Drill Bit Safety

Drill bits are inherently dangerous.

Any cutting tool has a certain amount of danger associated with it. Drill bits are no exception. Drill bits have knife-like edges that can cut flesh even when not in use. Bits can kick material into your face and hot metal shavings onto your clothing. It's a good idea to understand drill bits before using them.

Spade

The danger from a spade bit is the kickback of debris. Safety glasses are essential with spade bits. The other problem when using any boring bit is that it's likely to bind. This can whip the handle of the drill, suddenly twisting and sometimes breaking the user's wrist. Use spade bits on the slowest speed possible.

Auger

Auger bits have an aggressive large single spiral curl that can grab and twist. Don't try to force this destructive bit. When the spiral catches the grain, the bit tries to burrow down fast. The user has to be ready to brace when the spiral curl catches the grain. This can also grab and spin the object out of the user's hand. Make sure the work piece is clamped down and cannot move. This bit should also be used on a slow speed.

Hole Saw

A hole saw is a small drill bit equipped with a large circular saw edge that can be interchanged. The saw edge has teeth like a band saw. When the center bit penetrates the wood to 1/4 inch, the saw teeth come into contact with the wood. This saw edge can cut fingers or get wound up in clothing. Extreme caution has to be used to avoid this fast-spinning knife-edge.

Forstner

This is the cleanest-cutting bit. It has a razor-sharp cutting surface and pinpoint center. This bit can cut flesh like a knife when not in use. Care must be taken when installing and removing Forstner bits.

Brad Tip

One of the most common bits, the brad tip is a regular-looking bit with a sharp brad pilot hole starter. It has sharp cutting edges and can penetrate very fast. The danger with a brad tip is going through the wood too fast and possibly hitting or catching anything underneath the work piece. Use brad tips carefully to prevent sudden penetration and injury to legs or hands underneath.

Metal Twist

Twist bits look tame enough, but they can penetrate solid metal. The danger from metal twist bits is that they generate heat. These bits can throw bright red metal shards into clothing, hair or eyes. Take precautions against hot metal debris by wearing close-fitting collars and clothing.

Masonry

Masonry bits throw a tremendous amount of debris and dust into the air. The danger from masonry bits lies not only in the spinning and cutting of glass, tile and cement, but in the breathing of dust and contaminates. It's absolutely vital that users of masonry bits wear a dust mask or other apparatus to filter air when drilling.
With all bits, safety glasses must be worn. All loose clothing and hair must be contained---and always know where your fingers are.

References

• "Toolnewz: Hand tool basics"

Resources

• "Drills and Drill Presses";John Kelsey;2010