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Drill Bits: Diamond, Carbide, Masonry, Glass, Metric, Wood, Countersink
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Published: July 30, 2007
Almost every handyman needs a good collection of drill bits on hand to tackle some average household 'honey-do' chores. Put simply, drills are used to cut circular holes in a variety of different surfaces. Specialized drill bits do exist to create non-cylindrical holes as well. Drill bits come in many sizes but it is best to use the size recommended on the drill itself.
Charts exist which show all the different metric and imperial sized drills. No matter which types of drills are being used, it is extremely important that the drill bits are sharp. Sharp drill bits are the best way to ensure a smooth, clean cut.
Drill bits come in several different materials. Of course, the best quality drill bits are more expensive while steel drill bits are the least expensive. Because they dull so quickly on materials such as hard wood, many people choose to just throw them out when they become blunt. High-speed steel drill bits are harder than regular steel bits, therefore, tend to stay sharper longer. For even longer sharp-time, titanium-coated drill bits are a good choice. However, the titanium coating costs more money than steel. Carbide-tipped drill bits are a higher quality option and are also more expensive than steel or titanium-coated options. The top-of-the-line coating for drill bits is cobalt. This substance is extremely hard and ideal for metals such as stainless steel.
Different shapes and lengths are another important part in choosing drill bits. Twist drill bits are a good every-day option. They work on several surfaces, including metal, plastic, stone and wood. Because they are made of steel, they are often just thrown out when they become blunt. For metalworking, many people turn to center drill bits. Center drill bits are sometimes used to start a hole. If a hole of some sort already exists, core drill bits usually are the next tool to be used. The sole purpose of core drill bits is to make existing holes larger. In fact, these drill bits do not even have the cutting point required to begin a hole.
Countersink drill bits are interesting. They are used to create a tapered hole with a wide mouth (think funnel-shaped). Diamond core drill bits are perfect for making big holes in masonry such as brick, concrete and stone among others. Sometimes, the stone or brick is lubricated with water to collect some of the dust and allow for a cleaner cut. Diamond core drill bits have pieces of industrial diamonds in the open end of the drill bit cylinder, which is made of metal. It is no surprise glass/tile drill bits are used to cut glass or tile.
These are just a few of the most common drill bits used. Different projects and obstacles may require other tools and drill bits. It is always important to remember to match the drill bit to the surface/material being used. It is also imperative to use the correct size drill bits when working on any projects. These tips, along with general safety guidelines, such as wearing goggles and watching fingers, are important to working on any home improvement project, no matter how small it may seem.
Sources:
"Drill Bit." Wikipedia. 27 June 2007. 17 July 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_bit.
"Choosing a Drill Bit." Lowe's. 2007. 17 July 2007. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p= BuyGuide/DrlBtsBul.html.
"Drill Bits = The Different Types." diydata. 2000-2007. 17 July 2007. http://www.diydata.com/tool/drillbits/drillbits.ph p.
Drill bits come in several different materials. Of course, the best quality drill bits are more expensive while steel drill bits are the least expensive. Because they dull so quickly on materials such as hard wood, many people choose to just throw them out when they become blunt. High-speed steel drill bits are harder than regular steel bits, therefore, tend to stay sharper longer. For even longer sharp-time, titanium-coated drill bits are a good choice. However, the titanium coating costs more money than steel. Carbide-tipped drill bits are a higher quality option and are also more expensive than steel or titanium-coated options. The top-of-the-line coating for drill bits is cobalt. This substance is extremely hard and ideal for metals such as stainless steel.
Different shapes and lengths are another important part in choosing drill bits. Twist drill bits are a good every-day option. They work on several surfaces, including metal, plastic, stone and wood. Because they are made of steel, they are often just thrown out when they become blunt. For metalworking, many people turn to center drill bits. Center drill bits are sometimes used to start a hole. If a hole of some sort already exists, core drill bits usually are the next tool to be used. The sole purpose of core drill bits is to make existing holes larger. In fact, these drill bits do not even have the cutting point required to begin a hole.
Countersink drill bits are interesting. They are used to create a tapered hole with a wide mouth (think funnel-shaped). Diamond core drill bits are perfect for making big holes in masonry such as brick, concrete and stone among others. Sometimes, the stone or brick is lubricated with water to collect some of the dust and allow for a cleaner cut. Diamond core drill bits have pieces of industrial diamonds in the open end of the drill bit cylinder, which is made of metal. It is no surprise glass/tile drill bits are used to cut glass or tile.
These are just a few of the most common drill bits used. Different projects and obstacles may require other tools and drill bits. It is always important to remember to match the drill bit to the surface/material being used. It is also imperative to use the correct size drill bits when working on any projects. These tips, along with general safety guidelines, such as wearing goggles and watching fingers, are important to working on any home improvement project, no matter how small it may seem.
Sources:
"Drill Bit." Wikipedia. 27 June 2007. 17 July 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_bit.
"Choosing a Drill Bit." Lowe's. 2007. 17 July 2007. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p= BuyGuide/DrlBtsBul.html.
"Drill Bits = The Different Types." diydata. 2000-2007. 17 July 2007. http://www.diydata.com/tool/drillbits/drillbits.ph p.
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