When it comes to drilling holes, having the correct drill bit is essential for success. The wrong drill bit can not only make the job more difficult, but it can also result in poor quality holes and even damage to your drill or the material you're working with.
So how do you choose the right drill bit for the job?
Some aspects to consider are the type of material you are drilling into, the type of hole that needs to be made, for instance diagonal versus straight and the size of hole that is required.
Selecting the correct drill bit is essential for a successful drilling project. By considering the material, size, and type of drilling, you can choose the right drill bit for the job and achieve the best results. Below is a list of consideration and what we will discuss further:
- Choose the right drill bit based on the material you'll be drilling into
- Consider the size of the hole you want to drill
- Select the correct bit for the type of drilling you'll be doing
- Using the correct drill bit will result in better-quality holes and protect your drill and materials from damage.
Choose the right drill bit based on the material you'll be drilling into
Different materials require different types of drill bits to ensure the best results.
For example, softer materials like wood and plastic can be drilled with High Speed Steel (HSS) bits. These bits are made of a strong and durable alloy that can easily penetrate softer materials. HSS bits are also relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for many drilling projects especially for the Do-It-Yourself enthusiast.
Harder materials like metal and concrete, on the other hand, require more specialised bits like cobalt or carbide. These bits are made of tougher and more heat-resistant materials that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated when drilling into harder materials. While they are more expensive than HSS bits, they are essential for drilling into harder material and on a cost versus longevity comparison well worth it.
Using the wrong type of drill bit can result in poor-quality holes and even damage to your drill or the material you're working with.
Consider the size of the hole you want to drill
Drill bit sizes are typically measured in millimeters. When choosing a drill bit, it's important to select one that is the right size for your project. Using a bit that is too small or too large can result in a poor-quality hole.
It is however best practice in harder material to step your hole size up to the desired hole size. For instance, if you require a 8mm hole in mild steel, you would start with a 3mm drill bit. Next use a 5mm drill bit and then finally drill the 8mm hole. This approach causes less friction on the larger drill bits and prolongs their life span. From a cost perspective it is also cheaper to replace a worn 3mm drill bit that made 5 holes than it is to replace a 8mm that only drilled 2 holes.
In addition to choosing the right size, it's also important to make sure the drill bit is long enough to reach the depth of the hole you want to drill. If the bit is too short, it may not be able to reach the bottom of the hole, resulting in an incomplete hole.
Select the correct drill bit for the type of drilling you'll be doing
For example, if you're drilling through soft thick material, you may want to use a spade bit. These bits have a wide, flat blade that can easily cut through thick materials like wood or plastic. They also have a sharp, pointed tip that helps to guide the bit and prevent it from wandering off course.
If you're making angled holes, on the other hand, you may want to use a forstner bit. These bits have a concave cutting edge that allows them to drill clean, precise holes at any angle. They are also designed to leave a smooth, flat bottom on the hole, making them ideal for creating countersunk holes.
Using the correct drill bit will result in better-quality holes and protect your drill and materials from damage
The right drill bit will be able to penetrate the material effectively, producing a clean, precise hole.
For example, if you're drilling into a soft material like wood or plastic, using a High Speed Steel (HSS) drill bit will produce a clean, smooth hole.
On the other hand, if you're drilling into a harder material like metal or concrete using a High Speed Steel drill bit will not last and will probably end up being blunt before the job is done. What will also happen is the material will heat up and be tempered which makes any additional drilling or work to the material more challenging.
In conclusion
There are a couple of things to consider when selecting a drill bit for the job at hand. Material, type of bit and cost versus production consideration. Drill bits are considered a consumable in most industries but for the DIY enthusiast a drill bit can be a costly item and purchasing a quality drill bit is important.
For that reason Garage Door Spares only stock Chief Gofer drill bits which offer exceptional quality at competitive prices.
