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 to cut wood are and how to use them.
While a Hole Saw Set is the most popular any-size tool for cutting holes there are a lot of other choices.
Perhaps you’re cutting a hole for an outlet, trying to make a flat bottom hole without penetrating the other side, or are maybe even drilling cornhole bag holes.
Whatever the case we’ll cover a tool that should work for your project.
- BEST FOR HOLES BY HAND: Spiral Push Drill
- FOR LARGE ROUND HOLES: Hole Saw Set
- BEST ANY SIZE CIRCLE: General Tools 55 Circle Cutter
- FOR IRREGULAR HOLES: Jigsaw
- BEST FLAT BOTTOM HOLES: Porter Cable Forstner
- BEST FOR SCREW HOLES: Kreg Pocket Hole
- BEST CABINET HARDWARE HOLES: Bosch Vix Bit
In This Article
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. Best for Large Round Holes: HOLE SAW SET
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
2. Best for Drilling Screw Holes: KREG K4 POCKET HOLE JIG
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. Cutting Irregular Holes in Wood: CORDLESS JIGSAW
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 Drive Drill Bits: CORDLESS DRILL
For any round holes you’ll need to have a drill to power it. So, while obvious, a good quality drill is invaluable to have.
When looking for a drill be sure to consider:
- Brand name and buying into an ecosystem of tools you can share batteries across
- Amp hours is important to ensure batteries run longer (larger numbers are better)
- Torque for running larger hole saws
5. Controlling Depth and Position of Holes: DRILL PRESS
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. Cutting Square or Rectangular Holes: CIRCULAR SAW
For a hole cutting job that involves larger square holes you’ll want to take a look at a 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. Rough Cutting Any Size or Shape: RECRIPROCATING SAW
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. Standard Drill Bits for Small Holes: QUICK CHANGE HEX BITS
The popular twist drill bits are likely already in your toolbox and do fine making holes up to about 1/2″.
9. Cutting Flat Bottom Holes in Wood: FORSTNER BIT
10. Making Medium Sized Holes in Wood: SPADE BITS
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.
11. Cutting Straight Grooves in Wood: FLUTED ROUTER BIT
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. Fast Drilling For Softwoods: AUGER BITS
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. Cutting Irregular Holes in Wood: CNC MILLING MACHINE
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 For 6-Inch Holes in Wood: 6-iNCH HOLE SAW
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 will cut a smooth hole with precision. And is a MUCH better alternative than using a jigsaw.
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 round 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.
Wood Drills on Amazon
Last update on 2021-04-16 at 21:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API