A long drill bit can be very useful for boring a hole through thick materials or working in tight spaces. However, working with a long drill bit also presents challenges, specifically flexing and bending. They can damage your tools and create errors in your work. You can prevent them by reviewing these tips to prevent flexing and bending with long drill bits.
Purchase High-Quality Drill Bits
Although you may search for ways to cut costs, don’t make any compromises with aircraft drill bits. It is important to purchase high-quality components so that you can avoid drill bit bending and perform quality work.
Look for long drill bits that consist of durable materials since they will provide the high performance that you need. Subpar drill bits often feature inferior materials, which are prone to bending. This lack of sturdiness can amplify the likelihood of flexing, especially when drilling into dense or highly resistant materials. By choosing quality aircraft bits, you’re equipping yourself with tools that will perform consistently.
Invest in a Drill Press
Another excellent tip to prevent flexing and bending with long drill bits is to invest in a drill press. It can improve the accuracy of your work by holding the work material steady and supporting precise depth and angle control. Whether you’re working with metal or wood, a press will provide you with consistent results.
In addition, a drill press can make work more convenient. Many models include depth stops, laser guides, and tilting tables, allowing you to meet project requirements more easily. Owning a drill press broadens the scope of what you can achieve, making it an asset in any workshop.
Lastly, durability and efficiency are key advantages of a drill press. Manufacturers build these machines to withstand the rigors of heavy use, making them long-term investments that pay off over time. Adding this reliable tool to your shop will elevate your projects and give you the best tools to handle drilling challenges confidently.
Don’t Apply Unnecessary Pressure
Applying too much pressure is one of the leading causes of flexing and bending with long drill bits. When you put too much force on the drill, the bit bends under the strain, altering the hole’s size and shape and potentially damaging the work material. It can also lead to fractures or breakage of the drill bit, especially with aircraft bits that are thin and prone to stress.
Instead, focus on guiding and steadying the tool while letting the sharp edges do the work. When too much pressure enters the equation, it disrupts the natural cutting process and puts unnecessary stress on the bit.
Lubricate the Drill Bits
Friction is an inherent part of drilling, especially when working with metal. Over time, friction generates heat, increasing the risks of wear and tear on the drill bit. Excessive heat can warp the bit, degrade its structural integrity, and make flexing more likely.
However, lubricating the bit reduces friction and keeps the bit cool while in use. It can retain its original shape and function as expected with repeated uses.
Sharpen Bits When They Get Dull
You can prevent long drill bits from bending by sharpening them when they get dull. Drill bits naturally dull over time, especially when cutting into hard metal or dense wood. A dull drill bit requires more force to penetrate the surface, putting undue strain on the tool and increasing the likelihood of bending and flexing.
Keeping your drill bits sharp enhances their ability to piece the workpiece. Whether you’re working on a construction site or crafting furniture in your workshop, you can deliver reliable results with sharp bits.
If you are unsure whether your bits are dull, look at how they perform as you use them. If it seems like they resist drilling into the material or make frayed, uneven holes, they are likely dull. Address the issue promptly by reconditioning the bit before using it again.
Sharpening should be part of routine maintenance; don’t wait until the bit loses its effectiveness! Using sharp drill bits also limits the risks of damage to work materials. Instead of struggling or creating unintended marks, a sharp bit follows its intended path.
Align the Bit With the Hole
Long drill bits work best when you align them perfectly with the intended drill point and angle. Misalignment introduces instability, puts uneven pressure on the bit, and increases the risks of flexing and bending.
Pay close attention to the angle of the bit before engaging the drill. A small misalignment quickly compounds as the drill bit progresses deeper into the material, creating inconsistencies in the size and shape of the hole. A guide, jig, or drill press can assist in maintaining a controlled drilling axis, especially when working on complex projects or dense materials.
If handheld drilling is your only option, keep your hands stead. Bracing yourself and using both hands to stabilize the drill improves alignment accuracy and limits unintentional movements. Take your time during the setup to confirm that everything aligns correctly. Focusing at this stage will save you from making mistakes.
Avoid Drilling Too Fast
Another tip to prevent bending and flexing is to avoid drilling too quickly. Rapid speeds can generate heat, especially when working with dense materials. This compromises the bit’s strength, leading to distortions that make flexing and bending likely. If you drill at a slow speed, you will do a better job of protecting your tools and your work.
For example, when you drill metal, try to control the speed so the bit can cut effectively without overheating. Although it can be tempting to drill at a high speed for efficiency’s sake, it can magnify the amount of wear your tools experience. It also reduces your ability to control the drill. Taking a cautious approach delivers superior results in both accuracy and tool longevity.
Drill settings vary across machines, and selecting the appropriate speed depends on the bits you’re using and the material you’re drilling into. Referencing the manufacturer’s recommendations is the first step in finding the ideal speed.
Invest in Quality Bits at Drill Bit Warehouse
When you follow these pointers, you will protect your investment in your tools and deliver professional-grade results. Use high-quality long drill bits in your next project by purchasing them at Drill Bit Warehouse! Customers depend on us to deliver high-quality tools.
