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WoodOwl Ultra Smooth Auger Bits are the brand TF Tools launched with back in 2016 - and years on, they're still miles ahead of the competition. Made in Japan to exacting quality standards, these triple-bladed, Teflon-coated bits cut an effortlessly clean hole through even large-section green oak, which is exactly why they've become a Team TF staple on all oak framing projects, alongside being considered a staple for all heavy timber work.
TF Tools hold exclusive UK & European rights to sell the range, so we know the brand and the bits inside out! This guide covers our full active WoodOwl range - from the 7-1/2" and 18" Ultra Smooth Auger Bits through to plug cutter sets and the re-sharpening file - so you can work out exactly which bit fits your job.
Guide Contents
- Overview
- Pros & Cons
- The Core WoodOwl Range
- WoodOwl Top Picks
- FAQs about WoodOwl
- Related WoodOwl Guides & Resources
- Final Verdict
Overview
WoodOwl auger bits are manufactured in Japan, where the Quality Control is extremely high - TF Tools has sold tens of thousands of these bits over the years, with a quality control issue rate of less than 0.01%. The Ultra Smooth range is designed specifically for cutting through timber, and WoodOwl was the very first brand TF Tools launched with in 2016. We'd been using them on our own oak framing projects for years before that - and we've never found anything better for drilling through green oak.
"The main thing to bear in mind is not to force, or push your WoodOwl bit, let it do the work. As a general guide, use low speed (although they can go higher speed than other brands) and high torque will give you the best outcome - and make sure you clear out the waste as you go." TF Scott, Carpenter & TF Tools Co-Founder
Pros & Cons
Pros |
Cons |
| Triple-Bladed Design: Each blade stays sharper for longer and clears swarf easily. | Premium Investment: A higher price point than generic auger bits. |
| Teflon (PTFE) Coated: Reduces friction and resists heat for smooth cutting in green oak, kiln-dried or softwood. | Reach Needs Room: Longer lengths (18") need a drill with enough clearance and reach. |
| Worm Tip: Bites into the grain easily to start the hole, and rarely needs resharpening. | Technique Matters: Forcing or pushing the bit gives worse results, not better. |
| Clean Entry & Exit: Fluted tips give some of the cleanest holes going, minimising breakout and remedial tidy-up. | Plug Cutter Sets: A bigger investment if you only need one occasional size. |
| Japanese Quality Control: A reported issue rate of under 0.01%. | |
| Built to Last: A re-sharpening file is available, so bits don't need replacing at the first sign of wear. |
📸 Video credit: Andrii C.
The Core WoodOwl Range
Ultra Smooth Wood Boring Auger Bits
Available in 7-1/2" length and 18" length, both built to the same triple-bladed, Teflon-coated, precision heat-treated construction, with a worm tip and fluted tips for a clean start and clean exit hole every time. The 7-1/2" is the go-to for general 1st and 2nd fix boring; the 18" is built for reaching deep through thick oak sections and stud work where a standard-length bit won't reach.
Sizes run from 3/8" (9.5mm) up to 1-1/2" (38mm). Top Tip: you can resharpen the worm tip and fluted spurs using a feather-type sharpening file - see our 02390 Feather-Type Sharpening File.
"I have a number of these bits for oak framing. Beautifully made, sharp cutting edges. Runs true, no wobble cleanly machined flutes which extract the chips well. Easily bored deep holes in oak. Dont know what else to say really. Well worth the cost if looked after. Use the side handle on the drill tho!" Edward W, WoodOwl | Ultra Smooth Wood Boring Auger Bit 7-1/2" Length
Plug Cutter & Countersink Sets
Available in 12mm and 9mm, manufactured with the same precision as WoodOwl's auger bits under the Star M brand. It's one of the only plug cutters you can use with a handheld drill - it doesn't wander, and creates a cylindrical plug that holds better (in most cases, no glue needed). You can buy the full cutter/countersink set, or a replacement bit only, so you're not re-buying the whole set when the cutter wears.
