Looking to create super-clean countersinks?
In this article, we’ve reviewed the 5 best countersink bits that you can buy in 2024.
We’ve assessed each product based on its value for money, durability, and drilling quality.
Quick Comparison Table
Contents
Best Countersink Bits
Time to begin our reviews.
In this part, we’ve reviewed the 5 best countersink bits for sale right now.
1. Snappy Tools Countersink Bit Set
Compared to other countersink bits made in Asia, this set isn’t really cheap. However, you definitely get what you pay for.
Made in the USA, these countersink bits feel nice and sturdy. They stay sharp over time as well, which is great – it’s easy to start off your pilot hole, and the quality of the finish is top-notch.
The best thing about these bits though is their versatility. They make it easy to countersink or counterbore, and they allow for quick pilot hole drilling too.
Plus, since ease bit has a hex shank, they’re all extremely easy to change over once your initial hole is drilled.
Overall, we think this set is a great investment.
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2. Comoware Countersink Bit Set
This is another set of budget countersink bits that perform quite a bit better than you might expect.
The first thing you’ll notice about them is their shape. Each bit comes with an extended tip, which almost makes it look like a dowel bit. This actually comes in very useful – starting your hole is now much easier.
These bits are also easy to adjust, and feel pretty sturdy given what they cost. Unfortunately though, there’s no storage case included.
They also work well on different types of material, including hard wood. It’s not just the fact that the tip is sharp – the flutes do a good job removing material.
Plus, the quality of the countersink is pretty good – you’ll be able to achieve good results with these bits.
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3. Bosch Titanium-Coated Countersink
For some use-cases, it’s easier to just have a countersink rather than a complete countersink bit.
Given that Bosch is a premium brand, this countersink is actually surprisingly cheap. It’s not made in Germany, which does impact durability somewhat.
In terms of overall quality though, this countersink is great for both metal and wood. It produces extremely clean countersinks – the flutes actually work to deburr the hole as you drill.
It’s also easy to begin your hole with Bosch’s product – the tip is nice and sharp, making it easy to get started.
And once you start drilling, it won’t wobble or chatter in most cases, making it easier to get your countersink looking the way you want it to.
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4. DeWalt Countersink Bit Set
Unlike the other countersink bit sets we’ve looked at so far, this one from DeWalt comes with tapered bits. There are a few advantages to this design:
First, they make it easier to start your pilot hole. Since the bit is tapered, it inserts more easily (especially into wood).
Secondly, the shape can make for faster drilling. This is especially true with this bit – it makes light work of wood, as well as some metals such as aluminum.
There are also other benefits to this set. The bits themselves can be replaced, which is useful because they’re not incredibly durable.
Another slight issue with these bits is they can wobble sometimes, which can make drilling a little difficult.
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5. Baban Countersink Set
If you need countersinks in multiple different sizes, this product is worth looking at.
These are some of the cheapest countersinks you can buy right now. While you can technically drill different-size countersinks with a single bit, it’s much easier to be precise with a set such as this one.
Baban’s set also works well for counterboring, which is nice. The depth stop makes it easy to ensure you get your counterbore exactly as deep as you want it to be.
The one issue with these countersinks is they can become a bit dull over time, especially when drilling hard wood.
However, this is sort of to be expected given the price. If you’re not planning on using the bits that often, they’re definitely still worth getting.
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How To Buy Countersink Bits
In this section, we’ll discuss some key things you need to know when buying countersink bits.
What are the main types of countersink bit?
There are two main types of countersinks you can buy at the moment.
Plain old countersinks are designed to be used with holes you’ve already drilled. These are the large, cone-shaped bits you see that are very shallow.
On the other hand, you can also buy countersink bits that come with a proper drill bit attachment, allowing you to drill your pilot hole and countersink all in one go.
Some of these countersink bits come with a depth stop, and some don’t. However, the good ones will generally have some way of helping you control hole deep you’re drilling.
What makes a good countersink bit?
A good countersink bit is one that helps you get the job done more efficiently.
- You might like to drill your pilot hole and countersink in one go – in this case, you’ll want an all-in-one countersink bit.
- If you need to drill a lot of holes, you might like to have a depth stop in place to ensure you’re hitting a consistent depth, every time. You’ll therefore need a countersink bit with a depth stop.
- You might be using lots of different-size countersink bits on a given project. Therefore, you might want a bit with a hex shank rather than a round shank to make it easier to change over.
