Dowel Drill Bits

Dowel bits are brad point drills with depth stops for drilling accurate dowel holes.  They produce clean entry holes and ensure precise alignment in dowel joinery.

What are dowel drill bits used for?
Dowel drill bits are designed for drilling precise, clean holes for dowel joints in wood. They’re commonly used in:

• Cabinetmaking and furniture construction

• Wood joinery, panel alignment, and carcass assembly

• Drilling aligned, repeatable holes for wooden dowels to ensure strong, hidden joints
  Their sharp cutting geometry creates clean entry points with minimal tear-out in soft and hardwoods.

How are dowel drill bits different from standard wood bits?
Dowel bits (often called brad point bits or lip and spur bits) feature:

• A center brad point for accurate positioning

• Side cutting spurs that shear the wood cleanly

• Straight outer edges that maintain hole diameter with minimal wandering
  This makes them ideal for use with dowel jigs, drill presses, or handheld drills when precision is essential.

How do I choose the right dowel drill bit?
Consider the following:

• Diameter – match your bit to the dowel size (e.g. 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm are common)

• Material –

  • High carbon steel (HCS) for softwood

  • HSS (High-Speed Steel) or carbide-tipped for hardwoods and laminates

• Shank type – round or hex depending on your drill

• Depth stop collars – for consistent drilling depth, especially useful when using dowel jigs or templates
  Proper dowel alignment and hole depth are key to creating tight, flush joints without glue gaps.