cropped Banging Toolbox
Menu
  • Home
    • Latest content
  • Tools
    • Tool guides
      • Power tools
        • Different types of saws
        • How to use a circular saw
        • Miter saw vs Table saw
        • Circular Saw vs Miter saw
        • Brad nailer vs. Finishing nailer
        • How to change a circular saw blade
        • 6 vs 8 Inch bench grinder
        • How to use an angle grinder
        • Jigsaw vs Circular saw
      • Hand tools
        • How to use a hand planer
        • How to sharpen chisels
        • How to use a laser level
    • All tool reviews
    • Our tool list
    • Power tools
      • Wood
        • Dremel engraver
          • Dremel Engraver bits
        • Thickness planer
          • Dewalt thickness planers
        • Cabinet table saw
        • Portable table saw
        • Oscillating tool
        • Belt sander
        • Finger sander
        • Detail sander
        • Finishing sander
        • Jigsaw tool
        • Miter saw
        • Biscuit joiner
        • Circular saw
        • Electric planer
        • Wood router
        • Heat gun
        • Square hole drill bits
      • Metal
        • Bench grinder
        • Chop saw
        • Angle grinder
        • Nibbler tool
        • Electric metal shears
        • Reciprocating saw
        • Brazing torch
        • Portable oxy acetylene torch kit
    • Air tools
      • Portable air compressor
      • Air nibbler
      • Air orbital palm sander
      • Air brad nailer
      • Air finishing nailer
    • Hand tools
      • Framing hammer
        • Stilletto framing hammer
        • Estwing framing hammer
      • Tool belt
      • Wood chisel sets
      • Carving chisel sets
      • Woodworking apron
      • Clamps
      • Tin snips (+ Electric shears)
      • Manual hand drill
      • Ball peen hammers
    • Measuring
      • Laser level
      • Laser measure
      • Stud finder
    • Tool storage
      • Rolling tool bag
      • Tool backpack
    • Landscaping tools
      • Cordless chainsaw
      • Wood splitting axes
      • String trimmers
      • Gas chainsaw
      • Alaskan mill
    • Wear
      • Heated Socks
  • Cordless
    • Wood
      • Cordless multi-tool
      • Cordless dremel engraver
      • Cordless miter saw
      • Cordless circular saw
      • Cordless wood planer
      • Cordless wood router
      • Orbital palm sander
      • Cordless finishing sander
      • Cordless file sander
      • Cordless jigsaw
      • Cordless heat gun
    • Metal
      • Cordless impact wrench
        • 1/2 impact socket sets
        • 3/8 impact socket sets
        • Impact socket set [Combo kits]
      • Cordless angle grinder
      • Cordless nibbler + Drill attachment
      • Cordless metal shears
      • Drill attachment electric shears
      • Drill bits
    • Fixing tools
      • Cordless drill
      • Cordless impact wrenchs
      • Cordless biscuit joiner
      • Finishing nailer
      • Brad nailer
    • Landscaping
      • Cordless chainsaw
      • Cordless line trimmer
    • Jobsite radio
  • DIY
    • Building guides
      • Metal
        • Cut metal without power tools
        • How to cut metal roofing
        • 6 vs 8 Inch bench grinder
      • Concrete
        • How to sand concrete
      • Joinary
        • How to mount a TV
        • How to fix a jamming door
      • Painting
        • How to remove paint
    • Landscaping
      • How to level ground
      • How to cut & trim trees
      • Sharpen lawn mower blades
    • Woodwork
      • Build a table straight from a tree
      • How to cut perfect circles
      • How to cut a square hole
    • Craft & art ideas
      • How to make copper art
  • Design
    • Tiny house
      • How to design a tiny house
      • What height to put a door handle
    • Products
      • Window fan
      • Drafting chair
      • Portable home safe
      • Keyless door locks
      • Portable TV stand
      • Ceiling TV mount
      • Longest Tv wall mount
      • Motorized ceiling TV mount
      • Fireplace TV mount
    • When to replace your roof
  • Blog
    • Tool yarns
      • Dewalt vs Makita
      • Makita vs Milwaukee
      • Dewalt or Milwaukee
    • Woodworking projects to sell
    • Productive ideas to do at home
    • Increase your property value
  • Classes
  • Contact
    • About
Menu
Best square hole drill bit

Best square hole mortising drill bits | For drilling quick square holes

Posted on August 7, 2020January 5, 2021 by Aaron Barnett
Share Email Tweet Share
    Banging Toolbox is a reader-supported website, approved purchases may earn a small commission. Learn more.

