Trend Drill Bits

Trend Drill Bits at Tooled-Up.com

Trend has established itself as one of the most trusted names in precision drilling technology, and the range of Trend drill bits available from Tooled-Up.com represents the pinnacle of British engineering excellence. For over 70 years, Trend has been manufacturing cutting tools that deliver exceptional performance, longevity, and precision across wood, metal, and composite materials. Whether you're a professional joiner working on intricate cabinetry or a site carpenter drilling repetitive fixing holes, Trend drill bits are engineered to maintain their cutting edge longer and deliver cleaner results than standard alternatives.

The Trend drill bit collection encompasses an impressive variety of specialist drilling solutions designed for specific applications and materials. From precision brad point bits for accurate pilot holes in hardwoods, to versatile lip and spur bits for general joinery work, and specialised forstner bits for clean flat-bottomed holes, Trend manufactures drill bits that meet the exacting demands of professional tradespeople. Their tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) bits have become industry favourites for drilling abrasive materials like chipboard, MDF, and laminates, whilst their innovative Snappy range offers quick-change convenience without compromising on cutting performance.

What sets Trend drill bits apart at Tooled-Up is the brand's unwavering commitment to manufacturing standards and material quality. Each drill bit undergoes rigorous quality control processes, ensuring consistent performance across production runs. Trend's proprietary heat treatment processes and precision grinding techniques result in drill bits that maintain geometry under demanding conditions, reducing the likelihood of wandering, binding, or premature wear that can compromise both work quality and operator safety.

Why Choose Trend Drill Bits?

Trend's reputation in the drilling category stems from their focus on application-specific engineering rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Where generic drill bits might suffice for occasional DIY tasks, Trend designs their products for the rigours of daily professional use. The brand invests heavily in research and development, collaborating with tradespeople to understand real-world drilling challenges and developing solutions that address specific pain points such as chip clearance, heat dissipation, and cutting efficiency.

Professional users consistently choose Trend drill bits because of their extended service life, which translates directly to reduced downtime and lower cost per hole drilled. The superior edge retention means fewer bit changes during long production runs, maintaining consistent hole quality throughout the working day. Trend's precision manufacturing ensures excellent concentricity, resulting in accurate holes with minimal vibration—a critical factor when working with expensive materials or when drilling locations must align perfectly for joinery or hardware installation.

Innovation distinguishes Trend from competitors in the drill bit market. Their development of specialised coatings, optimised flute geometries, and material-specific cutting angles demonstrates a brand that doesn't simply replicate existing designs but actively advances drilling technology. This forward-thinking approach has made Trend the preferred choice for craftspeople who demand tools that keep pace with modern materials and construction techniques.

Who Uses Trend Drill Bits?

• Joiners and Cabinet Makers – requiring precision holes for dowels, hinges, and concealed fixings
• Site Carpenters – drilling fixing holes in timber frames, studwork, and first-fix applications
• Shopfitters – installing retail fixtures with consistent, professional results
• Kitchen and Bedroom Fitters – drilling for hinges, handles, and adjustable feet in manufactured boards
• Furniture Manufacturers – production drilling requiring consistency and longevity
• Maintenance Engineers – needing reliable drill bits for varied materials in repair situations
• Boat Builders – working with marine plywoods and composite materials
• Renovation Specialists – drilling into diverse substrates from reclaimed timber to modern engineered products
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts – investing in professional-quality tools for home workshop projects

Key Features of Trend Drill Bits

Precision Ground Cutting Edges: Trend employs advanced CNC grinding technology to create geometrically perfect cutting edges that slice through materials cleanly rather than tearing fibres, resulting in reduced breakout and cleaner hole edges that require minimal finishing.

Optimised Flute Design: The spiral flutes on Trend drill bits are engineered for efficient chip evacuation, preventing the packing and overheating that shortens bit life. Different flute configurations are optimised for specific materials—tighter spirals for hardwoods, more aggressive profiles for softwoods and manufactured boards.

Tungsten Carbide Technology: Trend's TCT drill bits feature brazed tungsten carbide tips that maintain sharpness far longer than high-speed steel when drilling abrasive materials. The carbide grade and brazing techniques are specifically selected to balance hardness with impact resistance, preventing the chipping that can occur with inferior carbide bits.

Quick-Change Snappy System: The innovative Snappy range features hex shanks designed for rapid bit changes in impact drivers and quick-change chucks, dramatically improving productivity on repetitive drilling tasks without sacrificing the accuracy associated with traditional drill bits.

Brad Point Technology: Trend's brad point bits incorporate a sharp centre spur that positively locates in the material before the cutting edges engage, virtually eliminating the skating and wandering that can ruin workpieces and compromise safety.

Material-Specific Coatings: Selected Trend drill bits feature advanced coatings that reduce friction and heat buildup, extending cutting life and improving performance in challenging materials such as plastics, laminates, and metal.

