Spade bits go by a few names, paddle bits, butterfly bits, etc. The idea behind them is that can drill clean holes into wood, with less breakaway, and at a much faster rate. The Bosch Daredevil Spade Bits are somewhat iconic and for good reason. To be honest, Bosch makes a lot of specialty bits that rank at the top too, such as their masonry bits. This new set of spade bits from Bosch are an excellent addition to your bit arsenal, especially at a budget price point. Does Bosch continue their reputation in their newest set of bits? Only one way to find out, read on in the Bosch Daredevil Spade Bit Review.
Bosch Daredevil Spade Bit Review Overview
In the broad spectrum of drill bits, it’s not difficult to find a decent set of bits to match your needs. With paddle bits especially, quality is king and should be the determining factor in your purchase. With that being said, other than quality, comes preference. While some are brand loyal, others may flock to a bit that outperforms others based on innovation. Now, innovation and drill bits may be a bit of an oxymoron. Most of us think of a few key materials that bits are made from, and a select few styles. These styles vary based on the work that needs to be done, and what industry you’re in. All of this may seem true until you get a Bosch Daredevil paddle bit in your hand. These bits are both unique and effective.
These bits come in various sizes, ranging from 1/4” to 1-1/4” in diameter, and are also available in varying lengths of 4”, 6”, and 16” for a wide range of applications. This review will focus on a ten piece set, featuring a 6″ extension. The claim to fame for the Daredevil bits is that they cut 10 times faster than a standard spade bit – pretty impressive!
Bosch Daredevil Spade Bit Review Features
The bits sport Bosch’s trademark Speedwave Paddle. Notice the innovative curvature of the paddle. This feature contributes to a faster material removal when drilling.
Bosch has also made these impact ready, with their Impact Tough Shank. A nice feature that allows a broader range of tool use.
The thick stock of Bosch’s high-speed steel cuts great with minimal vibration. I certainly noticed the difference and reduction in vibration when running the Daredevils versus my old spade bits.
The full thread tip is a nice touch on these bits. The innovation certainly is a change from the norm but offers a nice initial purchase of the material. My test holes were completed in rapid succession thanks to these tips.
Though the steel is thick, it’s worth noting that they do not dissipate heat any faster than traditional spade bits. It’s best to be wise and let the bits cool after doing a series of holes in your material.
The Daredevil bits perform just as hardcore as they look, but leave behind a nice and even cut on the material. Varying sizes alike, I had zero issues with hang-ups or uneven cutting.
Bosch Daredevil Paddle Bit Review Performance
Just like any other tool or accessory that I own, I cannot wait to see how these bits last. I like pushing my tools to the limit, and I certainly believe wholeheartedly that these Bosch bits will continue to impress. The general design and layout of the bits look good on paper and performs just as described. Whereas there isn’t much to be had in terms of drill bit innovation, Bosch has left their mark by pushing design limits that haven’t been attempted yet. I drilled through hardwoods and softwoods which threw more chips that I would have ever thought. The sheer speed of the bits was certainly impressive and contributed to the heat factor. As stated above, these bits are so fast, that even the thick stock steel does not dissipate heat rapidly – watch out! In general, I don’t see myself going back to a traditional spade bit after seeing how well these performed in the myriad of testing I faced them with.
Bosch Daredevil Spade Bit Review Value
Most know that drill bits aren’t something to skimp on. In most cases, with paddle bits, you can’t anyway. Surprisingly, these high-quality bits can be found at a fraction of what most bit sets go for. For 14.97 you can take home a full set of these daredevils from The Home Depot, and you’ll be ready to throw chips in no time. Pair that value with the Bosch name, and it’s a great package for the price. For the DIY’er or homeowner, this makes for a very fitting set of bits that will last quite a while.
Bosch Daredevil Spade Bit Review Final Thoughts
As a longtime fan of Bosch, I have plenty of faith that these will be my go-to paddle bits from now on. Bosch caters to the professional, and it is always evident in how their products perform. In fact, they now have a spot on my workbench so I can use them as often as possible. One concern I always have with spade bits, in general, is how easily they can be serviced, or sharpened. The curvaceous nature of these bits will pose somewhat of a challenge, especially with the full thread tip. Despite this slight challenge, the testing I was able to put the bits through was enough to kill a handful of drill batteries and the price point alleviates that slight negative. The impressive and clean holes these bits cut was enough to make a finish carpenter proud, especially after seeing how many chips they throw! I haven’t cut holes this fast with spade bits before, that’s a fact. Make sure to look for these the next time you’re in need of a speedy set of paddle bits!
Awesome bits use them all the time
I just did the low voltage wiring on my new house, and I used these bits almost exclusively. I really liked them–the screw tip was especially helpful in places where I couldn’t get much leverage on my drill. I got a regular set and a stubby set and really ran then through their paces. I was happy with their speed and ease of use.
