Many people are afraid of using a drill since it is a tool that initially does not have any protection in the cutting area.
However, if we learn how to use the drill correctly, it does not have to be a dangerous tool.
On the contrary, it is beneficial and practical.
I’ll tell you a trick, like this between us: in DIY, a drill is not only a machine for drilling (making holes) in all kinds of materials, with the right accessory, you can undertake different jobs, such as sanding, polishing, even cutting some materials.
Safety Measures Before Starting To Use A Drill
To not suffer any mishap, it is best to adopt safety measures and use the right tools for the work to be done.
It is not the same as drilling a hole in concrete, metal, or wood. For each of these jobs, there are different bits to drill each material with sufficient guarantees.
But we are going to organize the ideas and list each of the security measures that we must implement so that at the end of the task we feel delighted with the work done:
Wear protective glasses
Many materials can chip away when drilling, such as wood or metal. Others, such as concrete or plasterboard, will give off dust or residues that can get into our eyes.
Protective glasses will avoid injuring our eyes. Not that it is common, but it is certainly possible.
Choosing the right drill bit
Each material to be drilled is different and offers different resistance to be drilled. Depending on these resistances, various bits are on the market, with tips and grooves suitable for the work to be done.
For example, bits for drilling concrete are usually reinforced to withstand the work of hammering in a high-strength material, while bits for drilling wood have sharp tips and lips; for material that more than drilling, you have to “cut.”
Hold the drill correctly.
One of the most common accidents when using a drill is caused by not holding the drilling machine properly.
If we carry out horizontal work, we must do it with a column drill or with a right arm (vertical support) and secure it well to a bench or work table.
Hold the part tightly to be drilled.
If we are going to drill a wall, it will not move. But a small piece can be elusive.
We will have to find ways to drill safely and that the piece does not move when the drill is penetrating it.
We can use clamps, clamping jacks, vices.
Currently, many drills have security measures to stop when they get stuck (hooked, braked).
But if we have an old drill, we will have to adopt a firm position and hold the drill tightly so that if it stops dead, it does not cause an injury.
Please turn off the drill and unplug each time we are going to change the bit, or we are going to carry out any maintenance work on it.
Do not pull the cable to unplug, avoid working in humid environments, do not leave the machine near hot areas.
And above all, keep the work area clean. It is not the first time that an accident has occurred due to a trip.
Drill types
The drill is the “machine” we use to drill. As I have mentioned before, drills currently allow us to perform many functions, not just drill.
Perhaps the most popular task, which has a lot to do with drilling, is screw driving.
Many drills are multipurpose; they allow drilling and screwing. Some also offer the hammer option and are called hammer drills, specially designed to drill tough and resistant materials, such as concrete, stone, granite.
Drill Accessories
Drill Bits: Types And Utilities
A drill is not complete without its main auxiliary tool: drill bits.
Choosing the right bit for each job to be carried out will not only facilitate its execution and completion in perfect condition. In some cases, it is essential, as some materials are impossible to drill without the right bit.
As an example, with a universal bit, we can drill wood or metal, but with a bit specially designed to drill the wall, it will be impossible to drill metal or wood.
In addition to the type of bit, you will find different qualities, especially when it comes to performing precise and professional work.
An obvious example is wall drills, which can find in hardened materials such as tungsten carbide, popularly called widia or high-performance carbide. Lately, wall drills with hardened points with diamond tips.
They are not jewellery diamonds; they are synthetic diamonds specially designed for this type of tool.
Universal or helical
- Drill bits for metal: HSS rolled, HSS ground, HSS cobalt ground, and HSS titanium ground.
- For wall drilling: Vidia bits and diamond tip.
- Drill bits for wood: With three tips, flat, long, countersink, crown, forstner bit, and strawberries.
- There are also bits for drilling glass.
Vertical support
The vertical support is an accessory that allows us to convert a hand drill into a column drill.
When we have to make high-precision vertical drills, it is convenient to use this accessory.
With vertical support, we can adjust the drilling’s depth, very useful when we are going to make a blind hole, such as when we will make a drill to mount a cup hinge.
