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Best Forstner Drill Bits (October 2026): 10 picks from Freud and IRWIN, from flat-bottom cabinet work to hinge boring and 16-piece sets for general shop use.

Pick the wrong Forstner bit and the problems show up fast: a hole that wanders off the mark, burnt walls from a bit that clears chips poorly, or a shank that slips in the chuck halfway through a 3/4-inch panel. Many buyers also pay for a 16-piece set and then use only three sizes. Others buy one bit and find the diameter they need is not the diameter they bought. Best Forstner Drill Bits depend on three things: the sizes you drill most, the shank your drill or press can hold, and how clean the hole walls need to be.
The short answer: the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set suits woodworkers who want a broad size range from 6mm to 54mm in one case. The INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set suits anyone who wants the widest range of sizes with a shank that locks into a chuck. The Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit suits a single, precise hole such as a hinge or dowel recess. The rest of the list covers other Freud singles and sets, a carbide-tipped metric set for hinge boring, and a budget-minded 8-piece set.
TL;DR: top picks at a glance
- Best overall: the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set, 14 bits covering 6mm to 54mm with a reduced shank that fits 3/8-inch and larger drills.
- Best for chuck grip: INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set, 16 sizes from 1/4 inch to 2-1/8 inches on a hex shank that resists slipping.
- Best for a single clean hole: Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit, a forged bit with a serrated edge and a 5/16-inch shank.
- Best for hinge boring: Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set, 16 metric sizes from 15mm to 35mm in tungsten steel.
| # | Product | Best for | Sizes | Shank | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set | Cabinet work sets | 6mm to 54mm | Reduced, fits 3/8" drills | 14 |
| 2 | INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set | Wide size range | 1/4" to 2-1/8" | Hex | 16 |
| 3 | Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit | Single precise hole | 5/8" | 5/16" | 1 |
| 4 | Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set | Hinge boring | 15mm to 35mm | Straight (size not listed) | 16 |
| 5 | Freud PB-002 3/8-Inch Forstner Bit | Small flat holes | 3/8" | 1/4" | 1 |
| 6 | Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set | Compact small sets | 1/4" to 1" | 1/4" to 3/8" | 4 |
| 7 | Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set | Small to mid sizes | 1/4" to 1" | 1/4" to 3/8" | 7 |
| 8 | IRWIN Marples 1-1/8-Inch Forstner Bit | Single 1-1/8" hole | 1-1/8" | Reduced, fits 3/8" drills | 1 |
| 9 | BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set | Basic starter set | 1/4" to 1-3/8" | Straight (size not listed) | 8 |
| 10 | Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit | Large single hole | 1-3/8" | 3/8" | 1 |

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A woodworker building cabinets or furniture who wants one case of bits covering both small and large flat-bottom holes.
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What sets the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set apart is range at a practical size. At 14 pieces it is smaller than the INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set, but its sizes run up to 54mm, which is wider than the Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set at 35mm. The reduced shank means the larger bits, including the 1-1/2, 1-5/8 and 2-inch sizes, still fit a standard 3/8-inch chuck, which is a real convenience in a one-drill shop.
The design aims to cut faster than a traditional Forstner by using sharpened teeth that clear stock quickly. In practice that means lower feed pressure in softwood and cleaner entry in hardwood. It is the value-focused set on this list, and buyers generally call it good for the money, though quality control is the recurring caveat.
It is the wrong choice if you need exact hole sizes under 1 inch for press-fit parts. In that case, the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set covers 1/4 to 1 inch with Freud's serrated edges and a lifetime guarantee. It is also the wrong pick for a handheld drill used heavily, where the INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set grips better.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A hobbyist or DIY builder who wants a large size range and a locking hex shank for a drill press or handheld driver.
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The INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set gets the grip advantage over the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set because a hex shank cannot spin in the chuck jaws the way a round shank can under a heavy load. That matters in 1-1/2 to 2-1/8 inch bores, where torque is highest. It also has the most sizes of any set here, with 2-1/8 inches as the top end.
