Spade Bit

Experience the TurboBORE 19mm Spade Bit, a cutting-edge tool designed to make your projects a breeze. Its superior performance and durability make it a must-have for any workshop.

Key Features

• The bit features advanced cutting dynamics, that help with rapid and precise drilling in wood and similar materials.
• It has razor-sharp craftsmanship, making the bit consistently deliver clean and accurate boreholes.
• This spade bit caters to a diverse range of drilling needs with its exceptional cutting edge.
• The 1/4-inch hex shank design ensures broad compatibility and quick bit changes.

TurboBORE 22mm Spade Bit

Boost your drilling efficiency with the TurboBORE 22mm Spade Bit. It’s the perfect tool for tackling a variety of projects. Its versatility and power make it a valuable addition to any toolbox.

Key Features

• The innovative drilling technology of the spade bit helps it get exceptional speed and efficiency across various materials.
• This Spade Bit excels in a wide range of materials, from wood, and plastics, to metal.
• It comes with powerful craftsmanship producing holes with impeccably smooth edges and minimal splintering.
• The 22mm size strikes the perfect balance for various applications, making it a must-have addition to any toolkit.

TurboBORE 25mm Spade Bit

If you are looking for a premium spade bit to include in your toolkit, then invest in the TurboBore 25mm spade bit. This bit delivers exceptional precision and efficiency in drilling applications to make your drilling projects a cakewalk.

Key Features

• Achieve clean and accurate boreholes with the TurboBORE Spade Bit's precision-engineered design.
• This spade bit is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
• The bit's user-friendly design and ergonomic grip provide comfort and control.
• Its design fits most drills, ensuring seamless integration with your existing equipment.

TurboBORE 30mm Spade Bit

Drilling a 30mm hole has never been easier thanks to the TurboBORE 30mm Spade Bit. The bit can deliver exceptional precision and power, ensuring clean, round holes in wood or metal.

Key Features

• Experience the speed and efficiency of TurboBORE's 30mm Spade Bit.
• The TurboBORE 30mm Spade Bit is designed to withstand rigorous use, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• The versatile design of the bit is suitable for a wide range of woodworking applications.
• Its easy-to-use design and non-slip hex shank make it usable for all skill levels.

TurboBORE 32mm Spade Bit

The TurboBORE 32mm Spade Bit offers a combination of speed, precision, versatility, and durability. Whether you're a professional or a DIY enthusiast, this tool will elevate your drilling experience and help you achieve exceptional results.

Key Features

• Enjoy precise and accurate drilling results thanks to the bit's precision-engineered design.
• The 32mm TurboBORE Spade Bit is suitable for a wide range of materials, including hardwood, softwood, and composites
• It has got easy and quick changes design, that helps you work on your project seamlessly.
• The flute design is optimized for efficient chip removal that prevents it from clogging and ensures a smooth drilling experience.

TurboBORE 38mm Spade Bit

For those industrial and construction holes in your projects, TurboBore 38mm spade bit is the perfect solution. It’s the largest spade drill bit you can get to complete industrial and commercial drilling projects without too much struggle.

Key Features

• The TurboBORE 38mm Spade Bit delivers unmatched drilling accuracy and speed, thanks to its advanced TurboBORE technology.
• With a 38mm diameter, this bit is suitable for a wide range of applications, including framing, plumbing, and electrical work.
• The optimized flute geometry ensures smooth drilling by efficiently removing chips.
• Designed with a 1/4-inch hex shank, this spade bit is compatible with most drills, making it easy to use and store.

How to Drill Straight With a Spade Bit for Metal and Wood?

Drilling straight with a spade drill bit isn’t as straightforward as regular drill bits. You will need to follow some key techniques to get straight holes while using a spade drill bit for metal and wood.

Here’s how to use a spade drill bit to drill straight through metal and wood:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Drill Bit

Choose a spade bit that's just slightly larger in diameter than the desired hole size. Just make sure that the bit is rated for your material, whether it be wood or metal. In general, a spade drill bit for metal will be more robust and pricier.

Step 2: Prepare the Workpiece

Marker or pencil to help you note the centre point where your hole will be drilled. Clamp the workpiece firmly wherever feasible to prevent it from moving during drilling.

