Snappy Drill Bits

About Snappy Drill Bits

Snappy drill bits are Trend's innovative quick-change drilling solution, designed to deliver professional results across wood, metal, masonry, and specialised materials. The distinctive hex shank design allows for rapid bit changes without the need for a chuck key, making them ideal for fast-paced work environments where efficiency matters. This range encompasses everything from HSS twist drills and masonry bits to specialist TCT glass drills and wood auger bits, all engineered to professional standards.

The Snappy system from Trend represents a comprehensive drilling solution for tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts. Each bit features a hex shank that fits securely into modern quick-change chucks and impact driver bit holders, eliminating wobble and ensuring accurate drilling. Many bits in the Tooled-Up range feature advanced coatings such as Titanium Nitride (TiN), which significantly extends tool life and improves performance when drilling through tough materials. Whether you're working on site installations, workshop fabrication, or home improvement projects, these bits deliver the reliability that professionals demand.

Available at Tooled-Up.com in individual sizes and convenient sets, Snappy drill bits are supplied with practical storage solutions including fabric wallets that keep your bits organised and protected. The range includes HSS drill bits for metal and plastic work, masonry bits for brick and concrete, wood auger bits for larger diameter holes, and specialist options like TCT glass drill bits for tile and ceramic applications.

Jargon Buster

• Hex Shank: A six-sided shaft design that provides a secure, non-slip connection to quick-change chucks and bit holders, allowing for rapid bit changes without requiring a traditional three-jaw chuck.
• HSS (High-Speed Steel): A hardened steel alloy that maintains its cutting edge even at high temperatures, making it ideal for drilling through metal, plastic, and wood. Fully ground HSS bits offer superior accuracy and longer life.
• TiN Coating (Titanium Nitride): A gold-coloured ceramic coating applied to drill bits that reduces friction, increases hardness, and extends tool life by up to five times compared to uncoated bits.
• TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped): Drill bits with extremely hard carbide tips brazed onto the cutting edge, essential for drilling through abrasive materials like tiles, glass, stone, and reinforced concrete.
• Wood Auger Bit: A spiral-shaped drill bit designed for boring larger diameter holes through timber, featuring a central lead screw for accurate positioning and wide flutes for efficient waste removal.
• Masonry Bit: Specialised drill bits with carbide tips designed to drill through brick, concrete, stone, and similar materials, typically featuring a different tip geometry to standard twist drills.

Who Uses Snappy Drill Bits?

• Electricians and Sparks: For drilling cable entry holes through joists, walls, and electrical enclosures
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Creating pipework penetrations through various building materials
• Carpenters and Joiners: Precision drilling in timber for fixings, dowels, and assembly work
• General Builders: Multi-material drilling across different construction tasks
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters: Drilling through tiles, worktops, and installation materials
• Shop Fitters and Installers: Fast-paced work requiring frequent bit changes
• Maintenance Engineers: Repair and installation work across industrial and commercial sites
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects requiring professional-quality results
• Metalworkers and Fabricators: Precision drilling in steel, aluminium, and other metals

How to Choose the Right Snappy Drill Bits

Selecting the appropriate Snappy drill bit depends primarily on the material you're working with. HSS bits are your go-to choice for drilling metal, plastic, and can also handle wood for smaller diameter holes. For masonry work including brick, concrete blocks, and stone, dedicated masonry bits with carbide tips are essential. When working with timber and requiring larger holes, wood auger bits provide clean, accurate results with efficient waste clearance.

Consider the coating when selecting HSS bits. TiN-coated drill bits available from Tooled-Up offer significantly extended lifespan and reduced friction, making them worthwhile for regular professional use. For occasional DIY work, standard HSS may suffice, but tradespeople will appreciate the durability of coated bits. If you're drilling tiles, glass, or ceramics, specialist TCT glass drill bits are necessary to prevent cracking and ensure clean holes.

Think about whether you need individual sizes or a complete set. The 16-piece Snappy sets provide excellent value and comprehensive coverage for general work, arriving in practical storage wallets. For specialist applications or replacing worn bits, individual sizes offer flexibility. Ensure your drill or driver has a quick-change chuck or bit holder to take full advantage of the hex shank design – this system works particularly well with impact drivers and modern cordless drills.

