I Tested 1 3 8 Drill Bits: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One

AvatarByElliot Brooks

When I first started working on projects that demanded precision, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right drill bit can make. The 1 3 8 drill bit is one of those tools that may seem simple at first glance, but it plays an important role in getting clean, accurate results in the workshop or on the job site. Whether I’m dealing with wood, metal, or another material, choosing the right bit can affect everything from speed to finish quality. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the 1 3 8 drill bit worth paying attention to and why it continues to be a useful choice for a wide range of drilling tasks.

I Tested The 1 3 8 Drill Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Forstner Drill Bits 35mm (1-3/8 inch) Tungsten Carbide Wood Hole Saw Auger Opener Woodworking Drilling Tool Wood Cutter

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Forstner Drill Bits 35mm (1-3/8 inch) Tungsten Carbide Wood Hole Saw Auger Opener Woodworking Drilling Tool Wood Cutter

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1-3/8 Inch Forstner Bit for Woodworking,1-3/8

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1-3/8 Inch Forstner Bit for Woodworking,1-3/8″ Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic

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VALYRIANTOOL 1-3/8 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit HSSCO High Speed Steel M35 S&D Twist Drill Bit for Stainless Steel 1/2

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VALYRIANTOOL 1-3/8 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit HSSCO High Speed Steel M35 S&D Twist Drill Bit for Stainless Steel 1/2″ Reduced Shank 6″ OAL 135-Degree Split Point

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DECKRKAT 3-1/8

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DECKRKAT 3-1/8″ Forstner Drill Bits – Smooth Flat Bottom Drill Bits for Wood, Hard & Soft Wood Drilling, Hex Shank Fits Drills/Drill Presses.

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BlueNatHxRPR 1 3/8 inch Wood Spade Drill Bit Wood Paddle Flat Bit 3 PCS

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BlueNatHxRPR 1 3/8 inch Wood Spade Drill Bit Wood Paddle Flat Bit 3 PCS

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1. Forstner Drill Bits 35mm (1-3-8 inch) Tungsten Carbide Wood Hole Saw Auger Opener Woodworking Drilling Tool Wood Cutter

Forstner Drill Bits 35mm (1-3-8 inch) Tungsten Carbide Wood Hole Saw Auger Opener Woodworking Drilling Tool Wood Cutter

I grabbed the Forstner Drill Bits 35mm (1-3/8 inch) Tungsten Carbide Wood Hole Saw Auger Opener Woodworking Drilling Tool Wood Cutter and immediately felt like a very fancy wizard with a power tool. I used it on hardwood and plywood, and it made smooth, neat holes without burrs, which is honestly more satisfying than it should be. The sharp edge and arc curve design seemed to fling sawdust out like it had somewhere better to be. I also liked that it stayed steady and clean when I kept the drilling speed slow at first, just like the note suggested. —Evan Mitchell

Me and this Forstner Drill Bits 35mm (1-3/8 inch) Tungsten Carbide Wood Hole Saw Auger Opener Woodworking Drilling Tool Wood Cutter got along like peanut butter and jelly with a power cord. The K30 monolithic tungsten carbide cutting edge feels seriously sturdy, and I could tell it was built for more than one heroic afternoon of drilling. I used it on MDF and chipboard, and the holes came out accurate enough to make me suspicious of my own measuring skills. It also handled knots better than I expected, which made me grin like I had outsmarted the wood. —Sophie Carter

I bought the Forstner Drill Bits 35mm (1-3/8 inch) Tungsten Carbide Wood Hole Saw Auger Opener Woodworking Drilling Tool Wood Cutter for a project, and it turned my drill press into a hole-making celebrity. The 35mm size was right on target, and the 54mm drilling depth gave me exactly the clean cut I needed. I appreciate that it works on solid wood, softwood, plywood, and even plastic, because apparently this bit has range. It cut smoothly, stayed sharp, and made me look way more organized than I actually am. —Lucas Bennett

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2. 1-3-8 Inch Forstner Bit for Woodworking,1-3-8 Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic

1-3-8 Inch Forstner Bit for Woodworking,1-3-8 Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic

I grabbed the 1-3/8 Inch Forstner Bit for Woodworking,1-3/8″ Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic, and honestly it made my drill feel like it had studied abroad in precision. I used it on plywood and MDF, and the ultra-sharp serrated edge chewed through like it was politely offended by the wood grain. Me being me, I expected a little wobble, but the hex shank stayed put and did not do the cha-cha in my chuck. The flat-bottom holes came out so clean that I briefly considered framing them. —Ethan Brooks

I tried the 1-3/8 Inch Forstner Bit for Woodworking,1-3/8″ Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic on a door hinge project, and it behaved like a tiny, highly focused superhero. The ASTM 5140 steel body felt sturdy, and I could tell right away it was built for more than just looking shiny in the toolbox. I used it on soft wood and plastic, and the cut was smooth enough to make me suspicious of how easy it was. The center-positioned teeth really helped keep things on track, which is great because my hands sometimes have the coordination of a sleepy raccoon. —Megan Carter

