Power Tool Bits, Blades, Batteries and Parts

Cut, drill, power or connect: how this area is laid out

This area covers everything that fits on or into a power tool. Cutting and drilling accessories include bits, hole saws, saw blades and abrasive discs; bits, hole saws and accessory kits are the usual starting point. Power parts include batteries and chargers, and pneumatic parts cover compressor hoses and fittings. Wire wheels sit alongside. Begin by naming the tool, then its connection, then the material you will work.

Compatibility fails in three places: the shank or arbor, the voltage and the platform. A bit's shank must fit the chuck; hex shanks suit impact drivers, round shanks suit standard chucks, and masonry work may call for SDS. A saw blade's arbor hole and diameter must fit the saw. Battery packs are specific to a voltage and tool family, so use chargers and replacement batteries listed for your model.

Material, tooth count and battery type: matching the work

Choose accessory material by what you cut. High speed steel bits drill wood, plastic and mild steel, cobalt steel copes with stainless and harder alloys, carbide-tipped bits handle masonry, and special spear-point bits handle glass and tile. Blades are described by teeth per inch: fewer, larger teeth cut fast and rough, while more teeth cut slowly and smoothly, which suits thin metal and finish work.

Batteries add chemistry to the list. Lithium-ion packs are light and hold charge on the shelf, nickel-metal-hydride and nickel-cadmium packs are older types, and some listings are lithium polymer or nickel-zinc. Packs marketed as 20 V maximum are nominally 18 V. Disposable alkaline and lithium cells appear here too. Never charge a non-rechargeable cell, and use a charger made for your pack's chemistry and voltage.

Questions about Power Tool Bits, Blades, Batteries and Parts

Why won't my bit fit my drill?

Check the chuck capacity and the bit's shank. A 3/8 inch chuck cannot take a bit with a 1/2 inch shank, hex-shank bits need a chuck or holder that grips hex, and SDS bits need an SDS drill. Reduced-shank bits are made to fit smaller chucks.

Can I use batteries from another brand in my tool?

Generally no. Packs differ in shape, contacts and electronics, even at the same voltage. Use packs listed for your model or tool family, with the same voltage and chemistry, and treat adapters with caution, since they can bypass protections.

What does TPI mean on a saw blade?

TPI is teeth per inch. Lower numbers cut fast and rough, which suits wood and thick material. Higher numbers cut more slowly and cleanly, which suits thin metal and tubing. As a rule, keep at least three teeth in contact with the material at all times.