Checked and updated on January 5, 2021 by Aaron Barnett

Author intro

The best square hole drill bits come in a set of at least 4 different sizes for different jobs. They can be used with a drill press, or mortising machines that have a hammer function for driving the chisel corner edges down as the drill bores out the bulk of your cut. These bits are essential if you want to do fast repetitive square cuts in wood.

Best square hole mortising drill bits

#1 Best square drill bit [Kit]

Delta 17-924, 4pcs, HSS, Mortising chisel attachment set

Delta 17 924 4pcs HSS square drill bits attachment set

  • Includes four of the most commonly used chisel and bit sets: ¼”, ⁵⁄₁₆”, ⅜”, and ½”.
  • Mounts and dismounts easily. 
  • Cuts nice and clean holes in hardwoods. 
  • Fits a wide variety of drill presses.
  • The fence can be challenging to set up. 
  • The screws could be more precise and robust. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#2 Best mortise machine square drill bits

Powermatic 1791096 4pcs, HCS, Mortising drill bits

Powermatic 1791096 4pcs HCS Mortising square drill bits

  • Made from ground and hardened carbon steel, ensuring reliable performance and long tool life. 
  • Can be used with different brands of mortise drills. 
  • Makes remarkably clean cuts with smooth walls. 
  • Comes pre-polished and ready to use.
  • May not be long enough for some applications. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#3 Best fitting mortising square drill bits

Woodstock D2845 4pcs, HSS, Mortising drill bits

Woodstock D2845 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

  • Comes in a good range of diameters, from ½” to 4 ¼”. 
  • Fits most mortising attachments with collars measuring ¾”.
  • Comes with a plastic storage case.
  • Needs to be sharpened out of the box for best results.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#4 Best value square drill bits

ArtisanShow 6pcs, HSS, Mortising drill bits

ArtisanShow 6pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

  • Fits most brands of mortising machines and drill presses. 
  • Made of high quality, heat-treated steel. 
  • Comes with six drill bits in different slot diameters to accommodate a range of applications. 
  • Better suited for light duties. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#5 Best chip-extracting mortising drill bits

CSLU 4pcs, HSS, Mortising drill bits

CSLU 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

  • Works with most types of mortising machines and drill press attachments. 
  • Made of excellent quality steel with a hardness rating of HRC 48~50. 
  • Has a geometric flute design for optimum chip extraction. 
  • You will need to hone these beforehand for best results.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#6 Best easy-drilling square hole drill bits

Driak 4pcs, HSS, Mortising drill bits

  • Driak 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits
  • Creates clean holes consistently with minimal effort. 
  • Works equally well with hard or soft wood.
  • Removes wood chips efficiently.
  • The quality could be improved.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#7 Best wood-friendly square mortising drill bits

Amena 4pcs, HSS, Mortising drill bits

Amena 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

  • Cuts through most woods quickly and easily. 
  • Works with a wide range of mortising machines and drill presses. 
  • Made of high-quality heat-treated steel with an HRC48 to 50 rating. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#8 Best corner-penetrating mortising drill bits

Max-Craft 7pcs, CRV-HCS, Mortising drill bits

Max Craft 7pcs CRV HCS Mortising drill bits

  • Drilling tips and cutting corners are designed for fast penetration and clean drilling. 
  • Consistently produces clean square holes with smooth sides.
  • Better suited for shallow cuts. 
  • Doesn’t seem as durable as other drill bits.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#9 Best durable heat-processed mortising  square drill bits

New Hope 5pcs, HSS, Mortising drill bits

New Hope 5pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

  • Made of heat-processed steel for maximum durability. 
  • Comes in a range of standard mortise sizes. 
  • Works with most mortising and bench drilling machines.
  • May need lubricating before use. 
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

#10 Best HCS square mortising drill bits

Rowiz 3pcs, HSS, Mortising drill bits

Rowiz 3pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

  • Made from high-carbon steel. 
  • Combines tough drill bits with precision sharpened chisel edges. 
  • Comes in three diameters ranging 14 mm to 19 mm.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Why is Delta 17-924 the best square hole drill bit?

If you’ve ever wanted to drill a square hole, the Delta 17-924 square hole drill bits offer pro-quality at a price that won’t break the bank. The set consists of four of the most commonly used chisel and bit sizes, including ¼”, ⁵⁄₁₆”, ⅜”, and ½”. These options cover you for pretty much any size mortise that you need to cut. 

