Bosch Daredevil Extended Length Spade Bit

Why I reached for this long spade bit

Deep holes through framing stock have a way of exposing the limits of your kit. Short bits stall out, extensions wobble, and chip packing turns easy work into a struggle. That’s why I’ve kept a 16-inch spade bit in my pouches, and this Bosch spade bit has been the one earning its keep. It’s a 3/8-inch, extended-length bit with a self-feeding screw point and a contoured paddle—simple on paper, but the execution matters.

Design and features that matter in the field

This is a 3/8-inch spade with a 1/4-inch hex shank and an overall length of 16 inches. The tip is a full-cone threaded screw that pulls the bit into the work with minimal downward pressure. The paddle is sculpted to move chips faster than a flat spade, and it has small spur/reamer nubs that score the perimeter before the cutting edges follow through. The hex shank’s “power groove” locks securely in chucks and quick-change holders, which is especially helpful when you’re stretching a drill over a wall top plate or drilling at awkward angles.

The head and paddle area are roughly 3 inches long, then you get the long smooth shank. That geometry is what gives this bit its reach without adding unnecessary bulk up front.

Performance in softwood framing and treated lumber

I ran this bit through SPF studs, douglas-fir plates, and pressure-treated 4x4s. The self-feed tip bites quickly—sometimes surprisingly quickly—so a light trigger hand is best. Once engaged, it advances with less thrust than a standard spade, and the contoured paddle does a genuinely good job carrying chips out of the hole.

In kiln-dried studs, it’s quick and drama-free. In damp, pressure-treated stock, it still works well but benefits from periodic retractions to keep chips from compacting on the long shank. If you try to bull your way through sopping-wet lumber, you’ll feel the motor load up as chips pack; easing off and clearing the hole makes a big difference.

The 16-inch reach is the reason to own this bit. Drilling clean through a 4x4 post, through stacked plates, or across a post for a through-bolt is straightforward, and I didn’t need an extension or pilot from both sides. For pulling a line for low-voltage runs or creating clearance for long structural screws, a 3/8-inch hole at this length is just right.

Hole quality and accuracy

For a spade, hole quality is notably clean. The little spurs scribe the edge, and the reamer shoulders burnish it a bit on the way out. Entry holes look sharp, and exit breakout is better than most spades I’ve used, especially if you slow the feed and support the backside. That said, it’s still a spade bit. If you need furniture-grade walls or flat-bottomed holes, reach for a Forstner. For structural and rough carpentry, this is more than acceptable.

Tracking is excellent. The screw point places the hole where you want it and resists skating, even on slightly angled starts. On knots, the self-feed can get assertive; feather the trigger and be ready for a little twist in the wrists.

Control, torque, and tool pairing

Self-feeding tips are a double-edged sword: they’re fast, but they can feel grabby. A drill with a low gear and a side handle is a smart pairing, especially overhead or on a ladder. A clutch can save your wrist if the bit catches.

The 1/4-inch hex shank means it drops into impact drivers. It runs fine there, but I prefer a drill for the smoother feed control; an impact’s staccato delivery can make the self-feed surge in soft material. If you do use an impact, go easy on speed and keep your stance balanced—the bit will pull itself in.

Runout and whip are far less than I expected for a 16-inch spade, provided you keep the RPM modest. Spin it too fast and you’ll feel some vibration; keep it in low gear and it tracks nicely.

Chip evacuation and the long-hole reality

The contoured paddle is the star here. It clears chips well enough that you can drill continuously in dry stock. The long, smooth shank doesn’t give chips much to ride on once you’re several inches deep, so technique matters in dense or wet wood:

• Start slow and let the threads establish the hole.
• Pulse the trigger through knots instead of forcing the feed.
• Back the bit out periodically on deep bores in wet lumber to clear chips.
• Leave room to withdraw the bit fully; 16 inches needs space.

These small habits keep the motor happy and extend battery life on cordless tools.

Durability and maintenance

After multiple sessions, the cutting edges and spurs are still sharp enough to leave clean shoulders. The screw point has stayed intact and still pulls consistently. If you do dull it, the paddle edges and spurs can be touched up with a small file. The screw tip is harder to rehab at home, so avoiding nails and screws is key—hit a fastener and you’ll likely damage the threads and blunt the cutting edges in one go.

No visible twisting or bending showed up on the long shank, and the bit hasn’t picked up a wobble. It’s light for its length, and it doesn’t feel nose-heavy.

How it compares to other options

• Versus standard spade bits: This one is faster, requires less feed pressure, and leaves cleaner holes, especially on the exit. The long reach is built-in, so no wobbly extension couplers.
• Versus auger bits: Augers evacuate chips better on really deep holes and in wet lumber, and their lead screws are gentler. However, an auger of equivalent reach is bulkier, and the head often won’t fit through tight openings. For quick utility bores and pilot holes, this spade is handier and often faster.
• Versus installer (bell-hanger) bits: Bell-hangers are great for fishing wire thanks to their pull-hole, but they’re slower and can wander more on entry. If your primary need is electrical fishing, a bell-hanger is still the right call; for general carpentry bores, this spade is more versatile.

Limitations and best practices

• Not a finish-hole solution; it’s for framing, decking, fencing, and utility bores.
• The self-feed can be too aggressive in brittle hardwoods—slow down and control the feed.
• Expect some vibration at very high RPM due to the length; use low gear.
• Clear chips frequently in pressure-treated or very wet stock.
• Avoid contact with metal; it will ruin the tip quickly.

Use cases that suit it well

• Through-holes in 4x4 and 6x material for bolts or threaded rod
• Clearance holes for long structural screws and lag bolts
• Deep bores through stacked top plates and rim joists
• Utility bores for low-voltage lines where a 3/8-inch path is sufficient

Recommendation

I recommend this long spade bit for carpenters, remodelers, deck builders, and DIYers who routinely need reach beyond a standard 6-inch bit. It’s fast, tracks well, and the hole quality is better than most spades thanks to the spur and reamer edges. The 16-inch length solves real-world access problems without resorting to extensions, and the 1/4-inch hex shank makes it easy to swap among tools.

It’s not the right choice for finish work or for chewing through nail-laden framing, and you’ll want a drill with good low-speed control to manage the self-feed. If those caveats fit your workflow, this is a reliable, efficient problem-solver that earns its spot in the kit.