QA

How To Use A Spade Bit

What do you use a spade drill bit for?

Spade Drill Bit Spade drill bits can be used on wood. Useful for drilling holes in wall studs for framing, electrical, plumbing and fine woodworking projects. Bores holes with a large diameter.

Do I need a pilot hole for a spade bit?

To make doubly sure that your drill bit stays on course, you can drill a pilot hole at the location of this mark with a 3mm (1/8″) twist bit. This is optional: the central point of your spade bit should be sharp enough that it will keep itself on course, but the pilot hole will give it a much better chance.

What material is a spade bit used for?

Spade bits are used for rough boring in wood. They tend to cause splintering when they emerge from the workpiece. Woodworkers avoid splintering by finishing the hole from the opposite side of the work. Spade bits are flat, with a centering point and two cutters.

What does a wood spade bit do?

A spade bit is a wood-boring drill bit that is flat with two sharp lips. The spade bit was invented by the Irwins tool company in 1968 and its design allows for it to scoop material out of a bore-hole quickly.

Will a spade bit drill through metal?

Absolutely not. Spade bits are only for wood! Not for metal. It might work on thin metal but you’ll trash the bit and make a crappy hole.

Why is there a hole in a spade bit?

The hole on a spade bit is used to pull electrical cables back through boreholes once they have been drilled. At a push, they can also be used to hang the spade bit on a wall-mounted rack.

How can you prevent Tearout when using a spade bit?

To keep from tearing out the back of a hole when drilling through a board with a spade bit or hole saw: Drill the hole partway through the front of the stock until the tip of the bit protrudes out the back of the board. Flip the board over, and position the bit in the pilot hole. Drill the rest of the way through.

How deep can you drill with a spade bit?

The best option for drilling of holes up to 1 1/2 inch in diameter when using a handheld drill is a spade bit.

Can I use a spade bit on drywall?

For larger holes in wood, drywall and other soft materials, wood-boring bits — also called spade bits — are an economical choice for a good all-purpose bit.

Should I use a spade bit or Forstner bit?

In general, it is best to stick with softwoods when using the spade bit. Alternatively, you can use the Forstner bit on both softwoods and hardwoods. With harder types of wood, however, you will want to watch the speed—make sure to keep it low to prevent overworking the tool.

Can you use spade bits in a drill press?

Spade bits can be used both in a drill press or a hand-held drill, and there are two ways to regulate hole depth when you’re drilling by hand. If you only need to ballpark hole depth, then wrap a piece of electrical or masking tape around the shank.

What is a twist bit?

Twist drill bits are used for drilling through anything from wood to plastic to metal products, but not masonry and concrete products. However, their primary use is for drilling through metal.

Can I drill through aluminum with a spade bit?

No! A spade bit removes too much material to use on aluminum. You are risking serious bodily injury if you try this in a drill press.

What is the best drill bit to drill through metal?

Cobalt drill bits are the best drill bits for hard metals including stainless steel. If you are using a hand drill then a 5% (M35) drill bit will be most suitable and it will be less brittle than other drill bits. TTP HARD drill bits are 5% cobalt and are a high quality drill bit.

What is the biggest spade bit?

Spade bits are usually available in metric sizes ranging from 6mm to 36mm and imperial sizes ranging from 1/4″ to 1 1/2″. The size of the bit is usually engraved onto the body of the spade itself so that each bit can be easily identified.

What are Brad point bits used for?

The Brad Point Drill Bit offers precise drilling in soft and hard wood and can be used for through-holes and pocket holes. Its extremely sharp drill bit with a centring tip allows for exact hole positioning. Tear-free holes are produced by high-quality shoulder cutters with precise edges.

What is a Forstner bit?

A: Forstner bits are mostly used in the woodworking industry to drill holes that are larger than those that can be made with ordinary drill bits. While other drill bits, such as spade bits, can perform a similar function, Forstner bits are significantly more precise and produce a clean cut with a flat bottom.