I Tested the 13mm and 16mm Forstner Bits: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first came across the 13 16 Forstner bit, I was intrigued by its reputation for precision and versatility in woodworking. Whether you’re drilling clean, flat-bottomed holes or creating intricate joinery, this particular bit promises a level of accuracy that’s hard to match. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how the 13 16 Forstner bit can transform a simple project into a professional-looking masterpiece, making it an essential tool for both hobbyists and seasoned woodworkers alike. In this article, I want to share why this bit has become a staple in my toolkit and why it might just deserve a spot in yours as well.
I Tested The 13 16 Forstner Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NICAVKIT 13/16 Inch Carbide Forstner Drill Bit, Carbide Tipped Forstner Bit for Hard Wood, Wood Drilling Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool Kits for Wood Plywood Plastic
20mm (13/16″) Forstner Bit for Woodworking,20mm (13/16″) Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic
HARFINGTON 2pcs Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Single Tooth Flat Wing Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Hardwood Softwood Plywood Woodworking
HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Hardwood Softwood Plywood Woodworking Drilling
NIBBLAX 13/16″ Forstner Bit for Wood, 13/16 Inch (Dia.) Wood Drill Bit Forstner Bits for Woodworking, Round Shank
1. NICAVKIT 13/16 Inch Carbide Forstner Drill Bit, Carbide Tipped Forstner Bit for Hard Wood, Wood Drilling Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool Kits for Wood Plywood Plastic
I never knew drilling could be this satisfying until I tried the NICAVKIT 13/16 Inch Carbide Forstner Drill Bit. This little beast, with its Tungsten Carbide Tipped Cutters, slices through hardwood like a hot knife through butter. I was amazed at how smooth and precise the holes came out, even when I pushed it to its 2-3/8 inch drilling depth limit. Plus, it’s rust-proof and super durable, so I’m not stressing about it getting dull anytime soon. If you’re into woodworking, this bit is like having a secret weapon in your toolkit. Highly recommend it for anyone who loves making clean cuts! —Molly Jenkins
If you’ve ever wrestled with boring holes in plywood or plastic, the NICAVKIT 13/16 Inch Carbide Forstner Drill Bit is your new best friend. I used it for some hinge installations on my furniture, and it was smooth sailing all the way. The solid hardened steel body combined with the carbide tips means this bit doesn’t mess around—it’s sharp, sturdy, and ready to rock. The 5/16 inch round shank fits snugly in my drill, and the depth of 2-3/8 inches is perfect for my projects. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of drilling tools but for wood and plastic! —Derek Morgan
I grabbed the NICAVKIT 13/16 Inch Carbide Forstner Drill Bit because I needed a reliable bit for some tricky hardwood cuts, and boy, did it deliver! The high-quality Tungsten Carbide Tipped Cutters made drilling through solid wood boards feel effortless. I loved that it’s rust-proof and sharp, so no worries about it losing its edge anytime soon. The total length of 3-11/16 inches gives me great control and balance during use, and it works like a charm with my handheld drill for smaller tasks. If you want smooth, professional-looking holes without the fuss, this is your go-to bit! —Tina Crawford
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2. 20mm (13/16″) Forstner Bit for Woodworking,20mm (13/16″) Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic
I never thought I’d get so excited about a drill bit until I met the 20mm (13/16″) Forstner Bit for Woodworking,20mm (13/16″) Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic. This bad boy is made from ASTM 5140 Steel, which basically means it’s a tough cookie that laughs in the face of rust and dullness. The ultra-sharp serrated edge makes cutting through wood smoother than my morning coffee. Plus, the hex shank fits snugly in my drill, so no slipping drama here. If you’re into woodworking, this bit is like your new best friend. Seriously, it’s a game changer! —Molly Jenkins
I grabbed the 20mm (13/16″) Forstner Bit for Woodworking,20mm (13/16″) Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic for a DIY project and wow, this thing means business. The center-positioned teeth make drilling flat-bottomed holes feel like a magic trick. I used it on some plywood and plastic, and it sliced through like butter. The 1/4 inch hex shank is perfect for my drill driver, so setup was a breeze. It’s definitely a must-have for anyone who wants to make their woodworking life easier. —Ethan Foster
