We Spent 2 Days Drilling To Find The 8 Best Forstner Bit Sets

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A good Forstner bit set is an essential tool for wood joinery, cabinetmaking, and other woodworking projects. These specialty drill bits feature a raised centerpoint for accurate positioning, and sharp cutting edges on the face and rim for making accurate flat-bottomed holes. Subtle differences in cutter shape, shaft design, and the steel used to make them lead to differences in price and performance. We field-tested 8 kits in our search for the best Forstner bit set. 

We compared edge patterns, shaft designs, per-bit prices, and carrying cases. Most importantly, we used the bits on different kinds of wood and drilling configurations. The FB-100 Diablo Forstner Drill Bit Set from Freud was our favorite overall. The price was fair, it drilled smoothly, and it came with a nice array of the sizes we use most often. However, we recognize that individual needs vary. One of the other sets we tested may be a better fit for those who require top-end performance, or for those who prefer a cheaper kit or only need a few small bits.

In this guide, we will share our selection criteria, observations from testing, and how we tested these bits. Later in the article, you’ll find shopping tips to help you choose the best Forstner bit set for your workshop.

1. BEST OVERALL: Freud FB-100 16-Piece Diablo Forstner Drill Bit Set
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wen FB5114 14-Piece Forstner Bit Set
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3. BEST FOR CLEAN HOLES: Fisch Wave Cutter 7-Piece Forstner Bit Set
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4. BEST FOR VERSATILITY: Irwin Marples 14-Piece Forstner Bit Set
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5. BEST FOR PROS: Freud Precision Shear 16-Piece Forstner Drill Bit Set
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6. BEST FOR SPECIALTY DIAMETERS: Rockler 22-Piece Forstner Bit Set
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7. BEST FOR HARDWOOD: Hercules 8-Piece Carbide-Tipped Forstner Bit Set
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8. BEST FOR HANDHELD DRILLING: Bosch FB700 7-Piece Wood Forstner Bit Set
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Forstner Bit Sets Comparison

Our Top Picks

We chose these sets for testing for a few reasons: because they included the most-needed bit sizes; they come from highly regarded brands; and each one has received hundreds of four- and five-star user ratings. Our tests confirmed those positive indicators. If you need Forstner bits for drilling holes in wood, you won’t go wrong with one of these sets.

Our Ratings

The Diablo Forstner bit set from Freud is recognized as one of the very best for drilling solid wood and composite materials like plywood, MDF, and particleboard. It includes 16 bits, ranging from ¼ inch to 2¼ inches in diameter, and comes with a protective wooden case that allows for quick and easy bit selection.

Although their high-speed steel (HSS) construction is common among drill bits, these are machined with greater accuracy than many competitors’ drill bits. The central spur features a fine point for precise initial positioning, and its honed cutting edges provide rapid material removal. In our drilling tests, all three surfaces (the upper surface/rim, sides, and bottom) of every hole came out perfectly smooth and clean. We also noted that the bits remained sharp as new from start to finish.

This kit offers the best combination of drilling speed, accuracy, and finish at a fair price. We were impressed by their durability while drilling the hardest materials. We didn’t have to sharpen these drill bits during our tests, but HSS is one of the easier tool steels to work with in that regard—and the smooth cutting edges would make the job even easier. While not cheap, the Diablo bit set was not the most expensive, either. It is a worthwhile investment for both serious DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

What our tester says: “I could not have asked for better performance in every way than I got from the Diablo bits. Every bit made perfectly clean holes, and the edges stayed razor sharp throughout testing.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Freud Diablo Forstner drill bit set at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Our Ratings

Wen’s tools and accessories have a reputation for delivering reliable performance at a value price point, and this 14-piece Forstner bit set lives up to those expectations. The kit comes in a rugged blow-molded plastic case with a see-through lid and indexed slots for each drill bit. The bit sizes range from ¼ inch to 1⅝ inches in diameter. 

These bits feature HSS construction with serrated edges that reduce friction and heat buildup when boring into harder materials. In our tests, the difference between serrated and standard bits was most pronounced when drilling larger-diameter holes. These bits drilled faster than average, but the hole walls and bottoms weren’t as smooth as those drilled with other bits. That said, those textured surfaces may not matter if the holes are made for installing dowels and hardware, not for looks.