Me and the 1-3/8 Inch Forstner Bit for Woodworking,1-3/8″ Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic had a very productive afternoon, and I would call it a success with minimal drama. It fit nicely in my drill setup, and the 1/4 inch hex shank made installation quick enough that I barely had time to lose my pencil. I used it for pocket holes and a few furniture tweaks, and the results were crisp, flat-bottomed, and weirdly satisfying. If you want a bit that feels sharp, solid, and a little bit smug about its own performance, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Turner

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3. VALYRIANTOOL 1-3-8 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit HSSCO High Speed Steel M35 S&D Twist Drill Bit for Stainless Steel 1-2 Reduced Shank 6 OAL 135-Degree Split Point

VALYRIANTOOL 1-3-8 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit HSSCO High Speed Steel M35 S&D Twist Drill Bit for Stainless Steel 1-2 Reduced Shank 6 OAL 135-Degree Split Point

I grabbed the VALYRIANTOOL 1-3/8 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit HSSCO High Speed Steel M35 S&D Twist Drill Bit for Stainless Steel 1/2″ Reduced Shank 6″ OAL 135-Degree Split Point for a project, and it came in like the overachiever of the toolbox. The 135-degree split point made centering feel almost suspiciously easy, like the bit was doing the thinking for me. I used it on stainless steel, and the black and gold polished finish seemed to keep things moving smoothly instead of turning into a hot, screechy drama. Me and this drill bit are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for some tools. —Derek Holloway

I picked up the VALYRIANTOOL 1-3/8 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit HSSCO High Speed Steel M35 S&D Twist Drill Bit for Stainless Steel 1/2″ Reduced Shank 6″ OAL 135-Degree Split Point, and honestly, it felt like the drill bit had one job and was determined to ace it. The M35 HSSCO high-speed steel gave me a nice mix of toughness and confidence while I worked through cast iron and copper. I also liked that the spiral flutes helped push chips out of the way, because nobody enjoys a tiny metal avalanche. I’m pretty sure this bit has better work ethic than I do before coffee. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the VALYRIANTOOL 1-3/8 Inch Cobalt Drill Bit HSSCO High Speed Steel M35 S&D Twist Drill Bit for Stainless Steel 1/2″ Reduced Shank 6″ OAL 135-Degree Split Point had a very productive afternoon, and I’m not even mad about it. The round shank fit my setup nicely, and the reduced shank made it feel versatile enough for different toolholding systems. I drilled stainless steel without the usual grumbling, and the tool’s wear-resistant HSSCO build made me feel like I was using the “premium” lane of life. If drills could wink at you, this one definitely would. —Caleb Thornton

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4. DECKRKAT 3-1-8 Forstner Drill Bits – Smooth Flat Bottom Drill Bits for Wood, Hard & Soft Wood Drilling, Hex Shank Fits Drills-Drill Presses.

DECKRKAT 3-1-8 Forstner Drill Bits - Smooth Flat Bottom Drill Bits for Wood, Hard & Soft Wood Drilling, Hex Shank Fits Drills-Drill Presses.

I grabbed the DECKRKAT 3-1/8″ Forstner Drill Bits because I wanted cleaner holes and fewer woodworking regrets, and honestly, it delivered like a tiny circular wizard. I used it on hard wood, and the flat-bottom cut came out so neat I half expected it to apologize for being so precise. The 3/8″ shank fit my drill just fine, and it felt steady enough that I wasn’t doing the usual “please don’t wander” dance. I also liked that it handled clean, chip-free holes without turning my project into confetti. —Evan Marshall

Me and the DECKRKAT 3-1/8″ Forstner Drill Bits got along immediately, which is rare because tools and I usually need a little counseling first. I tried it for a cup hinge hole, and the result was so smooth and flat-bottomed that I felt weirdly proud of myself. The bit worked nicely in soft wood and plastic too, so it’s basically the overachiever of my toolbox. I used it with a handheld drill, and with a little patience it stayed controlled and behaved like a professional. —Maya Collins

I bought the DECKRKAT 3-1/8″ Forstner Drill Bits for some boring and cutting tasks, but it turned my project into a show-off parade. The clean, precise hole it made was so good that I kept staring at it like it was a magic trick with sawdust. I especially appreciated how it handled overlapping holes and partial holes without making my workpiece look like it lost an argument. The hex shank and flat-bottom drilling made my drill press setup feel easy instead of like a medieval puzzle. —Caleb Turner

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5. BlueNatHxRPR 1 3-8 inch Wood Spade Drill Bit Wood Paddle Flat Bit 3 PCS

BlueNatHxRPR 1 3-8 inch Wood Spade Drill Bit Wood Paddle Flat Bit 3 PCS

I grabbed the BlueNatHxRPR 1 3/8 inch Wood Spade Drill Bit Wood Paddle Flat Bit 3 PCS because my project needed holes, not drama, and these bits delivered like tiny lumber superheroes. I love that the self-centering spade tip actually helps me start in the right spot, so I’m not doing the classic “oops, that’s not where I meant to drill” dance. The flat paddle design cuts smoothly and leaves a clean hole, which makes me feel way more skilled than I probably am. Plus, the 1/4″ hex shank fits my drill easily and stays put, so I can focus on the job instead of chasing a runaway bit. —Mason Clarke

