Drill bits play an important role in many different industries. Consisting of a shank and flute, they are used to drill holes in workpieces and objects. The shank portion is attached to the chuck of a drill. Once attached, the drill bit’s flutes can scoop out material to create a uniform hole. However, there are several common myths about drill bits you shouldn’t believe.
#1) All Drill Bits Have a Single Shank
Not all drill bits have a single shank; some of them have two shanks. Known as double-shank drill bits, they allow you to use both ends for drilling. Each end has a fluted tip, which converges into a shank in the middle. If one of the fluted tips breaks or otherwise becomes unusable, you can flip the drill bit to use the other fluted tip.
#2) Must Be Replaced When Dull
While you should always use a sharp drill bit, you don’t have to necessarily replace them once they become dull. Most drill bits can be sharpened using a specialized bit sharpener or even an angle grinder. It’s a great way to extend the life of your drill bits while saving money in the process.
#3) Only Available in Steel
Steel is a common material used in the construction of drill bits, you it’s not the only material from which they are made. You can find drill bits made of cobalt, titanium, carbide and more. There are also different types of steel used in the construction of drill bits, such as stainless steel, high-carbon steel and high-speed steel. Each drill bit material offers its own advantages and disadvantages.
#4) Not Suitable for Metal
Some people assume that drill bits aren’t suitable for metal workpieces and objects, but this isn’t the case. Drill bits can create clean holes in a variety of materials, including metal. For metal workpieces and objects, cobalt, titanium or carbide drill bits are often recommended. For softer workpieces and objects, on the other hand, steel drill bits will suffice.
#5) Size Doesn’t Matter
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all drill bit. Regardless of the material, you need to choose a drill bit in the right size. If it’s too small, you may crack or split the workpiece. If the drill bit is too large, conversely, the hole may be too large for the fastener. You can avoid problems such as these by choosing a drill bit in the right size for your application.
#6) Always Held With a Traditional Chuck
Another common myth is that drill bits are always held in place with a traditional chuck. The chuck is the part of a drill that opens and holds a bit. Some drill bits, though, are designed for use with specialized threaded adapter. These drill bits feature a threaded shank. To use them, you’ll need to twist the threaded shank into a threaded adapter on a drill.
