Why do my drill bits get dull so fast?

First, it is rarely the drill bits fault if it dulls prematurely when cutting metal, concrete, cement or tile. But, that isnt your fault either. It is the need for speed that is the problem. And what is the name they give the bits that drill through metal? High Speed Steel drill bits. High speed? Um ... Not so much, I think.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Dull drill bits
• how to drill metal
• drill speeds

[ducklandwikeno]

You need cutting oil on what your drilling into .But you can use any oil to cool the bit .

[phxexaminer]

@ducklandwikeno Oil is messy and is unnecessary if you are using a hand drill. You still can't drill any faster. All you have to do is lower the rpms and that bit will bore many clean holes for you. A drill press, depending on the stock you are drilling, yeah .. for sure use cutting oil or any light duty oil.

[Hasoan1000]

Ha, I wish i saw this several years ago... it might have saved me a lot of grief.

[freakoutguitarsolo1]

my old boss used to bitch all the time cuz we would go thru bits constantly, he kept buying more expensive bits... i told him it was the drill, he didnt' wanna listen.

[oneantwest]

if it starts to smoke just spit on it.

[shannonb1]

Dude, you are pressing so hard that I can see the bit flexing, let the bit do the work....and use oil...

[edaker66]

Oil is always necessary when drilling ferrous metals, period. No matter what type of drilling apparatus you're using. If you're smart you'll invest in some colbalt bits and a 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch drill which have low gearing and torque.

[ducklandwikeno]

I try to use oil to cool the bit when I can . About a Month ago I had to drill out a broken bolt on a back strut on Mercury Tracer . I need to keep the drill bit cool to drill out the old bolt . so oil was my only choice . That was a case harden bolt with a hardiness  of number 10 . Man was that a bear to do . I did not have a torch to heat them up at the time . Heat is the best for frozen bolts .