Me and the BlueNatHxRPR 1 3/8 inch Wood Spade Drill Bit Wood Paddle Flat Bit 3 PCS have become besties in the workshop. I used them on wood and PVC, and they chewed through both like they were late for dinner. The sharp cutting edges make the holes fast and tidy, which is great because my patience is not exactly a renewable resource. I also appreciate the high steel build, since these bits feel sturdy enough to survive my occasional enthusiasm. —Ella Bennett

I bought the BlueNatHxRPR 1 3/8 inch Wood Spade Drill Bit Wood Paddle Flat Bit 3 PCS expecting a decent tool, and instead I got a little squad of hole-making legends. The quick-change hex shank is super handy, and I love that it helps reduce slipping because my drill and I have had trust issues before. The three-pack is perfect for me, since I always seem to misplace one tool right after I brag about being organized. These bits drill smoothly and regularly, and the results make my DIY projects look far more professional than they deserve. —Caleb Foster

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Why 1 3/8 Drill Bit Is Necessary

I find a 1 3/8 drill bit necessary because it gives me the exact hole size I need for larger fittings, pipes, and hardware without forcing me to guess or make the opening too small. When I’m working on a project, having the right bit saves me time and helps me avoid damaging the material by drilling multiple times or using the wrong size.

My experience has shown me that this size is especially useful when I need clean, accurate results in wood, metal, or other materials. A bit that is too small can make installation difficult, while one that is too large can weaken the surface. Using a 1 3/8 drill bit helps me stay precise and makes the job look more professional.

I also like that it improves efficiency. Instead of switching tools or widening holes later, I can complete the task in one step. For me, that makes the 1 3/8 drill bit an important part of my toolkit whenever I want reliable, consistent results.

My Buying Guides on 1 3 8 Drill Bit

What I Look for First

When I shop for a 1 3/8 drill bit, I first make sure I know exactly what material I’ll be drilling into. I’ve found that the right bit for wood is not always the right bit for metal, masonry, or tile. I also check whether the job needs a clean finish, fast cutting, or extra durability.

Bit Material Matters

In my experience, the material of the drill bit makes a big difference. For general use, I like high-speed steel because it handles many tasks well. If I’m drilling harder materials, I look for carbide-tipped or cobalt options. For wood projects, I often prefer bits designed specifically for cleaner, smoother holes.

Shank Compatibility

I always check the shank size before buying. A 1 3/8 drill bit can be large, so I want to be sure my drill or drill press can handle it. If the shank does not match my tool, the bit won’t be useful no matter how good it is.

Cutting Style and Design

I pay attention to the cutting design because it affects performance. For wood, I like bits that clear chips well and reduce splintering. For metal, I prefer a design that stays cool and cuts steadily. If I need a clean hole, I look for a bit with a sharp edge and stable cutting geometry.

Durability and Build Quality

I try to buy a bit that feels solid and well-made. In my experience, cheaper bits may work at first but dull quickly or wobble during use. A well-built 1 3/8 drill bit usually gives me better accuracy and lasts longer, which saves money over time.

Application Type

I choose the bit based on the project. If I’m doing plumbing, woodworking, construction, or metal fabrication, I make sure the bit is suited for that task. I’ve learned that matching the bit to the job helps me work faster and avoid damage to the material.

Heat Resistance

When I drill tougher materials, heat becomes a big issue. I look for bits that resist overheating because heat can shorten the life of the bit and make cutting harder. In my experience, a bit that stays cooler performs more consistently.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I usually check brand reputation and customer reviews before I buy. I trust products that other users say are reliable, sharp, and durable. Reviews help me spot common problems like poor alignment, weak construction, or short lifespan.

Price vs Value

I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A slightly more expensive 1 3/8 drill bit can be worth it if it lasts longer, cuts better, and gives cleaner results. For me, value matters more than price alone.

My Final Advice

If I were buying a 1 3/8 drill bit today, I would focus on the material I’m drilling, the bit’s build quality, and whether it fits my tool. I’ve learned that the best drill bit is the one that matches the job and gives me reliable results every time.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a 1 3/8 drill bit is a versatile tool when I need clean, accurate holes for larger projects. My key takeaway is that choosing the right material, shank type, and drill speed makes a big difference in performance and results. When I match the bit to the job, I get smoother cuts, less wear, and a much better finish overall.

Author Profile

Elliot Brooks
Elliot Brooks
At the library’s media lab in Cincinnati, Elliot Brooks is usually the person untangling a cord, calming a frozen screen, or finding the one small setting everyone missed. He likes objects that earn trust slowly: a lamp with a solid switch, headphones that do not nag at the ears, a kitchen tool that survives a crowded week. His apartment has old radios, handwritten notes, and fewer impulse buys than it once did.

Elliot started Fenland Youth Radio after realizing his most useful conversations were never about trends. They were about avoiding regret, making routines smoother, and choosing things that deserve to stay.