Best Forstner Bits of 2026
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Forstner bits are precision woodworking tools used to create flat-bottomed holes in wood. They are distinguished by their cylindrical shape and their ability to drill holes with clean edges, making them ideal for creating mortises, dowel holes, and other woodworking applications. Forstner bits come in a range of sizes, and are typically used in a drill press, although they can also be used with a handheld drill. These bits are a must-have for any serious woodworker or DIY enthusiast looking to achieve precise and professional-looking results.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Forstner Bits
IRWIN Marples 8 Piece Forstner Bit Set
The IRWIN Forstner Bit Set is designed to easily drill high-quality flat-bottomed and pocket holes, making your woodworking projects more efficient. With its ultra-sharp cutting teeth, you will find that it smoothly cuts through both hard and soft woods, reducing the effort needed. This set significantly shortens cutting time compared to traditional forstner bits, allowing you to complete tasks quicker. Additionally, the reduced shank fits drills and drill presses of 3/8" and larger, providing versatility for various tools.
flintronic Forstner Drill Bit Set 6PCS Woodworking
The flintronic Forstner Drill Bits come in a set of six sizes, allowing you to make clean, precise cuts from 10mm to 35mm, ideal for various woodworking projects. This set is versatile and compatible with many types of drills, including hand drills and bench drills, giving you flexibility in your work. Made from durable cemented carbide, these bits ensure lasting performance and clean flat-bottomed holes with efficient waste removal, saving you time and effort. The centre point design allows for accurate positioning without slipping, helping you achieve perfect results every time.
ASNOMY 5PCS Large Forstner Drill Bit Set
The ASNOMY Forstner Bit Set includes five large drill bits, ranging from 40mm to 70mm, perfect for various woodworking tasks. Made from durable tungsten steel, these bits offer high hardness and a sharp edge, ensuring precise and smooth cutting. You will appreciate their impact resistance and toughness, making them ideal for drilling through wood, plastic, and plywood. Additionally, each bit comes securely packaged to prevent rust, ensuring they stay sharp and ready for use whenever you need them.
TOUGH MASTER 5 Piece Forstner Bit Set
The TOUGH MASTER Forstner Bits are crafted from durable C45 carbon steel, ensuring they resist heat and wear effectively. This high-quality construction means you can expect sharpness and efficiency in material removal. With a removable depth stop, you can easily adjust drilling depths from 15mm to 45mm, providing flexibility for various projects. The precision-engineered tungsten carbide cutting edges guarantee clean, flat-bottomed holes, making them ideal for hinge installations and overlapping cuts. This set is designed for ease of use, ensuring professional results every time.
Aohoo 16pcs Tungsten Steel Forstner Drill Set
The Aohoo Forstner Drill Set offers a variety of 16 drill bits ranging from 15mm to 35mm, providing you with the perfect size for any woodworking project. Its wide compatibility means you can use it with many types of drills, including handheld and bench models, giving you great versatility. The set excels in drilling decorative holes on wood, plastics, and plywood, ideal for tasks like mounting door tips or drawer fittings. Additionally, the X-wing design ensures precise, clean cuts with less noise and vibration, making your work smoother and more accurate.
HPMAISON 19PCS Forstner Drill Bit Set
The HPMAISON Forstner Bits are designed for a wide range of drilling tasks, making them ideal for wood and plastic products. Crafted from high-quality titanium alloy steel, these bits ensure durability and long-lasting performance. With a variety of sizes from 10mm to 40mm, you can easily find the right bit for your project. The X-wing design enhances visibility and stability, allowing you to drill accurately without any wobbling, making your work more efficient and clean.
Famag Bormax 6-Piece Forstner Bit Set in Wooden Case
The Famag Bormax Forstner Set comes with six drills in popular sizes (15 to 35 mm), all neatly stored in a sturdy wooden box that keeps each bit secure and protected. You’ll appreciate the premium quality alloyed tool steel bits, designed for fast and efficient drilling with less effort. The bits feature a centre point and serrated cutting edges, allowing you to work quickly through hardwood, softwood, MDF and chipboard. Plus, the set’s design ensures low heat build-up for longer-lasting tools, ideal for both manual and stationary drilling.
Nisorpa 16 PCS Forstner Drill Bit Set
The Nisorpa Forstner Bits offer a comprehensive set of 16 drill bits, ranging from 6mm to 54mm, allowing you to make clean and precise cuts for various woodworking projects. Constructed from durable carbide steel, these bits ensure long-lasting performance without the risk of soldered edges breaking. You’ll appreciate the smooth holes created by the centre point design, which prevents slipping and reduces friction. Additionally, the bits are conveniently labelled and stored in a wooden case, making it easy for you to find the right size when you need it.
Hakkin 35mm Door Hinge Drill Guide
The Hakkin Hinge Jig offers perfect compatibility with its red positioning plate, allowing you to accurately mark the hinge hole before drilling. Constructed from premium quality materials, the drill is made from hardened carbide steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. The red position plate helps you quickly draw precise hidden hinge holes, making cabinet door installations straightforward. With an adjustable Forstner drill bit, it ensures sharp cutting, allowing you to complete your projects efficiently.
HPHOPE Forstner Bit Set with Depth Stop
The HPHOPE Forstner Bit Set offers exceptional quality with its cemented carbide construction, ensuring sharp cutting and lasting durability. The double-edged design efficiently removes waste, allowing you to work with ease and precision. With a depth stopper, you can control drilling depths between 10mm and 40mm, which is particularly useful for achieving consistent results. This versatile set is compatible with various drills and suitable for multiple materials, making it a great addition to your woodworking toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Forstner bit good for?
A: Forstner bits are mostly used in the woodworking industry to drill holes that are larger than those that can be made with ordinary drill bits. While other drill bits, such as spade bits, can perform a similar function, Forstner bits are significantly more precise and produce a clean cut with a flat bottom.
2. Can I use a Forstner bit with a hand drill?
While each one has its advantages, the Forstner typically drills the cleanest holes. But Forstner bits can also be tricky to use in a portable (handheld) drill, as they're better suited for use in a drill press.
3. Are Forstner bits better than spade bits?
Make sure you don't increase the speed too much—a huge benefit of the Forstner bit is the precision, and you will need to work slowly to achieve that. Unlike the spade bit, the Forstner bit is ideal for creating a neat, precise cut. You can use them to create flat-bottomed holes and even overlapping holes!
4. Can you use Forstner bits in a router?
A router is too high speed to use with forstner bits! Use a drill press or hand held drill with great care.
During our forstner bit research, we found 166 forstner bit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 78,556 customer reviews through our big data system to write the forstner bits list. We found that most customers choose forstner bits with an average price of £32.66.
The forstner bits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of forstner bits, including IRWIN, flintronic, ASNOMY, TOUGH MASTER, Aohoo.
Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.