Brad point bit care and maintenance

28th February 2020


	Brad point bit care and maintenance


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			As with all other drill bits, brad point bits can last a long time if they are treated properly.

			This comes down more to correct use and keeping the bit sharp than running any specific, regular maintenance tasks.

			Using the right bit
			Using a softwood bit on hardwood can result in a build-up of heat due to increased friction. This can cause your bit to overheat and lose temper. It’s possible to re-temper a brad point bit, although you will only be able to achieve any success with the process at home if your bit is uncoated and does not have a carbide or PCD tip. For more information, see: How to re-temper a steel drill bit.

			If you have bought softwood bits, keep them separately from your hardwood bits and make sure they are labelled.



			Staying sharp
			Keeping your tool sharp is another way to avoid overheating. If you find that your bit is not drilling as quickly and effectively as it used to, sharpening it will prevent it from wearing out completely. For more information, see: {{widget type=”cms/widget_page_link” title=”How to sharpen a brad point bit” template=”cms/widget/link/link_inline.phtml” page_id=”3631″}}

			Excessive pressure
			Don’t be tempted to try to force your drill bit into boring a hole faster by applying a lot of downward pressure. This can potentially damage your drill driver, not to mention the bit itself, as the excessive force can cause it to become stuck in the workpiece or break.

			Materials other than wood
			While brad point bits can be used in materials other than wood, this can make them wear down more quickly. If you have been using your brad point bit to drill through plastic or other materials, you will need to sharpen it sooner than if you had only been using it for wood.

			Carbide and diamond-tipped drill bits are the exception to this rule, and can cut through harder materials without blunting as quickly.

			Storage
			Brad point bits should be stored so that they aren’t touching any other drill bits. One way of doing this is by storing them in a block of wood that has a hole drilled for each size of bit.

			If they are stored in the same box as other bits, the sharp edges on the bit could chip, meaning they will have to be resharpened before they can be used again. As this can be a difficult process, or even impossible, it’s well worth taking the right precautions to prevent it from happening!