I finally figured out why my drill bits kept breaking on simple jobs

For months, I was going through bits like crazy on my basic Ryobi drill, even on soft pine. My buddy, who does handyman work, came over and saw me just pushing hard and running it full speed. He told me to slow the drill down and let the bit do the cutting, which felt wrong because I thought more speed equals more power. Now I use a slower setting with steady pressure, and my last pack of bits has lasted over six months. Do you guys think speed or pressure is more important for making bits last?

2 comments

2 Comments

lee3302d ago

Honestly, the bit itself matters a ton too. I used to buy those cheap bulk packs from the hardware store aisle. Switched to buying just a couple of the nicer, brand name bits for common sizes. The metal is better, they stay sharp, and they don't snap when you hit a hidden knot. Saving a few bucks on bits cost me more in time and frustration. Now I treat them like a consumable that needs to be decent quality, not just the cheapest option.

blair_williams692d ago

Totally agree, it's a night and day difference. Once you've had a good bit snap clean through a nail instead of just disintegrating, you never go back to the bargain bin stuff. It's one of those things you don't realize is holding you back until you try the proper tool. The cheap ones just wear out so fast they end up costing more anyway.