Size selection should match your typical fastener requirements. Common sizes like 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm cover most wood screws and general fixings. For masonry work, consider the wall plug sizes you typically use – 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm are common for domestic installations. Professional tradespeople often keep multiple sets organised by material type to avoid cross-contamination and maintain optimal performance.

Popular Accessories

• Impact Drivers and Combi Drills: Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee cordless tools optimised for hex shank bits
• Quick-Change Chucks: Retrofit chuck adaptors for older drills to accept hex shank bits
• Bit Holders and Extensions: Magnetic holders and extension bars for accessing awkward positions
• Storage Solutions: DeWalt TSTAK and Milwaukee PACKOUT organisers with bit storage modules
• Cutting Fluid and Lubricant: Extends bit life when drilling metal and reduces heat buildup
• Centre Punches: For accurate starting points when drilling metal and preventing bit wander
• Depth Stops: Ensure consistent hole depths for professional installations
• Wall Plugs and Fixings: Rawlplug and Fischer products to match your drilled holes
• Dust Extraction Attachments: Keep work areas clean and comply with HSE silica dust regulations

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate eye protection when drilling, as metal swarf, wood chips, and masonry dust can cause serious eye injuries. Safety glasses or goggles meeting BS EN 166 standards are essential. When drilling overhead or in dusty conditions, consider a full face shield for additional protection. Hearing protection is advisable when using impact drivers or drilling hard materials, particularly on extended jobs.

Ensure workpieces are properly secured before drilling. Hand-held work can spin dangerously if the bit binds, potentially causing injury. Use clamps, vices, or dedicated work-holding equipment, especially when drilling metal or using larger diameter bits. When drilling masonry, be aware of hidden services – use a cable and pipe detector to check for electrical cables, water pipes, and gas lines before drilling into walls.

Inspect bits before use for damage, wear, or blunting. Damaged bits can shatter under load or produce inaccurate holes. Replace worn bits promptly – forcing dull bits creates excessive heat, damages materials, and increases the risk of bit breakage. When drilling metal, use appropriate cutting speeds and consider using cutting fluid to reduce heat buildup. Allow hot bits to cool naturally rather than quenching in water, which can cause brittleness.

Follow HSE guidance when drilling materials that produce hazardous dust, particularly masonry work which creates respirable crystalline silica. Use dust extraction equipment where possible and wear appropriate respiratory protection such as FFP3-rated masks for extended masonry drilling work. Ensure adequate ventilation and take regular breaks when working in confined spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Snappy hex shank drill bits in a standard drill chuck?

Yes, hex shank bits work perfectly well in traditional three-jaw chucks found on standard drills. However, you won't benefit from the quick-change feature that makes Snappy bits so convenient with modern quick-change chucks and impact drivers. The hex shank actually provides a more secure grip than round shanks, reducing the risk of the bit slipping during heavy drilling.

What's the difference between fully ground and rolled HSS drill bits?

Fully ground HSS bits have their flutes precision-machined along the entire length, resulting in superior accuracy, better chip clearance, and longer tool life. Rolled bits have pressed flutes and are more economical but less precise. The Snappy range features fully ground bits for professional performance, making them particularly suitable for metalwork where accuracy matters.

How do I know when a drill bit needs replacing?

Signs include difficulty starting holes, excessive pressure required to drill, burning smells, discoloured materials around the hole, or visible damage to the cutting edges. With HSS bits, the TiN coating wearing through to expose bare metal indicates significant wear. Masonry bits with rounded or chipped carbide tips should be replaced. Generally, if drilling takes noticeably longer than usual, it's time for a new bit.

Can I use masonry drill bits in an impact driver?

Hex shank masonry bits can be used in impact drivers, and many tradespeople prefer this for lighter masonry work as the percussive action can speed up drilling. However, for heavy-duty concrete drilling, a proper hammer drill or SDS drill provides more effective impact force. Impact drivers work well for drilling brick, blocks, and softer masonry with appropriate hex shank masonry bits.

Are Trend Snappy drill bits suitable for stainless steel?

The HSS TiN-coated Snappy bits can drill stainless steel, but this material is significantly harder and more work-hardening than mild steel. Use slower speeds, apply steady pressure, and use cutting fluid to reduce heat. For regular stainless steel work, consider specialist cobalt steel bits. Start with a pilot hole using a smaller bit, then step up to your final size to reduce strain on the bit and improve accuracy.