The trade-off is consistency. Buyers praise the cut quality but report mixed sharpness and the odd inconsistent shank, so inspect the set as soon as it arrives. The two-flute design clears chips adequately for typical shop depths.
Skip it if your work is mostly in abrasive materials or high volume, where the Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set uses tungsten carbide. If you need only one or two sizes, a single Freud bit such as the Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit is the more refined purchase.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A woodworker who needs a clean 5/8-inch flat-bottom hole, such as for barrel hinges, dowels or hardware recesses.
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The Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit is the quality benchmark in this list for single-bit work. Where the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set gives variety, this bit gives a finer cut at a specific size. Buyers describe near-zero tear-out and little drift off center in 3/4-inch hardwood, and that matches the design: steep cutting edges, serrated rim and a spur that bites before the rim engages.
It also outperforms the generic bits in repetitive work. Buyers report drilling hundreds of holes in red oak for a railing job without a noticeable drop in performance.
It is the wrong choice if your project needs several diameters. In that case, the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set gives Freud's design across 1/4 to 1 inch. For a smaller hole, the Freud PB-002 3/8-Inch Forstner Bit is the sibling to buy.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A cabinet maker or installer boring metric hinge cups and hardware recesses between 15mm and 35mm.
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The Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set is a specialist. Its 1mm steps from 15mm to 26mm are tighter than the inch-based IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set, so it fits metric hardware better. Carbide edges also hold up longer than plain carbon steel, which suits repetitive hinge and fixture work.
It narrows quickly outside that range. There is nothing below 15mm or above 35mm, which means it will not replace a general woodworking set. If you need large bores, the INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set reaches 2-1/8 inches.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A woodworker who needs small flat-bottom holes, such as shallow peg or magnet recesses, using a compact drill.
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The Freud PB-002 3/8-Inch Forstner Bit is the same design as the Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit, scaled down, with a smaller 1/4-inch shank. That makes it an easy fit in a compact impact driver or small chuck where larger shanks will not seat.
It is the wrong buy if you also need larger holes. The Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set covers 1/4 to 1 inch in one pack, which costs less in total than buying several singles.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A hobbyist who needs a few reliable small sizes from Freud without a full set.
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The Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set is the entry point to Freud's serrated design. It shares the steep cutting edges and sharp spur of the single bits but spreads them across four sizes. Against the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set, it trades coverage for a smaller footprint.
It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants specific sizes guaranteed. Because the exact diameters in the pack are not specified, the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set or the BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set, which itemize their sizes, are safer.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A woodworker who wants Freud's cut quality across the common small sizes.
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The Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set is the more complete Freud set. It offers seven sizes where the Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set offers four, with the same serrated edge and spur. For hardwood work under 1 inch, it competes directly with the first 7 sizes in the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set, but with Freud's lifetime guarantee.
It stops at 1 inch. If your work includes hardware pockets above that, the INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set reaches 2-1/8 inches.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A builder who needs one 1-1/8-inch flat-bottom hole for bolt heads or button recesses.
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The IRWIN Marples 1-1/8-Inch Forstner Bit is the budget way to get one odd size that the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set and Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set do not include, since both stop at 1 inch. It performs well in plywood and pine, and the knife-edge cut gives clean edges.
Avoid it for end grain, masonry-adjacent work or use with extensions. If you need a bit that stays sharp through heavy use, the Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit is the sturdier larger option.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A homeowner who needs a few common sizes for occasional wood and plywood drilling.
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The BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set covers the same 1/4 to 1 inch range as the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set and adds a 1-3/8-inch bit. It has no Freud-style serrated rim, so edge quality will be plainer.
It is the wrong pick for repeated production work. For that, the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set has the wider range, and the Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set has the harder cutting edge.

Pros:
Cons:
Best for: A woodworker boring 1-3/8-inch recesses, such as for hardware or large hinges, in a drill press.
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The Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit extends the Freud lineup past the 1-inch ceiling of the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set. It is the largest Freud bit on this list and has the 3/8-inch shank the smaller Freud singles lack.
