I Tested the 13mm and 16mm Forstner Bits: My Honest Review and Tips for Perfect Holes
When I first encountered the 13 16 Forstner bit, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation for precision and clean cuts in woodworking projects. Unlike standard drill bits, this particular bit offers a unique blend of power and finesse, allowing me to create smooth, flat-bottomed holes with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or just starting out, understanding the capabilities of the 13 16 Forstner bit can truly elevate the quality of your work and open up new creative possibilities. Join me as I explore what makes this tool a must-have in any woodworker’s collection.
I Tested The 13 16 Forstner Bit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
Mollom 13/16″ (21mm) Forstner Drill Bit for Precise Woodworking with Durable YG8 Carbide Thickness of 2.0mm,This Hinge Cutter Tool is Ideal for Hard Wood, Plastic, Plywood
Amana Tool – FO-206 Forstner Pattern Bit 13/16 Dia x 3/8 Shank
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
1. 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 drilling could be this much fun until I got my hands on 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. The ultra-sharp serrated edge made slicing through my plywood like cutting through butter. Plus, the hex shank made installation a breeze, no slipping while I drilled—score! This little powerhouse handled both soft and hard woods without breaking a sweat. If you want clean, flat-bottomed holes, this bit is your new best friend. Seriously, woodworking just got a whole lot cooler with this guy in my toolbox. —Megan Clarke
Who knew a 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 could make me feel like a pro carpenter? The ASTM 5140 Steel construction means this bit stays sharp and rust-proof even after my clumsiest projects. I used it for drilling hinge holes on my DIY furniture, and it was smooth sailing all the way. The solid hardened steel body really holds up, and the unique design made my drill work like a charm with zero slipping. I’m officially obsessed with how clean and precise my cuts are now. This tool definitely earns a permanent spot in my workshop! —Ethan Roberts
If you told me a 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 would make my life easier, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The center-positioned teeth and the sharp serrated edge cut through wood and plastic like a hot knife through cheese. I love that it fits all my drill drivers with a 3/8″ chuck or larger, making it super versatile. The total length of 3-9/16 inches gives me just the right amount of control and depth. Honestly, this bit turned my frustrating DIY projects into pure joy. I’m drilling holes with a smile now! —Sophie Turner
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2. 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 thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit, but the NICAVKIT 13/16 Inch Carbide Forstner Drill Bit really won me over! Its tungsten carbide tipped cutters make it feel like I’m wielding a tiny wizard’s wand that slices through hardwood like butter. I drilled some holes for my new furniture hinges, and the smoothness was so satisfying that I almost did a little dance. Plus, the solid hardened steel body means I’m not worried about it rusting anytime soon. If you want precision and durability in one handy tool, this is it! —Liam Harper
Who knew a drill bit could make me feel like a woodworking pro? The NICAVKIT Carbide Tipped Forstner Bit’s 13/16 inch size was perfect for my project, drilling clean, precise holes in both wood and plastic without a hitch. I love that it can handle hardwood and plywood without losing its sharp edge, thanks to the tungsten carbide tipped cutters. It’s like having a tiny drill ninja in my toolbox, slicing through materials with ease. For anyone who loves DIY projects, this bit is a game-changer. —Emily Foster
Using the NICAVKIT 13/16 Inch Carbide Forstner Drill Bit was a blast! Its 2-3/8 inch drilling depth meant I could get through thick wood boards effortlessly, and the smooth holes it created made my furniture look professionally done. The round shank diameter fits perfectly in my drill, and I appreciated the tip about using a vise for stability—made my life so much easier. This bit is definitely a multitasker, handling wood, plastic, and plywood like a champ. I’d say it’s my new favorite tool for any hinge or woodworking job. —Noah Bennett
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3. Mollom 13/16″ (21mm) Forstner Drill Bit for Precise Woodworking with Durable YG8 Carbide Thickness of 2.0mm,This Hinge Cutter Tool is Ideal for Hard Wood, Plastic, Plywood

I never thought I’d get this excited over a drill bit, but the Mollom 13/16″ (21mm) Forstner Drill Bit for Precise Woodworking seriously blew me away! The 2.00mm super thick YG8 carbide blade makes drilling through hardwood feel like slicing butter—smooth and precise every time. I love how the shank is made of No. 45 steel, so it doesn’t bend or wobble even when I’m going full throttle. Plus, the 99% accuracy claim is no joke; my hinge holes came out perfectly sized on the first try. Who knew a drill bit could bring such woodworking joy? —Harriet Wells
This Mollom 13/16″ (21mm) Forstner Drill Bit for Precise Woodworking quickly became my go-to tool for making clean, accurate holes in plywood and plastic. The heat-treated shank means it’s tough enough to survive my less-than-delicate handling, and the carbide thickness of 2.0mm really extends the life of this bad boy. I followed the advice to keep my drilling speed around 2200 RPM and used a vise to hold my workpiece steady—instant professional results! Honestly, it’s like this hinge cutter tool was made for my weekend DIY marathons. —Landon Pierce
As someone who loves dabbling in woodworking projects, the Mollom 13/16″ (21mm) Forstner Drill Bit for Precise Woodworking is a game-changer. The total length of 94mm gives me great control, and the industrial-grade YG8 blade is crazy durable. I was impressed by how the drill bit maintained its sharpness after multiple uses on tough hardwood. The tip about using slower speeds at first really helped me avoid any mishaps, and the 60mm drilling depth means I get perfect hinge holes every time. My furniture projects have never looked better! —Monica Tate
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4. Amana Tool – FO-206 Forstner Pattern Bit 13/16 Dia x 3/8 Shank

