Drill bit

Drill bits are the cutters of drill tools. Bits are interchangeable, meaning that they can be removed from the end of the drill, either to replace a worn part or to change the size of the part.

Installer bit

Installer bits are a type of twist bit, but with a sharper angle, intended for high-speed drilling (always with a power drill, usually cordless) in wood, drywall, and similar soft materials, and can be damaged if used to drill metal. Typically the flutes extend about 1/4th to 1/3rd the length of the bit, with a smooth shank the remainder of the length. A typical length for an installer bit is 18in, although longer ones are available.

Related Topics:
Drywall - In

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As their name implies, they are typically used by installers to run wiring through walls, and as such they have a hole drilled between the flutes to aid in fishing a cable. Compared to spade bits (also often used by installers), installer bits drill faster, leave a cleaner hole, are less prone to tangling fiberglass insulation or carpet, and are less likely to crack redwood shingles. In addition, while hitting a nail is usually instantly fatal for a spade bit, an installer bit usually deflects to the side, or if not, usually is not damaged in the time it takes the installer to realize there's a problem and cease drilling.

Related Topics:
Installer - Wiring - Fishing - Fiberglass - Carpet - Shingle - Nail

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A different type of installer bit has a very long (usually 4 foot) flexible shank with a small twist bit at the end, made of spring steel steel instead of hardened steel, and can be flexed and bent while drilling. This unique design allows the bit to be curved inside of walls, for example to drill through studs from a light switch box without needing to remove any material from the wall. These bits usually come with a set of special tools to aim and flex the bit to reach the desired location and angle, although the problem of seeing where you're drilling still remains.

Related Topics:
Spring steel - Steel - Stud - Light switch

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Image:Installer_bit_overview.jpg|An 3/8in, 18in long installer bit

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Image:Installer_bit_closeup_2.jpg|Closeup of above bit

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