Changing a drill bit is not a complicated process if you know it. But if you are a newbie and don’t work with drills and drill bits much, you might find it tough to deal with. In this case, you must learn how to change a drill bit beforehand!
Today, we will go through the procedures of changing a drill bit. When you work with a drill, you might need to change the bits a few times to get the holes perfect. Follow our methods to ensure the perfection you need!
Contents
How To Change A Drill Bit: Beginner’s Guide
We have come up with two different methods of changing a drill bit. Check both of them and proceed with the method you find more compatible with your machine.
Method 1: Keyless Drill Bit Changing
Step 1: Loosening the Chuck
The first step when it comes to changing a drill bit if to loosen the chuck. This is an easy step. If you are new to drills, you might not know what a chuck is. It is the piece that is located at the end of the drill bit. The work of this is to hold the bit when you are working with a drill. It helps in loosening and tightening the bit so that you can get the right bit attached.
To loosen it, first of all, you have to go through the check and hold it properly. With a hand, hold it tight and with the other hand, hold the drill’s handle properly. Now, with the first hand, you have to start twisting the chuck.
Go for counterclockwise motion, it will help you loosen the chuck. If you don’t want to do it, you can simply pull the trigger. Don’t forget to hold the chuck here. After you have loosened the chuck, the jaws of the drill but will be open to you.
Step 2: Removing the Bit
Once you are done with loosening the drill bit’s chuck, you have to move forward to removing it. After you loosen it, the bit that is attached with the drill will start wobbling. In this situation, it is very easy to take it off! All you have to do is pull it out carefully from the drill. As the jaws that help to clamp the drill bit will be loosened, pull it out.
Make sure you inspect it properly before you start the removal process. In some cases, the bit can be worn. In that case, you won’t be able to use the bit again. Throw it away so that you don’t mistakenly use it twice. You have to replace the bit in that case.
Step 3: Setting the Bit
Now that you have loosened the bit and removed it, you have to start setting the bit. This step is a bit tricky and so, you have to be careful while doing it. Read and re-read the process to understand it properly before you start doing it.
First, you have to hold the bit. Use your thumb along with the index finger to hold it properly. Check the smooth part of the bit. This is called the shank of the bit. This shank should face the jaws of the drill’s chuck in this position. All you have to do in this situation is insert the bit inside the chunk. After you insert it, you must pull it towards.
Go for more or less 1cm when you are pulling it towards. However, keep in mind that when you are inserting it and pulling it, the process should be fast. Here, try to keep your fingers on the bit so that the bit is secured and doesn’t fall down.
Step 4: Getting the Trigger Ready
As the bit is now set, you can easily start the next step. In this step, you have to start with squeezing the trigger. First of all, start tightening the bit keeping it in the right place. Here, you must squeeze the trigger.
Not once, you have to squeeze it for a few times to ensure the perfection. While doing this, you have to hold the bit with your opposite hand. Certify that you are loosely holding the bit. This will keep the bit in place and also will keep it flexible! As a result, the bit will be installed in a straight manner.
Step 5: Fixing the Ratcheting Mechanism
Once you are done with setting up the bit and squeezing the trigger, you have to go through the ratcheting mechanism and work with them. Some drills do not include any sort of ratcheting mechanism. However, some drills include such mechanisms to make the drilling perfect. If your device has the mechanisms, you must go through them and engage them.
This mechanism help in applying additional pressure to the shank of your drill bit. All you have to do here is click it into the position. Now, you have to engage it by twisting the mechanism. While twisting, make sure your hands are firm and stable. Twist it next to the chunk appropriately. Go in a clockwise motion and keep twisting.
Method 2: How to Change a Drill Bit – Chuck Key Drill Bit
Step 1: Inserting the Key
As we have told you previously, the first step is to loosen the chunk to make sure it is ready for the process. In this step, firstly, you have to look for the chunk key. The drills usually come with a chunk key. For loosening the chunk, this key will help your out. The drill key has a cog-like teeth added to it.
You have to insert this portion of the key inside the hole of the chuck. You will find the holes on the side of the chuck. In some drills, there is a specific place to store the key too. If you don’t find the key, you can look for this place. Mostly, chuck key models are available in the market and it makes the drill but changing and removing process easier.
Step 2: Turning the Key
Now that you have to insert the chuck key inside the chuck, you have to turn it so that you can make the chuck lose. All you have to do is go in a counterclockwise motion and turn it. When you start tuning it, the jaws will slowly start opening.
Don’t stop here. You have to keep doing the turning motion until you see that the chuck is completely open. Now, it is time for you to remove the bit. Use the thumb and the index and slowly take out the bit just the way we mentioned before.
Final Step: Replacing the Bit
Now it is time for you to insert a new bit changing the previous one. All you have to do is insert the new bit keeping the jaws of the chuck open. Don’t forget to hold the bit with the help of your thumb and index fingers.
After this, you have to tighten the chuck so that the drill doesn’t fall down. With one hand, hold the bit and with the other, turn the key. Go for clockwise motion here, and it will tighten the chuck. Don’t forget to tighten it firmly or else the bit will stay loose while working.
Change a Drill Bit FAQs
How do you use a drill bit without a drill?
For this, you have to get two wooden sticks and tie strings. Tie the strong on the two sides of the one wood piece so that it looks like a bow. Take the other stick and sharpen one end. Make a handle on the other end of this stick. Now, start scraping and make a hole in the wood, make sure it is small and here, you will drill the hole afterward. Get the sharp end in the small hole and then and start pressuring this point. Slowly, you will get a perfectly drilled hole by moving the pointy end!
What is the smallest drill bit?
There are several drill bits available in the market to ensure the perfect drills you need. However, often people complain that they do not get the perfect small sized drill bit to fulfill their needs. In this case, you must know about the smallest drill bit in the market. There are drill bits from size 80 to size 1 available. The gauge sizes are from A to Z accordingly.
Why does my drill bit keep falling out?
There are times when people complain about their drill but falling out. If this happens to you, you won’t be able to get the right-sized drilled holes. So, it is necessary to keep the drill bit in its position while drilling otherwise it can cause accidents. If your drill bit falls, you have to go through the chuck and ensure that it is accurately locked. All you have to do is get a screwdriver and start tightening it. If it is properly tightened, it won’t fall or move!
Wrap Up: How to Change a Drill Bit
In this manner, how you can easily change a drill bit and replace it with a new one! If you are a DIY-lover or you are going through such household chores, drilling holes is a must. You will surely need to change the drill bits so that you can get the right-sized drills. Follow our steps and the work will be easy!
Don’t forget to comment below on how you work with your drill bits and how you change them. There are different drills that require a different procedure. Mention the one you follow!