Drills are an essential tool in any toolkit. Drills are versatile and can be used in many different ways, but you also need to know how to choose the right drill bit for the job. This post will tell you all you need to know so that you can always make the right decision.
What Drill Bit Do I Need?
Drills are one of the most commonly used tools, whether this is a DIY project around the home or on a construction site. This is because drills are incredibly versatile and can be used for many different jobs, including putting up shelves, wood projects, and light installation. It is vital that you use the right drill bit for the project, particularly as using the wrong bit could damage the material you are drilling into or even the drill itself.
What Does a Drill Bit Do?
A drill bit is a removable part that can be fitted to a drill, which will then be used to bore a hole into the material you are working on. With many different materials and applications, it is important that there are drill bits in a wide range of sizes and shapes available, allowing people to pick the right drill bit for the job. This is why you should always have a selection of high-quality bits, such as a set of masonry drill bits.
Drill Bit Features
There are many different types of drill bits, but there are some universal features
across all kinds. It is important to know the various features so that you can choose the right drill bit each time. The main features include:
Point: The cone-shaped, pointed end of the drill bit that does the cutting
Spur: Sits at the dead centre of the point to help get the drill into position
Cutting lip: The part that scrapes away the material – generally varies from bit to bit
Flutes: A flute spirals its way up the body of the drill bit where it ends at the shank – is used to help the cutting lip remove material
Shank: The part of the drill bit that fits into the drill’s chuck
Choosing the Right Drill Bit
To choose the right drill bit, you need to consider the application. There are standard bits that are used with handheld drills and drill presses and boring machine bits that are used in automated machinery like drill banks and CNC machines. The key is to assess the material you are working with and determine the diameter of the hole you need to drill. You can then choose the best drill bit for your needs.
What size drill bit do you need for wall plugs?
Firstly, you will need to drill a hole that is the exact size for your wall plug in order to ensure your fixture is secure. Use a drill bit that’s the same diameter as your wall plug. For example, if your wall plug is 7mm use a 7mm drill bit. Meaning, the screw should be a millimetre or two smaller in size.
Masonry drill bits
Used for: Concrete, stone, brick, rock and masonry materials
Masonry drill bits are specially designed to cut into harder materials. They are usually made from steel having an arrow shaped cutting tip made from a strong material called tungsten carbide. You can find them in a range of sizes, as singles or in sets for different projects.
Hopefully, the information in this post will be useful and help you gain a better
understanding of drill bits and how to choose the right one for your project. Drills are among the most commonly used tools, but it is important that you always know how to pick the right bit.
This is a collaboration post