How To

How to Use a Spade Bit

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

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. Step 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. Step 2

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

  3. Step 3

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

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 5

    Increase the drill speed steadily.

  6. Step 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.

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eHow Article: How to Use a Spade Bit

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