How to Use a Spade Bit

How do you bore a big hole? Use a spade bit to make a hole larger than you can with a regular drill bit. Here's how.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Spade Bits
• Variable-speed Drills

1. 

   Identify a spade bit by its shape: it looks a little like a flat shovel with a point in the center of the end.

2. 

   Make a pilot hole first with a regular 1/8-inch bit at the center of where your hole will be.

3. 

   Line the point of the spade bit up with the pilot hole.

4. 

   Start the drill motor at a slow speed and hold it steady as the bit grabs the wood.

5. 

   Increase the drill speed steadily.

6. Drill completely through the workpiece and back the bit out smoothly with the drill still going.

Tips & Warnings

• Drill on top of a board or scrap wood to help prevent splintering on the exit.

• Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when using a drill. Shavings can get in your eyes and cause serious injury.