The 17-924 will work with almost any type of drill press on the market, with quill diameters ranging from 38 millimeters to 66 millimeters. It works flawlessly on most hardwoods and even does a great job at cutting mortises into softer woods such as pine.  If you don’t need a dedicated mortising machine, the Delta 17-924 is an excellent alternative that gives you some of the best drill bits on the market. 

Drill press in workshop

Delta 17-924 vs. Powermatic 1791096

The Delta 17-924 and the Powermatic 1791096 are the two best options if you need a premium quality set of square hole drill bits. Both offer excellent bang-for-the-buck, and you really can’t go wrong regardless of which one you choose.

The 17-924 set is the one to go for if versatility is your main priority. The different sizes span a broad range and will let you cut mortises in various widths. 

The Powermatic 1791096 is no slouch, either. Boasting of premium quality carbon steel, these are some of the most durable square drill bits for wood. Their ability to make clean cuts consistently definitely impresses me, and I recommend having a pack of these handy when doing a lot of mortise work and you need to quickly drill square holes in wood. 

The Delta 17-924 kit explained

The Delta 17-924 kit provides almost everything you need to cut clean and smooth mortises. With the right drill press, these square hole cutters can create pro-looking square holes with minimal effort. 

The kit comes with four chisel and bits in the following sizes: ¼”, ⁵⁄₁₆”, ⅜”, and ½”. These bits are ideally suited for the Delta 18-900L drill press, but they will work just as well with the 21313 and 21317 drill presses.

For the price, you get a smart-looking carrying case for easy storage and transport of your square drill bits. Unless you make furniture full time–in which case you would probably need a dedicated mortising machine–the Delta 17-924 kit is an excellent addition to your toolbox. 

#1 Best square hole mortising chisel attachment set

Delta 17 924 4pcs HSS square drill bits attachment set

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Best value square drill bits

If you’re looking for a lower-priced alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality and performance, the ArtisanShow 6pcs, HSS, Mortising chisel bits are for you. These bits are made to work with almost any brand of mortising machine on the market, and they can turn any drill press into a very capable mortise cutter. 

The ArtisanShow set comes in a variety of diameters, from 6.5 mm to 19 mm. Each bit is made from heat-treated steel for maximum durability and tested to the most rigorous quality control standards.

If you need a fairly cheap but dependable set of drill bits for construction, renovation, and DIY work, the ArtisanShow set is worth looking into. 

Best value square hole mortising drill bits set

ArtisanShow 6pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

The strongest material for square hole drill bits

The best square hole drill bits are made of tough high-grade steel. Some bits are made from cold-forged steel combined with a black oxide finish that prevents corrosion, resulting in longer usable life. 

There are also square hole drill bits for metal that are made of tungsten carbide steel. This material is supposedly three times more durable than carbide steel. 

How do square hole drill bits work?

Square hole drill bits are used with mortising machines and drill presses. They allow you to cut square holes into wood. 

Square hole drill bits consist of an auger-style bit housed in a hollow square with sharp chisel edges. The auger bit first cuts a round hole into the workpiece, and then the chisel edge cuts out the sides of the hole to make it square. 

For information on how to cut circular holes in wood click here.

Tips for handling square hole drill bits

  1. Before you begin drilling a square hole, decide how wide you want your square hole or mortise. You should select a drill bit with a diameter equal to the intended width of your desired hole size. 
  2. Once you have selected the proper drill bit and mounted it to your drill press or mortising machine, set the depth stop to your desired depth. It’s always a good idea to mark the mortise position on the workpiece with a pencil before you begin drilling.
  3. It is important to use the right amount of pressure according to the material you are drilling into. If you don’t press down hard enough, the drill bit won’t bite into the material. In most cases, it is better to press down just a little bit too hard instead of not pressing down hard enough.

What other tools can cut square holes?

You can also cut square holes into wood using a jigsaw, and a router or drill with beveled chisels. To do this, you will need to drill a hole into the inner side of the square you mark off for the hole. You then use a jigsaw tool to cut away at the hole that you’ve just drilled to make it square. You can finish off with a sander to smooth out the edges of the hole. 

For information on the best cordless jigsaws see what I have to say here.  

