Drilling
Drilling Products – Jobber Drill Bits
Jobber drills or jobber length drill bits are the most commonly used drill bits for most jobs. They are shorter than standard drill bits and are less likely to break off. This makes them good for hand drills and drilling holes in a thin material.
Parts of a drill bit:
Drill bits have three primary parts, the point, the body and the shank. The drill bits shank is inserted into the chuck of the drill and secured. The point is where the cutting element is located and the body has channels cut into it called flutes, this helps remove material as you drill.
The length of the body is important to how the drill bit performs, longer drill bits are great for drilling into thick materials but the length sacrifices the rigidity of the bit making it more likely to break. Short drill bits are an excellent choice for precision work where the workpiece is clamped in a drill press or to a table. The downside is that shorter drills do not work well on thicker materials. The jobber length drill bit offers the best of both worlds. They are 9 to 14 times the length of the diameter, these drill bits are long enough to drill into most material thicknesses yet, short enough to provide durability and rigidity.
What differences do coatings make?
Industrial Tool Supply offers two types of coatings on its drill bits, black oxide, and titanium. You might be asking if one is better than the other or is it application specific; both coatings improve the performance of the drill bit but in different ways.
Black Oxide:
Also called “blackening” black oxide is a conversion coating used on metal that adds a layer of corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance. The coating helps reduce friction between the workpiece and the drill bit improving the effectiveness of drilling and making the bit last longer. Many tradesmen recommend black oxide bits as being the best general-purpose drill bits. These bits are also ideal for good performance in soft metal, low alloy steel, plastic, and wood.
Titanium:
These bits are coated with titanium nitride (TiN) which increases the hardness of the bit providing a thermal barrier by reducing friction. This also makes titanium drill bits last three to six times longer than standard uncoated drill bits.
Drilling Safety Tips:
High-speed drills are effective tools and make drilling fast, accurate, and easy but they also pose a hazard if not properly used. Industrial Tool Supply offers these safety tips for both the beginner and the seasoned professional to ensure that your projects go smoothly without incidents.
Check Before You Drill!
Especially when drilling into a wall, panel box or any surface that may be hiding electrical connections and the same goes for water and gas pipes. There are many detectors available on the market that can warn you of water or electrical hazards behind a wall.
Protective Gear:
Many people don’t realize how far or how fast a drill can send flying debris, especially into their face. Take a few minutes to put on protective glasses or a face mask to help stop dust and flying debris from getting in your eyes and mouth. Make sure you have nothing on that can get caught up in the rotating drill, things like loose clothing or dangling jewelry can easily create a serious situation.
Using the Right Drill Bit:
Make sure that the drill bit you’re about to use is designed for the material you’re drilling into. Using the wrong type of drill bit can damage the workpiece or even damage the drill or worse, damage you.
Drill bits get hot! Really hot!
Drill bits get very hot after drilling and pose a burn hazard. Always let the drill bit cool before removing the bit from the chuck.
Check your work area!
Before drilling make sure your cords won’t get caught on items around your work area and that your cord is long enough to complete your work. Make sure the area your working in is clear of debris and that your direct drilling area is clean and well-marked. This advice is both for the work quality and your personal safety.
Jacobs Chucks:
Chucks are important to drilling in that these tools help hold and secure the drill bit not just for safety reasons but for accuracy and efficiency. One of the leading manufacturers of keyed and keyless chucks is Jacobs. Arthur Irving Jacobs is credited with creating the first drill chuck back in the beginning of the 20th century. Since then Jacobs Manufacturing Company maintains a global presence as a recognized leader in the design and manufacturing of precision tools and work holding devices for stationary equipment and portable power tools.
Need Help? Industrial Tool Supply is always here to help you select the right drill bit or chuck for the job. Feel free to call or contact us online if you need any assistance.