10 Best Forstner Drill Bits (October 2026)

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.

Best Forstner Drill Bits Comparison (October 2026)

# 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

1. IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set: Best Carbon Steel Forstner Bit Set for Cabinet Making

IRWIN Marples 14-Piece Forstner Set: Best Forstner Drill Bits for cabinet making (14 pieces, 6mm to 54mm)

  • Pieces: 14 bits in one case
  • Cutting Diameter: 6mm to 54mm
  • Material: Carbon steel
  • Shank: Reduced straight shank, fits 3/8-inch and larger drills and drill presses
  • Point Style: Brad point, with ultra-sharp cutting teeth

Pros:

  • The 6mm to 54mm range covers everything from small dowel recesses to large hardware pockets without buying a second set.
  • The cutting teeth are designed for both hard and soft woods, so one set handles pine shelving and maple face frames.
  • The straight, reduced shank fits any 3/8-inch chuck, which covers nearly every cordless drill and drill press.
  • Flat-bottomed and pocket holes come out clean enough for fine woodworking and cabinet-making.

Cons:

  • Sharpness and edge durability vary from set to set, and some buyers report chipped edges and poor factory sharpening.
  • The bits under 1 inch are often described as cutting slightly oversized, which matters for tight-fit dowels.
  • It uses a round shank rather than a hex, so heavy cuts in a handheld drill can slip in the chuck.

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.

2. INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set: Best Hex Shank Forstner Bit Set for Drill Presses and Drivers

INTOO 16-Piece Hex Shank Set: Best Forstner Drill Bits for wide size range (16 pieces, hex shank)

  • Pieces: 16 bits from 1/4 inch (6.3mm) to 2-1/8 inches (53.98mm)
  • Material: High carbon steel, uncoated
  • Shank: Hex shank with a 3/8-inch reduced shank noted for power tools
  • Flutes: 2, with a center point
  • Recommended Use: Wood, plastic and plywood

Pros:

  • The 16 sizes step through 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8, 1, 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1-3/8, 1-1/2, 1-5/8, 1-3/4, 1-7/8, 2 and 2-1/8 inches, leaving almost no gaps.
  • The hex shank is designed to tighten securely and resist slipping in the chuck.
  • The spur and cutting edges are built for clean, flat-bottom holes in both hard and soft wood.
  • Buyers consistently report that holes cut cleanly and describe the set as good value.

Cons:

  • Sharpness is inconsistent from set to set, and some bits arrive less sharp than others.
  • Some buyers report cracked storage cases and shanks that are not consistent in size.
  • The bits are uncoated high carbon steel, so they dull faster than carbide-tipped options in abrasive stock.

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.

3. Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Forged Forstner Bit for Precise 5/8-Inch Holes

Freud PB-004 5/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Forstner Drill Bits for precise single holes (5/8 inch, 5/16-inch shank)

  • Diameter: 5/8 inch
  • Overall Length: 3-1/2 inches
  • Shank: 5/16 inch, right-hand rotation
  • Edge: Serrated, with steep angled cutting edges and a sharp spur
  • Warranty: Freud limited lifetime guarantee

Pros:

  • The serrated edge and sharp spur start accurately and leave smooth, flat-bottomed holes.
  • The steep angled cutting edges roll out chisel-like curls, so chips clear quickly instead of packing.
  • Forged construction is designed for extended life, and the bit is backed by a limited lifetime guarantee.
  • Buyers report very clean entry edges and minimal tear-out in hardwoods such as mahogany and red oak.

Cons:

  • It is a single 5/8-inch bit, so any other diameter means another purchase.
  • The 5/16-inch shank is smaller than the 3/8-inch shank on larger Freud bits, so check your chuck.
  • A 3-1/2-inch overall length limits very deep bores without an extension.

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.

4. Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set: Best Metric Forstner Bit Set for Hinge Boring

Meichoon 16-Piece Carbide Set: Best Forstner Drill Bits for hinge boring (16 pieces, 15mm to 35mm)

  • Pieces: 16 bits
  • Diameters: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 35mm
  • Material: Alloy steel with tungsten carbide
  • Shank: Straight (diameter not listed)
  • Flutes: 2, spiral, with a center point

Pros:

  • Sixteen metric sizes in 1mm steps from 15mm to 26mm give fine control for hardware that specifies metric holes.
  • The 35mm bit matches the cup size common to concealed cabinet hinges.
  • The tungsten steel construction is heat-treated for hardness and shock resistance.
  • It is suitable for wood, plywood and plastic, which suits cabinet and drawer work.

Cons:

  • Nothing below 15mm, so small dowel and pilot recesses need another set.
  • Shank diameter is not listed, so confirm that your chuck can hold it before buying.
  • No third-party quality feedback is available, so durability claims are unconfirmed.

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.

5. Freud PB-002 3/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Small Forstner Bit for Flat Holes in Thin Stock

Freud PB-002 3/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Forstner Drill Bits for small flat-bottom holes (3/8 inch, 1/4-inch shank)

  • Diameter: 3/8 inch
  • Overall Length: 3-1/2 inches
  • Shank: 1/4 inch, right-hand rotation
  • Edge: Serrated, with steep angled cutting edges
  • Warranty: Freud limited lifetime guarantee

Pros:

  • The 1/4-inch shank fits compact drivers and small chucks that cannot hold a 3/8-inch shank.
  • A sharp spur sets the hole position accurately before the rim cuts.
  • Forged construction and a limited lifetime guarantee support long service life.
  • Steep cutting edges produce smooth, flat bottoms and clear chips quickly.

Cons:

  • It is a single 3/8-inch bit with no range of sizes.
  • The 3-1/2-inch overall length limits depth without an extension.
  • No buyer feedback is available to confirm long-term performance.

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.

6. Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set: Best Compact Forstner Bit Set for Small Woodworking Holes

Freud PB-104 4-Piece Set: Best Forstner Drill Bits for small sets (4 pieces, 1/4 to 1 inch)

  • Pieces: 4 bits (as sold)
  • Diameter Range: 1/4 inch to 1 inch
  • Overall Length: 3-1/2 inches
  • Shank: 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch, right-hand rotation
  • Edge: Serrated, carbide-class cutting design, with a sharp spur

Pros:

  • Four bits cover the most common small sizes, which suits a toolbox better than a large case.
  • Serrated edges aim for smooth, flat-bottom holes.
  • Forged construction and a limited lifetime guarantee back the set.
  • It works in both a drill press and a handheld drill.

Cons:

  • Four bits leave size gaps, and the specific sizes are not itemized.
  • Nothing above 1 inch, so large hardware recesses need another bit.
  • No buyer feedback is available to confirm long-term performance.

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.

7. Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set: Best Serrated Edge Forstner Bit Set for 1/4 to 1 Inch Holes

Freud PB-107B 7-Piece Set: Best Forstner Drug Bits for small to mid sizes (7 pieces, 1/4 to 1 inch)

  • Pieces: 7 bits
  • Diameter Range: 1/4 inch to 1 inch
  • Overall Length: 3-1/2 inches
  • Shank: 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch, right-hand rotation
  • Edge: Serrated, with a sharp spur and steep angled cutting edges

Pros:

  • Seven bits across 1/4 to 1 inch cover the sizes most cabinet and furniture jobs call for.
  • Serrated edges are designed for smooth, flat-bottom holes without tear-out.
  • Forged construction and a limited lifetime guarantee support long service.
  • The mixed 1/4 to 3/8-inch shanks fit most drill presses and chucks.

Cons:

  • Nothing over 1 inch, so large bores need another bit such as the Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit.
  • Not all seven sizes are itemized.
  • No buyer feedback is available to confirm long-term performance.

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.