It is a poor choice for general use. If you need multiple large sizes, the INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set covers up to 2-1/8 inches.
The core trade-off is breadth against cut quality. A large set gives every size you might need, while a single Freud bit gives a cleaner hole at one diameter. Most shops end up with both: a general set for rough work and a few premium bits for visible joinery.
Before choosing, check these project details:
A set such as the IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set or the INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set makes sense when a project mix is unpredictable. You pay for sizes you may not use, but you never stop work to find another bit. Smaller packs like the BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set cover the common sizes and fit a toolbox.
Single bits suit repeated tasks at one diameter. The Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit and Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit each give a refined cut at a specific size. Buy a set first, then replace the sizes you use most with singles.
Shanks range from 1/4-inch on the Freud PB-002 3/8-Inch Forstner Bit to 3/8-inch on the Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit. The INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set uses a hex shank that resists slipping, which helps with larger diameters at high torque. Always confirm the shank size before buying a bit for a compact driver.
Avoid using Forstner bits in a hammer drill with hammer mode on. The impact action chips the rim, and a Forstner bit relies on its rim for a clean wall. Use a drill press for large bores and a slow, steady speed in handheld use.
Serrated edges, as on the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set, are designed to reduce tear-out and produce a smooth wall. Knife-edge designs, such as the IRWIN Marples 1-1/8-Inch Forstner Bit, cut quickly with less heat. A center spur and sharp rim together give the clean flat bottom Forstner bits are known for.
Cheaper sets sometimes arrive with uneven sharpening, and a quick check of the rim on arrival is worth the minute. Sharpening a Forstner bit is possible but fiddly, so replace badly chipped bits rather than fight them.
Carbon steel, as in the BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set, is fine for softwood and occasional use. Carbide, as in the Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set, holds an edge longer in abrasive or repetitive work. Forged hardened steel, as in the Freud singles, sits between the two.
Most bits here are 3-1/2 inches overall, so depth is limited by flute length. For deeper bores, back out often to clear chips. If your project includes metal, a drill bit for drilling hardened steel is a different tool, since Forstner bits are made for wood and plastic.
A Forstner bit drills flat-bottomed holes with clean walls, which is why it suits hinge cups, dowel recesses and hardware pockets. The center spur positions the bit while the rim cuts the wall. The Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit and IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set both follow this design.
Most concealed cabinet hinges use a 35mm cup, and the Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set includes a 35mm bit. For barrel pin hinges, the Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit is a common fit at 5/8 inch. Always check the hinge specification before drilling.
Yes, but use slow speeds and firm control, especially above 1 inch. The INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set grips better because of its hex shank. For large bores, a drill press is safer.
A set is worth it if you work with varied hole sizes. The IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set and INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set cover broad ranges in one case. If you drill only one or two sizes, buy a single Freud bit instead.
No, Forstner bits are designed for wood, plywood and plastic. The Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit lists metal among its surfaces, but wood remains its intended use. Use a dedicated metal-cutting bit for steel.
Use a sharp bit, a slow speed and a backing board under the workpiece. Serrated bits such as the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set help reduce tear-out. Clear chips often so heat does not build up in deeper holes.
Best Forstner Drill Bits for most woodworkers start with IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set: 14 pieces from 6mm to 54mm, a reduced shank that fits 3/8-inch chucks, and cutting teeth designed for both hard and soft woods. Its main weakness is inconsistent sharpness, with some buyers reporting chipped edges and slightly oversized bits under 1 inch.
For alternatives by use case, the INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set is the pick for a wide size range and a locking hex shank. The Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit is the pick for a single precise hole, and the Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set is the pick for serrated-edge quality across 1/4 to 1 inch. The BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set suits light home use.
The specialist picks are narrower. The Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set suits metric hinge boring, while the Freud PB-002 3/8-Inch Forstner Bit, Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set, IRWIN Marples 1-1/8-Inch Forstner Bit and Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit fill specific size gaps. If you are still undecided, buy the IRWIN set for range, then add one Freud single in the diameter you drill most.