Specialist Drill Bits

Specialist drill bits are designed for applications where standard twist drills fall short, offering cleaner results, greater precision and ease of use across a wider range of materials. Whether you are drilling through metal, tile, glass or sheet steel in NZ, having the right specialist bit makes the difference between a clean result and a damaged surface.

RS NZ stocks a wide range of specialist and engineering drill bits from trusted brands that include OUTILLAGE MAGAFOR, EXACT, and Tivoly.

Types of Specialist Drill Bits

From step drill bits for sheet metal to carbide-tipped tile and glass bits for fragile surfaces, each specialist type is engineered for a specific material or task. Selecting the right format ensures a cleaner hole, less surface damage and longer bit life.

Step Drill Bits

Step drills are an efficient way of drilling multiple-sized holes in a piece of work without the need to frequently change bit sizes. Their stepped cone shape allows for multiple diameter cutting surfaces on one drill bit along a short distance. This construction helps to produce cleaner holes as the bit cuts incrementally larger holes as it passes through the material.

Also known as stepped drill bits, they are a popular choice for sheet metal work, electrical enclosures and engineering fabrication across NZ. Large step drill bit options are available for applications requiring wider diameter ranges from a single bit.

Tile Drill Bits

Coming in a range of different shapes and sizes, tile drill bits are best used when trying to drill through tricky tile surfaces, especially where a normal drill bit may crack and damage the tile. Carbide-tipped tile drill bits deliver clean entry without fracturing the surface, making them essential for bathroom, kitchen and floor tiling projects throughout NZ.

Saw Drill Bits

A saw drill bit features specially designed teeth along the shank of the bit, allowing you to cut materials such as wood, metal and plaster. Plunging the drill in allows the teeth to start cutting, while pushing the drill sideways will start the cut. They make a practical choice for contractors needing quick access holes without changing to a separate tool.

Glass Drill Bits

Coming in a range of different shapes and sizes, glass drill bits are best used for drilling through tricky surfaces, especially where a normal drill bit may crack and damage the glass. Carbide or diamond-tipped points reduce the risk of shattering, making glass drill bits essential for glazing, mirror installation and glass fitout work in NZ.

Cone Cutters

Cone cutters are an efficient way of drilling multiple-sized holes in a piece of work without the need to frequently change bit sizes. Their construction helps to produce cleaner holes, with the bit cutting progressively larger holes as it passes through the material. They are well suited to sheet metal, electrical panels and general engineering drill bit applications where a range of hole sizes is required from a single tool.

How to Choose the Right Specialist Drill Bit

When choosing the most suitable specialist drill bit for your application, consider:

• Material Being Drilled: For metal and steel drilling bits, choose a step drill bit or cone cutter rated for the material thickness. For tile and glass, opt for carbide or diamond-tipped specialist drill bits to minimise cracking.
• Hole Diameter Range: A large step drill bit suits applications needing multiple sizes without bit changes, while a fixed-diameter bit suits single-size work. For sheet metal and fabrication tasks, metal drilling bits with appropriate coatings extend service life. Always match the bit's shank size to your drill's chuck capacity before ordering.

Applications of Specialist Drill Bits

Specialist drill bits are used across a wide range of trade and engineering applications in NZ.

• Electrical and Engineering Fabrication: Step drill bits and cone cutters are useful for drilling entry holes in enclosures, control panels and switch boxes.
• Sheet Metal Work: Metal drill bits and stepped drill bits are the instrument of choice for clean, precise holes in steel sheet and fabricated components.
• Tiling: Tile drill bits are used to drill holes in bathroom, kitchen and floor tiling without cracking or chipping the tile surface.
• Glazing and Glass Fitout: Glass drill bits are the best choice for mirror installation, frameless glass and glazing panel work.
• General Trade and DIY: Saw drill bits enable fast cutouts in wood, plaster and light metal across maintenance and construction jobs.

Shop Specialist Drill Bits at RS NZ

RS NZ stocks a large range of drill bits from well-known brands including OUTILLAGE MAGAFOR, EXACT, and Tivoly.. Filter by diameter, material type and brand to find the right specialist drill bit for your application. In addition, we also stock magnetic drill bits, reamer bits, and drill stands to suit all your industrial applications.

Stocked items are available for next-day delivery when orders are placed before the daily cut-off. RS account holders can access volume pricing and dedicated support for trade and project orders. For more information on our delivery options and shipping timelines, please refer to our delivery page.