How to clean and lubricate impact drill bits?

Why Clean and Lubricate Impact Drill Bits?

Popular Impact Drill Bit Brands and Models

1. Bosch
   • Bosch Daredevil Spade Bits: These spade bits are designed for fast and clean wood drilling. The Daredevil series features a unique Tri – Cut design with three sharp cutting edges that provide up to 50% faster cutting compared to standard spade bits. The aggressive cutting tip helps to start holes quickly and accurately. For example, the Bosch Daredevil 1 – 1/8 – inch x 18 – inch spade bit is ideal for drilling large – diameter holes in thick wooden beams or planks. The shank is designed to fit securely into impact drills, minimizing slippage during use.
   • Bosch Professional Hammer Drill Bits: The Professional series is engineered for heavy – duty applications, especially in concrete and masonry. Models like the Bosch Professional 1/4 – inch x 6 – inch SDS – Plus Hammer Drill Bit are constructed with a tungsten – carbide tip, which offers excellent durability and resistance to wear. The four – cutting – edge design provides a clean and precise hole in concrete, brick, and stone. The SDS – Plus system allows for quick and easy bit changes, and the shank is designed to transfer the maximum amount of impact energy from the drill to the bit.
2. DeWalt
   • DeWalt DW1361 Cobalt Drill Bits: These cobalt drill bits are designed for drilling into hard metals such as stainless steel, cast iron, and titanium. The cobalt – alloy construction gives the bits high heat resistance, allowing them to maintain their sharpness even at high temperatures generated during metal drilling. The DW1361 series comes in a variety of sizes, for instance, the 1/8 – inch size is perfect for starting small holes in metal sheets, while the 1/2 – inch size can handle larger – diameter holes in thicker metal workpieces. The split – point tip design helps to prevent the bit from walking on the metal surface, ensuring accurate hole placement.
   • DeWalt DWA1733 Masonry Drill Bits: The DWA1733 series is suitable for masonry applications. These bits feature a carbide – tipped head that can penetrate concrete, brick, and block with ease. The unique flute design helps to remove debris efficiently, reducing the chance of the bit getting clogged. A 3/8 – inch x 6 – inch model from this series is commonly used for general masonry projects around the house, such as installing anchors for shelves or curtain rods in concrete walls. The shank is compatible with most impact drills, providing a secure fit.
3. Makita
   • Makita 193163 – 7 Carbide – Tipped Drill Bits: This series of carbide – tipped drill bits is designed for a wide range of materials including wood, metal, and plastic. The carbide tip offers superior hardness and wear resistance, ensuring long – lasting performance. The 193163 – 7 series has a wide variety of bit diameters, from small 1/16 – inch bits for delicate work to larger 1 – inch bits for more substantial projects. The flute design is optimized for efficient chip removal, and the shank is precision – made to fit tightly into impact drills, providing a stable and reliable connection.
   • Makita B – 47848 SDS – Max Hammer Drill Bits: These SDS – Max hammer drill bits are built for heavy – duty demolition and large – diameter drilling in concrete and masonry. The B – 47848 series, such as the 1 – 1/4 – inch x 24 – inch model, is suitable for construction projects where large holes need to be drilled in thick concrete structures. The bits are made with high – quality carbide and steel materials, and the unique flute and spiral design help to clear debris effectively, reducing the effort required during drilling. The SDS – Max system provides a high – torque connection, enabling the drill to transfer maximum power to the bit.

