Drilling holes isn’t just a matter of putting a bit in the chuck and pulling the trigger. There are finer points to this often under-examined skill. From preventing blow-out, to not burning up your bits, and keeping your wrists unbroken, let’s take a look at some ways to make drilling holes better and easier. While I’m not wearing eye protection on these demonstration photos, donning protective eye wear should be the first thing you do.
The image above may be an exagerration, but the message is that you should let the drill do the work. Your bit can actually work less efficiently if you put too much force on the drill, and you run the risk of breaking your bit.
If you’re looking to get the cleanest hole possible, start with a small bit and work your way up to the desired diameter. This might take a little longer with wood, but it results in a much cleaner hole. With metal it’s often a faster process to start with a small bit and work your way up.
When drilling metal, make sure your drill is set to a slow speed, and use oil as you go. The oil acts as a lubricant and regulates the temperature of the bit and material. There are special types of cutting oil meant to be used for different processes, but usually any household oil with a decent viscosity will do for small projects.
A properly used and maintained bit can last a long time, so know which bits are appropriate for which job. From left to right: small wood bit, high speed steel bit, spade bit, hole saw, cobalt bit, masonry bit.
When using a high-powered hand drill such as this Milwaukee Magnum, be careful when drilling into dense or hard material, as the torque of the drill can actually rip it out of your hands. Use a right angle attachment if you have one, and grip the drill firmly, but not too tight. If the bit gets caught up as you’re going, be prepared to let go — it’s the safest thing to do sometimes. I’ve sprained my wrist in such situations, and have known others to even break their wrists.
A dull drill bit is no fun. Avoid it by only using your bit for its intended material, and not letting it heat up too much. If it’s smoking, stop! When a bit gets that hot you can actually remove the hardness and tempering in the metal. Also consider investing in a drill sharpener like the Drill Doctor to keep those bits going for years to come.
Sometimes you don’t want to drill clean through a piece of material. Here’s a handy little trick to plunge in just the right amount. Measure your intended depth starting at the tip of the drill bit, then wrap a piece of tape around where you want to stop. I use pink gaff for high visibility, but many tapes will do. When you’re drilling, just stop when the edge of the tape is flush with the edge of the material.
If you drill straight through a piece of wood, you’ll often experience what’s known as “blow out.” This is when the bit comes out the other side and creates nasty splinters and chips. It’s unsightly and dangerous. Avoid it by putting a piece of sacrifice board underneath the piece you’re drilling through. It will make the back end of your hole come out a lot cleaner. This is a good habit when using both hand drills and drill presses.
When working with a hand drill, it’s common to lean in close when you pull the trigger. Being so close can give you a lack of perspective as to whether you’re drilling in straight. Take a moment and step back to gauge your angle, and then lean in to cut the hole.
Don’t just stick that bit into the chuck, make sure it’s going in right. A bit that’s not set properly will rotate with a wobble, make your work difficult, and risk breaking the bit. Often bits will have flattened edges at their base. Align these with the jaws of the chuck for a good grip.
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