Milling cutters and chisels

Routers bits and chisels for working wood, boards and masonry: this category covers router cutters and chisels for hand or power tool use. They suit home DIYers and professionals alike. Our range holds over 25 products, with Makita, Bosch and DeWalt as the main brands.

How to choose a router bit or chisel

Type of work. Straight bits cut grooves and recesses, while profile bits finish edges with chamfers, round-overs and decorative shapes. Decide on the operation first, because no single bit does every job.

Shank diameter. The shank must match the collet of your router exactly. Common sizes are 6, 8 and 12 mm, along with imperial 1/4 and 1/2 inch. A thicker shank vibrates less, so it is worth choosing for large-diameter bits.

Cutting material. Carbide-tipped bits stay sharp longer in MDF, chipboard and laminate. HSS bits cost less and are enough for softwood and occasional jobs. Abrasive boards dull plain steel quickly.

Chisel type and fitting. If the chisel is for a hammer drill, check whether the shank is SDS-plus or SDS-max, as the two systems are not interchangeable. A flat chisel splits bricks and concrete, a pointed one breaks the surface first, and hand wood chisels are chosen by blade width.

Brands we carry

• Makita: a Japanese manufacturer known for cordless and mains power tools and the accessories made for them, and it accounts for the largest share of this category.
• Bosch: a German manufacturer with separate blue professional and green DIY tool lines.
• DeWalt: an American manufacturer whose yellow tools are widely used on building sites.
• Metabo: a German manufacturer known for professional angle grinders and other power tools.
• Stanley: a long-established hand tool maker whose products include chisels.
• Dremel: known for small rotary multi-tools and fine accessories for detailed work.
• NT Cutter: a Japanese maker known for snap-off blade knives.

Also in our range: Lanberg, WEDO.

Frequently asked questions about router bits and chisels

Which shank size should I choose for a router bit?

Choose the shank diameter that your router collet accepts. The usual sizes are 6, 8 or 12 mm, and less often 1/4 or 1/2 inch. A shank should only be adapted with the correct reducing sleeve, never by clamping a bit that is too small or too large.

What is the difference between carbide and HSS router bits?

Carbide bits stay sharp longer and suit hard materials such as MDF, chipboard and laminate. HSS bits are cheaper and fine for softwood, but they dull faster. If you rout often, carbide pays for itself through a longer working life.

Can I use a router bit in a normal drill?

No, this is not recommended. A router bit is designed for a router, which spins it at the right speed and holds it firmly. A hand drill cannot give that stability, which raises the risk of injury and a ruined workpiece.

How do I choose a chisel for a hammer drill?

Start by checking the shank system on your hammer drill: SDS-plus or SDS-max. Then pick the shape for the job: a pointed chisel for breaking the surface, a flat one for splitting bricks or concrete. The length and width of the chisel should also suit the impact energy of your machine.