If all you have is a drill and a chisel, you can cut out a square hole with a bit of work. Again, this requires drilling a pilot hole into the workpiece with your cordless drill. Afterward, you can carve out the sides of the hole to make it square. 

You can also use a rasp, although this is considerably more difficult compared to using other tools. Using a rasp also requires that you have access to both sides of the workpiece, which isn’t always feasible. 

How fast can you drill with a square hole drill bit?

Probably the most time-consuming part of using a square hole drill bit is setting it up for the first time. After you get used to doing it, though, you can attach your drill bit to your drill press in only a few minutes.

After you have it set up, drilling a square hole will only take you as much time as drilling any other hole. 

Comparison of square hole mortising drill bits

 Delta 17-924

Delta 17 924 4pcs HSS square drill bits attachment set

Powermatic 1791096

Powermatic 1791096 4pcs HCS Mortising square drill bits

Woodstock D2845

Woodstock D2845 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

ArtisanShow

ArtisanShow 6pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

CSLU

CSLU 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

Driak

Driak 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

Amena

Amena 4pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

Max-Craft

Max Craft 7pcs CRV HCS Mortising drill bits

New Hope

New Hope 5pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

Rowiz

Rowiz 3pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

CHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICE
Verdict:#1 Square hole drill bits as a kitBest value with 6pc set
Pieces:4 pcs4 pcs4 pcs6 pcs4 pcs4 pcs4 pcs7 pcs5 pcs3 pcs
Sizes:1/4 in- 1/2 in1/4 in- 1/2 in1/4 in- 1/2 in1/4 in-5/8 in1/4 in-1/2 in1/4 in-1/2 in1/4 in-1/2 in1/4 in-3/4 in1/4 in-5/8 in9/16 in-3/4 in
Hardness:HRC 48-50HRC 48-50HRC 48-50HRC 48-50HRC 48-50HRC 56HRC 48-50HRC 48-51HRC 48-50HRC 48-50
Material:High-speed steelHigh carbon steelHigh speed steelHigh speed steelHigh speed steelHigh speed steelHigh speed steelCRV-High carbon steelHigh speed steelHigh carbon steel

Conclusion

The Delta 17-924 offers professional quality mortising features at a very reasonable price. It mounts easily on benchtop drill presses and can be dismounted quickly as well. An excellent tool for cutting out square holes in hardwood, it is a cheaper alternative to a dedicated mortising machine while still giving you quality results.

Now that you’ve found out the best way to drill a square hole using square hole drill bit, you might want to check out the best drill bits for drilling circle holes.

Drill Press Mortising

Delta 17-924 review

Pros:

  • Choose from the common chisel and bit sets of various sizes ¼”, ⁵⁄₁₆”, ⅜”, and ½”.
  • Change chisel bits easily. 
  • Precise cuts even in hardwoods. 
  • Can be used for different drill presses.

Cons:

  • Setting up a fence can be a challenge

 #1 Best square hole mortising drill bits attachment set

Delta 17 924 4pcs HSS square drill bits attachment set

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

ArtisanShow mortising drill bits review

Pros:

  • Use on different mortising machines and drill presses
  • Drill is made from high-quality HSS
  • The six drill bits of various diameters can be used for different applications

Cons:

  • Used better on light drilling jobs

 #1 Best value square hole mortising drill bits set

ArtisanShow 6pcs HSS Mortising drill bits

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

 

 

How helpful was this?

Click to rate it!

Glad to hear this helped you! Please dont forget to follow Banging Toolbox on

Facebook or Pinterest

Feedback required:

Sounds like this can be improved for the next reader.

Please share how this article can be improved?

Share Tweet Share Share Share Email
Aaron Barnett at BangingToolbox
Aaron Barnett

My name is Aaron, and welcome to Bangingtoolbox.

As a qualified builder and DIY’er, my goal with Banging Toolbox is to provide the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet for my readers.

I’m here to show people how to start DIY, and to help qualified professionals take building to the next level.

Feel free to have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.

Subscribe
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
guest
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Banging Toolbox footer logo

Don’t be the best builder, be the informed DIY’er, and build on your own goddamn projects.

Find out more

Follow on social media:
 
Follow Follow Follow Follow Follow View
 

Building guides Tool guides Blog Ask for help?

 

 

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Complaints and Returns
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Safety

Office number: (323) 553 5452
Support: [email protected]

DMCA.com Protection Status

Copyright © 2021 by Banging Toolbox
wpDiscuz

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy