What are Drills?

Hand and power drills are vital home-repair tools.

See more pictures of power tools.
There are two major types of drills on the market. Making the right choice can be confusing. In
the previews at the bottom of this page we'll provide the details you need to pick the right drill.
A drill bores a hole in a surface, such as wood or drywall, by rotating a bit locked into place on
the end. A chuck is used to lock the bit into place, and depending upon the size of the bit, you can
create a hole anywhere from 1/4-inch to 6 inches in diameter. Some electric drills also allow
other attachments, including wire brushes, paint mixers, and even a circular saw attachment.

How to Choose the Right Drill Bit

The drill bit you choose depends on the drill you're using.
The following table will help you pick the correct drill bit.
Drill Bit

Drill Type

Use

Twist

Hand, power,
or drill press

Small-diameter holes
in wood and metal

Spade

Power or drill
press

Holes up to 11/2 inches

in wood

Auger

Braces

Holes up to 11/2 inches

in wood

Expansion Brace

Holes up to 3 inches
in wood

Fly cutter

Drill press

Holes up to 6 inches in wood;

smaller holes in other
materials

Hole saw

Power or drill
press

Holes up to 3 inches in wood

Which kind of drill should you use? Consider your options:

Power Drill
Whether corded or battery-powered, these drills will give you added speed and power.
Hand Drill
It's old-fashioned, but some people prefer the control and flexibility of a human-powered drill.
To learn more about drills and other related content, check out the links on the next page.
Power Drills

Many power drills are now powered by battery packs, freeing you up to drill almost
anywhere.

Power drills are handy tools for numerous jobs around the home, from installing large
picture hangers to making furniture.
What Is a Power Drill?

A power drill is an electrical motor that rotates a replaceable drill bit to make a hole in
wood, plastic, or metal. Alternately, a screwdriver tip can be installed to turn screws. The
parts of a power drill include the handle, an on/off trigger with safety latch, a reversing
switch for changing the rotation direction of the drill bit, a torque adjustment, and the
chuck that holds the drill bit in place. Corded drills are powered by a 110-volt electrical
cord inserted into an electrical receptacle; cordless drills are powered by a battery in the
drill's handle.

How to Safely Use a Power Drill

To safely use a power drill, first make sure the drill switch is in the off position and/or
unplug the electrical cord if so equipped. Loosen the chuck and insert the appropriate bit
or tip shaft, then tighten the chuck. Some power drills require a special tool to firmly
tighten the chuck. As needed, set the torque adjuster to control slippage of the drill bit,
useful when turning screws without damaging the screw head. Plug in or insert the
battery into the power drill. Place the point of the drill bit or screwdriver tip as needed.
Press the safety latch and on/off trigger. Push the drill bit or screwdriver forward as the
chuck rotates.
How Does A Power Drill Work?

It was a snowy December night in 2003 when Ben King fell down a flight of stairs in his Hailey,
Idaho, home. King suffered a severe head injury and needed to be airlifted to the nearest
neurosurgeon. But deteriorating weather conditions made it impossible for the helicopter to land
near King's home, so the injured man had to be driven to Shoshone, 43 miles (69 kilometers)
south of Hailey, to meet it. When paramedics finally transferred King to the helicopter, an
intracranial bleed had caused the pressure in his head to rise to a critical level. That's when Dr.
Keith Sivertson made a bold but calculated decision. He grabbed the best surgical tool available
in a snowy church parking lot in rural Idaho -- a Makita cordless power drill -- and bore a hole in
King's skull, relieving the pressure and ultimately saving his life.
Of course, roadside surgery is one of the more unconventional uses for power drills, which are
among the most common and versatile power tools on the market. The drill's mechanism is
actually quite simple: A trigger switch activates an electric motor, which in turn drives a rotating
chuck. Numerous accessories can fit into in the chuck, allowing the drill to bore holes, drive
screws, and sand, polish, and grind a wide variety of materials. Today's drills offer a wide variety
of features that make these tasks easier and more accurate, including high-capacity nickel-metalhydride batteries, variable speed triggers, and even built-in levels and LED work lights.
Power drills have not always been so sophisticated. Wilhelm Emil Fein of Stuttgart, Germany,
developed the first handheld model in 1895. At 16.5 pounds (7.48 kilograms), the cumbersome

drill weighed nearly five times as much as those manufactured today, but it's widely considered
to be the world's first handheld power tool. Over the next several decades, Fein and other
manufacturers made significant improvements in the power and affordability of power drills, but
they were still tethered by their power cord. It wasn't until 1961 that Black & Decker introduced
the cordless electric drill, a self-contained unit powered by a nickel-cadmium battery. Since then,
cordless power drills have become an essential part of construction sites and personal toolboxes
everywhere.
Though you may never save lives with your power drill like Dr. Sivertson, the following sections
will show you how to choose the drill that's right for you and how to make the most of it.
Should I Buy a Power Drill?
Since the first handheld power drill was developed in 1895, the tool has undergone significant
technological developments. A major advancement occurred in 1961, when Black & Decker
unveiled the first cordless electric drill, which was powered by nickel-cadmium batteries. Over
the years, power drills have become lighter and more affordable. As a result, the tool is now a
commonplace item in many personal toolboxes.
If you're on the market for a power drill, there are a few things you'll have to keep in mind before
making a purchase. First, the tool's power supply is a factor to consider. On the one hand, corded
drills tend to be more powerful than cordless ones and don't need to be recharged. On the other
hand, the cord itself can be an obstruction, and using a corded drill limits you to working in an
area that's close to an electrical outlet. Another factor in deciding what kind of power drill to
purchase is exactly what you plan on using the drill for. A power drill that has too much torque
can cause screw heads to break. Chuck size is an easy way to decide which drill to go with. It's
important to remember that a higher diameter means a higher torque. If you're planning to use
your power drill for household jobs, the 3/8 inch (10 millimeters) diameter chuck will provide
the amount of torque you need. Tasks that include drilling through concrete or metal will require
a slightly larger chuck, since more power will be needed for such jobs. Another important
decision you have to make is whether you'll need the impact feature on your drill, which is a
necessity if you plan on drilling in masonry or concrete. Finally, how a power drill feels when
you hold it is something to keep in mind.
What is a Drill Press?

A rotary drill press is a tool that can bore holes through tough materials. Since the drill
press is stationary, it allows for more control and accuracy than a hand-held drill. This is
particularly important if you need to make a pattern of repetitive holes. The drill press is
able to make precise holes in wood, metals and various other materials. A rotary table can
allow you to drill holes at various angles and can be purchased with premade holes. Its
recommended that you attach a vise to your drill press table to hold the wood or metal in
position while you drill.
A drill press can be adjusted to different speeds to suit the material being drilled, as well
as to avoid damaging the bits. The bits are the cutting tools that can be attached to the
drill. The size of the bit determines the size of the hole that you can make. Youll need

one set of drill bits that are appropriate for boring holes into steel and other strong
materials and another set for softer materials such as wood and aluminum.
Drill presses are available in two models: benchtop and floor. The benchtop model is
more appropriate for smaller and less complicated jobs. They have a smaller capacity
than floor models, which means that the width of the material they can drill through is
limited. The quill strokes are longer in floor models, so deeper holes can be drilled. Floor
models offer a wider range of spindle speeds to better suit the texture of materials drilled
and the thickness of the piece. For example, wood can be drilled at a higher speed than
metal.
A range of accessories can be attached to your rotary drill press to enable it to sand,
grind, buff and shape, as well as drill.
Are Drill Bits Universal?

Many jobs around the house will demand a hole being drilled at some point, whether you plan to
hang a picture, install shelving or build new cabinets. Having a drill bit that can be used to
accomplish most jobs around the house will make completing these projects quick, easy,
successful and possibly even fun. Thanks to the ever-expanding home improvement market, the
demand for quality tools for the non-professional worker is increasing, and companies have
introduced universal tools that can be used for a variety of different jobs. Universal drill bits,
which are available at local home improvement and hardware stores, can be used to drill holes in
a variety of materials, from wood to concrete. However, some may not be suitable for drilling
into more fragile materials such as ceramics and glass.
Having universal drill bits means that you do not have to own a separate drill bit to match each
type of material you intend to drill into (unless you are drilling into glass or ceramics). Quality
universal drill bits are not cheap and should therefore be stored and maintained appropriately.
Keep all drill bits securely fastened in a box. Letting them roll around may cause them to become
blunt, which will in turn affect the quality of your work. In addition, be sure to sharpen the drill
bits before they become blunt using appropriate sharpening tools.
Although universal drill bits can be pricey, it usually pays to invest in high-quality bits since
they'll get a lot of use. Some universal drill bits have diamond-ground edges that can be even be
used to drill into ceramics, stone, wood, metal, plastic, concrete and multilayer materials.
What kind of Drill Bit Do I need for Wood?

Drilling into wood can be done with specially designed wood bits, or with regular
multipurpose twist bits. If you are using a regular drill bit, you have to stop and clean out
debris from the hole as you go along. Flat wood bits are good for cutting larger holes, and
spur point bits are good for making holes with smooth sides. Auger bits are specially
designed to bore holes in both hard and soft woods. The cutting edge is fluted, which is
designed to keep the hole clean of wood chip debris. Drill bits for wood have a sharp
point for boring holes, as opposed to standard bits that are blunt on the end.

Drilling in wood requires precision so the wood won't shatter or splinter. The drill bit
should go in straight, using a steady pressure. If you go in on an angle, you could splinter
the wood, and if you drill too fast, the wood can burn.
What kind of Drill Bit do I need for Concrete or Brick?
Drill bits that can drill through concrete are called masonry bits. They are also good for
drilling through brick and stone. Drill bits with a tungsten carbide tip are the strongest;
when it comes to solid concrete, the sharper the better. Masonry bits cut holes through
concrete in two steps. The tip of the drill bit is larger in diameter than the shaft below so
that when the shaft reaches the hole, it fits right in. Drilling at a lower speed is more
efficient for drilling through concrete, and it prevents the bit from overheating. Drill bits
come in a range of standard lengths and wall plug sizes.
Masonry bits with a carbide or durium tip specifically intended for hammer drills are
more efficient and penetrate hard surfaces better and faster. Any type of drill can be used
with standard drill bits for masonry work, but regular drills may not be the best choice for
particularly tough jobs.
What kind of Drill Bit do I need for Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tiles can shatter easily, and drilling a hole into them is tricky. It's important to
use the correct type of drill bit at the right speed and with very little pressure. Regular
drill bits can make a rough and ugly hole, and they may cause the tile to crack. Tile bits
with ground tungsten carbide or diamond tips are the best for this purpose. They are both
designed to drill into hard surfaces, and both of them puncture the tile with a cone-shaped
hole. Drill bits with carbide tips need to be used at low speed, and diamond tips need to
be cooled to prevent the tips from heating up, which can cause the tile to shatter. Drill bits
with diamond tips are more expensive but very durable, and they don't burn out as easily
as other bits.
Drilling through ceramic tile requires patience and time; keep a slow steady hand on the
drill to prevent damage to the tile.
What kind of Drill Bit do I need for Metal?

Drilling through steel is not an everyday home repair activity, and drill bits for metals are
the most expensive. Regular drill bits can't cut through steel, so you need a heavy-duty,
hard drill bit to do the job. There are two types of drill bits that you can count on for
metalworking projects: titanium and cobalt.
Titanium drill bits are high-speed steel drill bits (HSS) that have a titanium oxide coating.
They are very hard, and corrosion-resistant. They last much longer than regular HSS drill
bits, and they are good for cutting through any metal, including metal sheeting. Titanium
drill bits are harder than cobalt, but because they are coated, they can't be sharpened.
Cobalt drill bits are made of cobalt steel, and they can be sharpened. They are also highly

resistant to heat and are very hard and abrasive. They are especially good for drilling
through stainless steel, cast iron and titanium.
How do I Drill Glass?

You can drill glass without breaking it, but you need to use the right tools. The first
critical choice is what drill and drill bits to use. To cut glass, you'll have to use a drill bit
made of either tungsten carbide or diamond. If you use a diamond drill bit, don't use a
hammer drill, as that will damage the diamond drill bit.
When you decide where to drill on the glass, stay away from the edges and corners. You'll
want to be at least three-quarters of an inch away from any edge to lessen the chance of
cracking the entire sheet. Next you'll want to secure the glass; how you do this will
depend on the shape of the glass. For example, you'll secure a glass sheet differently than
a glass bottle. The key is to use something sturdy, yet soft, that can absorb the vibration.
A rubber pad would work well under a glass sheet.
Once you start drilling, start with a slow speed and light pressure. If you're using a
diamond drill bit, you'll want to start with a smaller size than you'll need later. Drilling
can produce heat, so make sure to keep the area cool. You can use water by spraying the
area or even placing the object in water as you drill it. A common recommendation is to
drill just half way through the glass without breaking through it. Then turn the glass over
and drill fresh from the other side. This can create a hole that's a bit off-center, but it
reduces the chances of cracking the glass.
Lastly, remember some key safety precautions. Wear safety goggles, protective gloves
and a mask (you don't want to inhale glass dust). Make sure the drill bit is securely
fastened into the drill before turning it on.
What are Diamond Drill Bits?

