A drill is often the first power tool a person owns at their home. It’s incredibly useful, relatively inexpensive and not extremely dangerous. Modern cordless drills make holes or quickly drive a variety of screw heads for weekend home improvement projects or self-assembly furniture. They can also be used with a socket set when working with nuts and bolts, quickly stir large buckets of paint or cut smooth small holes.
What is a drill?
A drill is any machine or hand tool with a rotating or reciprocating hammer used to operate the drill instrument. Technically, a drill is an instrument with an edged or pointed end to bore or otherwise make holes. Meanwhile, a drill bit is an interchangeable instrument that has a head, blade and shank and is attached at the upper end of the shank to a rotary tool’s chuck, a variable clamp.
Drill history
Early drill bits (drill instruments) date back to 35,000 B.C. and were made of bone, stones, shells and wood. In the 13th century, drill bits were made of sharpened metal twisted around a central shaft.
The first bore drill was used in Egypt in 3,000 B.C. Romans used hand-powered auger drills. The first stationary electric drill was invented in 1889 in Australia. In 1894, a portable drill was created in Germany and revolutionized many industries. Now, we have cordless rotary and hammer drills, which are rotary with a hammer motion. Hammer drill bits have a notch near the shank top.
Interchangeable drill bits often include (clockwise from top) hex drivers, socket drivers, hole saw mandrel (including saw in center), countersink twist bit, spade bit, Brad point twist bit, split point titanium coated twist bit, carbide glass/tile bit, insert driver bits, carbide tipped masonry bits, and a variety of hammer drill drive adapter bits.
Types of Drill Bits
Twist bits are most common. They are good for drilling through wood, plastic, light metal, ceramic and masonry. Twists help remove wood chips. These are often coated or reinforced with harder metals or even diamond particles to improve strength or prolong use and blade sharpness.
Driver bits and adapters come in a variety of head types to speed installation of screws, bolts and other fasteners.
Countersink drill bits are used in cabinetry and fine woodwork projects where screw heads must be flush with the surface or completely hidden with a plug.
Spade bits are used to bore larger holes in wood for electrical, plumbing and woodwork projects.
Masonry bits are used on concrete, bricks and mortar (bonding material between bricks). They work best with a hammer drill but can function with DIY home rotary drills.
Brad point bits are for furniture and cabinet construction because they leave a flat bottom and clean edge.
Tile/glass bits are used on non-tempered glass and ceramic tiles. Use only at slow speeds. The pointed tip minimizes “walk” of the bit from a starting point.
Mandrel and hole saw are mainly used in building, renovation and repairs. Dedicated saw sizes are used to cut a circular plug out of wood, metal, tile or masonry.
(right) Drill and driving kits are available at home improvement stores. Many kits are made by tool manufacturers and include hex drivers, socket drivers, hole saws with mandrel, spade bits, Brad point twist bits, split point titanium coated twist bits, insert driver bits, carbide tipped masonry bits, and a variety of hammer drill drive adapter bits.
Materials and Finishes
Drill bit manufacturing materials and coatings include high speed steel (HSS), titanium, cobalt, carbon tipped, or carbide tipped (tungsten and titanium). Black oxide coating helps resist rust. Diamond tips are used for glass and rocks.
(above) Interchangeable drill bits often include (clockwise from top) hex drivers, socket drivers, hole saw mandrel (including saw in center), countersink twist bit, spade bit, Brad point twist bit, split point titanium coated twist bit, carbide glass/tile bit, insert driver bits, carbide tipped masonry bits, and a variety of hammer drill drive adapter bits.
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Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
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