If you have done home maintenance, office repairs or DIY projects, you would understand how important a drill is. However, a drill is worthless if you do not have the right type and the right size of drill bits in your toolbox.
Drill bits are primarily used to drill holes into different materials ranging from thicker materials such as brick, concrete, metal, fibreglass, and softer materials like plastic, vinyl flooring, tile, and different types of wood. And because the drill bits are subjected to a lot of load in the form of speed, pressure, and torque, there are chances that they can wear down, affecting your jobs.
What happens when the drill bits are not sharp enough? Or you do not maintain them well and not clean them quite often. Will it affect the performance of the drill bit or the longevity of the tool? How do you maintain the longevity of your drill bit?
Sharpening your drill bits
After prolonged usage, the drill bit’s cutting edges can wear down, resulting in the drilling tasks taking more time. The drill holes may not be precise and consistent anymore and sometimes it can cause accidents. It can also cause extra stress on your drill.
But sharpening your drill bits lead to fewer mistakes and makes sure that the cuts are clean and consistent. This will also prolong the longevity of the drill bits.
You can use a drill sharpener, a grindstone jig, or an oilstone to sharpen your drill bits.
Using the right drill bits
Using the right drill bit is necessary for maintaining the longevity of your drill. Drill bits are available in a variety of materials, with different coatings, and in different lengths and sizes. This is why it is vital to know the right drill bit that would suit the drilling work you propose to do. Using the right drill bit ensures that your work is more efficient and that your bits do not get damaged.
Clean your drill bits
It is a good idea to clean your drill bits with a dry cloth, every 10 to 15 minutes. Never let your drill bit to overheat. Not cleaning your drill bit and working non-stop could overheat the drill bit and result in the formation of debris which could damage or scratch your drill bit.
Letting the drill bit to cool down
Letting the drill bit to cool down after drilling is an important step in the maintenance process. This allows you to preserve the integrity of the tool. Use a clean and dry towel to wipe the drill bit.
Storage
Store the drill bits in a dry, clean place. Avoid moist environments, which could lead to corrosion of the drill bit.
Replace your drill bit if not working properly
If any of your drill bits are not working properly, get them replaced as soon as you can. This will help to maintain the efficiency of your drill.
Maintaining your drill bit is easy if you pay attention to the above-mentioned steps.
