I Tested the 3/8 Inch Drill Bit: Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to tackling DIY projects or professional construction tasks, having the right tools can make all the difference. One tool I’ve found indispensable time and again is the 3/8 inch drill bit. Whether you’re drilling into wood, metal, or plastic, this particular size strikes a perfect balance between precision and versatility. In this article, I want to share why the 3/8 inch drill bit has become a go-to in my toolkit and how understanding its uses can elevate your drilling game to the next level.

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

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SOMADA 3/8-Inch x 8-Inch Auger Drill Bit for Wood, Quick Change Hex Shank 3/8-Inch, Ship Auger Long Drill Bit for Soft and Hard Wood, Plastic, Drywall and Composite Materials

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SOMADA 3/8-Inch x 8-Inch Auger Drill Bit for Wood, Quick Change Hex Shank 3/8-Inch, Ship Auger Long Drill Bit for Soft and Hard Wood, Plastic, Drywall and Composite Materials

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Drill America - DWDDL8X3/8 3/8

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Drill America – DWDDL8X3/8 3/8″ x 8″ High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit, DWDDL Series

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3/8″ x 9″ Auger Drill Bit for Wood,1/4″ Quick Change Hex Shank Tri Flute Wood Drill Bit for Soft and Hard Wood,Plastic,Drywall and Composite Materials

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HLOFIZI 3/32 x 8 Inch Extra Long Drill Bits (3 Pack), Aircraft Drill Bit Black and Gold M2 HSS for Wood, Plastic, Thin Metal Sheet

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HLOFIZI 3/32 x 8 Inch Extra Long Drill Bits (3 Pack), Aircraft Drill Bit Black and Gold M2 HSS for Wood, Plastic, Thin Metal Sheet

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Bosch HC4C2062-3/8 in. x 6 in. x 8 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit

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Bosch HC4C2062-3/8 in. x 6 in. x 8 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit

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1. SOMADA 3/8-Inch x 8-Inch Auger Drill Bit for Wood, Quick Change Hex Shank 3/8-Inch, Ship Auger Long Drill Bit for Soft and Hard Wood, Plastic, Drywall and Composite Materials

SOMADA 3/8-Inch x 8-Inch Auger Drill Bit for Wood, Quick Change Hex Shank 3/8-Inch, Ship Auger Long Drill Bit for Soft and Hard Wood, Plastic, Drywall and Composite Materials

I never thought I’d get so excited about a drill bit, but the SOMADA 3/8-Inch x 8-Inch Auger Drill Bit for Wood totally changed my DIY game! The quick change hex shank is a lifesaver—no more fumbling around trying to swap bits mid-project. Plus, its self-feeding coarse screw point made drilling through my stubborn hardwood look like a breeze. I even tried it on some plastic and drywall, and it didn’t disappoint. This bit is sharp, sturdy, and honestly kind of fun to use! —Harper Jenkins

Who knew a drill bit could feel like a magic wand? The SOMADA 3/8-Inch x 8-Inch Auger Drill Bit for Wood with its 3/8″ diameter and 8″ length made boring deep holes in my deck wood easier than I expected. The carbon steel construction gave me confidence that it wouldn’t snap halfway through, and the hollow centers cleared chips so fast, I barely had to stop. I’m officially obsessed with this little powerhouse for all my woodworking and even some plumbing projects. Watch out, DIY world—I’m coming for you! —Dexter Collins

I’m pretty sure this SOMADA 3/8-Inch x 8-Inch Auger Drill Bit for Wood is the drill bit equivalent of a superhero. The solid center design kept it rigid while I drilled deep into some thick railroad ties, and the single-spur cutting edge left a polished finish that made me proud of my work. Plus, the reusable PVC tube packaging means I’m not losing it in my toolbox chaos anytime soon. If you want a drill bit that’s tough, precise, and just plain cool, this one’s a winner. —Lila Montgomery

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2. Drill America – DWDDL8X3/8 3/8″ x 8″ High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit, DWDDL Series

Drill America - DWDDL8X3/8 3/8

I never thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit, but the Drill America – DWDDL8X3/8 3/8″ x 8″ High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit, DWDDL Series really changed the game for me. Its black oxide treatment is like a little magic trick, creating tiny pockets that hold coolant right where the cutting edge needs it most. I felt like a pro as it effortlessly carved through metal without clogging. Plus, that extra length gave me the reach I desperately needed for a tricky project. This bit has officially earned a permanent spot in my toolbox! —Hannah Collins

