There are a lot of reasons why more and more people like DIY projects in their homes or gardens. They are a creative and fun distraction from daily stress and give you the freedom to do things in your home just the way you like it. Besides, since you are doing a bunch of things by yourself, you just need to buy the material, but you aren’t paying the handyman.
However, when people have just started, lots of these projects can seem a bit intimidating. That’s especially the case if you never did anything that requires some particular skills. There are a lot of things to understand, and many tools to equip yourself with. One of the must-haves is a hand drill, which is used to make holes and fasten the bolts. Now, maybe some of you out there think that’s simple to understand. Indeed, it is, but besides choosing the drill, you also have to know how to select drill bit types for metal objects and understand which are right for the specific material you want to use.
So, we are going to talk about drill bit types to learn the differences between them and become skilled in selecting the best drill bit for metal that will answer your needs.
How to Choose Right Drill Bit
What is a drill bit? Those who at least once had a chance to hold a drill in their hands know it, of course, but let’s explain for those of you that have never seen it. It is one of the main accessories of any drill, and it is designed to make holes in different types of materials such as plastic, wood, metal, and so on. To work successfully with it, you need to keep the drill bit sharp, and for this, you need a drill bit sharpener.
There are various types of this tool, and another important thing is that you use the right drill bit sets for the specific material you are working with.
Materials
The material of a drill bit plays a crucial role in determining how long it will last and how well it will perform. Nevertheless, most of them are working great when it comes to drilling holes in metal objects.
- High-speed steel bits (HSS) are made of carbon steel, and they perform well with most softer metals like aluminum. This type can be used for DIY projects. If you, however, need to work with stainless steel or other durable metals, you will need something more expensive.
- Cobalt drill bits are used for harder materials like stainless steel. They are enduring and hard, but if you choose models coated with titanium, keep in mind that it wears off quickly.
- There are options coated with a black oxide that are also pretty long-lasting, and the coating protects from corrosion. This is a type of HSS drill bit, but it is designed to serve longer than ordinary HSS and perform well on different materials.
- The most reliable option is a drill bit with a compound called carbide. They remain sharp for much longer than HSS or any other bits.
Coating
There are three types of coating for metal drill bits.
- Titanium Nitride is made of ceramic, and it is used to improve the durability of bits. It works well with hard materials.
- Black Oxide drill bits are relatively cheap. This type of coating is used to improve the performance and durability of HSS pieces.
- Bronze Oxide is used in combination with Black Oxide and cobalt steel.
Size
There are different drill bit sizes. Generally, size varies between 1 mm (3/64″) to 25 mm, which is a 1-inch metal drill bit.
The size is usually written on the drill bit itself when you buy it. However, it is common for it to fade after some time so that you may end up with a lot of bits of unknown size. It is not the reason for concern, though, because you can measure them with a tool like a vernier scale. Of course, you can do it with a simple ruler as well, but if you want to make a precise measurement, this tool is better.
The size you need depends on the type of your project; sets will cover most if they contain bits ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch bits. However, in some cases, you will need more substantial pieces like a 3/4 drill bit for metal.
Number
There are various drill bit numbers in different sets. What you plan to do determines your choice. If you’re going to use the drill to fix some things around your home, an average set with numbers 14 to 21 will do the job. If you’re going to go more pro, then it is best to consult with someone more experienced before buying your set.
Materials You Will Use
As you noticed, different drill bit types are made for different materials. When you are choosing a set, you have to be sure of what item you will work on. Otherwise, you risk damaging both your work and the bit.
Frequency of Use
For most DIYers, durability doesn’t necessarily have to be a top priority since they are using it only occasionally. Even if you have a peculiar hobby, like making jewelry, you will still do it only when you have some spare time. Professionals, however, need it every day.
There are different options, and you have to check thoroughly to see what is best for your particular needs. Some are high-quality products, but you can use them only once, while others can be used a lot of times even if the material quality is not the greatest one.
Angle of Point
You might wonder what does this has to do with anything when they all have the same purpose?! Well, the angle of the point is crucial because it determines the type of material you can drill. For example, a more flattened point is good for working on harder materials, while those who have kind of perpendicular points work well on soft materials.
People who are totally new to DIY projects and working with a drill, in particular, will be happy to learn about flexible drill bit. They make the process super simple and help you access unreachable areas. You should just pay attention to get the right thing here because it is not the bit itself that is flexible but its extension; it is a long rod that has two ends – one holds the bit in place, and the other one is attached to the drill. This is quite a good extension because it simplifies everything when you need a square hole drill bit for metal because of its maneuverability.
Conclusion
Now when you have more information, it won’t be complicated to choose a drill bit set that will adequately answer your specific needs. Besides, it is also necessary to know how to change a drill bit from the very beginning. Have you worked with a drill before?