However, I don’t think they made particularly clean holes. Once the screw tip goes all the way through, the bit stops and you’re left with 1/8″ of wood to basically bust through. Fine for construction but not woodworking.
Also, they are so aggressive they are easy to ruin. I hit a nail with my longer 3/4″ and ruined it, then got the stubby 3/4″ turned sideways in a hole and bent the shaft on it. Buying replacement bits is nearly as expensive as buying a whole new set, so I just lived without 3/4″ after that.
I’ve had great luck with mine, as far as lasting and making clean cuts but I hate to hear the 3/4-inch hasn’t worked as you hoped. The sets are absolutely an exceptional value for sure, compared to buying individually.
Hold another piece of wood on the back side of what you are drilling do the screw tip will grab and pull the paddle part through the last 1/8″ without busting and as far as hitting nails that would be a construction or remodel/upgrade issue not fine carpentry or woodworking
They’re okay, biggest issue is the finish weak because the drive cone pierces the far side and nothing is left to advance the bit.
I am unable to use the Bosch bits though I own a couple sets. My issue is that I’m drilling shallow holes as countersinks for washers. Because of the drill bit on the tip biting into the wood, I would have to reverse to back them out when the proper depth is reached. For drilling all the way through wood they are great but not so much for shallow holes that don’t go all the way through.
Hi, Randy! Thank you for your feedback. I have used these bits for countersinking holes and I would say they work, but there are at times better options for that purpose. I like using Foerstner bits as well as dedicated countersink bits as they give the best results. I will say I have the best luck with spades for countersinks using an impact vs a drill, not sure how you were doing it but that is definitely something to consider. I tend to get a slightly cleaner end finish on it.
You nailed it randy, when I saw the eye catcher “are you still using spade bits” I was thinkin maybe a new bit. No, same old stuff. Complete holes – Bosch, even though they can be tougher on your drilling equipment. Counter sinking – old bit which also starts your smaller hole for thru bolting. Also with the older bit you can lighten up on the bit to save your equipment form boggin down
No! These things are too aggressive for handheld work. In my experience drill press only.
If you have super wrist strength good for drilling studs for electric and plumbing otherwise only rough carpentry.
For any refined woodwork traditional spade bits or hole saws are best.
How to hand sharpen these and other spade bits with a file and bench vise? Main flat cutting edge And pointed edge points.
I am pretty much a above average wood worker. I build cabinets with raised panel doors for our kitchen. When I saw the splintered holes left by these bits, I was somewhat confused when the author describes “clean holes” left in the wood. Are theses holes on the exit side of the wood? If so, that might make more sense. This product could never be used in finish work I do. I use a Bosch saber saw and wouldn’t use any other brand. Reading this article, I would not but product.
Ya These are sold cheap at Home Depot . Great but ya know they don’t have any of the “other” type with out the screw tip. I don’t like the screw tip because it pulls the drill in but the paddle bit is not like an auger bit to pull itself through and I find the screw bit pulls the bit in faster then the paddle can drill. Maybe ok for the small bits but not over an inch. I prefer the standard non screw tip for the paddle bits.
I use a 13/16″ bit to drill holes in plywood for my cam lock style wall ties. This is a very fast bit ,sucks
it’s self down into wood. you have to learn how to use it. Saves time and has lasted a long time.
WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!! These spade bits are too aggressive for any kind of work besides boring holes for wires or plumbing pipes! And frankly they aren’t much good at that either, here’s why: The screw tip dictates the feed speed, and it’s too aggressive. One of two things happens…either the bit grabs too fast and just buries the bit in the wood, stopping anything but the strongest drill, OR, it chews through so aggressively that it mangles the surface of the wood, which is why they are only good for rough work. That is, if you have a very powerful drill…and hold on! These things are junk.
Rich…I’m not sure I would have used the word “junk,’ but up until you wrote “junk” I was whole absolutely with you and for exactly your reasons. (*exactly* your reasons) I simply won’t use them… Esp. in a right angle application, I simply can’t slow them down at all.
These comments are hilarious. Randy is clearly a PM working for Milwaukee, other guy probably DeWalt. They are just pissed their bits aren’t on the shelf at THD… i use to work for Bosch years ago, incredible spade bits. I would also use a different bit for countersinking but these do work for that application as well
I like these spade bits but also found them too aggressive. So, I used my bench grinder to reduce the depth of the screw threads. They work great now.
Interesting idea! Thank you for sharing!
I have a Vermont American, Wood Devil, MADE IN USA “nos” spade bit set from 1990/91, ( I bought from ebay in 2002, shipped to Europe. I sharpened them today
Bosch had similar ones later, they made them in China. Bosch has owned the Vermont American company for some time.