With the vast array of drill bits on the market, all for different purposes and materials, it is easy to spiral out of control with what type of drill bit to use, how to use them and how to look after them correctly. Here at SJTools we have created a quick and easy guide to drill bits to help you with your DIY needs.
Choosing your drill bit
How big is your project? What size hole do you require? How stiff is your material? These are the questions needed to settle on the correct drill bit. For basic requirements and not so strenuous jobs, a set of 19 HSS Fully Ground Drill Bits, ranging from 1mm to 10mm in size, is ideal for materials such as stainless steel and copper as it reduces friction and heat with its 135° split point. For bigger projects, we would recommend our 25 pack HSS Split point Fully Ground Drill Bit Set which offers drills bits in sizes up to 13mm and can be used on a wider range of materials such as high carbon steels, copper and plastics. HSS stands for ‘High Speed Steel’ meaning these bits are highly versatile and therefore suitable for drilling most types metal material; these drill bits can stand up to the highest temperatures. HSS is also the most commonly used alloy steel for metal drill bits.
Understanding your drill bit
At SJTools we supply a wide range of metal drill bits for a wide range of materials and jobs. Our cobalt drill bits, such as the 5mm HSS Ground Drill Bit have an efficient clog-free swarf clearance and the use of 5% cobalt offers strength and resistance and therefore an increased life of this tool. These high-speed ground metal drill bits are suitable for sustained use and can be identified by their perfectly symmetrical cutting edges, enabling precision for your task.
Looking after your tools
After a while, it is normal for your drills bits to wear down and become blunt, which may affect their performance and, in some cases, damage the material. Good quality drill bits can often be expensive and keeping them in a box or original secure packaging prevents them from rolling loose in a toolbox which may cause damage to the cutting edges. Our drill bit sets come in a handy display case to keep your tools in the same place and without the risk of damage. Remember: the sharper the bit, the cleaner the hole.
Rather than waiting until they have become very blunt, it is also useful to sharpen your drill bits every so often, especially after a big job where they have been well used. This keeps the drill bits up to standard with every use and you are ready for your next project every time. Sharpening tools are available on our website, such as our Combination Sharpening Stones and our handy Multipurpose Sharpening Wheels.
Drill bits are one of the most important tools in your arsenal and we hope that this guide has offered some helpful advice on finding the most suitable tools for your project.
Sources
https://www.diydata.com/tool/drillbits/drillbits.php
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/video/diy-how-to-choose-the-right-drill-bits/
https://advice.manomano.co.uk/drill-bits-buying-guide-897