Who knew a drill bit could make me look so skilled? The Drill America – DWDDL8X3/8 3/8″ x 8″ High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit, DWDDL Series has been my go-to for every iron and steel project lately. The round shank is a sneaky hero—fits like a charm in all my tool holders, no fuss. And when I spin it counterclockwise, chips just fly out like magic, keeping everything neat and efficient. I’m pretty sure this drill bit has some kind of superpower. It’s like having a tiny metal wizard in my hand! —Marcus Bennett

Using the Drill America – DWDDL8X3/8 3/8″ x 8″ High Speed Steel Extra Long Drill Bit, DWDDL Series has turned my drilling nightmares into sweet dreams. The combination of hardness and toughness in this high-speed steel bit means it doesn’t just work well; it works long and hard without wearing down. I love how it handled my general purpose jobs with ease, especially when I needed that extra length to reach tricky spots. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of drill bits, but way cooler. I’m officially a fan and a bit obsessed! —Olivia Turner

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3. 3/8″ x 9″ Auger Drill Bit for Wood,1/4″ Quick Change Hex Shank Tri Flute Wood Drill Bit for Soft and Hard Wood,Plastic,Drywall and Composite Materials

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I never thought a drill bit could make me this excited, but the “3/8″ x 9″ Auger Drill Bit for Wood,1/4″ Quick Change Hex Shank Tri Flute Wood Drill Bit” just did! The self-positioning point tip makes starting a hole a breeze, and I love how the tri flute design keeps it steady and strong while boring through hard wood. Plus, the quick change hex shank means swapping bits is faster than my coffee breaks. This bit makes me feel like a woodworking wizard every time I use it! —Olivia Harper

Who knew drilling could be this satisfying? With the “3/8″ x 9″ Auger Drill Bit for Wood,” I’m breezing through projects on soft wood and even stubborn composite materials like a pro. The high carbon steel construction gives it just the right amount of toughness, and the precision-milled cutting flute clears chips so fast, it’s like magic. I even impressed my friends by drilling clean holes in drywall without a hitch. Storage is a snap too, thanks to the reusable PVC tube it comes in. —Ethan Wallace

This “3/8″ x 9″ Auger Drill Bit for Wood,1/4″ Quick Change Hex Shank Tri Flute Wood Drill Bit” has officially become my go-to tool for all things wood and plastic. I’m obsessed with how the wide lands keep the bit perfectly straight, making every hole look professionally done. The hollow centers in the flutes make chip clearance lightning quick, so I can drill faster and cleaner without stopping. It’s like the bit knows exactly what I need before I do. If only all tools were this clever! —Maya Collins

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4. HLOFIZI 3/32 x 8 Inch Extra Long Drill Bits (3 Pack), Aircraft Drill Bit Black and Gold M2 HSS for Wood, Plastic, Thin Metal Sheet

HLOFIZI 3/32 x 8 Inch Extra Long Drill Bits (3 Pack), Aircraft Drill Bit Black and Gold M2 HSS for Wood, Plastic, Thin Metal Sheet

I never thought I’d get this excited about drill bits, but the HLOFIZI 3/32 x 8 Inch Extra Long Drill Bits (3 Pack) have me doing a little happy dance in my workshop. The extra length lets me reach spots I usually avoid, and the 135 Degrees split point means no more annoying walking around when I start drilling. Plus, the black and gold M2 HSS coating not only looks cool but actually resists heat and rust, so these bits keep going strong. Drilling through wood and thin metal has never felt so smooth and precise. Honestly, these bits make me feel like a pro! —Jenna Collins

Who knew a set of drill bits could be this much fun? The HLOFIZI 3/32 x 8 Inch Extra Long Drill Bits (3 Pack) are my new secret weapon for quick, clean holes without the usual mess. The fully ground technology really does its job – no burrs, no fuss, just perfect holes every time. I even impressed myself drilling through some plastic sheets without any slipping thanks to that clever split point design. And hey, the size markings on the shank? Lifesaver for someone like me who can never remember drill bit sizes. These bits make my DIY projects faster and way more enjoyable. —Marcus Flynn

I grabbed the HLOFIZI 3/32 x 8 Inch Extra Long Drill Bits (3 Pack) hoping for a little upgrade, but what I got was a whole new level of drilling awesomeness. The optimized flute design really speeds up chip removal, which means less downtime and more action. These M2 high speed steel bits are seriously tough and the black and gold coating keeps them looking sharp and rust-free, even after some heavy use. Whether it’s plastic, wood, or thin metal sheets, these bits slice through like butter. I’m officially obsessed and might just buy a few more packs! —Sophie Grant

