Last Updated on July 5, 2022
When drilling, it can be dangerous to have the drill bit walking. The drill bit can cause you to hurt your wrist or whip small parts around. A simple way to fix this is by using a clamp on the part that is being drilled.
This way, you can safely hold the drill while your other hand is free to support the workpiece. To keep the drill bit from walking, lubricate it regularly and remove it frequently to clean off the chipped bits.
Brad point drill bits
You may have been wondering, “How to prevent Brad point drill bits from walking?” You probably have tried many methods but still can’t get the bit to stop wandering.
There are some simple tips you can use to ensure you’re not wasting money by buying the wrong bit. Brad point drill bits are designed to drill clean holes in most materials. These bits have a sharp tip that prevents them from wandering while drilling and also makes a hole that’s more accurate.
Sharpen the bit regularly. To do this, you can use a grinder, a file, or another type of sharpener. Make sure to choose one that is hard-coated for a faster, more uniform sharpening.
Also, look for one with a 35-degree groove to match the spur’s shape. This will prevent the bit from walking on you when drilling a hole.
Invest in a quality bit set. A good set will contain several pieces of high-speed steel. These bits are designed to create accurate diameter holes for woodworking projects. They also have optimized spurs and are suitable for soft or hard surfaces.
One thing you should watch for is fake drill bits. Some customers have complained about fake drill bits. Make sure to read the manufacturers’ reviews carefully to avoid buying a fake drill bit.
Use a sharp bit. If your brad point drill bit walks, it’s likely that it’s not the best option for the job. Luckily, there are other options. You can purchase a special tool case to store your bits in.
Make sure it’s sturdy and is designed to keep them organized. Once you’ve got the right tool for the job, your next task is to drill a hole.
Keeping the drill bit lubricated
Keeping the drill bit lubricated is essential for drilling in hard materials. Drilling in hard materials often involves drilling under water or running a small amount of water over the tip of the drill bit.
This is called “pumping,” and it ensures that the water reaches the tip of the drill bit. There are several different types of lubrication, but water is the most common type and is free. Good lubrication can prolong drill bit life by as much as ten times.
While drilling, it is important to align the tip of the drill bit with the dimple on the material. If you begin drilling before the drill bit makes contact with the material, it will wander around.
Keeping the drill bit lubricated will make drilling easier and results cleaner. It will also help extend the life of the tool. In addition, drilling can be easier and safer if the drill bit is lubricated.
While drilling, it is important to remember that drilling a hole is not easy and requires a lot of pressure, so it is best to let the drill bit do the work.
Do not use too much pressure on the bit because this could cause excessive heat and wear out the bit. When working slowly, it’s okay to let the drill bit do its work without a lot of pressure.
While drilling sheet material, lubrication is not necessary. A lubricant assists in chip removal, but does not prevent the drill bit from overheating. The lubricant should be thin enough to aid chip removal, but thick enough to adhere to the drill.
For aluminum, titanium, and corrosion-resistant steel, the best lubricant is a cetyl alcohol-based solution. Cetyl alcohol is nontoxic and is produced in both liquid and paste form, which liquefies at high drilling temperatures.
Access to the area where the hole is to be drilled
A good tip for preventing a drill bit from walking is to ensure that the drilling process is done on an even surface. A smooth surface can be difficult to drill and may require a punch or nail set to create a divot.
A painter’s tape or dense cardboard can be used to create a starter hole and steady a carbide-tipped drill bit while drilling. When finished, the tape can be removed and the hole created will be smooth.
Long deep holes are prone to drill walking. If the part is not clean, a rotating drill will want to walk across the surface. For the best results, the area should be smooth and perpendicular to the drill.
Rough or cast surfaces may be easier to drill, but a clean surface is critical to preventing drill walking. Also, be sure the cutting edge of the drill is sharp and free from dullness or any kind of debris.
If possible, clamp the wood to ensure a clean edge where the drill bit walks. It will be easier to drill wood if the hole is clamped. It is important to have enough clearance and use proper marking techniques to ensure a clean hole. In case the hole becomes slightly larger, it can be enlarged or shrunk by a hammer or chisel.
Removing the drill bit frequently to clear the bit of chips
Among the machining operations that require the most precision and care is holemaking. The process requires frequent retraction of the drill bit to remove chips that may become a safety hazard and mar the workpiece.
In addition, excessively long chips may bunch up and whirl off the machine, cutting a person who was in its path. It is also best to remove the drill bit periodically to clear chips and to lubricate it. Always remember to wear safety eye protection while drilling.
Chips can bind on the drill bit during drilling thicker metals. 2024-T4 and 6061-T6 bar stock are more likely to build up on the drill bit. Air drills can tilt sideways when withdrawing, resulting in a longer hole.
To prevent this problem, use a drill press instead of a drill. If you cannot remove the drill frequently to clear the bit of chips, it may start to walk.
Drilling directly overhead
A common problem when drilling into drywall is the drill bit walking away from the mark or indentation. To avoid this problem, drillers should place their drill bit on a slight incline. This will discourage the drill bit from walking away.
Alternatively, drillers can use a center punch to make a center punch mark in the drilling location. Drilling directly overhead can be dangerous because it can cause the drill bit to stick, resulting in wrist injuries and whipping small parts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How do you ensure your drill bit is perpendicular to the surface you’re drilling?
There are a few different ways that you can ensure your drill bit is perpendicular to the surface you’re drilling. One way is to use a drill press. Another way is to use a jig.
-What do you do if your drill bit starts to walk?
If your drill bit starts to walk, you need to increase the pressure on the drill bit so it will stay in place.
-How do you keep your drill bit from slipping?
There are a few ways to keep your drill bit from slipping. One way is to use a drill bit with a sharp point. Another way is to use a drill bit with a spiral flute.
Last Thoughts
There are a few things that can be done to prevent a drill bit from walking. One is to use a center punch to make a divot in the surface of the material to be drilled. This will give the drill bit a place to start. Another is to use a piece of tape or a magnet to hold the drill bit in place.
