Drill bits can also come with a number of finishes and coatings for enhanced performance. Most commonly, special coatings are added to extend the life of drill bits or make them more heat-resistant. 

Let’s review some of the most popular drill bit finishes you may come across:

Titanium Nitride 

A gold-color coating that’s added to reduce friction while drilling, helping bits stay sharper longer and be more resistant to heat; can make drill bits more expensive.

Titanium Carbonitride

A gray-color coating that is even harder than titanium nitride, making it best for drilling into abrasive materials, though it can be more expensive.

Titanium Aluminum Nitride

A dark gray-color coating that is added for drill bits that will be used in high-heat applications and drilling into heavy metals

Crushed Diamond

A coating made from industrial-grade diamonds to make drill bits more durable and hard even when drilling into abrasive materials.

Black Oxide

A coating to help make drill bits more corrosion-resistant and long-lasting

Using the wrong type of drill bit for a given material or application could permanently damage your drill. So, knowing the difference between each type of drill bit, the proper finish, and what projects they’re best for will not only help you achieve optimal drilling results but also protect the health of your tool.