When you need to bore holes with diameters larger than what regular twist drill bits can handle, you have a few options including auger bits and spade bits. The latter is often the best solution if you are looking for a “quick-and-dirty” way – for example when you need to make a hole to pass cables through.
Below, I take a look at seven spade drill bit sets that you should take a look at if you are looking to get a set for yourself. Before jumping into the full list and reviews, here is the one I recommend checking out: Bosch NS5006 6-Piece Spade Bit Set.
Top Pick: Bosch NS5006 6-Piece Spade Bit Set
A well-known name in the tool industry, Bosch did not let us down with this spade bit set. It comes with six bits ranging from 1/2-inch to 1-1/4-inches. The bits are fully threaded which means they will grip and drill through wood without an issue.
The engineers at Bosch but a lot of work into these bits – they have nail-cutting durability and superior drill speed. That’s right, this is one of the few, if not the only, series of wood-boring bits that can drill through nails. These bits won’t even hesitate as they drill through the wood.
They feature contoured paddles which means that the chips are removed quicker allowing you to drill faster. They come in a fancy carrying pack to make sure you always have your bits on you when you’re on the site.
They also have reinforced reamer cutting edges. In fact, those are the reason why it can cut through nails so easily.
Runner-Up: Irwin SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove Pro
Top of the list is Irwin’s SPEEDBOR Blue-Groove Pro drill bit set. This set comes with 17-pieces, so you’re sure to find a bit for every occasion.
Irwin’s trademark Blue-Groove point and cutting edge boasts chip removal of up to 4 times faster than their competitors’ spade bits. Each bit also comes with a large shank that adds a lot of durability to these pieces.
All of the flat bits will fit into standard quick-change chucks which means you don’t need an expensive upgrade. This means that these bits are also very convenient when it comes to change-overs.
The extra engineering done by the guys at Irwin means that each paddle bit has a hex shank. These special shanks keep slippage at a minimum in the chuck, resulting in a more efficient transfer of power.
Budget-Friendly Option: DeWalt DW1587
A brand synonymous with budget-friendly, DeWalt’s spade bits take this crown.
Their six-piece set comes with spade bits from 3/8-inch to 1-inch. These bits are made in China, and they tout a length of just under 9 inches. This set is very versatile and features a ball groove shank that’s compatible with most of the drills available.
The bits have a Max Life corner which DeWalt provides to preserve nail life. Additionally, they have an Extreme Speed Channel on each bit to make chip removal a breeze.
Despite being budget-friendly, these bits are surprisingly heavy-duty and have good durability. This set is perfect for the casual user.
The Alternatives: Products Also Worth Considering
While I recommend getting one of the three spade bit sets mentioned above, if you did not find one you like among those, you might also want to consider the four products below.
Ansen Tools AN 303 Extra-Long Spade Bits
For your 1/4-inch or larger power drill, you can consider using Ansen’s set of spade bits. They are longer than most other series of bits, measuring around 12-inches each.
This set provides you with six different nominally sized spade bits ranging from 3/8-inch to 1-inch. The length offered in this set makes it a good candidate for use with drywall or plywood.
The downside of this set is that there are conflicting reviews, some of which are about the quality of the bits. Even with that in mind, this set seems to be well worth it if you need the extra length.
Craftsman 9-20919 13-Piece Spade Bit Set
Next on the list is Craftsman’s package of spade bits. Their set comes with 13 bits and a professional metal storage rack to keep them organized.
This set ranges from a 1/4-inch bit to a 1-inch bit. The bits are made specifically for use with wood and can fit into a standard quick-change chuck. These bits also come with a lifetime warranty, showing how much confidence Craftsman has in their product.
They cut very well through wood, and the bits have a length around eight inches meaning they can be used for a variety of projects.
Workpro 13-Piece Set
Workpro’s spade drill set comes with 13 pieces and a convenient nylon storage pouch. Their set comes with sizes ranging from 1/4-inch all the way up to 1-1/2-inch. These bits are made from polished heat-treated carbon steel. This means longer life and higher durability for you.
Their spade bits have some extra built-in features.
One of those is a double-sided cutting edge which makes for quick and effortless drilling. Another cool feature is their quick-change hex shank which means you can use a quick-change chuck for these bits. This shank also helps to reduce the slipping in your chuck and prevents the bit from falling out of your drill.
Workpro also added extra measures to help remove chips quickly with their specially fluted tip. The manufacturing quality of these bits is impressive, and they will fit into almost any drill chuck.
Comoware Paddle Flat Bit Set
The last spade drill bit set on this list comes from Comoware.
This little-known tool manufacturer offers a 13-piece set. Their sizes range from 1/4-inch all the way to 1-1/2-inches. Their 13-piece set is carbon steel and sandblasted which gives the bits a good finish and great durability.
The Comoware bits are all designed to fit a quick-change chuck. They will fit into most drills. The set comes with a convenient portable carrying case that makes storage and organizing easy.
Each of their bits has a groove to get rid of chips, allowing you to drill faster. They also offer double-side cutting edge meaning that the tool will speed through the wood you’re cutting.
Summary
If you need to make a clean hole into a workpiece, spade bits are not the right choice. In that case, you might want to consider Forstner bits instead. However, if all you need to do is bore a hole larger than regular twist drill bits can make, then getting a set of spade bits will make your life easier.
While there are dozens and dozens of different sets made by a lot of different brands on the market, I recommend starting your search with one of the seven mentioned above.
If you can afford it, I definitely recommend going with the top pick, the Irwin SPEEDBOR set. If you do not need as many bits, then consider one of the other sets like Bosch NS5006 and Craftsman’s 13-piece one.
Finally, if you are on a budget, I recommend DeWalt’s DW1587.