When you use screws as a fixture, neatness usually requires you to use a countersunk hole to install the head correctly. Due to the wide variety of screws, countersunk drill bits with a variety of sizes are an economical solution. To help you choose the right guide, we have compiled a concise guide. We also made some suggestions, including our favorite DeWalt Countersink drill bit set, which combines the ingenious design the brand is known for with the fast and accurate cutting required by professionals. Precautions when choosing a countersunk bit set. Countersunk bit types There are two basic types of countersunk bits: standard and one-piece. The standard basic model is a tapered (or standard) tool, usually with three to five cutting edges. More grooves mean more cutting edges, which generally results in a cleaner finish and faster waste removal. When the screw holes have been drilled, use a basic tapered countersunk hole. They are also very effective for deburring holes in metals and plastics (many engineers only rotate them quickly by hand), but they are difficult to arrange correctly. All-in-one composite (or all-in-one) countersinks are usually easier to arrange for precise cutting. It has a standard drill bit with a countersink drill bit installed around the shank. It can be used to guide countersinks, and can also be used for drilling and countersinking or countersinking at the same time. It can also be adjusted for different depths. A variant of the pilot bit uses a tapered bit to help place the countersink in a pre-existing hole and provide faster cutting. This versatility makes it a more common choice in countersunk bit sets, although the tapered version is still popular with engineers and metal workers. Pilot drills are generally not suitable for drilling metal, so countersinking becomes a separate process, and tapered tools are more suitable. The handle is round or hexagonal. The round shank is mainly designed to insert a chuck-a drill or a handheld model. Hex shanks work very well in these chucks, but they are mainly used for plug-in quick release systems-there is no need to loosen and tighten the chucks. Features All countersink drill bits are made of high-speed steel (HSS), but the finishes and additives are different. They can have nickel, black oxide, or titanium nitride (TiN) coatings, which help reduce heat build-up—so they cut better and stay sharp for longer—and also resist corrosion. Countersinks made specifically for metals may have tungsten, molybdenum, or cobalt added to the steel to make them really hard. Price You won't pay too much for a high-quality countersunk bit kit, starting at about $10. Since then, prices have largely depended on the quantity and quality of drill bits, although even metal cutting tools rarely exceed $40. The one exception is the precision-designed cobalt countersink, which can cost more than $100—although these may last a lifetime. Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is countersink chatter? A. It is rough vibration and irregular shape, which occurs when the countersink drill does not cut smoothly. It may be caused by blunt drill bits or inconsistent drilling pressures. Although it is not always practical, using a drill press instead of a hand-held drill can usually achieve more consistent, vibration-free results. Q: Is the countersunk hole the same as the countersunk hole? A. No. The counterbore is a deeper hole, wide enough to accommodate the screw head. It can be used for decorative finishes-hiding screw heads with pins-or to connect two pieces of material without the need for full-length screws. The countersunk hole is a shallow conical depression-usually deep enough to make the top of the screw head flush with the surface. The best countersunk bit set we recommend: DeWalt's countersunk bit set Our view: one of the top brands of high quality and very affordable price. What we like: Conical drill bits and four-blade countersinks can be used to quickly cut wood, plastic, and most composite materials. The hex handle can be clamped or used with a quick loading system. The drill bit is replaceable. What we don’t like: some quality control issues. Bits are not always straight. Great value for money: Werkzeug's countersink drill bit set. What we like: drilling and countersinking wood and plastic in one action. Including seven sizes from 3 to 10 mm. The three-point design helps improve accuracy. The depth of the counterbore can be adjusted. The drill bit can be used alone. Very cheap. What we don't like: the hexagonal thread will peel off, making the counterbore useless. Option 3: Irwin's countersink drill bit kit Our view: a comprehensive precision kit for metal workers and engineers. What we like: Five pieces ranging from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch are included to cover a wide range of tasks. It is specially designed for metals such as brass, aluminum and steel plate, but it is completely suitable for wood, plastic, etc. Beautiful box. What we don’t like: Relatively expensive, but certainly not overpriced. Bob Beacham is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and uses its own funds to purchase every product it reviews. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products, recommending the best choice for most consumers. If you purchase a product through one of our links, BestReviews and its newspaper partners may receive a commission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.