While obvious to a carpenter, sometimes choosing the right tools to make holes in wood takes a little research. And, from large holes to square holes, flat bottom holes in wood to small round holes there is always a tool or two to do the job. In this article learn what the best tools are and how to use them.
First, I’ve drilled, cut and even chiseled thousands of holes in my woodworking career.
But while I’ve had the good fortune to learn from professionals, I realize it’s not always obvious what the best tool is. So, in this article I’ll show you a variety of tools that should fit your projects need (and budget).
Getting started, here’s a few common types of holes:
- Larger circular holes of 2-6″ in diameter
- Smaller holes for any variety of projects
- Cutting plumbing lines into the backs of cabinets
- Irregular holes for remodeling or retrofit projects
- Hardware screw pilot holes (I prefer vix self centering bits)
- …and many more
- Flat bottom holes in wood: Forstner bits will cut flat bottom holes from 1/2″ up to 2″ in most sets.
- Large round holes: Hole saws are aptly named to cut holes from 1″ up to 6″ in diameter.
- Irregular holes: Jig saws are the best tools to make holes in wood in irregular shapes.
Tools to Make Holes in Wood
Based on my decades of woodworking experience, here’s my list of tools to make holes in wood:
1. Tools for Making (large) Holes in Wood
- 【19PC ACCESSORIES】: 13 hole saws with the size of 3/4″ (19mm), 7/8″…
- 【HIGH-QUALITY AND PRECISE】: Made of premium heat treated carbon steel,…
- 【MULTI-PURPOSE USE】: Suitable for soft wood, plywood, thin PVC board,…
- 【EASY ORGANIZATION】: HYCHIKA hole saw set comes with a a nice hard…
Last update on 2020-12-02 at 04:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
No workshop is complete without at least one set of hole saw kits.
And, here’s why:
- Hole saws can cut holes in wood from 1″ up to 6″
- In fact, one of the best tools for making the popular corn-hole board holes is, you guessed it, a 6″ hole saw.
- Looking to cut a hole in a thick piece of wood? Use a hole saw with a deep “throat” that will go through deep material
- Lastly, to avoid chipping the bottom of the wood surface, once the pilot bit is through the wood just reverse the bit. This has the added bonus of not jamming the wood deep in the hole saw.
Types of Holes:
- Large holes in any wood, plywood or laminates
- Perfect round holes up to 6″ in diameter
Other Hole Saw Sets
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit, HYCHIKA 17 Pcs High Speed… | $36.99 | Buy Now | |
| General Tools 4 Circle Cutter, Adjustable 7/8-Inch… | $11.07 | Buy Now | |
| MILWAUKEE 49-22-4023 9pc PC HOLE DOZER… | $48.48 | Buy Now |
Last update on 2020-12-02 at 01:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
- 3-Hole drill guide for pocket holes, for use with materials from 12 to 38mm…
- Removable drill guide block doubles as a repair tool; Drill Guide Spacings:…
- Large clamping recess to secure your jig; Removable Drill Guide for…
- Requires no glue, no complicated math, and no small army of clamps.Clamping…
Last update on 2020-12-02 at 04:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re trying to make angled holes in wood to connect pieces together then pocket hole jigs were made just for this task.
And, every DIY’er or homeowner should have one of this jigs around (they range from $20 up to $150+).
With a pocket hole jig you can make everything from cabinets to repair an old chair and is one of the most popular jigs in the Kreg lineup of jigs for woodworkers.
By incorporating a precision angle drill guide this tool will let you drill a perfectly angled hole in wood for inserting pocket hole screws.
Wonder what to do with the hole later? Simple. Just install a pocket hole plug.
You can learn more about this style of jig in our guide to pocket hole jigs.
3. Jig Saw for Irregular Holes in Wood
- Variable speed trigger for increased control
- 45° bevel shoe capacity for angled cuts in both directions
- Tool-free blade change
- Built-in dust blower
Last update on 2020-12-02 at 04:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When it comes to putting irregular or square holes in wood a jigsaw is one of the best tools.
However, a jigsaw comes with a few cautions:
- DON’T expect to cut perfectly straight lines
- DO use a 3/8″ drill bit to start a hole (I like to use a hole in each corner if I’m cutting a square or rectangle)
- Be careful to not cut the cut when cutting (hey, it’s happened to me!)
But, this isn’t a tool you’ll use ALL the time so if you’re not sure go with a well reviewed saw that fits the buying criteria below
Types of Holes:
- Irregular holes in hardwood, flooring, cabinets, decks
- Square holes in cabinet backs
What to Look For:
- A cordless jig saw is a great addition as it removes the cord that will constantly get tangled in your work
- Look for a saw with an adjustable “bite” that will allow fast work in softwoods. And controlled cuts in harder woods.
- Don’t skimp on the blades – but a high quality set!
