How to Pre-Drill Holes

Pre-drilling is a fundamental process that provides accuracy and precision to drilling. In pre-drilling, you drill a small initial hole that acts as a guide for further drilling. Without doing this, you may find it difficult to drill a large hole accurately, as the drill bit can wander. With a smaller hole to direct the drill bit, you will find that your holes will be established correctly. This method is also more time efficient and less frustrating than using a larger bit initially.

Instructions

- 1
  Select a suitable drill bit. It should be slightly smaller than the bit that will make the final hole. In some cases when you are drilling a very large hole, you may need to start with a drill bit that is much smaller than your intended hole size and work your way up to the correct size. Insert the drill bit into the drill and lock it in place.
- 2
  Mark the hole's position with two lines that intersect at the spot where you want to drill. Press the drill bit against the intersection. Hold the drill level and steady with both hands.
- 3
  Press the trigger on the drill. Start slowly to maintain accuracy and gradually apply more pressure on the drill once the drill bit is established in the material. Remove the drill bit, keeping it straight and at a right angle with the surface. Repeat these steps if necessary, with gradually larger sizes of bits, until the pre-drilled hole can accommodate the needed bit.

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