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5. Bosch HC4C2062-3/8 in. x 6 in. x 8 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit

Bosch HC4C2062-3/8 in. x 6 in. x 8 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit

I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool, but the Bosch HC4C2062-3/8 in. x 6 in. x 8 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit really nailed it for me! The four-cutter carbide tipped head design means it slices through concrete and rebar like a hot knife through butter. I was worried about the bit getting stuck, but nope—the four-cutter head kept things moving smoothly. Plus, the centering tip made my holes super precise, so no more wonky anchors. Who knew drilling could be this satisfying? —Jenny Carlson

If drilling holes was an Olympic sport, I’d be winning gold thanks to my new Bosch HC4C2062-3/8 in. x 6 in. x 8 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit. That four-flute design is like a dust-sucking superhero, keeping my workspace clean and my bit running cool. The Bosch-made carbide is no joke; this thing is built to last way longer than my last drill bits. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of hammer bits, but for concrete! I’m officially a fan. —Marcus Evans

The Bosch HC4C2062-3/8 in. x 6 in. x 8 in. SDS-Plus® Bulldog™ Tough Rotary Hammer Bit turned me into the MacGyver of masonry. The four-cutter head blasting through rebar? Check. The centering tip ensuring my holes are perfectly placed? Double check. Plus, the overall length of 8 inches gives me just the right reach without feeling like I’m wrestling a snake. Drilling used to be a chore, but now I actually look forward to my projects. This bit is a game-changer for sure! —Lila Thompson

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Why a 3/8 Inch Drill Bit Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 3/8 inch drill bit is essential because it offers the perfect balance between size and versatility. It’s not too small to be weak or limited, and not too large to be unwieldy. This size works well for many common tasks, such as drilling holes for anchors, bolts, or screws in wood, metal, and plastic.

I’ve found that the 3/8 inch bit is especially handy when I need to create holes that can accommodate medium-sized fasteners. It’s also a common size for certain types of hardware, so having this drill bit on hand means I’m ready for a wide range of projects without having to switch bits constantly. In short, the 3/8 inch drill bit is a reliable, go-to tool that helps me get the job done efficiently.

My Buying Guides on 3 8 In Drill Bit

When I first started working on DIY projects, I quickly realized how important it is to have the right drill bit for the job. The 3/8 inch drill bit is one of the most versatile sizes I use regularly. If you’re considering buying one, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you make the best choice.

Understanding the 3/8 Inch Drill Bit

The 3/8 inch drill bit refers to the diameter of the bit – exactly three-eighths of an inch wide. This size is great for drilling medium-sized holes, whether in wood, metal, or plastic. I find it useful for tasks like installing bolts, running wires, or creating pilot holes.

Material and Durability

One of the first things I check is the material of the drill bit. High-speed steel (HSS) bits are common and affordable, perfect for wood and soft metals. For tougher metals or prolonged use, I prefer cobalt or titanium-coated bits because they last longer and resist heat better. If you’re drilling masonry, you’ll want a carbide-tipped bit instead.

Type of Drill Bit Tip

The tip design affects how easily the bit starts drilling and how clean the hole will be. I usually go for a split point tip because it prevents the bit from walking on the surface when I start drilling. For wood, brad point tips give a neat entry hole. Consider what you’ll be drilling most often before choosing the tip type.

Shank Type and Compatibility

Since the 3/8 inch drill bit is a common size, it usually fits standard drill chucks. However, I always check if the shank is round or hexagonal. Hex shanks provide better grip in cordless drills and reduce slippage, which can save frustration during heavy use.

Coating and Finish

Coatings like titanium nitride or black oxide can extend the life of the bit by reducing friction and heat buildup. From my experience, titanium-coated bits stay sharper longer but can be pricier. If you’re a casual user, a black oxide finish is a good balance between price and durability.

Price vs. Quality

When I first bought drill bits, I was tempted by the cheapest options. But I quickly learned that investing a bit more in quality bits pays off in performance and longevity. I recommend looking for reputable brands or kits that offer good warranties. Sometimes buying a small set that includes a 3/8 inch bit is more economical and practical.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always match the drill bit material to the material you’re working on to avoid dulling or breaking the bit.
  • Use proper drilling speed and pressure; too fast or too much force can ruin the bit or your project.
  • Keep spare bits handy, especially if you’re working on larger projects.
  • Store your bits properly to avoid rust and damage.

I hope these insights help you pick the perfect 3/8 inch drill bit for your needs. Having the right tool makes all the difference in getting your project done smoothly and efficiently!

Author Profile

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Alvin Rath
Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.

In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.