Do you drill a pilot hole first?
- Thread starter zappy
- Start date
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Minuteman
Senior Member
- Location
- The Sooner Nation
I've used that method, sort of. I drilled the small hole on the "pretty" side, and then the large hole going the other direction where it didn't matter if I blew it out.
B4T
Senior Member
- Location
- Long Island, N.Y.
works for me
works for me
I always drill a smaller hole first and then go to a larger bit. I think the bit drills faster this way because you won't hit a rock with the drill point. The smaller bit has less trouble breaking up stones.
works for me
I always drill a smaller hole first and then go to a larger bit. I think the bit drills faster this way because you won't hit a rock with the drill point. The smaller bit has less trouble breaking up stones.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
It also gives the debris a place to go beside up the flutes.
I do the same thing with high-speed bits in hard metals.
I do the same thing with high-speed bits in hard metals.
ElectricianJeff
Senior Member
- Location
- Southern Illinois
I do when I want to know "exactly" where I will be coming out on the other side.
GUNNING
Senior Member
- Location
- Gainesville, Florida
How many times ya gonna drill that hole???
How many times ya gonna drill that hole???
till its small enough?
I do if its an underpowered drill and a big hole. It removes some of the material before the big bit gets there. saving wear and tear on the drill motor. It makes a good guide hole for the big bit to follow. It reduces the heat wear and tear, exerted on the big EXPENSIVE bit. If you only have a shorter large bit, but a longer smaller bit, you can drill from both sides and not miss using a pilot hole with the smaller longer bit. If your not sure whats in the wall, re bar cast vent pipe plumbing etc., a small bit is a small hole to move and fix and replace.
All good reasons to use a pilot hole.
Have I missed anything?
How many times ya gonna drill that hole???
till its small enough?
I do if its an underpowered drill and a big hole. It removes some of the material before the big bit gets there. saving wear and tear on the drill motor. It makes a good guide hole for the big bit to follow. It reduces the heat wear and tear, exerted on the big EXPENSIVE bit. If you only have a shorter large bit, but a longer smaller bit, you can drill from both sides and not miss using a pilot hole with the smaller longer bit. If your not sure whats in the wall, re bar cast vent pipe plumbing etc., a small bit is a small hole to move and fix and replace.
All good reasons to use a pilot hole.
Have I missed anything?
ultramegabob
Senior Member
- Location
- Indiana
Minuteman said:
same here....
Cow
Senior Member
- Location
- Eastern Oregon
- Occupation
- Electrician
zappy said:
Yes. Smaller blowout with a 1/4" pilot, then hit it from both sides with the 1" to keep the hole looking good. A pilot will sometimes let you know if there's rebar in the way too. Plus, a 6" wide blowout from a 1" hole looks terrible...
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