Most do-it-yourselfers have a power drill in their toolboxes, along with an assortment of drill
bits. The most used of those bits are likely the twist bits, which are the ones with a sharp point
and two flutes spiraling up the sides. People used to drilling wood are liable to be familiar with
the brad point bits, Forstner bits and auger bits. Plus, the driving bits are popular for quickly
screwing Phillips head screws into place. But the diamond drill bits might be less familiar to
casual handymen.
A diamond drill bit is a helpful tool when it comes to making holes in hard non-wood surfaces
such as ceramic, porcelain, glass, stone, marble and granite. Diamond drill bits get their extra
cutting power from little pieces of diamond powder embedded in them. These drill bits, whether
twisted or cylindrical, are particularly useful in bathroom applications where you have to drill
through tiles to mount towel racks and vanities. Some diamond drill bits require water or another
coolant to lubricate the bit as it makes its way through tough materials.
Diamond drill bits come in range of sizes, typically up to about 2 inches (5 centimeters). The
smallest diamond drill bits are used by jewelers and watchmakers to make holes in beads and

other hard surfaces. However, diamond core drill bits can be much larger. Core drill bits are
hollow in the middle and drill by cutting a hole out of the material being drilled; they also
produce a single "plug," which is the circle it cut out. When it comes to choosing the right
diamond drill bit, different factors come into play, including the material you plan to drill and
what kind of hole you need.
What are Cobalt Drill Bits?

Different types of drill bits are used to cut holes in different types of materials. Diamond drill
bits are used for materials such as glass and tile; black oxide bits are common for plastics and
carbon. Cobalt drill bits are particularly successful in cutting through hard metals such as
stainless steel and cast iron, although they can be used for softer materials, too. Cobalt drill bits
are not made of pure cobalt, but rather a steel alloy with 5 to 8 percent cobalt. The 5-percent
alloy is known as M35 grade, and the 8-percent alloy is M42. The cobalt increases the strength of
the steel and makes it more heat-resistant; this is an important factor in drilling hard materials
because the friction of metal against metal can produce high temperatures that damage the
material or the drill bit. Bosch, for instance, makes a cobalt drill bit that can withstand
temperatures of up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (593 degrees Celsius).
New cobalt drill bits are a dull gold color, making them distinctive on the shelf (or in your
toolbox). The color occurs when the drill bits are baked in the process of production; its not a
paint or plating -- cobalt drill bits are cobalt alloy through and through. For this reason, they can
be sharpened relatively easily with cutting fluid while retaining their strength and durability
(although the gold color may wear off).
Cobalt drill bits are often more expensive than other drill bits, but if you regularly drill through
metal, they are a good investment since they tend to last longer. You can buy sets of drill bits in
graduated sizes or individual drill bits for your specific needs.

How do I Change a Drill Bit?

1.

Removing a Drill Bit

o

The drill key is shown on the right.

Locate the key. It is a small, round piece of metal with a series of slanted, slotted
teeth around one end and a crossbar at the other end.
o

A chuck contains holes and has teeth at its base.

Locate the chuck on the drill. It is on the end of the drill in which the drill bit is
seated. At its base is a series of slotted teeth. There are several holes around the
surface of the chuck.
o

3.

Point drill bit away from you while changing it out.

Insert the short end of the key into one of the holes in the chuck, ensuring that
the teeth of the key and chuck interlock with one another.
o

Drill bits come in many sizes.

Turn the key to the left while holding the drill firmly in your other hand. Continue
turning until the drill bit is released. Once the drill bit is released, it may be
necessary to continue turning the key if the replacement drill bit is larger than the
one being removed.
o

5
Remove the drill bit from the end of the drill and set it aside.

2.

Inserting a Drill Bit

o

The drill bit is placed in the open end of the chuck.

Insert the smooth end of the replacement drill bit into the end of the chuck and
hold it in place.
o

The smooth end of a drill bit is inserted into the drill.

Tighten the opening around the drill bit by hand by grasping the smooth area
below the teeth of the chuck and turning it to the right.
o

8
Finish securing the drill bit by inserting the key into a hole in the chuck as before
and turning it to the right.