4. Cordless Drill to Power Drill Bits
- Ergonomic Design: Lightweight tools designed to fit the user’s needs
- Increased Visibility: The DCF885 features a built in Led with 20 second…
- Includes: (1) DCD771 drill/driver, (1) DCF885 1/4 inches impact driver, (2)…
- 1 Handed Bit Loading: The DCF885 has a 1/4 inches hex chuck and accepts 1…
Last update on 2020-12-01 at 17:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fine, I know this one is obvious.
But, if you’re planning to make a circular hole in wood you’ll need either a drill (corded or cordless ) or a drill press.
While most everyone has a cordless drill, if you are planning to drill large holes over 2″ you’ll want to consider a more powerful unit.
Why won’t smaller, $40 cordless drills work? The simple answer is torque as the force of a 4″ hole saw is quite powerful when it grabs into wood.
5. Drill Press - #1 Tool for Making Round Holes in Wood
While you can use a cordless drill for some holes, a drill press for accuracy and repeatable drilling of holes in wood can’t be beat.
Key features:
- Depth adjustment stops
- Work pieces can be clamped
- Adjustable speed
- Fits large drill bits up to 1/2″ (most cordless drills stop at 3/8″)
While these are available in all sizes, unless you have serious woodworking plans a bench mounted drill press will work for most projects.
6. Circular Saw: Tools for Making Square Holes in Wood
For a hole cutting job that involves larger square holes you’ll want to take a look at a circular saw like the Dewalt circular saw .
Different from the reciprocating and jigsaw, the circular saw can “dive” into wood without a pre-drilled hole and start going.
Key features:
- Fast cutting for large holes
- Cordless versions available for portability
- Able to cut straight lines
- Use a circular saw track guide to cut a straight line
7. Reciprocating Saw: A Tool for Cutting Rough Holes in Wood
With a reciprocating saw you can make fast cuts and holes in just about any wood.
But there’s a catch: there is nothing pretty about a hole the reciprocating saw makes. However, it will get the job done quickly and with minimal effort.
Key features:
- Aggressive blades with course teeth for fast cuts
- Designed for speed
- Cordless and corded for remote sites
8. Twist Drill Bits to Make Small Holes in Wood
The popular twist drill bits are likely already in your toolbox and do fine making holes up to about 1/2″.
9. Forstner Bit: The Only Tool to Make Flat Bottom Holes in Wood
11. Spade Drill Bits for Fast And Cheap Holes in Wood
A spade bit is the standard issue drill bit for putting holes in wood of all shapes and sizes. And, due to it’s inexpensive design, it’s a great tool for an occasional DIY’er.
I have a few sets of spade bits in my toolbox at all times. Because they are versatile, cheap, and have a unique long pilot tip they are perfect for drilling holes in any type of wood.
And the best part? They are the best drill bit to avoid ripping out the side of the wood opposite the drill. Because they have a long pilot tip you can see the bit come through and then simply start drilling from the opposite side of the wood.
But the only thing this bit can’t do is drill a flat bottom hole – you’ll need to go back to the forstner bit for that.
10. Router Bit for Making Precise Holes and Grooves in Wood
A fluted router bit installed in a plunge router with either a pattern guide or freehand will make just about any pattern of hole in wood.
The only con? A router bit has a limited maximum hole size and creates a lot of dust.
12. Auger Drill Bits for Rough Drilling of Holes
The auger drill set is a fast cutting bit for soft woods like wall studs. Due to it’s speed it is commonly used by electricians for holes 3/8-1″.
13. CNC Milling Machine to Cut Precise Holes in Wood
So a CNC milling machine may not be what you expected to find, it’s a master at cutting intricate holes in wood.
I told you this one would be cool.
And no these aren’t so expensive only a professional woodworking shop can own them. Because technology and time produce cheaper tools you can have a home-based CNC mill for $200-300.
14. Corn Hole Drill Bit
If you’re building your own corn hole boards you’ll face one obstacle: finding a hole saw large enough to drill a 6″ hole.
But, this 6-inch hole saw is up to the job.
Caution: Be sure to have a firm grip on the saw, go slow and hold on when this hole saw hits your corn hole face. For a professional finish, be sure to drill about 75-percent of the way and then reverse the hole saw to avoid splinters.
Frequently Asked Questions for Tools to Make Holes in Wood
What tool makes holes in wood?
For round holes a drill press or cordless drill is the best tool. But for irregular holes in wood a reciprocating saw is my preference.
How do you drill a large hole in wood?
A large hole over 2″ is best drilled with a hole saw. These types of bits have an edge like a saw and attach to a cordless drill.
How do you cut a hole in wood by hand?
The best way to cut a hole in wood by hand is with a paddle bit or auger drill using a crank driver. But honestly, this is an antiquated approach and a cheap cordless drill is a preferred tool.