8. IRWIN Marples 1-1/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Single Forstner Bit for Recesses and Bolt Heads

IRWIN Marples 1-1/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Forstner Drill Bits for single large recesses (1-1/8 inch, 3/8-inch reduced shank)

  • Diameter: 1-1/8 inches
  • Point Style: Knife edge, 2 flutes
  • Shank: Reduced straight shank, fits 3/8-inch and larger drills
  • Cutting Angle: 90 degrees
  • Recommended Use: Wood

Pros:

  • The 1-1/8-inch size suits bolt-head recesses and 30mm arcade button holes in plywood.
  • The knife-edge design leaves a cleaner edge than a spade bit.
  • A buyer reports drilling a 3.5-inch deep hole in hard wood without issues.
  • The reduced shank fits all 3/8-inch and larger drills and drill presses.

Cons:

  • Sharpness and value get mixed feedback, with some buyers unhappy with edge quality.
  • The shank can be slightly oversized for some Forstner extensions.
  • It struggles in end grain and dulls quickly when it hits masonry or concrete.

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.

9. BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set: Best Carbon Steel Forstner Set for Basic Home Drilling

BAIDETS 8-Piece Forstner Set: Best Forstner Drill Bits for basic home drilling (8 pieces, 1/4 to 1-3/8 inches)

  • Pieces: 8 bits
  • Sizes: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8, 1 and 1-3/8 inches
  • Material: Carbon steel, uncoated
  • Shank: Straight (diameter not listed)
  • Edge: Center point with a beveled, rounded cutting edge

Pros:

  • Eight common sizes cover most household and light furniture work.
  • The center tooth is designed to keep the bit from walking at the start of a cut.
  • The beveled edge is designed to reduce friction heat and clear chips.
  • It works in hand drills, bench drills and floor drills.

Cons:

  • Nothing between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches, and nothing above 1-3/8.
  • The shank diameter is not listed, so confirm chuck fit.
  • No buyer feedback is available to confirm long-term durability.

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.

10. Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Large Forged Forstner Bit for Wide Flat-Bottom Holes

Freud PB-010 1-3/8-Inch Forstner Bit: Best Forstner Drill Bits for large single holes (1-3/8 inches, 3/8-inch shank)

  • Diameter: 1-3/8 inches
  • Overall Length: 3-1/2 inches
  • Shank: 3/8 inch, right-hand rotation
  • Material: Hardened steel, forged
  • Warranty: Freud limited lifetime guarantee

Pros:

  • The 3/8-inch shank fits standard chucks and drill presses.
  • A serrated edge and sharp spur give accurate starts and flat bottoms.
  • Forged, hardened steel construction is designed to last.
  • Steep angled edges clear chips as curls instead of dust.

Cons:

  • It is a single bit, so any other size is a separate purchase.
  • A 1-3/8-inch bore needs a drill press or a firm grip on a handheld drill.
  • No buyer feedback is available to confirm long-term performance.

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.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Forstner Drill Bit

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:

  • Hole sizes: List the diameters you actually drill, since a set is only useful if it includes them.
  • Drill type: A drill press tolerates heavy cuts better than a handheld drill.
  • Shank fit: Match the shank (round, reduced or hex) to what your chuck can grip.
  • Material: Hardwood, plywood and plastic stress cutting edges differently.
  • Hole depth: Overall length decides whether you need a bit extension.

Set Size Versus Single Bits

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.

Shank Type and Drill Compatibility

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.

Edge Design and Cut Quality

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.

Material and Hole Depth

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forstner Drill Bits

What Is a Forstner Bit Used For?

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.

Which Forstner Bit Size Do I Need for Cabinet Hinges?

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.

Can I Use Forstner Bits in a Handheld Drill?

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.

Are Forstner Bit Sets Worth It?

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.

Can Forstner Bits Drill Metal?

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.

How Do I Stop Tear-Out With a Forstner Bit?

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.

Final Verdict: Which Forstner Drill Bit Should You Buy?

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.

David Chen
David Chen

David Chen writes about keyboards, monitors, webcams, and the desk gear that makes a workspace work. He has a low tolerance for marketing specs that do not translate into a better day at the desk.

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