Most home improvement tasks can be boiled down to one simple action. A hole is required. Maybe you hang a shelf. Maybe you’re installing new cabinets. The result is the same. You want a drill bit that can get the job done without having to buy a whole new drill bit for each material.
The market serves the needs of do-it-yourself users. You no longer need a professional toolbox to get the job done. The company currently offers a “universal” drill bit. Designed to penetrate wood, metal, plastic and even concrete. You can buy it at your local hardware store. It promises versatility. They promise speed.
But there’s a problem.
Most general purpose drill bits will not work on sensitive surfaces. Glass and ceramics usually win this battle. If you try to drill into the tile backsplash with a regular multi-purpose drill bit, the tile may break and the drill bit may be damaged. Use stone or glass drills specialized for these materials.
Why invest in a multipurpose drill bit?
Buying separate drill bits for each material can be very expensive. It can also be very confusing. A high-quality universal set saves space and money in the long run. The initial costs are higher. Cheap parts broke. They are out of the center. It leaves an ugly jagged hole.
Good drill bits are expensive. That’s why we have to treat them right.
Keep in a safe. Do not roll it loosely. If the drills hit each other, the tips will become dull. A dull drill bit requires more pressure. As the pressure increases, heat is generated. Heat changes the shape of the metal. If the metal is warped, it means the hole is bad.
Sharpen it before it becomes completely dull. Use suitable grinding tools. This will take a few minutes. It can extend the life of the drill bit by several years.
Some high quality general purpose drill bits have diamond polished edges. These are superior for hanging paintings, but can also accommodate ceramics, stone and multi-layered materials. If you’re doing a major renovation, the extra cash can be worth it.
Drillable materials
General purpose drill bits are used in a wide variety of applications. However, “versatility” has its limits. Here’s what they can do well:
- Wood: Standard and fast.
- Metal: Suitable for plates and pipes.
- Plastic: Drills neatly even if slowly.
- Concrete: Requires universal drill in hammer drill mode and masonry style.
Here’s what you usually can’t do:
- Glass: Increased risk of breakage.
- Ceramic/tile: Material and drill bits can be damaged.
For wood, metal and plastic, you only need a good universal drill bit. For concrete, you need a hammer drill. A shop specializing in glass and tiles.
Storing and maintaining bits
- **Buy a box. ** A foam-lined box protects your chips.
- **Clean it after use. ** Wipe off any dust or dirt.
- **Check if it is passivated. ** If the drill bit jumps or smokes, it needs to be sharpened.
- Keep dry. Rust causes the drill bit to break.
Don’t skip maintenance just because your drill ‘looks good’. Small chips can interfere with alignment. Accuracy is important.
Investing in quality pays off. You use these bits often. There is significant wear. However, if stored correctly,
