How to properly maintain and store impact drill bits to prolong their service life?

Understanding Impact Drill Bits

• DeWalt:
  • DeWalt DW5365: This is a 13 – piece carbide – tipped masonry drill bit set. It features a split – point tip for fast and accurate starts, reducing the need for a center punch. The carbide tips are designed to resist wear and tear, ensuring a long service life when drilling into concrete, brick, and stone. The set comes in a durable plastic case for easy storage and organization.
  • DeWalt DW1361: A 13 – piece HSS twist drill bit set, it is suitable for drilling into wood, plastic, and soft metals. The bits have a 135 – degree split point that helps to reduce walking on the surface, providing cleaner and more precise holes. The black oxide finish on the bits enhances their durability and resistance to rust.
• Bosch:
  • Bosch 11255VSR: This is a single – piece carbide – tipped masonry drill bit. It has a unique hex – shank design that provides a secure grip in the drill chuck, preventing slippage during use. The bit’s aggressive cutting edge allows for fast and efficient drilling in concrete, and its durable carbide tip can withstand heavy use.
  • Bosch Daredevil Auger Bit: For woodworking, the Bosch Daredevil auger bits are very popular. They are designed with a large fluted shank that quickly removes wood chips, allowing for faster drilling. The bits have a self – feeding tip that pulls the bit into the wood, reducing user effort.
• Milwaukee:
  • Milwaukee 48 – 89 – 2404: A 24 – piece Shockwave Impact Duty drill bit set. These bits are engineered to withstand the extreme torque and impact forces generated by high – performance impact drivers. The Shockwave technology ensures that the bits have enhanced durability and resistance to breakage. The set includes a variety of sizes and types, suitable for drilling into different materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.
  • Milwaukee 49 – 56 – 2806: A 6 – piece carbide – tipped masonry drill bit set. The bits feature a double – ground tip for faster and more accurate drilling in concrete, block, and brick. The shanks are designed to fit securely in impact drill chucks, providing maximum power transfer.
• Makita:
  • Makita B – 57135: A 13 – piece HSS drill bit set. The bits have a gold – oxide finish that not only looks good but also provides excellent corrosion resistance. They are precision – ground for accurate drilling and have a 118 – degree point angle, which is suitable for general – purpose drilling in wood and metal.
  • Makita 7621: A carbide – tipped masonry drill bit. It has a special flute design that efficiently removes dust and debris during drilling, preventing clogging and improving drilling speed. The bit’s robust construction can handle the rigors of continuous masonry drilling.
• Craftsman:
  • Craftsman 9 – 31509: A 9 – piece drill bit set. This set includes HSS bits for wood and metal drilling. The bits are made from high – quality steel and have a black oxide coating for durability. They are suitable for light – to medium – duty DIY projects.
  • Craftsman CMXZVBE17857: A 13 – piece masonry drill bit set. The carbide – tipped bits are designed to drill through concrete, brick, and stone with ease. The set comes with a convenient storage case, making it easy to keep the bits organized.

Cleaning Impact Drill Bits

• For bits used on wood:
  • Use a stiff – bristle brush, such as a wire brush or a nylon – bristle brush, to remove sawdust from the flutes of the bit. Start from the tip and work your way towards the shank, gently brushing away the debris. If the sawdust is particularly stubborn, you can also use compressed air to blow it out. Hold the bit securely and direct the stream of compressed air into the flutes. However, be careful not to use too high a pressure, as this can damage the bit or cause the debris to fly into your eyes.
  • If the bit has become sticky due to resin or sap from the wood, you can use a mild solvent, such as mineral spirits or turpentine. Dip a clean cloth or a small brush into the solvent and gently wipe or scrub the bit to remove the sticky residue. After cleaning with the solvent, make sure to rinse the bit thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely to prevent rusting.
• For bits used on metal:
  • Metal shavings can be removed using a wire brush or a magnetic pickup tool. The wire brush can be used to dislodge the shavings from the flutes, while the magnetic pickup tool can be used to pick up any small metal fragments that may be adhering to the bit. Compressed air can also be used in this case, but again, use it with caution.
  • If the bit has been used on metals that produce a lot of heat, such as stainless steel, it may have a layer of oxidized metal on it. In this situation, you can use a metal polish or a rust remover. Apply the polish or remover to a clean cloth and rub it gently onto the bit. This will not only remove the oxidation but also help to restore the bit’s cutting edge. After using the polish or remover, rinse the bit with water and dry it.
• For bits used on masonry:
  • Masonry dust is very fine and can easily clog the flutes of the bit. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner with a narrow – nozzle attachment to suck out the dust from the flutes. You can also tap the bit gently on a hard surface, such as a workbench, to dislodge any loose dust.
  • If the bit has been used in very hard masonry materials, it may have some small pieces of concrete or brick stuck to it. You can use a small chisel or a putty knife to carefully scrape off the debris. Be careful not to damage the carbide tip or the flutes of the bit during this process.

