There are many dos and don’ts when using drill bits on metal surfaces. You don’t want to run into an instance where your drill bit wears out in the middle of the job, or you obtain an injury from not practicing proper safety measures. So here are some tips and practices to keep you and your drill bits safe.
The Dos of Using Drill Bits
It’s crucial to cover the proper practices when it comes to the dos and don’ts of using drill bits on metal surfaces. This way, you can prolong the lifespan of your drill bits while staying safe.
Make a Drilling Dimple
Before you start drilling, ensure that you create a dimple in the metal first. Drill bits often wander along the surface when you first start drilling.
When creating a drilling dimple, you provide a designated location to prevent wandering. You make a dimple by marking the point you want to drill, then use a center punch and hammer to create a dimple.
Use Lubrication To Preserve Drill Bits
Drill bits create friction and heat while in use. When you incorporate lubrication, you expand the lifespan of your drill bit while allowing for quick and easy drilling. You can spray the drill bit before drilling and add lube as needed, and this ensures that you don’t push too hard or spin too fast.
Protect Your Eyes
As you drill into metal, there’s a high chance of metal debris flying around. One tiny piece of metal fragment can result in serious eye injuries and damage. So ensure that you wear protective safety glasses while you drill.
The Don’ts of Using Drill Bits
A consideration for using a drill bit is the speed you use. If you’re feeding too slowly, the drill won’t have the ability to bite the metal, resulting in a continuous spin. This creates a lot of friction, which can overheat the drill bit and cause it to become dull. Moreover, too much pressure will also result in drill bits overheating. You must find a balance, as a light feed will result in a dulled drill bit.
Not Watching the Speed
If the speed is too fast, you’ll run into the same problem of the drill not cutting through the metal. It will continuously spin, overheat, and become dull. If you’re going too slow, it will take considerably longer to cut through metal. Consider using a variable speed drill, as big drill bits require slower speeds than their smaller counterparts.
At Drill Bit Warehouse, we offer the highest quality drill bits. From individual drill bits to drill bit sets and cutters, our inventory is constantly growing to serve our customers better. We also manufacture custom drilling bits for your specific operations and applications. Contact us today if you have questions about our products.