This is a great set of Forstner bits at an excellent price (starting at less than $5 per bit). They cut well, keep sharp edges for a long time, and are easy to sharpen with just a diamond mini hone and ceramic sharpening rod. 

What our tester says: “The Wen Forstner bits were incredibly affordable and outperformed the other budget-priced options. The serrated edges didn’t cut the sides and base of the holes as smoothly as other options, but the surface of the workpieces remained pristine.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Wen Forstner drill bit set at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

The Fisch Wave Cutter Forstner bit set features a unique serrated cutting edge pattern that produces ultra-clean holes. The 7-piece set includes bits from ¼ inch to 1 inch in diameter and comes in a padded hardwood storage case.

The first thing we noticed about these bits was their unique cutting-edge pattern. Instead of sawtooth serration, they have a wavy edge that looks more like that of a bread knife. In both drill press and hand-drilling applications, they proved to be incredibly precise, fast, and easy to control. The design is also energy efficient, as we noticed the drill motors barely registered the increased load as we added pressure that would have bogged down other bits

Another benefit of the Wave Cutter design was how well it resisted clogging. Many of the other products became clogged with chips over time, but these bits did an excellent job of chip extraction and were highly resistant to clogging. 

The Fisch Forstner Bits delivered the perfect combination of buttery-smooth cutting action of traditional Forstner bits, and aggressive, fast-cutting ability of sawtooth bits. These premium bits are more expensive than other options, but make an ideal fit where clean holes matter.

Get the Fisch Forstner drill bit set at Amazon.

Our Ratings

This versatile and affordable Irwin Marples Forstner Bit Set includes 14 bits in a molded plastic case. The bits feature sawtooth cutters for faster drilling with less heat buildup. Sizes range from ¼ inch to 2 inches in diameter. 

We had good success with the Irwin Marples Forstner bits, both in the drill press and in a hand drill. The sawtooth cutters made quick work of hardwoods and softwoods alike, although we did find it necessary to clean out residue and chip buildup more frequently in pinewood. The center points made it easy to place the holes accurately, even for angled or overlapping holes.

These bits cut faster than average and preserved the surface integrity of the project piece without any chipping or tearout. However, they did leave the inner sides and bottoms of the holes with a ridged texture that would need to be sanded if a fine finish is required. For assembly and hardware installation applications, the slightly rough texture would offer the advantage of increased glue surface.

This is a versatile, budget-friendly Forstner bit set for the DIY woodworker whose needs can change from project to project.

Get the Irwin Marples Forstner drill bit set at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Our Ratings

At first glance, it’s difficult to differentiate these tools from competitors, but Freud’s Precision Shear Forstner bits are forged, which means they’re hammered into shape under high pressure with molten metal. This makes them very hard, leading to superior edge retention and longer life for professional-quality results.

In our tests, the fine spur made it easy to position each bit and prevented it from wandering, which can happen with cheap Forstner bits. The sharp, serrated edge sliced through wood like a chisel, providing rapid cutting and chip clearance. The resulting finish was perfectly smooth. The bits were equally effective drilling hard and softwood, and they’re designed for use with hard composite boards and laminates as well.

The 16-piece set comes in sizes from ¼-inch to 2⅛-inch bits, and the quality is such that they will most likely appeal to fine furniture makers and other woodworking professionals.  

Get the Freud Precision Shear Forstner drill bit set at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Woodcraft.

Our Ratings

Some projects call for unusual hole sizes, and that’s when this 22-piece Rockler Forstner drill bit set shines. With bit sizes ranging from ¼ inch to 2⅛ inches in diameter, it covers the same hole sizes as the 16-bit sets we tested, plus six additional bit sizes: 5/16, 7/16, 9/16, 11/16, 13/16, and 15/16. Another unique feature of this set is that all of the bits measuring 1 inch and smaller have clean-cut multispur cutters, while the larger ones have fast sawtooth cutters. 

As for cutting performance, all of the Rockler bits did a really good job. As expected, the smaller sizes produced nice, clean holes, while the larger sawtooth bits cut fast but left very slight ridges in the hole walls and bottoms. In every case, the project surface was left unmarred.

