How to Buy Bits for Home Repair Drilling

For basic home repair, there are certain sized drill bits that it's good to have on hand because they will meet most of your usual household needs. You can choose from so many types - metric bits, diamond drill bits,carbide types and more, but how do you know what you really need? Read on for some suggestions for the most commonly used drill bits.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Buy drill bits that are moderately priced. They break quite often--especially if you're working on something that already has nails or screws in it. They're easy to lose as well.

2. Use combination metal/wood drill bits to make holes for both materials. They're good for wood if you're apt to hit a few nails (these won't break) and they're perfect for making holes in metal for rivets, screws or bolts.

3. Buy a wood and metal drill bit set. Get the 1/16, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch sizes to cover all likely bases. Keep these in the cases they came in rather than throwing them into a tool box. It's too time consuming to always be going through them to see which one is the right size for the job. The holders come marked with the sizes on them.

4. Get spade bits if you are going to be needing to drill larger holes in wood. These generally come in sets but again-these break easily so don't spend a whole lot here. One nail in the wrong place and the bit is history.

5. Keep all of the drill bits clean and in their cases. You can set the whole case into your toolkit. Not only will you be able to find the size you need, but you'll immediately know if something is missing.

[jenkinr]

on 12/15/2008 Good advice about buying wood and metal bits.