Bosch 3 pc. 6-1/2 In. High-Speed Auger Bit Set

A compact auger set that punches above its size

I put this Bosch auger set to work on a recent remodel where I needed clean, repeatable holes in studs and joists without carrying a long, whippy bit around all day. The set bundles three high-speed augers—5/8, 3/4, and 1 inch—each with a 6.5-inch overall length and a 4-inch working length. That shorter form factor is the headliner here: it’s easy to control in tight bays, it stays on line, and it doesn’t beat you up when the drill inevitably finds a knot.

Design and build quality

Each bit is built around a fortified spine with reinforced cutting edges, and the geometry is tuned for high-speed drilling in wood. The “no-catch” tip is the key detail. Instead of a super-aggressive screw point that yanks the tool forward, the tip starts the hole decisively and then transitions into a self-feeding action that feels confident rather than reckless. It engages quickly without the jarring grabs through knots or pitch pockets that traditional ship augers can produce.

The shorter overall length also helps with stability. There’s noticeably less flex than with a 7.5–18 inch ship auger, and the bits run true in a standard three-jaw drill chuck. The flutes are deep enough for the 4-inch working length, and they clear chips reliably in softwoods and most construction hardwoods.

Setup and compatibility

These are designed for rotary drills/drivers—think a cordless drill/driver in high-speed gear—not for impact drivers. I ran them primarily on a mid-torque 18V brushless drill. High speed is where they’re meant to live, but I had the best results starting each hole at low speed to seat the tip, then clicking up to high once the cutting edges were fully engaged. A side handle is recommended for the 3/4 and 1-inch bits, especially when drilling overhead or in denser material.

If your drill has an electronic clutch, consider disabling it or setting it high; these bits can self-feed briskly once started, and an overzealous clutch will interrupt the cut. In most framing situations, you’ll run them in forward throughout, but a brief reverse before the bit breaks through can minimize blowout on the exit face.

In the field: speed, control, and chip clearing

The standout trait is how quickly these bits move through framing lumber while staying manageable. In SPF studs and joists, the 3/4-inch and 1-inch bits zipped through in seconds once the tip was seated—plenty fast for running wire or pipe. In pressure-treated stock, feed rate stays strong, though you’ll want to pace the cut a bit to let chips evacuate fully. In oak and maple, they still work well; I just dialed back feed pressure and kept my stance braced. The tips tracked straight with minimal wandering, even when starting on slightly uneven surfaces.

Chip evacuation is excellent for the working length. A quick peck—pulling back a half-inch mid-cut—keeps the flutes from packing in wetter lumber. Overhead drilling produces a generous rooster tail of shavings, which is great for clearing the hole but not great for your eyes; wear glasses and a cap, and consider a dust hood if you’re doing a lot of work above you.

Hole quality and exit behavior

For augers tuned for speed, hole quality is very good. Entry edges are clean with minimal fuzz. On exits, I saw predictable breakout in softer wood if I blasted straight through. A brief reverse just before breakthrough, or backing the bit out to finish from the opposite side, kept the exit clean when it mattered (visible finish faces, exposed beams). Compared with spade bits, the holes are cleaner and truer; compared with long ship augers, exit tear-out is similar but control is better thanks to the shorter stick-out.

Durability and wear

After a mix of stud drilling, a handful of PT joists, and a few notches through denser hardwood blocking, the cutting edges still felt sharp and showed no chipping. The reinforced tips seem to hold up well to incidental abuse, though I wouldn’t treat them as “nail eaters.” If you hit a fastener, stop and back out; these are high-speed wood augers, not demolition bits. The fortified spine resists torsional twist under load, and I didn’t experience any noticeable wobble developing over time.

As always, keeping the flutes clear and avoiding overheating will extend life. A drop of light oil isn’t necessary in wood, but it doesn’t hurt on PT where resins can build up.

How they stack up against alternatives

• Versus spade bits: These are faster, track straighter, and produce cleaner holes with less wrist shock. Spades still win for quick, sacrificial work where hole finish doesn’t matter and you’re not worried about wandering.
• Versus self-feed bits: Self-feeds win on sheer speed in big diameters but are larger, heavier, and more grabby. This set offers a friendlier, more compact experience in the common 5/8–1 inch range.
• Versus long ship augers: Long ship augers reach where these won’t, and they handle very deep holes. The compact augers are easier to control in framing, quicker to start, and better in tight bays, at the cost of reach.

Limitations and things to know

• Working length is 4 inches. That’s perfect for studs, single and double plates, and most joists, but it won’t reach through very thick timbers or multi-layer assemblies. Bring a longer auger for those.
• Not for impact drivers. Use a rotary drill in high-speed mode and a side handle for larger diameters.
• The tip is less grabby than a screw-point auger, but once the edges are cutting, these bits self-feed with conviction. Brace your stance and don’t death-grip the trigger; let the tool work.
• Not designed for nails or metal. If you regularly encounter hidden fasteners, consider a demolition-rated auger.

Practical tips from use

• Start each hole at low speed to seat the tip, then shift to high as soon as the flutes begin to pull.
• For overhead work, position slightly to the side of the chip stream. A cap and safety glasses are non-negotiable; shavings fly fast.
• In wet or pressure-treated lumber, peck the cut to keep flutes clear. If chips pack, back out, clear, and continue.
• To minimize exit blowout, ease off pressure near breakthrough or finish from the opposite side when possible.
• Mark centers with a punch or awl on slick surfaces; these bits track well but still benefit from a positive start.

Who will get the most from this set

Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and remodelers who often work in tight framing will appreciate the balance of speed, control, and compact size. DIYers who want professional results without wrestling long ship augers will also find them approachable. If you’re primarily boring deep holes in timber framing or doing demolition through unknown materials, you’ll want different tooling in the kit.

Recommendation

I recommend this Bosch auger set for anyone who needs fast, controlled boring in wood within a compact form factor. The combination of a no-nonsense tip, strong chip evacuation, and a fortified spine makes these bits quick and predictable in real framing lumber. They’re easy to place, they run true, and they don’t punish your wrists like more aggressive screw-point designs. The 5/8, 3/4, and 1-inch sizes cover the most common service runs, and the 4-inch working length fits the majority of stud and joist work without the hassle of a long bit. If you respect their limits (rotary drills only, no nails, reasonable pecking in wet stock), they deliver pro-grade performance and durability in a compact, work-friendly package.