While these bits offer a distinct advantage in terms of precision, it’s likely that some of the bits in this collection will go unused. For woodworkers who frequently use a wide range of bit sizes, it could be the best option.

Get the Rockler Forstner bit set at Rockler or Acme Tools.

Our Ratings

The main advantage of a carbide Forstner drill bit set is that the edges remain sharp up to 10 times as long as steel when working with hardwood. The Hercules Forstner bit set is surprisingly affordable, yet it delivers exactly that kind of resilience. It comes in a wood storage case with an assortment of 8 bits ranging from ¼ inch to 1⅜ inch in diameter. 

Throughout our tests, the Hercules bits remained perfectly sharp and produced perfect holes— smooth sides and bottoms with no chipping or tearout at the rim of the hole. One downside we noted was the extra effort required by the drill. We noticed that both the hand drill and drill press bogged down under the load of these bits. Another risk to beware of is the possibility of damaging the carbide—we dropped one of the bits on the concrete floor, and it was chipped by the fall. 

Although they come with certain disadvantages, the 10 times greater edge retention of HSS is a real time-saver. Those who frequently work in hardwood might appreciate that convenience.

Get the Hercules Forstner bit set at Harbor Freight.

Our Ratings

For hand-drilling, smaller Forstner bits with standard cutters are the best option, and the Bosch FB700 set fits the bill. It includes 7 chrome-alloy steel bits ranging from ¼ inch to 1 inch in diameter, and it comes in a wood storage case with a plexiglass cover.

The Bosch Forstner bits were more affordable than some similar offerings and produced similar-quality cuts in our tests. The standard cutting edges produced clean holes and cleared the chips well with minimal (occasional) clogging. Best of all, they were easy to control by hand.

One downside to these bits is that the chrome-alloy steel is less resistant to heat buildup than HSS, so it’s important to maintain steady pressure and a moderate drill speed. Overworking and overheating these bits will shorten edge life. The good news is that this steel is easy to sharpen when it eventually dulls.

Get the Bosch Forstner bit set at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Forstner Bit Sets

There are many ways to drill a hole. We wanted to create an apples-to-apples comparison, so we tested five of the same size Forstner bits from every set, drilling six holes with each one. This consisted of single, overlapping, and angled cuts made with a benchtop drill press and a hand drill. We used the same pieces of oak, pine, and plywood for each test. We evaluated each bit for initial sharpness, edge retention, drilling efficiency (speed/smoothness), efficient chip ejection, and results (clean hole edges and bottoms). After testing, we compiled our results on a scoring rubric to determine the winners.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Forstner Bit Set 

At first glance, all Forstner bits appear very similar. However, there are differences in the materials used and the design of the cutting edges. While these differences may seem minor, they can make a big difference in efficiency. When selecting the best Forstner bit set, pay attention to its size to ensure it’ll cover the range of tasks you need it for.

Tooth Type

The standard Forstner bit has two teeth along its perimeter. These teeth are located directly opposite one another and are designed to cleanly slice through wood fibers as they rotate. The width of this tooth varies—on some, it’s slender, while on others it might be as wide as ¼ the drill bit circumference. A longer edge increases cutting speed, and a bar across the center pushes the waste out of the way as the bit rotates. A central spur, which is just a fraction of an inch longer than the teeth, allows for precise positioning.

Sawtooth Forstner bits have a series of teeth that resemble a coarse saw blade. These are designed for more aggressive cutting and are particularly good for end grain. The Precision Shear design, introduced by the Freud brand, features a serrated edge with a steep interior angle that produces a very sharp edge and a rapid, chisel-like cutting action.

Material 

The majority of Forstner drill bits are made of high-speed steel (HSS). HSS drill bits often feature a titanium-oxide coating. They’re durable, corrosion-resistant, and can drill through wood and, in a pinch, soft metals. 

However, with frequent use, HSS bits tend to dull quickly. The solution is to add tungsten carbide tips (often referred to as carbide, for short). These tips are then bonded to the bit body, resulting in an edge that stays sharper for much longer. With a carbide tip, the bit will be capable of cutting materials like aluminum or tile.

Many DIYers will be fine using HSS bits on their own. However, professionals or frequent users of these tools may want to invest in a carbide Forstner drill bit set.