Cleaning Impact Drill Bits

1. Initial Inspection and Preparation
   Before starting the cleaning process, carefully inspect the drill bit for any visible damage such as broken tips, bent shanks, or chipped cutting edges. If the bit is severely damaged, it may be more cost – effective to replace it rather than attempting to clean and repair it. Gather the necessary cleaning supplies, which typically include a wire brush, a small container of solvent (such as mineral spirits or denatured alcohol), a clean cloth, and a pair of safety goggles and gloves. Safety goggles protect your eyes from flying debris, and gloves safeguard your hands from sharp edges and solvents.
2. Removing Loose Debris
   Start by using a wire brush to remove any loose debris, dust, or wood chips from the flutes and cutting edges of the drill bit. Hold the bit firmly and gently brush along the length of the flutes in the direction of the spiral. This will help to dislodge larger particles that are easily accessible. For spade bits, pay special attention to the flat surface and the cutting edges around the perimeter. The wire brush can be used to clean out any sawdust or debris that has accumulated in the grooves.
3. Using Solvent for Deep Cleaning
   Once the loose debris has been removed, place the drill bit in a small container filled with solvent. The solvent will help to dissolve any remaining adhesive, resin, or stubborn dirt that the wire brush couldn’t remove. Let the bit soak in the solvent for 10 – 15 minutes. For bits that are heavily soiled, you may need to extend the soaking time. After soaking, use a clean cloth or a cotton swab to wipe the bit clean. Pay close attention to the cutting edges and the flutes, making sure to remove all traces of the solvent and the dissolved debris. You can also use a toothbrush to reach into small crevices and clean them thoroughly.
4. Drying the Drill Bit
   After cleaning with the solvent, it is crucial to dry the drill bit completely to prevent rusting, especially for metal bits. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the bit dry, ensuring that no moisture remains in the flutes or on the cutting edges. You can also let the bit air – dry in a well – ventilated area for a few hours. If you need to use the bit immediately, you can use a hair dryer on a low – heat setting to speed up the drying process. However, be careful not to overheat the bit, as this can damage the temper of the metal.

Lubricating Impact Drill Bits

1. Choosing the Right Lubricant
   There are several types of lubricants available for impact drill bits, each with its own advantages. For general – purpose applications, a high – quality machine oil, such as 3 – in – 1 oil, works well. It provides good lubrication and can also help to prevent rust. For metal – drilling applications, a specialized metal – cutting lubricant or a coolant spray is recommended. These products are formulated to reduce friction and heat when drilling into hard metals. For masonry bits, a high – temperature – resistant lubricant is ideal, as the drilling process in concrete and stone generates a significant amount of heat. Some popular lubricant brands include WD – 40 Specialist Machine Oil, CRC Heavy – Duty Cutting Fluid for metal work, and Loctite High – Temperature Anti – Seize for masonry applications.
2. Applying the Lubricant
   Once you have chosen the appropriate lubricant, apply it evenly to the drill bit. For machine oil or other liquid lubricants, you can use a small dropper or pour a small amount onto the bit. Start by applying the lubricant to the shank of the bit, making sure it covers the entire surface that will be inserted into the drill. Then, apply the lubricant along the length of the flutes and to the cutting edges. Use a clean cloth or a brush to spread the lubricant evenly. If you are using a spray lubricant, hold the can about 4 – 6 inches away from the bit and spray a light, even coat over the entire bit. Be careful not to over – lubricate the bit, as excess lubricant can attract dust and debris, which may actually reduce the bit’s performance.
3. Working the Lubricant In
   After applying the lubricant, it is a good idea to work it into the bit. You can do this by running the bit in a scrap piece of material (such as a block of wood for wood – drilling bits or a piece of metal for metal – drilling bits) for a few seconds. This will help to distribute the lubricant evenly and ensure that it reaches all the critical areas of the bit, such as the cutting edges and the flutes. However, be careful not to overheat the bit during this process. If you notice the bit getting too hot, stop immediately and let it cool down.

Maintenance Tips for Impact Drill Bits

1. Regular Inspection
   Make it a habit to inspect your impact drill bits regularly, even if you haven’t used them for a long time. Check for signs of wear, such as dull cutting edges, chipped tips, or rust. Early detection of these issues can help you take appropriate action before the bit becomes completely useless.
2. Proper Storage
   Store your drill bits in a clean, dry place. You can use a drill bit organizer, which usually consists of a plastic or metal case with individual slots for each bit. This not only keeps the bits organized but also protects them from damage and moisture. Avoid storing the bits in a damp or dirty environment, as this can lead to rust and corrosion.
3. Using the Right Bit for the Job
   Using the wrong type of drill bit for a particular material can cause excessive wear and damage to the bit. Always make sure you are using the appropriate bit for the material you are drilling. For example, use masonry bits for concrete and brick, and metal – drilling bits for metals. This will not only ensure better performance but also extend the life of the bit.
4. Cooling the Bit During Extended Use
   During long – term drilling operations, especially in hard materials, the drill bit can overheat. To prevent this, take breaks periodically and let the bit cool down. You can also use a coolant or a lubricant spray during the drilling process to help dissipate heat.