Drilling Accessories

About Drilling Accessories

Drilling accessories encompass a comprehensive range of tools and components designed to enhance the functionality, precision, and versatility of your drilling equipment. Whether you're a professional tradesperson tackling demanding site work or a dedicated DIY enthusiast working on home improvements, the right drilling accessories can dramatically improve both the quality of your work and your productivity. From precision drill bits and sturdy chucks to specialist attachments and safety equipment, this category brings together everything you need to get the most from your power drills and drilling machines.

At TooledUp.com, our drilling accessories collection includes essential items such as drill bit sharpeners to maintain cutting performance, drilling guides and jigs for accurate hole placement, drill stands for consistent perpendicular drilling, and mixing paddles for tradespeople working with compounds and adhesives. We also stock specialist accessories including countersinks for professional finishes, rotary burrs for shaping and grinding tasks, and adaptors to ensure compatibility across different drill models and applications.

Quality drilling accessories from trusted brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee can transform a standard power drill into a versatile multi-purpose tool. Whether you need to upgrade worn components, expand your drill's capabilities, or improve accuracy and safety on the job, investing in proper drilling accessories ensures professional results every time.

Jargon Buster

Chuck

The adjustable clamp mechanism at the front of a drill that holds and secures drill bits and accessories. Available in keyless (hand-tightened) or keyed varieties, typically in 10mm or 13mm capacities for standard drills.

Morse Taper

A self-holding tapered shaft system used to secure drill bits and accessories in drill presses and larger machinery. Common in industrial applications where quick, secure bit changes are essential.

HSS (High-Speed Steel)

A durable alloy steel material used in drill bits and cutting accessories, capable of withstanding high temperatures generated during drilling. Suitable for drilling metal, hardwood, and tough plastics.

Arbor

A shaft or spindle that holds cutting accessories such as hole saws, grinding wheels, or rotary burrs. The arbor transmits rotational force from the drill to the cutting tool.

SDS (Special Direct System)

A type of chuck and bit system used primarily in hammer drills and rotary hammers, allowing quick bit changes without additional tools and providing improved impact transmission for masonry drilling.

Pilot Hole

A small-diameter guide hole drilled before the final larger hole, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of splitting wood or walking on hard surfaces. Drilling guides and centre punches help create precise pilot holes.

Who Uses Drilling Accessories?

Drilling accessories are essential tools for a diverse range of professionals and enthusiasts:

• General Builders and Contractors – requiring versatile drilling solutions for varied materials across construction sites
• Electricians (Sparkies) – using specialist bits and guides for precise cable routing and fixture installation
• Plumbers – drilling through joists, walls, and floors for pipework, often requiring long auger bits and right-angle attachments
• Carpenters and Joiners (Chippies) – using precision drilling accessories for furniture making, cabinet installation, and timber framing
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters – requiring specialist bits for worktops, tiles, and unit installation
• Metalworkers and Fabricators – using cutting fluids, step drills, and HSS bits for precise metalwork
• Shopfitters and Installers – requiring quick-change systems and multiple bit types for efficient installation work
• Maintenance Engineers – needing a comprehensive range of accessories for varied repair and maintenance tasks
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Improvers – building collections of drilling accessories for domestic projects and repairs

How to Choose the Right Drilling Accessories

Selecting appropriate drilling accessories depends on several important factors:

Material Compatibility: Different materials require specific bit types and speeds. Wood drill bits feature centre points and sharp spurs, masonry bits have carbide tips, metal bits use HSS construction, and glass or tile bits require diamond or carbide grit. Always match your accessory to the material you're working with to ensure clean cuts and prevent damage.

Drill Type and Power: Ensure your accessories match your drill's chuck size (typically 10mm or 13mm for standard drills) and power rating. Larger accessories like mixing paddles and auger bits require drills with sufficient torque, whilst SDS accessories need compatible SDS-plus or SDS-max rotary hammers. Check your drill operates at the correct voltage (230V standard in the UK) with adequate power for demanding accessories.

Accuracy Requirements: For precise work, consider drilling guides, jigs, or drill stands that ensure perpendicular holes and consistent depth. Depth stops, centre punches, and marking tools help achieve professional accuracy, particularly important for visible joinery or when drilling multiple identical holes.

Build Quality and Brand: Professional-grade accessories from manufacturers like Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee offer superior durability and performance compared to budget alternatives. For frequent use or demanding applications, investing in quality accessories reduces replacement costs and delivers better results.

