Your Quick Guide to Power Tool Accessories

Power tool accessories, namely inserts, are a crucial part of every power tool. Whether it’s a blade, drill bit, disc or otherwise, an insert is what gives the tool it’s capability to do the job.

While some tools are designed with one application in mind, other tools can undertake a number of tasks with different inserts. These could be for the following:

Cutting
Drilling
Grinding
Sanding
Polishing
Breaking

Discover the range

With various options available, power tool accessories are designed to enhance the functionality and precision of the power tools they are designed for. In addition, the quality of inserts and power tool accessories used can make a big difference in the finish and speed of the job – which can increase your productivity and bottom line.

Knowing which insert to use can significantly improve your efficiency and the quality of your work. Our quick guide includes product recommendations, insert types, and the tools they go with.

Types of Power Tool Inserts

TE-CX Drill Bits

For high-performance tools designed for drilling into reinforced concrete, as well as masonry and brick. Quadruple helix design ensures fast drilling speeds throughout their lifespan.

Commonly Featured Materials: Solid carbide

Types of TE-CX drill bits

TE-CX Carbide Drill Bits: These sets include multiple bit sizes, providing versatility for different drilling needs.
SDS Plus (TE-C) Metric Hammer Drill Bits: Designed for metric measurements, used for drilling into reinforced concrete, masonry, and brick

Compatible Tools: SDS plus drill, Rotary hammer drill

TE-CX drill bits

Grinding and Cutting Discs

Designed specifically for metal and masonry work. Applications include grinding, cutting, and polishing.

Commonly Featured Materials: Reinforced fiberglass, carbide, diamond-coated, aluminium oxide

Types of Grinding Discs:

Cutting Wheels: Thin, flat discs for slicing through metal or tile.
Grinding Discs: Thicker, rough discs for grinding and smoothing metal.
Flap Discs: Used for blending, finishing, and polishing metal.

Compatible Tools: Angle grinders, bench grinders, die grinders.

Grinding abrasive discs Diamond blades and cup wheels

Saw Blades

Designed for various cutting tasks, from general carpentry to fine woodworking. Also used for tasks on metal and plastic materials.

Commonly Featured Materials: Carbide-tipped, bi-metal, diamond-coated

Types of Saw Blades:

Circular Saw Blades: For straight cuts on various materials.
Jigsaw Blades: Flexible blades, usually thin, for curved and intricate cuts in wood or metal.
Reciprocating Saw Blades: Heavy-duty blades for demolition, cutting wood and metal.
Oscillating Multi-Tool Blades: Small blades for detail work, plunge cuts, or flush cuts.

Compatible Tools: Circular saws, jigsaws, reciprocating saws, and multitool products.

Saw Blades Multi-tool inserts

Drill Bits

One of the most common types of power tool accessory used for making holes in various materials like wood, metal, plastic, and masonry.

Commonly Featured Materials: High-Speed Steel (HSS), carbide-tipped, cobalt, titanium-coated

Types of Drill Bits:

General Purpose Drill Bits: For wood, plastic and metal.
Masonry Bits: Tungsten carbide-tipped for drilling into brick, stone, and concrete.
Spade Bits: Flat bits for fast drilling in wood. Commonly used by plumbers, electricians and joiners.
Step Bits: Cone-shaped inserts for enlarging holes in metal or plastic.

Compatible Tools: Power drills, hammer drills, and drill presses.

Spade bits Step bits Metal, wood and other material drill bits Masonry drill bits

Sanding Discs and Belts

Sanding discs, sanding belts and cutting discs

Abrasive accessories used for smoothing surfaces.

Commonly Featured Materials: Aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, ceramic

Types of Sanding Inserts:

Sanding Discs: Circular abrasives for orbital and disc sanders.
Sanding Belts: Long, continuous loops of abrasive material for belt sanders.
Sanding Sheets: Rectangular sheets for detail sanders.

Compatible Tools: Belt sanders, orbital sanders, detail sanders.

Sanding belts Sanding sheets Sanding discs

Diamond Core Bits

Used for core drilling in concrete and masonry, creates an opening but also maintains a cylinder of the base material for inspection if required

Commonly Featured Materials: Hardened steel, alloy, diamond
Types of Bits
Diamond core bits
Core bits

Compatible tools: Core drill or rig-based core drilling machines

Core bits

Chisels

Used for breaking or demolishing concrete or masonry

Commonly Featured Materials: High alloy steel, metal

Types of Chisels

Flat chisels
Bushing tools
Floor scrapers
Pointed chisels

Compatible tools: SDS Plus and SDS Max Breakers, demolition hammers or Jackhammers

Chisels and rod drivers

Choosing the Right Power Tool Insert

To get the most out of your power tool, selecting the right insert is crucial.

Compatibility with the materials you’re working on

Specific inserts are optimised for certain materials. While some accessories can be used on their non-native material, using the wrong insert can damage the tool, the working material and the insert.

Woodwork: Use high-speed steel (HSS) bits and carbide-tipped blades.
Metalwork: Cobalt or carbide inserts for hard metals.
Masonry: Carbide-tipped or diamond-coated inserts for concrete, stone, or tile.

Speed and torque

Some inserts may have a speed rating, so check this (RPM) to ensure it matches your power tool. Tool accessories designed for high-speed operation can overheat or wear out quicker than the manufacturers guidelines if not correctly used.

For drilling and grinding, ensure your tool operates within the recommended RPM for the insert.
For cutting, ensure sufficient torque is available to avoid binding or snapping the insert.

Shank size and compatibility

Make sure the insert’s shank size matches the chuck or designated insert ports of your tool.

Insert longevity

Carbide-tipped inserts last longer than standard steel due to their resistance to heat and wear.
Diamond-coated inserts, though expensive, are excellent for cutting hard materials like tile or concrete.

Safety Tips for Using Power Tool Inserts

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always wear safety glasses or a suitable face guard to protect against debris.
Use hearing protection for cutting or grinding tasks.
Wear dust masks or respirators when sanding or working with materials that produce fine dust. A connected vacuum also helps reduce airborne dust.

Check Inserts Before Use

Inspect inserts for any damage, wear or cracks before use. Using a damaged insert may affect the quality of task you’re doing, cause tool failure or accidents.
Ensure that the insert is firmly secured in the tool before operation.

Use the Right Speed

For tools or inserts with recommended speed settings, use the correct options for the material and insert. Running at a higher than recommended speed can overheat the insert, leading to poor performance or failure.

Tool Maintenance

Keep your power tools and inserts clean and well-maintained. Dull blades or bits can cause overheating and reduced efficiency.
Replace worn or damaged inserts as necessary to maintain safety and precision

Can’t see what you’re looking for? Check our full range of tool accessories or drop us a message.

We offer a range of inserts that meet the needs of professionals in construction. But if there’s something in particular you’re looking for, drop us a message and we’ll be happy to help.

In addition, if you’re looking for an offer on inserts, our dedicated promotions page may have a discount that saves you money on your next purchase.

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