Inspecting Impact Drill Bits

• Check the cutting edge: For twist drill bits, look at the tip of the bit. A sharp bit will have a clearly defined point, while a dull bit will have a rounded or flattened tip. If the tip is damaged, such as having chips or cracks, the bit may not drill accurately or may break during use. For carbide – tipped bits, check the carbide tip for any signs of wear or chipping. Even a small chip on the carbide tip can significantly reduce the bit’s performance.
• Inspect the flutes: The flutes of the bit are responsible for removing debris during drilling. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bends in the flutes. If the flutes are damaged, they may not be able to remove debris effectively, leading to slower drilling and increased wear on the bit.
• Examine the shank: The shank is the part of the bit that fits into the drill chuck. Check for any signs of wear, such as grooves or deformities. A damaged shank may not fit securely in the drill chuck, causing the bit to slip during use, which can be dangerous and can also damage the bit and the workpiece.

Sharpening Impact Drill Bits

• For HSS bits:
  • You can use a bench grinder with a fine – grit wheel to sharpen HSS bits. First, mark the angle of the original cutting edge on the bit using a felt – tip pen. This will help you maintain the correct angle while sharpening. Hold the bit at the correct angle against the grinding wheel and gently apply pressure. Move the bit back and forth across the wheel to evenly grind the cutting edge. Make sure to keep the bit cool during the sharpening process by dipping it in water frequently. Overheating can cause the HSS to lose its hardness, reducing the bit’s performance.
  • Another option is to use a drill bit sharpener. These are specialized tools that are designed to make sharpening drill bits easier. They usually have a guide that helps you hold the bit at the correct angle and a grinding mechanism. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific drill bit sharpener you are using.
• For carbide – tipped bits:
  • Sharpening carbide – tipped bits is more difficult and usually requires professional equipment. Carbide is extremely hard, and improper sharpening can damage the bit. If a carbide – tipped bit is dull or damaged, it may be more cost – effective to replace it rather than attempting to sharpen it. However, if you have access to a diamond – wheel grinder and the necessary skills, you can try to sharpen the bit. Use a very light touch and keep the bit cool to avoid cracking the carbide tip.

Storing Impact Drill Bits

• Use storage cases: Most drill bit sets come with their own storage cases. These cases are designed to keep the bits organized and protected. If your bits did not come with a case, you can purchase universal drill bit storage cases. Look for cases that have individual compartments for each bit, as this will prevent the bits from rubbing against each other and getting damaged.
• Wall – mounted storage: Wall – mounted drill bit organizers are a great option if you have limited workbench space. These organizers usually have holes or slots where you can hang the bits. You can label the slots according to the size and type of the bit for easy identification. Some wall – mounted organizers also come with a magnetic strip, which is useful for holding metal bits securely.
• Drawer storage: If you prefer to store your bits in a drawer, you can use drawer dividers to create separate compartments for each bit. You can also line the drawer with a soft material, such as felt or foam, to prevent the bits from scratching each other. Another option is to use magnetic trays in the drawer. These trays can hold metal bits in place, making it easy to access them.
• Prevent rust: To prevent rusting, especially for HSS bits, you can apply a thin layer of lubricating oil or a rust – inhibiting spray to the bits before storing them. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil or spray to avoid attracting dust and dirt. If you live in a humid environment, you may also want to consider using a dehumidifier in your storage area or placing silica gel packets near the bits to absorb moisture.

Best Practices for Maintaining and Storing Impact Drill Bits

• Use the right bit for the job: Using the wrong type or size of bit for a particular material or task can cause the bit to wear out quickly or break. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate bit to use.
• Avoid overheating: Overheating can damage the bit’s material and reduce its performance. To prevent overheating, do not apply too much pressure when drilling, and take breaks if you are doing a lot of continuous drilling.
• Store bits in a dry place: Moisture is the enemy of drill bits, especially metal ones. Make sure your storage area is dry and free from humidity.
• Regularly check and maintain: Set a schedule to regularly clean, inspect, and maintain your impact drill bits. This will help you catch any problems early and prevent them from getting worse.