"These might be pricey but I've never used a set that cuts so cleanly. Wood owl make the best drill bits and this shows in the plug cutter. If I lose this I think I'll cry" Oli L @withbearhandsuk, WoodOwl | Plug Cutter & Countersink Set 9mm
📸 Video credit: @withbearhandsuk
02390 Feather-Type Sharpening File
A dedicated re-sharpening file for the Ultra Smooth Auger Bits - a light filing of the three spurs keeps a worn bit cutting like new, extending the life of your investment rather than replacing the whole bit.
Deep Cut Utility Augers, Nail Chippers & Special Order Bits
For jobs needing an even longer reach or a size outside the standard range, we can order in many sizes in the Deep Cut Utility Auger and Nail Chipper ranges, and can source special-order bits. Get in touch with Team TF to check prices & lead times on these pre-orders.
WoodOwl Top Picks
The Customer Bestseller
- Product: WoodOwl | Ultra Smooth Wood Boring Auger Bit 7-1/2" Length
- Why it sells: Our top-selling WoodOwl line - the size and length most framers reach for on 1st and 2nd fix, in a full run of sizes from 3/8" to 1-1/2".
"Great drill bits. Super sharp and stay straight through green and air dried oak. In my experience well worth the investment." Tom V
TF Recommendation: The Unsung Hero
- Product: WoodOwl | 02390 Feather-Type Sharpening File
- Why we recommend it: Easy to overlook, but this file keeps your Ultra Smooth Auger Bits cutting cleanly for far longer instead of reaching for a replacement bit at the first sign of dulling - one of the best-value accessories in the range.
See TF Scott put the Ultra Smooth bits through their paces - and keep them sharp with the file:
FAQs about WoodOwl
Q. What size WoodOwl Auger Bit do I need?
A. It depends on the fixing or dowel you're boring for - check your fixing spec against the bit's diameter before ordering, as sizes run from 3/8" (9.5mm) up to 1-1/2" (38mm) across both the 7-1/2" and 18" ranges.
Q. Are WoodOwl bits metric or imperial? I work in metric.
A. The auger bits are made to imperial measurements, and the nearest metric size is shown in brackets after the imperial size.
Q. What's the difference between the 7-1/2" and 18" auger bits?
A. Construction and cutting performance are identical - triple-bladed, Teflon-coated, heat-treated carbon steel. The difference is reach: the 18" is built for boring through thicker oak sections or where you need extra length to clear obstructions, while the 7-1/2" covers most everyday 1st and 2nd fix boring.
Q. What speed should I use with a WoodOwl auger bit?
A. Low speed and high torque gives the best outcome (although they can handle higher speeds than other brands). Don't force or push the bit - let it do the work, and clear out the waste as you go. Read more in our WoodOwl blog.
Q. Will a WoodOwl auger bit fit my drill?
A. The Ultra Smooth bits have a quick-change shank of approx. 2" long and 1/2" (13mm) diameter. Length given on each bit is overall length.
Q. Can WoodOwl auger bits be re-sharpened?
A. Yes - a light filing of the three spurs with the WoodOwl 02390 Feather-Type Sharpening File will bring a worn bit back to a clean cutting edge.
Q. What's the difference between Ultra Smooth and Nail Chipper augers?
A. Ultra Smooth bits are designed for the cleanest possible hole in timber. Nail Chippers are built to "eat" through nails and screws without ruining the bit - the hole is less refined, but they're great for reclaimed timber and restoration work when you don't know what you might find.
Q. Where are WoodOwl auger bits made?
A. In Japan, to extremely high quality control standards. TF Tools holds the exclusive UK & European rights to sell the Ultra Smooth range, and we ship worldwide.
Related WoodOwl Guides & Resources
We've covered the basics here, but if you want to dive deeper into WoodOwl, check out these related guides:
Final Verdict
WoodOwl's Ultra Smooth Auger Bits are the benchmark for clean, reliable boring through oak and other hardwoods - built to last and easy to keep sharp with the right file, with the range to cover everything from quick 1st fix work to long-reach 2nd fix jobs. Ready to upgrade your kit? Shop the full WoodOwl range.
Written by Team TF
Team TF is made up of product specialists dedicated to offering genuine expert advice before you buy and renowned after-sale care. No one knows tools and toolbelts like we do! Get in touch if you have any questions at all - about WoodOwl or any other brands and products we stock.
