Custom Pack Drills: Build Your Own Drill Bit Set
By Drill Hog® | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to build your own drill bit set with a custom pack of drills from Drill Hog®. Get practical advice on selecting the right bits for your projects.
Quick answer
A custom pack of drills from Drill Hog® lets you build your own drill bit set tailored to your most common tasks, saving money and storage space compared to buying full sets with bits you rarely use.
Why build your own drill bit set?
Pre-made sets often include sizes you already own or never need. By picking your own drill bits, you invest only in the diameters and types that match your projects. This approach reduces clutter and upfront cost while ensuring you have the right tool for each job.
A custom pack is especially useful when you frequently drill into multiple materials—wood, metal, masonry—or when your work focuses on a narrow range of sizes. You can combine general-purpose bits with specialty ones without paying for a full set.
Trade-offs of a custom pack
The main trade-off is convenience. A pre-assembled set arrives ready with a case and a logical progression of sizes. With a custom pack, you need to decide each size and type yourself, and you may need to buy a separate storage solution.
Also, if your projects vary widely, a custom pack might cost more per bit than a bulk set. But for focused work, it often provides better value and less waste.
How to build your own drill bit set
- 1. List your most common materials: Write down the materials you drill most often—wood, drywall, metal, tile, or concrete. This determines the bit type you need (e.g., high-speed steel for wood, cobalt for hard metals, carbide-tipped for masonry). Match bit coating and geometry to your primary material.
- 2. Identify your most-used sizes: Look at your past projects and note the drill bit diameters you reach for repeatedly. Common sizes include 1/16" to 1/4" for small hardware, 3/8" for general tasks, and 1/2" for larger holes. Focus on 5–10 sizes that cover 80% of your work. Avoid buying sizes you rarely use.
- 3. Consider bit length and shank type: Standard jobber length works for most tasks. For tight spaces, choose screw machine (stubby) bits. For deep holes, use extra-long bits. If you use a quick-change chuck, hex shank bits offer convenience. For a standard three-jaw chuck, round shank bits are fine. Choose length and shank based on your drill and workspace.
- 4. Add specialty bits for specific jobs: If you drill into tile or glass, add a carbide-tipped bit. For countersinking screws, pick a countersink bit. For step drilling in thin metal, a step bit works well. These specialty bits solve problems that general-purpose bits cannot. One specialty bit can replace multiple general-purpose attempts.
- 5. Plan your storage: Since custom packs often come without a case, budget for a drill bit index or a simple roll-up pouch. Storing bits properly prevents damage and keeps sizes organized. Magnetic strips or small parts bins work well for workshop use. Good storage extends bit life and saves time searching.
Product facts
- Custom Pack Drills: Drill Hog® Custom Pack Drills offer a versatile drilling solution for your home and workshop projects. Each pack is assembled to provide a practical selection of drill bits, ready for a variety of tasks. As with all Drill Hog® products, these drills are backed by a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. You can customize your selection to match your specific needs, and the lifetime warranty gives you confidence in your investment.
Custom Pack Drills
Who should build their own drill bit set?
Best for
- DIYers who know their most-used sizes and materials
- Professionals who need a tailored kit for repeated tasks
- Anyone replacing a worn-out set and wanting to avoid extras
Not for
- Beginners who want a comprehensive all-in-one set with a case
- Users who drill a wide variety of materials and sizes regularly