Some manufacturers use high-carbon steel (HCS). HCS is slightly softer than HSS, but these bits are still hard enough to drill into wood and wood-based materials. HCS bits won’t cut aluminum and other soft metals, nor will they cut tile and masonry. 

Bit Size and Number of Bits

A standard twist drill is fine for drilling small-diameter holes, so Forstner bits are not usually found below ¼ inch. Sometimes, the smallest bit in a set will be ½ inch, while the largest is usually 2 to 2⅛ inches. Larger Forstner bits are available, but they’re usually sold individually, as they’re bigger than most people need. Metric Forstner bit sets are also available. These can be very useful when fitting cabinet hinges, for example, as the hardware is often metric. Imperial bits can be close to the same size, but not close enough for a good fit.

Don’t be fooled by the number of bits in a box—whether it’s an 8-piece or a 22-piece set, the minimum and maximum diameters are often the same; the larger sets simply fill in the gaps between the common sizes. Variety aside, it’s also important to consider quality. While a large number of bits at a low cost might suit the DIY user, this set is unlikely to meet the standards of a professional.

Most Forstner bits have a round shank, though a few have a hex shank. While the latter does provide a stronger grip, it’s rare for round shanks to slip—especially if the chuck is tightened correctly.

Accessories

Forstner bit sets are usually supplied within a box or case, but the quality varies. For example, if the bits are improperly placed, the teeth may knock together and become damaged. Some boxes store the bits upright, making it easy to select the one required.

Forstner bit extenders can increase shaft length, offering a potential hole depth of 8 inches. Extenders are particularly popular with woodworkers for boring out the center of vases, for example. Extenders come in different diameters, and some will only fit ½-inch chucks, so compatibility should be checked beforehand.

Frequent users may want to consider purchasing a Forstner bit sharpening set as well. Unlike sharpening standard twist drills, the job can’t be done with a bench grinder. Sets include flat and round files, plus a grinding burr suitable for a rotary tool. If the Forstner bits are carbide, the sharpening set will need to be diamond coated.

FAQs

While the first section of this article provides a comprehensive understanding of Forstner bit construction and use, and the “Our Top Picks” section offers a selection of some of the best Forstner bit sets currently available, you may have some lingering questions. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Forstner bits. 

Q. What are Forstner bits used for? 

Forstner bits create clean, accurate holes with a flat bottom. Some common uses include fitting cabinet hinges, cutting mortises, or boring out candle holders.

Q. Is a Forstner bit better than a spade bit? 

Yes, Forstner bits create cleaner, more precise cuts than spade bits, and can make flat-bottomed holes.

Q. Can Forstner bits be used with a hand drill, hammer drill, or impact driver? 

Yes, Forstner bits can be used with a hand drill, hammer drill, or impact driver, with provisos. Using a Forstner bit in a hammer drill won’t make as clean a hole and is likely to create considerable debris. An impact driver could be used, but it’s not an ideal tool for drilling—it might also need a chuck adapter. Some Forstner bits have a hex shank that could fit the impact driver chuck if the shank sizes match, but many are round.

Q. Can Forstner bits be used on metal, stone, or tile? 

No, Forstner bits are not generally designed for use on metal, stone, or tile. 

Q. How deep can you drill with a Forstner bit? 

Drilling depth with a Forstner bit is limited by the bit shaft length. If compatible with the specific Forstner bit, an extension bar can be used to drill deep holes up to 8 inches. 

Q. What kind of hole does a forstner bit leave?

Forstner bits leave cylindrical holes with vertical sides and flat bottoms.

Q. What is the best speed for forstner bits?

The best Forstner bit speed depends on the bit diameter and the material being drilled. Consult the user guide that comes with your drill bit for details.

Q. How do you sharpen a forstner bit?

Sharpen Forstner bits with a small slipstone or a diamond file. Clamp the shaft in a vice with the cutters facing upward. Hone the inner angle of the cutting rim and the inner top edges of the chippers, maintaining the original bevel angles. Avoid filing the outside diameter, which would reduce the bit diameter.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer, product tester and serial DIYer. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his home, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about hand and power tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor living goods.

Additional research provided by Bob Beacham

 

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