Drill bits are crucial tools for making precise holes in wood, metal, bricks, and plastic. During drilling, the bits endure high friction and temperatures. You can find them dull or damaged after frequent use. So, you should know how to extend the life of your drill bits.
Maintaining your drill bits is necessary to prolong their lifespan and sharpness, improve their performance, and reduce your cost. This comprehensive guide explains why drill bit maintenance matters and how to extend its life.
Why Drill Bit Maintenance Matters?
Many factors affect the life of a drill bit:
- The quality of the drill bit material.
- Frequency of use.
- Overheating.
- Wear and tear.
- Maintenance and storage.
- Corrosion or chemical reactions between the workpiece and the drill bit.
Without proper drill bit maintenance, cutting edges quickly dull, leading to increased resistance, elevated temperatures, and heightened vibration.
Benefits of maintaining your drill bits:
- Longer service life
- Increased productivity and efficiency
- More accurate drilling results
- Lower costs
- Safer operations
How to Extend the Life of Your Drill Bits?
After understanding the importance of extending the lifespan of drill bits, you can now learn how to maintain your drill bits. This section offers you 6 tips.
Use the Right Drill Bit
Drill bits come in various types and materials, each suited for different workpieces. The compatibility between the drill bit and the workpiece is a key consideration when selecting an appropriate drill bit.
What's more, the correct bit size is essential. Otherwise, it may lead to excessive wear or even breakage, while also increasing the load on the power drill.
Drill at the Right Speed
When drilling, a higher speed isn't always better. Excessively high drilling speeds increase friction and heat, accelerating drill bit wear. You need to select the appropriate rotational speed based on the material and size.
Generally speaking, reduce the rotational speed when drilling harder materials, while you can increase it when drilling softer materials.
Lubrication and Cooling
The heat and friction during drilling are the most common causes of rapid drill bit wear. To make your drill bit last longer, lubrication and cooling are important. Use lubricants or oils to reduce heat generation and friction during drilling, leading to smoother operation.
When drilling repeatedly, allow the drill bit and material to rest and cool down. This significantly extends the drill bit's lifespan and maintains a sharp cutting edge.
Regular Cleaning
Sometimes wood chips, dust, and metal shavings may attach to the drill bit. If not removed for long periods, they can accumulate and impair performance. Therefore, regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the drill bit.
After each use, use a brush or soft cloth to remove the debris and residue accumulated on the cutting edge. Occasionally, soaking the drill bit in a mild cleaning solution can also help remove stubborn dirt and stains.
Sharpen Your Drill Bits
Even with proper maintenance, drill bits will gradually become dull over time. In this case, it requires sharpening. You can use a hand file, a bench grinder, or a drill bit sharpener to restore the bit's sharpness.
If you're not skilled at sharpening tools yourself, you can send the drill bit to a professional sharpening service. But remember: only sharpen the bit when necessary. Over-sharpening will shorten its lifespan.
Proper Storage
Proper storage of drill bits effectively extends their service life. Use a dedicated drill bit case to organize them and prevent impact. Then, store them in a dry, cool location to protect them from rust and corrosion.
Summar
In conclusion, proper and regular drill bit maintenance is key to improving performance and reducing the tool costs. By doing the maintenance tips above, you can significantly extend your drill bit lifespan and achieve a more stable, efficient drilling experience.
FindBuyTool offers a wide selection of industrial-quality, cost-effective drill bits. You are able to make precise holes efficiently with these durable bits. By the way, you can also enjoy a 6% Christmas discount right now.
Hope you can make your drill bits last longer after reading this post. If you have any questions, leave a comment with your email address below, and we will reply to you ASAP!
Read More: Master Types of Drill Bits and Their Uses in 5 Minutes
FAQ About How to Extend the Life of Drill Bits
#1. How to make drill bits last longer?
To make your drill bits last longer, you should use the right drill bit, drill at the right speed, lubricate them, clean them after each use, sharpen them, and store them properly.
#2. How to preserve drill bits?
Use a dedicated drill bit case to organize them and prevent impact. Then, store them in a dry, cool location to protect them from rust and corrosion.
