Whether you're fabricating parts, prepping for threading, or performing routine maintenance, drilling is one of the most fundamental machining processes you'll use. From handheld drills to CNC machines, drilling lays the groundwork for more advanced hole making operations like tapping, reaming, counterboring etc.
This guide covers everything you need to know about drilling a hole — including which drill to use, safety tips, productivity pointers, and the accessories that can boost performance and accuracy.
Watch the step-by-step video below to see how to use a drill the right way.
A drill is a rotating cutting tool designed to create cylindrical holes in various materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. Drills come in many different types and geometries, optimized for different materials and hole requirements.
Drills are used to create holes for:
Drilling is typically one of the first steps in a holemaking process.
Drilling allows you to create starter holes and clearance holes, and prepare for more precise hole-finishing processes. It's essential in:
Without a pre-drilled hole, it’s impossible to perform precision operations like tapping, reaming, or installing fasteners. Drilling provides a quick and reliable way to initiate holes in your workpiece—making it a vital process in almost every shop or production setting.
Drilling is a simple process, but it still requires basic safety precautions:
Ask yourself -
Drills are not typically high-precision tools, especially for tight-tolerance applications. That said, they’re the essential first step toward an accurate finished hole.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting Oil/Coolant | Improves tool life & chip evacuation |
| Spotting Drills | Prevents walking, ensures accuracy |
| Center Drills | Preps holes for turning operations |
| Reamers | Finishes holes to tight tolerances |
| Taps | Threads pre-drilled holes |
| Countersinks | Chamfers holes for screw heads |
| Counterbores | Creates flat-bottom holes for fasteners |