Jaw
Vice is not an accessory for a drill, but it is convenient to have one or a vise when we are doing vertical drilling, either with a hand drill mounted on upright support or with a column drill.
If the pieces are tiny, it is essential to hold them in some way for the precision of the work and our safety, since they can slip and, if we are holding them with our hands, suffer an accident.
Depth stops for drilling.
When we buy a new drill, it usually comes with a depth stop and an auxiliary handle.
These stops are essential and useful when drilling on walls. By limiting the depth of the drill, we avoid drilling the wall beyond what is necessary, avoiding “breaking” the wall in the next room. Believe me, it is better to put the depth stop than repair the wall.
Tips For Using A Drill On Different Materials
Besides the standards that we must adopt for our safety when drilling different materials. We also have to adopt measures so that the work is finished according to our wishes.
There are specific golden rules that we have to keep in mind:
- Use bits suitable for each job to be done. If you are going to drill a wall, use a wall drill; if it is wood, wood drills.
- Check that the bits are in perfect condition for use
When drilling in wood or metal, a dull bit will require tremendous effort, resulting in poorly done or sloppy work.
If we are going to drill a wall, the tip of the bit is in perfect condition. If the material is blunt or much worn, it will require that we apply more pressure with the drill than necessary, which could incur a small disaster if we break the partition on the opposite side.
Use a suitable drill
The drills have different speeds, powers, and working modes adapted to the task at hand.
If we need a hammer drill for concrete and use a “do-it-yourself” drill, we may get desperate and not finish the task or be challenging to do so.
Avoid breakage and chipping
Follow the previous instructions, and the drill and bits are correct. You will avoid material breakages that are usually caused by excessive use of force. You will also prevent chipping, which is generally produced by using a drill without the right edge.
There are also some tips that I can give you, depending on the material you are going to drill:
Drilling metal
When we go to drill metal, the drill bit must be adequate.
- Although universal twist drills may work, I suggest you use a specific metal drill bit, different depending on its hardness.
- When drilling tough metals, it will be necessary to use coolants to avoid breaking the bit and inferior work.
Plastic
Plastic is a soft material, usually drilled with universal twist drills.
If there are burrs left from the drill, they are easily repaired with sandpaper or file, but if we are making holes and want a perfect exit, we must put a piece of plastic or wood behind at the drill’s exit.
This trick will prevent chipping of the material at the exit of the bit.
Using a wood drill
As we have seen before, there are many drill bits to do different jobs on wood.
The most important thing for the final result to be useful is that we choose the right bit and that it is perfectly sharpened.
If we are going to make a thorough drill, the same plastic trick works for wood, put a piece behind at the exit of the bit to avoid splintering.
Read More: Different Types Of Drill Bit And Their Uses
How To Drill Into Tiles And Stoneware
Tiles are a very delicate material to drill. Besides, over time many types of tiles have been incorporated, ceramic, stoneware, and each material can have different types of hardness.
The biggest problem when drilling tiles is setting the drill point, as these are treated surfaces where the tip of the bit will slip.
There are two ways to fix it:
- Place a little masking tape in the place where we are going to drill. In this way, we prevent the bit from slipping.
- Another option is to hit (lightly) with a punch in the precise place of the drill. In this way, we break the vitrified surface, preventing the drill from slipping.
To prevent the tile from breaking and moving from the chosen place, we must start drilling without a hammer. When the drill is already fixed, we can put the hammer of the drill.
Marble and granite
As a material, marble is much softer than granite, but they are just as delicate.
The problem we have with these materials is that, when drilling, part of the elements that comprise it can come off.
Let’s not forget that they are materials that in nature agglutinate different “stones” and other materials, such as metallic traces.
That is why they must be treated in a similar way to tiles, start drilling without a hammer and at low revolutions, and once the drill has started, place the hammer.
If the rock to be drilled is very soft and delicate, avoid using the hammer. For example, rocks and limestone soils.
Crystal
Glass is a very delicate material to drill, as it can break at any time.
Ideally, it should work on a bench and with a vertical drill. It is how we ensure full support, avoid vibrations and control the efficiency of drilling.
It is essential to use the correct bits and refrigerate them at all times.
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