- If you want to be able to make counterbore, in order to use a plug to cover the screw for example, you’ll need a countersink that’s the right shape. Specifically, it should have a flat (non-tapered) part at the top, to allow for a straight counterbore to be drilled after the countersink is complete.
For different people, different countersink bits will meet your needs better than others. This is why it’s so important to carefully consider your needs before buying.
How do I ensure I buy a durable countersink bit?
Some countersink bits are definitely more durable than others. If you need a long-lasting countersink bit, be aware of the following:
- Titanium is the best material for the countersink part of the bit. Normally it’s used as a coating, because it gets quite expensive to make in bulk. This is what most of the premium brands use, especially the German ones like Bosch.
- For the drill bit part of the countersink bit (if it has one), you’ll want it to be coated in or made of carbide. This is generally the best material for creating durable drill bits.
- If a bit is extremely cheap, it will generally not be very durable. This doesn’t mean that all cheap bits are bad. But if a bit costs next to nothing, chances are the manufacturer hasn’t spent much time thinking about how to make a given drill bit durable.
How do I know what size countersink bit to get?
There are three aspects to consider when looking at countersink bit sizing.
- The angle of the tip. Having the right angle will determine whether or not your screw head sits flush with your countersink.
- The diameter of the tip. You can technically make smaller countersinks by just drilling a little more shallow, but it’s better to have a bit that’s the right size, especially if counterboring.
- The diameter of the drill bit. If buying an all-in-one, you want to have the diameter of the pilot hole you drill a little smaller than the screw. This way, you’ll be able to ensure a tight fit when you insert the screw. If buying a combination countersink bit, look at the number and match it up to the screws you’ll be using.
If buying a combination countersink bit that also includes a drill bit for your pilot holes, you also need to consider the shape of the drill bit.
In general, tapered bits can help to drill faster, make it easier to start your hole, and help to ensure a stronger join when you insert your screw.
However, some people don’t like the shape of hole tapered bits make – it’s easier to ensure the right hole size with a regular non-tapered drill bit, especially if this is what you’re used to drilling pilot holes with.
How do I use a countersink bit?
The first thing you will want to do get the bit length correct, by adjusting the position of the countersink.
Then, simply drill down into your wood, until the countersink reaches the desired point, or you hit your depth stop.
After that, you can change out your bit and insert the screw. The fact that you have to make this change each time is why quick-change hex shanks are so popular with countersink bits.
If using just a countersink and not a countersink bit, you’ll need to do the second step in two parts, by drilling a pilot hole before creating your countersink.
Does the material I’m countersinking matter?
Yes – but not as much as you might expect.
If countersinking hard wood or metal (such as aluminum), you’ll want to get a slightly tougher countersink bit, otherwise it will become dull very quickly.
The design of the bit itself is especially important when drilling into metal. You need to ensure that it will be able to remove chips efficiently, otherwise you’ll create a massive amount of heat buildup.
In terms of countersinking technique, the material doesn’t make a massive amount of difference. Just ensure that you have the right safety gear for the task at hand.
How do I use a countersink bit?
The first thing you will want to do get the bit length correct, by adjusting the position of the countersink.
Then, simply drill down into your wood, until the countersink reaches the desired point, or you hit your depth stop.
After that, you can change out your bit and insert the screw. The fact that you have to make this change each time is why quick-change hex shanks are so popular with countersink bits.
If using just a countersink and not a countersink bit, you’ll need to do the second step in two parts, by drilling a pilot hole before creating your countersink.
What are the best countersink bit brands?
In the past, most DIYers and tradesmen would invest in the best countersink bits from the best brands, such as Bosch.
However, these days, even premium countersinks are made in China – the same place the cheaper products come from.
Therefore, while buying from a good brand can be a good idea, it’s not a guarantee of getting a quality countersink bit.
Instead, look at the reviews of each product, from people who have used the bit for a similar purpose to what you’ll be doing. This will give you a better idea of how good a given countersink actually is.
Conclusion
This is the end of our buyer’s guide.
If you’re still unsure which countersink bit to buy, drop us a comment below and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
About the author
I’m Steve, and I’m the Drill Bit Guru! When I bought my first home, I realized that most odd jobs that came up I could do myself. These days, I DIY pretty much everything, especially jobs that require the use of a drill!