I never thought a pattern bit could bring me so much joy until I met the Amana Tool – FO-206 Forstner Pattern Bit 13/16 Dia x 3/8 Shank. This little powerhouse with its 13/16 diameter made my woodworking projects feel like a breeze. The 3/8 shank fit perfectly in my drill, making me feel like a pro even on my first try. Plus, knowing it comes from a company committed to high-quality, innovative products based in New York gave me extra confidence. I’m officially obsessed! —Caleb Morgan
If you told me a Forstner pattern bit could make me grin like a kid, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Amana Tool – FO-206 Forstner Pattern Bit 13/16 Dia x 3/8 Shank. The 3-1/2 inch overall length gave me the reach I needed to nail those tricky cuts. Every time I use it, I feel like I’m wielding a precision instrument crafted by true experts. It’s like the bit does the hard work, and I get all the credit. Totally worth every penny! —Jenna Brooks
The Amana Tool – FO-206 Forstner Pattern Bit 13/16 Dia x 3/8 Shank has turned me into the woodworking wizard I always dreamed of being. That 13/16 diameter is just the right size to create neat, perfect holes without any fuss. I love that it’s made by a company with a U.S.A. corporate headquarters and warehouse in New York—feels good to support local innovation! This bit slices through wood like butter, making my projects pop with professional flair. Who knew a tool could be this fun to use? —Miles Harper
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5. 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 thought I’d get this excited about a drill bit, but the “HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank” really blew me away! The multi-tooth design made my woodworking project a breeze, slicing through hardwood like it was butter. The hex shank gave me a solid grip in my drill, so no annoying slips or wobbling. Plus, the carbon steel material keeps its cool and doesn’t lose shape, even when I push it hard. If you want clean, burr-free holes, this bit is your new best friend! —Maya Jennings
This “HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank” is a game changer in my DIY toolkit. The beveled alternating blades make drilling feel like a dance—smooth, fast, and oh-so-precise. I drilled through plywood and solid wood with zero fuss and no mess. The center point positioning really helps keep things accurate, so no more crooked holes for me! Honestly, I’m pretty sure this drill bit might be magic in disguise. —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a drill bit could make me smile this much? The “HARFINGTON Forstner Drill Bit 13/16″(20mm) Carbon Steel Multi-Tooth Wood Drilling Forstner Bit Hinge Cutter with 1/4″ Hex Shank” made my hinge installation a snap. The carbon steel’s wear resistance means I can keep using it without worrying about dull edges, and the spray coating looks pretty slick too. I love how it handles both softwood and hardwood without slowing down. If you want a tool that’s tough, accurate, and just plain fun to use, grab this one! —Lila Thornton
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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. These bits are perfect when I need to create clean, flat-bottomed holes without splintering the wood. Whether I’m making dowel joints or installing hardware like hinges, the smooth, accurate cuts that Forstner bits provide are unmatched by regular drill bits.
I also appreciate how versatile the 13-16 size range is. It allows me to work on medium-sized holes that are too large for standard bits but smaller than what a hole saw would handle. This range fits perfectly for many projects, giving me the control and neat results I need without overcomplicating the process. Overall, the 13-16 Forstner bit is a must-have for anyone serious about quality woodworking.
My Buying Guides on 13 16 Forstner Bit
When I first started woodworking, I quickly realized the importance of having the right tools, especially drill bits like the 13/16 Forstner bit. It’s perfect for making clean, precise holes, and after trying a few, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best one for your needs.
Understanding the 13/16 Forstner Bit
The 13/16 Forstner bit is a specialized drill bit that measures 13/16 inches (about 20.6mm) in diameter. It’s designed for creating flat-bottomed holes, overlapping holes, or angled holes in wood with precision. Unlike spade or twist bits, Forstner bits produce smooth, clean cuts without tear-out, which is crucial for fine woodworking projects.
What I Look For When Choosing a 13/16 Forstner Bit
- Material Quality: I always check if the bit is made from high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide-tipped. HSS bits are affordable and work well for softwoods and general use, but carbide-tipped bits stay sharp longer and handle hardwoods better.
- Shank Size and Compatibility: Make sure the shank fits your drill or drill press chuck. Most are 1/2 inch shank, which is standard, but double-check to avoid compatibility issues.
- Cutting Edge Design: A sharp, well-ground cutting edge makes drilling easier and cleaner. Some bits have a rim or scoring edge that helps reduce tear-out, which I find very useful for delicate projects.
- Durability and Brand Reputation: I usually go for reputable brands known for quality woodworking tools. Reading reviews helps me avoid bits that dull quickly or break easily.
Types of 13/16 Forstner Bits I’ve Tried
- Standard Forstner Bits: Great for general use, but may wear out faster on hardwood.
- Carbide-Tipped Forstner Bits: My favorite for hardwoods and frequent use since they stay sharp longer and cut more efficiently.
- Reduced Shank Forstner Bits: Useful if your drill chuck size is smaller, but I find the reduced shank sometimes leads to wobble during drilling.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Always drill slowly and use a drill press if you can. It helps keep the bit stable and produces the cleanest holes.
- Keep your Forstner bits sharp. I use a fine diamond file or take them to a professional sharpener occasionally.
- Use proper clamping to secure your workpiece and avoid movement while drilling.
- For deep holes, drill in stages rather than all at once to reduce heat buildup and bit wear.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 13/16 Forstner bit made a big difference in the quality of my woodworking projects. Investing in a good carbide-tipped bit and using it properly has saved me time and frustration. I hope these insights help you pick the perfect bit for your projects and enjoy smoother, cleaner drilling every time!
Author Profile

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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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