Choosing the right drill bit

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Your chances of getting the task done properly the first time rise significantly if you use the appropriate drill bit and are aware of when you should use it. However, since these instruments are useful in such a wide variety of situations, there is a wide variety of drill bits available, each of which is designed to perform a particular function. A significant step in ensuring the success of your project is to have an understanding of each of their roles and responsibilities.

 

Drill bits are cutting tools used to remove material to make holes. Drill bits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the material to be drilled and the size of the hole required.

 

Because some are better suited to cutting through certain materials than others, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. So, knowing what size drill bit to use will allow you to make the correct hole in the correct location.

 

Some critical factors to consider while choosing right drill bit-

The Material:

 

Before you go shopping for a drill bit, you should know exactly what job you need it for. Do you intend to drill into stone or wood? Or do you require precision drilling on rigid materials such as glass? The first thing you should think about is what you’re drilling into.

 

Accuracy:

 

After you’ve matched the tool to the material, consider how accurate you need to be. Some are best for making clean holes, while others are best for making rough ones. Having a clear understanding of the job at hand is essential in order to find the right drill bit for your project.

 

Features:

 

There are many different types of drill bits, knowing the various parts can help you when you’re buying for the project you’re working on:

 

Point – The cutting end is a cone-shaped, pointed end. This section is made up of a spur and a cutting lip.

Spur – The spur is located in the exact centre of the point. This aids in getting the drill into position.

Cutting lip – The material is scraped away by the cutting lip. This is the characteristic that varies from bit to bit.

Flutes – A flute or channel spirals up the body of the drill bit, ending with the shank, starting from the cutting lip. The flutes aid in the removal of displaced material by the cutting lip.

Shank – With a straight shank drill bit, the portion of the drill bit that is either clamped into a spindle or straight into a drill’s chuck.

 

Choosing a Drill Bit Material:

 

The hardness of the drill bit material, or metal, is always a determining factor. For harder substrates, use a bit made of a harder metal. 

 

Choosing the Right Drill Bit Point Type:

 

The “conventional point” is the point type used in the majority of general-purpose applications. The 118° drill point angle is the most common among conventional point drill bits for drywall, wood, and other softer substrates. The next most common point is 135° split point.

 

Choosing the Right Length for Your Drill Bit:

 

It comes in 5 standard length groups:

 

Jobber Length Drill Bits – the most common bits, used for general purposes and having flute lengths between 9 and 14 times the diameter of the drill.

Taper Length Drill Bits – for the purpose of pre-drilling pilot holes for the shanks of wood screws.

Extra Length Drill Bits – Their original purpose of drilling through an aeroplane fuselage earned them the moniker “aircraft-length” drill bits.

Mechanics Length Drill Bits – have a shorter flute length and a shorter overall length than a standard jobber bit, making them less prone to breakage and suitable for harder drilling.

Screw Machine Length Drill Bits – These are the shortest bits, with the smallest length-to-diameter ratio.

 

Apart from these, there are many more factors that need to be considered.

Just ensure your safety when working with drills!