Choosing the right spade drill bits matters whether you’re hanging cabinets, running wiring, or tackling a weekend woodworking project. We researched dozens of sets, ran hands-on tests for hole quality, durability and fit, and weighed expert and user feedback to recommend the best spade drill bits available today.
Considerations and Testing Methodology
What we tested:
- Real-world drilling: clean hole quality (edge breakout, splintering) in soft and hardwoods, plywood, and MDF.
- Durability: heat treatment, edge retention, and shaft straightness after repeated use.
- Chip removal and feed: flute design, self-feeding tips, and extension performance in deep or hard-to-reach holes.
- Fit and compatibility: quick-change 1/4" hex shanks, anti-slip grooves, and connector/adapter performance in cordless and corded drills.
- Value factors: included sizes, storage, extension rods, and price per usable bit.
How rankings were decided:
- Real-world usage (50%): hands-on drilling tests and long-run durability checks.
- Expert opinion (25%): input from pro carpenters and electricians about tip design and chip removal.
- Consumer feedback (25%): aggregated user reviews for long-term reliability and fit issues.
We weighted performance and versatility highest—sets that made consistent, clean holes and held up across materials ranked best.
6-Piece Spade Bits Set
A compact, budget-friendly 6-piece spade set covering common sizes from 3/8" to 1". Carbon steel heads, 1/4" hex shanks, and a quick-change design make it a solid starter pack for DIYers who need basic, reliable wood drilling without the cost.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This 6-piece spade set gives you the most-used hole sizes (3/8"–1") at a very low price. Heads are carbon steel with heat-treatment and a polished finish; the 1/4" hex shank with anti-slip groove worked well in quick-change chucks. During testing the bits produced acceptable holes in softwoods and plywood with predictable chip removal, though in dense hardwoods they dulled faster than premium bits.
Key strengths: inexpensive, compact size range, quick-change compatibility.
Limitations: not as long-lasting on hardwood; no storage roll or extension included.
Who should buy: DIYers and homeowners who need common sizes for occasional projects and don't want to spend much.
Jorgensen 14-Piece Spade Set
A robust 14-piece set built for pros and serious hobbyists. Heat-treated carbon steel, deep flutes for fast chip clearance, self-feeding threaded tips, and a quick-load connector speed up repetitive work and reduce wandering—great for contractors and heavy-use environments.
Why this is the Premium Choice
Jorgensen’s 14-piece kit stands out for build quality and jobsite convenience. The self-feeding threaded tips and dual cutting edges deliver fast, clean holes with minimal wandering. Deep, optimized flutes evacuate chips rapidly, and the included quick-load connector enables one-handed bit changes and reduces wobble in high-torque drivers. Heat-treated carbon-steel construction and an impact-resistant shaft held up well in prolonged testing.
Key strengths: professional-grade tips, quick-load connector, broad size range (1/4"–1-1/2").
Limitations: higher price than basic sets; heavier kit for casual users.
Who should buy: tradespeople and serious woodworkers who need reliable performance, fast bit changes, and long life.
14-Piece Extended Spade Set
A 14-piece set with a patented groove design and a 6" extension rod included. Heat-treated high-carbon steel, improved chip removal, and a long extension make this a versatile pick for tight or deep drilling tasks—excellent balance of price and features.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
This set gives a lot of pro-oriented features for the price: patented large-area grooves that speed chip ejection and heat dissipation, dual cutting spurs for cleaner edges, and a 6" extension rod that increases reach to 12" when needed. Construction is heat-treated high-carbon steel with a polished head for wear resistance. In testing it produced consistent, clean holes across plywood and hardwood while the extension remained stable during longer reach jobs.
Key strengths: patented groove design, included extension rod, comprehensive size range.
Limitations: slightly pricier than bare minimum sets but justified by the extension and design enhancements.
Who should buy: hobbyists and pros who want extended reach and better chip management without paying premium prices.
13-Piece Heat-Treated Spades
A dependable 13-piece kit made from heat-treated medium carbon steel with polished heads and spiral flutes for fast chip removal. Quick-change 1/4" hex shanks and a nylon storage pouch make it convenient and versatile for most woodworking tasks.
Why this is the Editor's Choice
The 13-piece set hits the sweet spot: high-quality heat-treated medium carbon steel, polished heads for reduced friction, and spiral flutes that consistently outperformed plain paddle flutes in chip clearance and hole cleanliness. The quick-change 1/4" hex shank stayed secure in both corded and cordless drills during testing, and the included nylon pouch keeps bits organized on the job.
Key strengths: durable heat-treated construction, spiral/flute design for better chip evacuation, excellent value vs. performance balance.
Limitations: lacks a long extension rod—useful for deep runs but can be paired with a separate extender.
Who should buy: woodworkers and electricians who want a reliable, long-lasting kit that performs well across common materials.
Comparison Overview — Key Differences
- 6-Piece Spade Bits Set (Budget) — Small, inexpensive set for occasional use; good for softwoods and plywood but will dull faster in hardwood.
- Jorgensen 14-Piece (Premium) — Professional features: self-feeding tips, quick-load connector, deep flutes; best for jobsite durability and repeat drilling.
- 14-Piece Extended (Value) — Patented groove design and included extension rod give the most utility per dollar for deep or hard-to-reach holes.
- 13-Piece Heat-Treated (Editors’ Pick) — Balanced performance: heat-treated heads, spiral flutes, reliable quick-change shanks and strong everyday performance.
Best overall: the Editors’ Choice (13-piece heat-treated set) for its combination of durability, clean hole results, and price-to-performance balance.
Best for professionals: Jorgensen 14-piece for heavy use and rapid bit changes.
Best budget option: the 6-piece set for casual users.
Best for deep or awkward holes: the 14-piece extended set with its included extension rod.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing expert and user feedback, our top pick for most people is the Editor’s Choice 13-piece heat-treated spade set: it delivers durable construction, cleaner holes across materials, and strong quick-change compatibility at a fair price. If you’re a pro who drills all day, opt for the Jorgensen 14-piece premium kit with the quick-load connector and self-feeding tips. For occasional DIYers on a tight budget, the 6-piece basic set gives the most-used sizes at the lowest cost. Finally, if you frequently drill deep or in tight spaces, the extended 14-piece set with its patented groove and extension rod is the best value.
All recommendations are based on comparative drilling tests, material and fit assessments, and aggregated user reports to ensure you get the right spade bit set for your needs.