Auger bit vs Drill bit

An auger bit is a long drill bit commonly used to drill holes in wood and plastic. Woodworkers use augers to drill deep holes for a variety of applications, such as wood framing, stacked furniture, gardening, and plumbing.

But what makes an auger bit different from other drill bits?

Here in this article, we will go through the different aspects that make the auger bit different from other drill bits. We will also know why to choose an auger drill bit for wood, including the advantages and disadvantages of an auger bit. Don't forget to check out the pros and cons of using an auger bit.

What are Auger bits?

Auger drill bits are specialized drilling tools used to drill deep and clean holes, mainly in wood. It features a helical screw-like tip which is used for efficient removal of material. It also helps the bit to self-drill into the wood. Minimal surface pressure is needed for this. Auger bits also have spiral flutes, which enable quick chip removal. It prevents clogging and provides clean and accurate cuts.

Auger bits are mainly used for:

• Woodworking: drilling deep holes in wood.
• Ice fishing: drilling holes in ice for fishing.
• Outdoor constructions: this includes fence installation and other structures.
• Tree planting: making holes for tree planting.
• Mining and other constructions.

What are other drill bits?

Other drill bits refer to the drill bits which are not an auger bit. This includes a variety of drill bits used for several applications. Some of the common drill bits are:

• Forstner bits
• Masonry bits
• Spade bits
• Twist drill bits
• Step drill bits 
• Brad point drill bits

Why Choose an Auger bit over other drill bits 

Everywhere when it comes to drilling deep holes, whether for making furniture or drilling holes for gardening and planting, there is the use of an auger bit. There is hardly any woodworking business where an auger bit is not used. They are used for multiple applications. That's why auger bits are also known as multipurpose drill bits.

The auger drill bit is most commonly used to drill deep holes in wood. The Auger bit has a sharp screw on the tip that guides the bit in the right direction and makes drilling easier.

Auger bits have been used for centuries and are still the first choice of woodworkers.

What is so special about the auger bits that makes them so reliable and different from other drill bits?

In answer to this question, let’s have a comparison between the auger bit with other drill bits.

Auger bit Vs. Other Drill bits

How the auger bit is different from the spade bit, brad-point bit, Forstner bit, and hole saw. Let’s compare.

Auger Bit vs. Spade Bit

The first thing that makes augers better than spade bits is their efficiency. Augers are much more efficient than spade bits, as they can boreholes with more fine finishing in less time. The second thing that makes augers so special is the low drilling force; spade bits require more downward force to drill than auger bits, and for this reason, auger bits make drilling holes much easier. 

Spade bits are ideal for applications where the number of holes is more important than fine finishing.

Auger Bit vs Brad Point Bit

An auger bit is better than a brad-point bit for drilling a deeper or larger-diameter hole. Although brad-point bits have shallow spurs, which makes them an ideal bit for drilling dowels (used for furniture shelf supports).

Auger Bit vs Forstner Bit

An auger drill bit is more useful than a Forstner bit for removing waste material from a borehole (during drilling). Although Forstner bits can drill faster and are capable of producing a flat bottom hole, whereas auger bits have a larger guide screw, they cannot produce a flat bottom hole.

Auger Bit vs Hole Saw

Auger bits are ideal for drilling large, deep holes, whereas hole saws cannot drill deep holes. However, hole saws are ideal for drilling larger diameter holes, but auger bits can’t. (Read More: Auger bit vs Hole saw)

Now that you know all the important aspects that make auger bits different from other drill bits, let's move on to the advantages of using an auger bit.

What Are The Advantages Of Using An Auger Drill Bit?

The following are the important benefits of using an auger bit:

1. Drill Depth: Auger drill bits can drill deep holes (up to 600mm or 31") in wood. This characteristic makes auger bits ideal for multiple woodworking jobs, such as drilling holes for furniture making, gardening, planting, and material mixing.

2. Quality of Holes: For better quality holes, Auger Bits have sharp spurs on the edge of the tip that drill a uniform and smooth hole throughout the complete drilling process.

3. Easy Drilling: Drilling through an auger bit does not require much downward force because it has a guide screw on top. The guide screw thread makes it easier to drill into the wood with less force.

4. Easy to Remove Waste Material: An auger bit wide and deep flight feature is useful for fast removal of waste material (wood scraps and shavings); this also avoids blockage of the hole. Single-twist auger bits are most effective at removing waste material and can deep holes without the drill bit popping out even once.

Auger Drill Bit: Pros and Cons