Popular Trend Drill Bits

Trend Snappy Drill Bits: The revolutionary Snappy system has transformed productivity for tradespeople using impact drivers and quick-change systems. Available in comprehensive size ranges, these bits deliver traditional drilling accuracy with modern convenience, perfect for first-fix carpenters, electricians drilling cable routes, and any tradesperson who values speed without compromising quality.

Trend TCT Drill Bits: These tungsten carbide tipped bits excel when drilling abrasive manufactured boards, laminates, and materials that would quickly dull standard high-speed steel bits. Kitchen fitters and shopfitters particularly value the extended life and consistent performance when drilling multiple hinge holes in melamine-faced chipboard or through worktop surfaces.

Trend Brad Point Bits: Favoured by fine woodworkers and joiners, these precision bits create exceptionally clean entry holes in hardwoods and softwoods. The sharp brad point eliminates drift, making them ideal for dowel joinery and situations where hole placement must be exact.

Trend Forstner Bits: When flat-bottomed holes are required—for recessing hinges, creating counterbores, or architectural detailing—Trend forstner bits deliver clean results with minimal tearout. The precision ground cutting rim and chip breakers ensure smooth operation even in challenging grain patterns.

Trend Lip and Spur Bits: These versatile general-purpose bits suit a wide range of woodworking applications. The outer spurs score the wood fibres before the central cutting edges remove material, resulting in cleaner holes than standard twist bits, particularly important when drilling through-holes where exit quality matters.

Safety and Compliance

When using Trend drill bits, adherence to HSE guidelines regarding personal protective equipment is essential. Always wear appropriate eye protection to guard against flying chips and debris, particularly when drilling overhead or into materials that may splinter. Ensure workpieces are securely clamped—never attempt to hand-hold materials whilst drilling, as bit binding can cause sudden rotation and injury.

Select drill speeds appropriate to the bit diameter and material being drilled. Trend provides guidance on optimal operating speeds; exceeding these recommendations can cause overheating, premature wear, and potential bit failure. When using 240v corded drills, ensure regular inspection of power cables and plugs, and always disconnect from the mains supply when changing bits or making adjustments.

Maintain drill bits in good condition by storing them properly in protective cases or holders that prevent contact damage to cutting edges. Inspect bits before use for signs of damage, excessive wear, or coating degradation. Dull or damaged drill bits require excessive feed pressure, increasing the risk of breakage and loss of control. Regular cleaning to remove pitch buildup and occasional sharpening of high-speed steel bits will maintain performance and safety.

When drilling materials that generate fine dust—particularly MDF, hardwoods, and composite boards—appropriate respiratory protection and dust extraction should be employed in accordance with COSHH regulations. The combination of sharp Trend drill bits and proper extraction systems minimises airborne particulates whilst maintaining visibility of the drilling operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Trend's TCT drill bits and standard high-speed steel bits?

Trend TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) drill bits feature brazed carbide cutting edges that maintain sharpness significantly longer than high-speed steel when drilling abrasive materials like chipboard, MDF, laminates, and other manufactured boards. Whilst HSS bits are suitable for natural timber and occasional use, TCT bits are the professional choice for repetitive drilling in modern building materials, offering superior cost-per-hole value despite higher initial investment.

Can Trend drill bits be sharpened when they become dull?

Trend's high-speed steel drill bits, including brad point and lip and spur varieties, can be resharpened using appropriate grinding equipment and techniques, though this requires skill to maintain the correct geometry. TCT drill bits can be professionally resharpened by specialist tool grinding services, which is economically viable for larger diameter bits. The Snappy range bits are designed as consumables with competitive pricing that often makes replacement more practical than resharpening for smaller diameters.

Are Trend Snappy drill bits suitable for use in standard drill chucks as well as impact drivers?

Yes, Trend Snappy drill bits with hex shanks function perfectly in standard three-jaw drill chucks, quick-change adaptors, and impact driver bit holders. The hex shank design provides excellent grip and prevents slippage under load. Whilst they're optimised for the convenience of quick-change systems, their versatility means you're not limited to specific tool types, making them an excellent choice for tradespeople using varied equipment.

What drill speeds should I use with Trend drill bits?

Optimal drilling speeds vary according to bit diameter and material being drilled. As a general guide, larger diameter bits require slower speeds to prevent overheating—a 25mm forstner bit might run at 800-1200 RPM in hardwood, whilst a 3mm brad point bit could operate at 2000-3000 RPM. Trend provides specific recommendations for their specialist bits. Signs of incorrect speed include burning, excessive noise, rapid dulling, or poor finish quality. Most professional cordless drills offer variable speed control allowing real-time adjustment based on drilling performance.

How do Trend drill bits perform in materials other than wood?

Whilst Trend's reputation is strongest in woodworking applications, many of their drill bits perform admirably in related materials. TCT bits excel in composite materials, plastics, laminates, and even aluminium with appropriate speeds and lubrication. However, for drilling masonry, concrete, or hardened steel, purpose-designed drill bits with appropriate geometries and coatings deliver better results. Tooled-Up stocks Trend's full range, enabling you to select the precisely engineered drill bit for each material and application you encounter.