Countersinks, Counterbores & Plug Cutters

Countersink, counterbore and plug cutter bits give timber projects a clean, professional finish. Whether you're seating screws flush or hiding fixings entirely, these precision tools are ideal for carpentry, joinery and cabinetry.

Who Uses These Bits?

These bits are regularly used in wood-based finishing and installation trades:

  • Joiners – Drill, seat and conceal screws in doors, frames and panelling.
  • Cabinet Makers – Hide fasteners on face frames and shelving.
  • Kitchen Fitters – Create clean screw finishes on visible installations.
  • Carpenters – Build furniture and fixings with a seamless surface.

Perfect For Jobs Such As:

  • Seating screws below the timber surface
  • Concealing fixings with timber plugs
  • Preventing splitting in MDF and hardwood
  • Creating hidden fixings for cabinets and furniture
  • Pre-drilling with countersink and pilot in one step

How to Choose the Right Type

Different bits suit different types of joinery and fixings. Here's how to decide:

1. Countersink Bits

Cut a conical seat for screws to sit flush with the surface. Available in single flute or adjustable pilot drill versions.

2. Counterbore Bits

Drill deeper flat-bottom holes to recess fasteners or washers below the surface. Used when screw heads must disappear completely.

3. Plug Cutters

Create timber plugs to match your project. Cut from scrap to fit into counterbore holes, hiding the screw entirely.

Helpful Accessories for Finish Work

Get the most from your bits with these handy additions:

1. Depth Collars

Clamp to your countersink to keep screw seats uniform across panels.

2. Wood Glue Bottles

Secure timber plugs cleanly and accurately during concealment.

3. Countersink Sets

Get a range of sizes for different fixings and materials all in one set.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between countersink and counterbore?

Countersinks create a conical recess for a screw head. Counterbores drill a flat-bottom hole to fully recess the screw or allow plugging.

Do I need a pilot drill with a countersink?

Yes, many bits include a pilot drill to guide the screw and reduce splitting. Adjustable versions combine both functions.

Can I plug over a countersunk hole?

Only if you counterbore first. Plug cutters are designed to match counterbores, not shallow countersinks.

Are plug cutters universal?

They vary slightly by brand. Match the plug cutter to the counterbore diameter for a tight fit and smooth finish.

What’s the best bit type for MDF?

Use sharp countersinks or twin-flute designs to reduce tear-out in MDF. Avoid forcing to prevent splitting or burn.

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Countersinks, Counterbores & Plug Cutters

Countersink, counterbore and plug cutter bits give timber projects a clean, professional finish. Whether you're seating screws flush or hiding fixings entirely, these precision tools are ideal for carpentry, joinery and cabinetry.

Who Uses These Bits?

These bits are regularly used in wood-based finishing and installation trades:

  • Joiners – Drill, seat and conceal screws in doors, frames and panelling.
  • Cabinet Makers – Hide fasteners on face frames and shelving.
  • Kitchen Fitters – Create clean screw finishes on visible installations.
  • Carpenters – Build furniture and fixings with a seamless surface.

Perfect For Jobs Such As:

  • Seating screws below the timber surface
  • Concealing fixings with timber plugs
  • Preventing splitting in MDF and hardwood
  • Creating hidden fixings for cabinets and furniture
  • Pre-drilling with countersink and pilot in one step

How to Choose the Right Type

Different bits suit different types of joinery and fixings. Here's how to decide:

1. Countersink Bits

Cut a conical seat for screws to sit flush with the surface. Available in single flute or adjustable pilot drill versions.

2. Counterbore Bits

Drill deeper flat-bottom holes to recess fasteners or washers below the surface. Used when screw heads must disappear completely.

3. Plug Cutters

Create timber plugs to match your project. Cut from scrap to fit into counterbore holes, hiding the screw entirely.

Helpful Accessories for Finish Work

Get the most from your bits with these handy additions:

1. Depth Collars

Clamp to your countersink to keep screw seats uniform across panels.

2. Wood Glue Bottles

Secure timber plugs cleanly and accurately during concealment.

3. Countersink Sets

Get a range of sizes for different fixings and materials all in one set.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between countersink and counterbore?

Countersinks create a conical recess for a screw head. Counterbores drill a flat-bottom hole to fully recess the screw or allow plugging.

Do I need a pilot drill with a countersink?

Yes, many bits include a pilot drill to guide the screw and reduce splitting. Adjustable versions combine both functions.

Can I plug over a countersunk hole?

Only if you counterbore first. Plug cutters are designed to match counterbores, not shallow countersinks.

Are plug cutters universal?

They vary slightly by brand. Match the plug cutter to the counterbore diameter for a tight fit and smooth finish.

What’s the best bit type for MDF?

Use sharp countersinks or twin-flute designs to reduce tear-out in MDF. Avoid forcing to prevent splitting or burn.

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