When it comes to drilling different materials, plastic may be one of the easiest to work with. However, drilling plastic and not cracking or damaging it can be challenging, especially if you use the wrong type of drill bit.
When drilling plastic, you shouldn’t use a traditional, standard drill bit as this will cause the material to crack or break. But, choosing the right drill bit for the job can be just as tricky as drilling into the hardest materials. Don’t worry, though, as we are here to help!
Drill bits for plastic should be made of high-speed steel or cobalt because these materials can withstand the high temperatures that are sometimes generated when drilling through plastic.
Additionally, the drill bits should have a 135-degree split point tip to help prevent slipping and a smooth, polished finish to reduce friction and heat build-up.
When drilling through plastic, it’s important to use a low-speed setting and to frequently withdraw the drill bit from the material to allow it to cool down. This will help to prevent the plastic from melting and will ensure a clean, accurate hole.
Some other tips for drilling through plastic include using a lubricant, such as wax or soap, to reduce friction and heat build-up, and using a clamp or vise to hold the plastic in place while drilling.
Still confused? Don’t worry! Today, we are going to guide you through the best drill bits for drilling through plastic with our selection of the top 5 products on the market.
We will also explore the pros and cons of each drill bit so you can make an informed decision on which one you’d like to use.
Best Drill Bits For Plastic
COMOWARE Step Drill Bit Set
We start our list with this top-quality Comoware drill bit set featuring five versatile bits and 50 various sized drill bits. This also comes with a protective anodized aluminum case to keep your drill bits safe and organized for when you need them.
These drill bits are ideal for drilling into metal, word work, and/or plastic.
Made from high-speed steel with a coating of titanium metal, these drill bits are extremely durable and of the highest quality. And, unlike many drill bits, these will not get marked by metal shavings if working on metallic surfaces.
Whether you need to drill plastic on-site, at home, or in the workshop, this Comoware drill bit set will be your faithful companion. Included is a 1/32 drill bit that is ideal for drilling pilot holes in smaller pieces of furniture and smaller plastic items.
Thanks to the accompanying case, the set is portable and very convenient, and should be a part of every toolbox.
Pros
- Coated in titanium – drill bits are strong and durable for long lasting use
- Features a center punch – can palace this on either end of the drill bit so you can make pre-drilled holes easily
- Comes with an aluminum case – protects the drill bits from corrosion and makes them easier to transport when needed
Cons
- Case can be a little weak – some customers have reported that the case can break easily when not handled appropriately
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QWORK Multi-Material Drill Bit Set
The clue is in the name of this QWORK multi-material drill bit set. Yep, it can be used on all types of materials from metal to wood and, of course, plastic.
This five-piece set comes with various drill bits with tips constructed from tungsten carbide. That means they are capable of drilling through rigid, hardy materials with ease.
You’d think that the bits would be pretty heavy being so tough but the tool kit is actually relatively small and light. Therefore, it is easy to transport around when required.
The five-piece set features five sizes – 6, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm – but there are also six, eight, and ten-piece sets available, too with various bit sizes.
As for the five-piece set, there are three cutting edges on the bit’s heads for faster, smoother drills. Moreover, you can use these drill bits by hand or with a drill.
The quality of these drill bits is exceptional. They are all made from supreme quality, ultra durable material for long-lasting, reliable use.
Just keep in mind that you may need to use some lubrication when using these drill bits on harder materials, such as heavy-duty metals.
Pros
- Head is constructed from tungsten carbide – the heads of these drills are so strong that they can easily drill through rigid materials
- Comes with two separate working heights – allows for high and low working with ease
- Lightweight and versatile – easy to transport for jobs around the house or the workplace and can be used on a variety of materials
Cons
- Can only be used with a compatible QWORK power drill – need to purchase a particular power drill to use these
WORKPRO 3-Piece Step Drill Bit Set
DIY drilling jobs can be made easier when using this WorkPro 3-piece step drill bit set. Invest in this kit and you will be effortlessly drilling through plastic and other materials with absolute ease.
These drill bits have quick-change hex shanks for easier and faster bit changes on the job and they provide a more stable and secure connection between the drill bit and the drill itself.
You can use the bits in metric or SAE measurements, so you don’t have to transfer measurements into another, saving time and brain power!
This three-piece WorkPro drill bit set is built to last. The bits are corrosion-resistant thanks to a coating of titanium. They are ideal for drilling into aluminum, wood, sheet metal, and all kinds of plastic.
They also boast high-speed steel cores for extra strength and durability. So, whether you want to drill large or small holes, these bits will do the job well.
Also, the fronts of the drill bits are designed with a rib pattern to prevent any slipping and sliding.
Screw shanks are included with these bits for extra tightness when secured to a power drill. This means they are safe and reliable to use every time.
Pros
- Quick change hex shanks – can be changed quickly and easily without the use of any other tools
- Titanium coated – resistant to corrosion for long lasting use
- Features a long screw shank – acts as a guide to maintain perfect alignment between the drill bit and the material
Cons
- Not the best with hardwoods – if you need to drill in to hardwoods, such as cedar or pine, these drill bits may leave a rough finish
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DKIBBITH 10 Pcs Masonry Drill Bits
Next up we have these excellent DKIBBITH drill bits that will act as the perfect accessories for any DIY project you have. Whether you need to drill holes in a brick wall, a glass pane, concrete, ceramic tiles, or plastic, these bits will do the job nicely.
If you are on the prowl for a versatile drill bit set that can do it all, this 10-piece set may be the one for you. All ten pieces are of different sizes to suit different jobs around the house or at work.
You can seamlessly drill holes in a variety of materials from plastic to brick and wood to glass. Moreover, each drill bit is constructed with a tungsten carbide tip to prevent breaking or chipping when in use.
Also included in this neat kit is a storage pouch to organize and keep your drill bits safe. This drill bit set is ideal for masonry work and DIY projects and will last a long time, too.
Pros
- Contains a hex shank – fits most power tools so you don’t need to go out and purchase another
- Versatile – can be used on many types of materials, including brick, masonry, glass, wood, and plastic
- Built with premium carbide alloy and anti-rust materials – made to last a very long time when used appropriately
Cons
- Not the most durable on the market – some customers have reported that the drill bits wear over time and can snap all of a sudden
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Amana Tool 3/16″ Hss Drill (HSS1522)
Last but not least, we have these Amana Tool 3/16-inch Hss drill bits. If you have a plastic project looming that requires some drilling but you can’t find the right drill bits, then these may be the right ones for you.
These top-quality drill bits may be tiny but they are almighty and powerful! They can be used to drill into various materials, such as wood, fiberglass, plastic, and other soft materials.
Each bit is secured in place with a 3/16-inch drill chuck or a drill press spindle. This design prevents the drill bit from slipping and causing a potential injury.
As with any HSS drill bit, the material you’re drilling needs to be clamped into a vice with a scrap of wood below it. This will prevent the material from slipping off and becoming damaged.
Also, these types of drill bits are known to wear a little over time, so we recommend adding a little drop of medium viscosity superglue to their tips to prevent wear and tear.
Pros
- Each bit comes with a guide shaft – helps to keep the drill bit in a secure position when drilling
- Made to last – this material is designed to last a long, as long as you use the drill bits carefully and properly
- Works on just about every type of plastic material – whatever plastic project you have, these drill bits should easily drill through
Cons
- Can be challenging to adjust the guide shaft – takes a little time to get used to using these types of drill bits and the guide shafts
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Buyer’s Guide
Now that we have taken an in-depth look at the products above and considered each one’s pros and cons, there are a few more factors to think about before making a final decision.
Below are some important things that we considered when choosing the best five drill bits, and we want you to keep these in mind when shopping for drill bits too.
Material
You have to choose the right type of drill bit to drill into plastic. If not, you stand a high chance of damaging the plastic, be that cracking it or marking it to a state of no repair.
Plastic can be drilled with various types of drill bits, including high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, and carbide.
High-speed steel bits are the most common and can work well for drilling plastic, but cobalt and carbide bits tend to be more durable and can withstand higher temperatures.
One of the most common types of bill bits for drilling plastic is a standard Twist HSS model. Often referred to as Jobber Drills, these are typically used for drilling into acrylic and plastic.
Moreover, HSS drill bits are extremely versatile and can be used on various materials, such as wood and soft metals like aluminum.
Twist drill bits are constructed from carbon steel that has been strengthened with vanadium and chromium.
When you need to drill into plastic, it is recommended to use a twist drill that has been used at least once before, too. Doing this will help prevent any burrs and marks and stop the drill from cutting into the plastic at awkward angles
Point Style
Every drill bit is designed for specific purposes. For instance, drill bits that are made for concrete are not the same as those used on plastic materials.
The main difference in drill bits is determined by a variety of factors, including their shape, what material they are made from, and their geometry.
When drilling into plastic, it is best to use a bit with a spur-point. These are also known as dowel bits, and they have a center point with a couple of spurs that are elevated to help keep the bit straight as it drills.
Thanks to the point and angle on the front of these drill bits, smooth cutting is almost always guaranteed.
These are superb for drilling plastic as they tend to leave a clean hole. No rough edges are left that may cause cracks. All in all, these bits come in a range of sizes from 3 mm to 10 mm, and can also be used in wood.
Other types of drill bits that are excellent for plastic are those with a split point or self-centering bits as they start drilling on contact and help to prevent slipping.
Size
It’s important to choose the correct size drill bit for the job. Measure the thickness of the plastic and select a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter to allow for proper clearance.
Go too big or too small and you can easily damage the material you’re working on, and, of course, the hole may be the wrong size for what you need.
Shank Style
The shank of the drill bit is the part that fits into the chuck of the drill. Choose a drill bit with a round shank for use in a standard chuck, or a hex shank for use in a quick-change chuck.
Hex shank drill bits allow for quicker, easier changes for when you need to adjust the drilling hole and it means you don’t have to use a tool to do so.
Coating
Some drill bits are coated with a material such as titanium nitride, which can help to extend the life of the bit and improve its performance when drilling through tough materials like plastic. Ensure your drill bit has a protective coating so it lasts a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Drill Bit Type Is Best For Drilling Plastic?
Overall, spur point drill bits are the best for drilling holes into plastic materials. The angle and direction on the drill bit’s front ensures that there is less stress on the hole being drilled and the gap will be smoother with fewer to no rough edges.
Even when using this type of drill, though, you should drill slowly to get the cleanest, neatest cut possible.
How Do You Drill A Hole Into Plastic Properly?
Before you start to drill, always take accurate measurements and then mark the area you wish to drill with a pencil, pen, or piece of chalk. When you set the drill to make a large hole, always use a slow drill speed. Also, use a lubricant if you’re drilling deep holes.
Keep a close eye on the area surrounding the hole you’re drilling so no damage is made and drill carefully with the right type of drill bit for your particular piece of plastic. As always, be aware at all times to keep you and others around you safe.
Jake is a tool guy – think Tim Allen from Home Improvement but with a much drier sense of humor. He lives in the great state of Ohio and plays the guitar on his downtime. He also spends his time writing on all things tools and DIY-related as this is his passion.
