There are certain items that every DIYer must have in his tool bag. These items include screwdrivers, utility knives, hammers, and of course power drills.
Earlier a power drill was considered to be of limited use, but today DIY enthusiasts have made this power tool, a go-to-tool for every project. The extended life batteries, keyless chuck, and variable speed control features have the drill one of the most useful items in every DIYers toolbox.
But, like all power tools, drills should be used very carefully and safely. We have assembled some incredible drilling tips that you should follow to prevent yourself from injuries.
- Choose a correct drill bit
There are different types of drilling bits available to drill different materials like metal, wood, concrete. If you use a drill bit which is designed for metal to drill holes in the wall, it won’t work and also damage your metal drill bit. So, use the right drill bit for the material you are working on.
- Learn how to drill straight
It may sound you very simple tip, but some people drill at an angle as they focus on the drill bit with the material. So, it’s better to let your drill and drill bit do their work, and you focus on drilling straight.
Some drills have an inbuilt spirit level to make so that you can make straight holes, but if you don’t have that, use your eyes.
- Wear Protective Gear
It only takes a wood or metal piece some seconds to cause you serious eye injuries. Wearing safety goggles are always a good idea when working with a power drill. You can also use a breathing mask if drilling produces a lot of dust. Also, if you drill regularly, it may cause hearing problems. Therefore, by wearing protective gears, you can protect yourself from various injuries.
- Drill Pilot Hole
When you require large holes, always begin with drilling pilot holes. A pilot hole is a small hole that is drilled at the center and works as the guide to drill bigger holes. The pilot hole protects your drill bit from snipping and slipping, hence minimizes the probability of material damage.
- Make use of variable speed
Many drills have variable speed control feature. It is a very important feature and allows you to control the speed of the drill.
Materials like metal can be drilled at slow speeds, while the materials like wood require high drilling speed. Drill manufacturers often provide a booklet to explain how to use the variable speed feature of the drill.
- Make sure the chuck is properly tight
When working with the drill, always check that the chuck is properly tightened. It helps in avoiding drill bit slipping.
Some chucks can be tightened with hands, but some require chuck keys to do so. Don’t over tighten it, maintain a firm grip.
Your safety is paramount when working with power drills. Drills are an essential tool for your tool kit, but they need to be used safely. If you take the necessary precautions, you can just enjoy your drilling for many years to come.