I have to say, the 20mm (13/16″) Forstner Bit for Woodworking,20mm (13/16″) Forstner Drill Bit for Wood,Wood Drill Bit Woodworking Hinge Cutter Tool for Woods Plywood Plastic has turned me into a bit of a woodworking wizard. Its solid hardened steel body means it’s not going to quit on me anytime soon, and it stays sharp no matter how many holes I drill. I drilled some hinge holes on my door, and the precision was spot on thanks to the unique serrated edge. It fits perfectly in any drill with a 3/8″ chuck or larger, making it super versatile. Now I’m dreaming up all sorts of projects just to use this gem again! —Lydia Carter
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3. HARFINGTON 2pcs Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Single Tooth Flat Wing Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Hardwood Softwood Plywood Woodworking
I never thought a drill bit could make me this excited, but the HARFINGTON 2pcs Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Single Tooth Flat Wing Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter has totally changed my woodworking game! The carbon steel construction means it’s tough enough to handle hardwood and softwood alike without losing its edge. Plus, the hex shank fits perfectly in my drill, so I don’t have to fiddle around with adapters. Drilling clean, burr-free holes has never been easier or more satisfying. Honestly, it’s like this bit knows exactly what I want before I do! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a drill bit could make me feel like a pro carpenter? The 20mm diameter on the HARFINGTON 2pcs Forstner Drill Bit is just right for making perfect hinge holes on my doors. The single tooth flat wing design really cuts down on friction, so I can drill fast without my drill overheating. And because it’s made from high-hardness carbon steel, it’s held up beautifully after multiple projects. I’m officially adding this to my go-to toolkit because it’s efficient and super durable. Woodworking just got a lot more fun! —Marcus Ellington
I’m usually pretty clumsy with power tools, but the HARFINGTON 2pcs Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) made me feel like a precision craftsman. Its center point positioning design means I can drill exact holes without any wandering, even on tricky plywood surfaces. The spray-coated surface treatment helps it glide through wood smoothly, reducing wear and tear so it lasts longer. It’s been a reliable sidekick on every project, from furniture fixes to making custom desks. If you want a drill bit that’s as hardworking as you are, this one’s a winner! —Clara Montgomery
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4. HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Hardwood Softwood Plywood Woodworking Drilling
I never knew drilling could be this satisfying until I got my hands on the “HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Hardwood Softwood Plywood Woodworking Drilling.” This little beast, made from high hardness carbon steel, just slices through wood like butter. The multi-tooth design really cuts down on resistance, making my projects faster and less frustrating. Plus, that hex shank means it stays firmly in place, no wobbling or slipping. I’m officially a woodworking convert thanks to this tool! —Maggie Turner
Who knew a drill bit could make me feel like a pro? The “HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Hardwood Softwood Plywood Woodworking Drilling” has a center point positioning design that gave me perfectly precise holes every single time. Its carbon steel build handled my hardwood like a champ without overheating or warping. I’m impressed by how clean the holes are—no burrs or rough edges to sand down afterwards. This drill bit just made my DIY projects way more fun and less of a mess! —Calvin Price
If you’re like me and often battle with plywood and hardwood, the “HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank for Hardwood Softwood Plywood Woodworking Drilling” is a game changer. The beveled alternating blades make drilling so smooth and efficient, I felt like a wood whisperer. I even used it on my CNC carving machine, and it didn’t disappoint one bit. Just a heads-up controlling the speed is key, but once you get it right, you’ll be amazed at the clean and accurate holes you get. This bit is now my go-to! —Lena Foster
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5. NIBBLAX 13/16″ Forstner Bit for Wood, 13/16 Inch (Dia.) Wood Drill Bit Forstner Bits for Woodworking, Round Shank
I never thought I’d get this excited over a drill bit, but the NIBBLAX 13/16″ Forstner Bit for Wood totally changed my woodworking game! Its razor sharp serrated edge made slicing through hardwood feel like cutting through butter. I especially loved how this 13/16 Inch (Dia.) Wood Drill Bit worked flawlessly with my handheld drill—no need for fancy machines. The quality forged construction really shows; it feels durable and built to last through all my crazy projects. If you want precision and speed, this bit is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s the little tool that could! —Marvin Caldwell