Step 3: Drill a Pilot Hole

If drilling into a tough substance like metal, creating a pilot hole prior to using the spade bit by making use of a very basic drill bit can provide guidance and prevent it from wandering.

Step 4: Apply Cutting Fluid

If you are going to drill into metal, you will need to use some cutting fluid or lubricating oil to reduce the friction while drilling. Using these can help you prevent any overheating issues and enhance the cutting action as well.

Step 5: Start Drilling

Align the spade bit directly on top of where you made a mark with your nail. Now, softly push while rotating your drill downwards. Try not to push down too much as it may result in uneven cutting or even wear and tear of the bit itself. Grasp the drill with both hands to keep it steady and prevent pitching.

Step 6: Monitor Progress

If you feel the bit getting hot, make sure to take a break and allow the bit to cool down. Because overheating can dull the bit or cause it to break, so you have to avoid that.

Step 7: Complete the Hole

To complete the hole properly, you have to keep applying steady pressure onto the workpiece until the spade bit has cut through the material.

How to Sharpen a Spade Drill Bit for Drilling?

If you want to make your spade drill bits last for a long time, you have to sharpen drill bit frequently.

Here's how you can sharpen a spade drill bit:

1. Firstly, ensure that you have disconnected the bit from any power source before you even start sharpening.

2. Next, carefully look at the cutting edges of the bit to find any signs of dullness or chipping.

[Note: If there is wear and damage on the spade drill bit, it’s better to replace it than to sharpen it.]

 

3. Now, to sharpen the drill bit you need a flat file with a coarse grit. Then, hold the file at a slight angle to the cutting edge and move it in a smooth, consistent motion.

4. Keep in mind that you don’t want to alter the original angle of the teeth, as it can hamper the performance of the bit.

5. Make sure not to oversharpen the bit. Only sharpen enough to restore the cutting edges.

6. Once you are done, test the bit on a scrap piece of material to check if it cuts cleanly and efficiently.

What are the Common Spade Bit Sizes for Drilling?

Common drill spade bit sizes typically range from 13mm to 38mm or larger. However, the specific sizes available can vary depending on the manufacturer and intended applications.

Here are some of the most frequently used spade bit sizes. You can get small spade drill bits and some extra long spade drill bits depending on your needs.

Spade Bit Size	Spade Drill Bit Uses
13mm	Smaller holes, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures.
16mm	Versatile, electrical work, woodworking.
19mm	Larger holes in wood or metal.
22mm	Holes for pipes or conduit.
25mm	Various projects, woodworking, metalworking.
30mm	Larger holes, ventilation, and plumbing fixtures.
32mm	Larger projects.
38mm	Very large holes, construction, industrial applications.

 

FAQs about Adjustable Spade Drill Bits

Still, have some questions in your mind? Then, check out the answers to some of the most popular questions regarding spade drill bits.

What is the main use of a spade?

The main use of a spade drill bit is its ability to create large-diameter holes in different kinds of materials. Whether you work on wood, metal or plastic, the perfect spade bit will get the job done for you. Some applications include electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and wide openings.

What is another name for a spade bit?

Another name for spade drill bits is woodboring drill bits, or some people also call them paddle drill bits.

Should I drill a pilot hole for a spade bit?

It’s not mandatory to drill a pilot hole for a spade bit, it’s just a common technique for professional woodworkers to get better accuracy. They like to start with a pilot hole drilled using a smaller twist bit. The spade drill bit's pilot tip is then aligned with the pilot hole, and the speed is gradually increased to complete the drilling process.

Can I use a spade bit instead of a drill bit?

Yes, you can, but spade bits are particularly useful for creating large-diameter holes, offering a wider range of sizes than traditional twist drill bits

Can a spade bit drill metal?

Yes, spade bits are not limited to woodworking. Some models can also drill through thin metals. Additionally, they are ideal for creating large-diameter and flat-bottom holes. Spade bits are available in various sizes, including 1/2 inch, 1 inch, and 1-1/2 inch.

Conclusion

Summing it up, a spade drill bit can be a very handy tool to have in your drilling arsenal, especially if you work with wood and metal. They are the perfect bit for creating precise round holes with the utmost precision.

And if you are in search of some top-quality spade drill bits, then BitBuddy can help you out with the best options.