Application-Specific Features: Consider specialist requirements such as right-angle attachments for confined spaces, extension bars for deep drilling, quick-change systems for efficiency, or dust extraction attachments to comply with HSE silica dust regulations on UK building sites.

Popular Accessories

Essential complementary products for drilling work include:

• Drill Bit Storage Cases and Organisers – keeping bits protected, organised, and easily accessible on site
• Centre Punches and Marking Tools – ensuring accurate hole placement and preventing drill bit walking
• Cutting Lubricants and Fluids – extending bit life and improving cutting performance when drilling metal
• Depth Stops and Collars – providing consistent hole depth for professional installations
• Replacement Chuck Keys – essential spares for keyed chucks on older or industrial drills
• Dust Extraction Attachments – helping comply with COSHH regulations when drilling masonry or concrete
• Magnetic Bit Holders – preventing screws and bits from dropping during overhead work
• Safety Glasses and Hearing Protection – essential PPE for drilling operations
• Workpiece Clamps and Vices – securing materials safely during drilling to prevent movement or injury

Safety Information

Safe use of drilling accessories is essential for preventing injuries and achieving quality results:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate safety glasses or goggles to protect against flying debris and dust. When drilling overhead or in confined spaces, consider full face protection. Use hearing protection when operating powerful drills or hammer drills for extended periods, and wear appropriate work gloves that don't risk entanglement with rotating components.

Equipment Inspection: Before use, inspect drill bits and accessories for damage, wear, or cracks. Damaged accessories can shatter during use, causing serious injury. Ensure bits are securely tightened in the chuck before operation, and check that attachments are rated for your drill's maximum speed (RPM).

Work Environment: Ensure adequate lighting and secure footing when drilling. Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling into walls or floors – use a cable detector to locate services. When drilling masonry or concrete, use dust extraction where possible to comply with HSE regulations regarding respirable crystalline silica exposure, which presents serious long-term health risks.

Proper Technique: Allow the drill and bit to reach full speed before contact with the workpiece. Apply steady, controlled pressure – forcing the drill can cause bit breakage or loss of control. When drilling metal, use appropriate cutting lubricant to prevent overheating. Never attempt to stop rotating bits or accessories with your hands.

Electrical Safety: Ensure your drill and any electrical accessories comply with UK safety standards and operate at the correct 230V voltage. Use RCD protection when working outdoors or in damp conditions, and regularly inspect power cables for damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I sharpen or replace my drill bits?

Drill bits should be sharpened or replaced when you notice increased effort required to drill, burning smells, discoloured material around holes, or rough, torn edges rather than clean cuts. For professional tradespeople, investing in a drill bit sharpener extends bit life considerably and maintains cutting performance. HSS bits can typically be sharpened multiple times, whilst carbide-tipped masonry bits are usually replaced when worn.

What's the difference between SDS and standard drill chucks?

SDS (Special Direct System) chucks are designed specifically for hammer drills and rotary hammers, allowing tool-free bit changes and improved impact transmission for masonry drilling. Standard chucks, whether keyed or keyless, are used on regular power drills and combi drills for general drilling tasks. SDS bits cannot be used in standard chucks without an adaptor, and standard bits shouldn't be used in hammer mode even with an SDS adaptor.

Can I use wood drill bits on metal or masonry?

No – each material requires specifically designed drill bits. Wood bits have sharp centre points and cutting spurs that would be damaged by harder materials. Metal requires HSS or cobalt bits with appropriate cutting angles, whilst masonry needs carbide-tipped bits. Using incorrect bits damages both the bit and workpiece, creates safety hazards, and produces poor results. Always select the appropriate bit for your material.

How do I prevent my drill bit from wandering when starting a hole?

Use a centre punch to create a small indent where you want the hole, providing a positive location point for the drill bit. Drilling guides and jigs also ensure accurate hole placement and perpendicular drilling. Start drilling at low speed with light pressure until the bit establishes itself, then increase speed. On smooth materials like tiles or metal, a small piece of masking tape can also help prevent initial wandering.

What accessories do I need for mixing plaster and compound?

Mixing paddles are essential accessories for tradespeople working with plaster, render, tile adhesive, and other compounds. Choose a paddle size appropriate to your bucket and material volume, and ensure your drill has sufficient torque (typically 750W+ for heavy mixing). Look for paddle designs with M14 threads for secure attachment, and models specifically designed for your material type – some paddles suit thin liquids whilst others are designed for heavy mortars.