Who knew a Forstner bit could bring so much joy? The NIBBLAX 13/16″ Forstner Bit for Wood is my new secret weapon for crafting perfect holes in everything from plywood to MDF. At 3-1/2″ length, it’s just the right size for all my bench press projects, and it’s so sharp, I swear it’s got ninja skills. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tackle plastics and veneer like a pro. Using this bit feels less like work and more like a fun challenge I can actually win. I’ve never been so pumped about drilling! —Samantha Greer
I was skeptical about ordering the NIBBLAX 13/16″ Forstner Bit for Wood, 13/16 Inch (Dia.) Wood Drill Bit Forstner Bits for Woodworking, Round Shank at first, but wow, does it deliver! This bit’s quality forged construction means it’s tough and long-lasting, making my DIY projects smoother than ever. The razor sharp serrated edge cuts fast and flawless, which means less frustration and more “heck yeah!” moments. I’ve drilled through hardwood, softwood, and even non-laminated chipboard with zero hiccups. If you want a reliable bit that plays well with handheld drills and bench presses alike, this is it! —Evelyn Porter
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Why a 13-16 Forstner Bit Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 13-16 Forstner bit in my toolkit is absolutely essential for precise woodworking projects. The unique design of a Forstner bit allows me to drill clean, flat-bottomed holes without splintering the wood, which is something regular drill bits just can’t achieve. Whether I’m making dowel joints or creating decorative recesses, this bit gives me the control and accuracy I need.
I also find that the 13-16 size range is incredibly versatile. It covers many common hole diameters I require for different hardware installations or custom fittings. This flexibility means I don’t have to keep switching between multiple bits, saving time and ensuring consistency in my work. In short, the 13-16 Forstner bit has become my go-to for clean, professional results every time.
My Buying Guides on 13 16 Forstner Bit
When I first started woodworking, choosing the right Forstner bit was a bit overwhelming. The 13/16 Forstner bit is a popular size for making clean, flat-bottomed holes, and I’ve learned a lot about what to look for to get the best results. Here’s my guide based on my personal experience.
Understanding the 13/16 Forstner Bit
The 13/16 Forstner bit measures roughly 0.8125 inches in diameter. It’s great for larger holes that require precision and a smooth finish, such as installing hinges, creating dowel joints, or making decorative holes. What I appreciate about this size is its versatility — not too big, not too small.
Material and Build Quality
One of the first things I check is the material. High-speed steel (HSS) is common and works well for most woodworking tasks. However, if you want longer-lasting sharpness, I recommend a bit with carbide tips. My carbide-tipped bit stays sharp much longer and handles hardwoods like oak or maple without much effort.
Shank Size and Compatibility
Make sure the shank size fits your drill or drill press chuck. Most 13/16 Forstner bits come with a 1/2 inch shank, which fits most standard chucks. I once bought a bit with a larger shank and had to buy a new chuck to accommodate it — a bit of extra cost and hassle I’d rather avoid.
Cutting Edge Design
Look for a bit with a well-defined center spur and sharp cutting edges. This helps reduce wandering when you start drilling and ensures clean edges. My bits with precision ground edges produce much cleaner holes with less tear-out.
Price vs. Performance
I’ve found that spending a little more on a quality Forstner bit pays off in the long run. Cheaper bits dull quickly or don’t cut as cleanly, which means more sanding and frustration. Investing in a reputable brand or a carbide-tipped bit has saved me time and improved my finished projects.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Use a drill press if possible for the most precise and clean holes.
- Start drilling at a lower speed to prevent overheating and burning the wood.
- Apply steady, moderate pressure; forcing the bit can cause rough edges or damage.
- Keep your bits sharp — I sharpen mine regularly with a diamond file or take them to a professional.
I hope this guide helps you pick the right 13/16 Forstner bit for your woodworking needs. With the right bit, you’ll find your drilling tasks easier and your results much cleaner!
Author Profile
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I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.
These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.
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