Using a wood hand drill involves preparing the tool, setting the drill bit correctly, and manually turning a crank to bore a hole.
A hand drill is a simple, manual tool for creating holes, especially in wood. Unlike power drills, it relies solely on human power to turn the drill bit.
Preparing the Drill Bit
Proper setup is crucial for effective and safe drilling.
- Choose the Right Bit: Select a drill bit suitable for wood. Many wood bits, like those under the "Point" brand mentioned, feature a sharp tip designed to bite into wood easily and prevent wandering.
- Insert into the Chuck: The three-jaw chuck is the adjustable clamp that holds the drill bit. To insert the bit, open the jaws by turning the chuck sleeve or the handle.
- Center the Bit: Place the drill bit in the middle of the three jaw Chuck. Ensure the shank (the end of the bit that goes into the drill) is centered between the jaws.
- Tighten Securely: Hand-tighten the chuck firmly around the drill bit shank.
- Ensure Straightness: If the drill bit is not placed straight it will wobble. This wobble not only makes drilling difficult but could break when you drill. Double-check that the bit appears straight and centered.
Drilling the Hole
Once the bit is secured, you can begin drilling.
- Mark the Spot: Clearly mark the exact location where you want the center of the hole to be. A sharp tip on a wood bit helps it stay put on your mark.
- Position the Drill: Place the tip of the drill bit on your marked spot. Hold the drill body firmly with one hand, applying gentle downward pressure.
- Turn the Crank: Use your other hand to turn the side-mounted crank handle. This turns the gears within the drill, which in turn spins the chuck and the drill bit. Maintain a steady, consistent turning motion.
- Keep it Straight: As you drill, try to keep the drill body and the bit perpendicular to the wood surface (or at the desired angle). This prevents the hole from being crooked.
- Clear Chips: Wood chips will accumulate as you drill. Occasionally pull the drill bit back slightly to clear the chips from the hole, especially for deeper holes. This helps the bit cut more efficiently and prevents it from binding.
- Complete the Hole: Continue turning the crank and applying pressure until the drill bit passes through the wood.
Using a hand drill requires patience and steady hands but allows for precise control, making it excellent for delicate work or when electricity isn't available.
