These 5/16" bits are specially designed for cutting maple trees. Special 90 degree cutting tip is specially designed for tap holes. Ask major manufacturers in the industry and they will tell you how important it is to use the right bit. The hex shank holds firmly in your drill chuck to prevent the bit from turning/loosening in your drill. With this bit you get a perfectly clean hole. You dont want to blow wood chips out of the hole! They reduce the amount of juice you get. This bit sprays the wood chips directly from the hole very efficiently. You dont want an elongated hole! It will leak. You dont want to go after when you drill your hole. This bit pulls itself into the tree so you dont have to push. It saves time, it saves your arms, it gives you more juice, it gives you less leaks and splits, it even makes your drill batteries last longer. Try it side by side with a normal 5/16 bit and you will be amazed by the difference! I was a skeptic until I got my first one year back. Now its over! Small pieces may peel off or rub off in the tree. This is not good for you or the tree. Use the high speed (usually "2") on your drill when drilling with this bit. Adjust a wide, stable posture. Hold the bit against the tree before you start drilling. Keep the drill straight and do not press it. Let the drill do the job. Keep the bit turned until completely removed from the tap hole. Most professionals knock into the tree anywhere from 1 1/2 " to 2 ". More than that is probably not good for your tree and is also very unlikely to get more juice. Happy Tappin!