. . . .

Guide on How to Properly Use Manual Hand Drill Tool

Some woodworkers prefer the old fashion way of drilling woods which is done through a manually operated tool called 'Hand Drill'. This is a very simple type of tool that allows you to perform drilling holes in which it requires exerting repeated physical-circular motion. Unlike the powered-drilling tools that are commonly used today, the use of manual hand drill tool do require skill in order to achieve the desired performance of drilling a hole.


It is important that you need to have proper control on the rotational speed of your manually operated hand drill. Other than the rotational speed is the pressure that needs to be applied.

Mechanical Operation of a Manual Hand Drill


A hand drill works by simply rotating the tool's 'cranking handle' which is the middle part of the tool. This will also turn the pinion gears on the main shaft which is connected into another shaft holding the drill bit. Note: (Always make sure that the drill bit is firmly-tightened into the shaft before using the tool.)

At the opposite end of the shaft is another handle which is held stationary as you rotate the chuck.

Manual Hand Drill

Operating a Hand Drill


If you are going to make a hole, the first step that you need to do is to find the appropriate size of drill-bit that is needed. Sizes are typically inscribe on the bit's shaft.

Considering that you have found the right size of drill-bit to be used, check first your hand drill if it's perfectly working well. Try rotating it to make sure that none of its gears got stuck.

A hand drill that has not been used for a long period of time often result with its gears stuck. To fix this, there are plenty of products that can loosen such gear-problem out in the market. Make sure to put some gear oil as well to ensure ease of rotating the crank-handle.

The next step is to insert the drill bit's shaft into the chuck then tighten it hard. Some hand drills does have special tool that can be used to firmly tighten the chuck.

Finally, you are now ready to drill a hole.

Proper Way of Drilling a Hole with your Hand Drill

To properly drill a hole with your manual hand drill, you will need to put a marker on the spot that needs to be holed. When it's done, gently put the drill bit's tip into your marker. Make sure that you are positioned in the correct angle at the same time.

A Press Attachment can be also used to guide you in drilling surfaces at different angle positions.

When you are perfectly sure of your marker and position, you may now start rotating the cranking-handle which causes the drill-bit to rotate. If you are using small sized drill-bit, you have to be careful not to apply enough pressure as it can be easily bent or broken. Serious injury occurs when a particle of the drill-bit accidentally hits your eye especially when you are not wearing eye-protection.

If you are drilling a hole on a hard object, it may take some time and it can be very stressful. Thus, you may need an assistance to help you with the task. Your partner can hold the top-handle while you rotate the cranking handle. Always make sure that you are rotating in the clockwise direction. Rotating it in the wrong direction won't let the drill-bit able to feed on its way in.

Using low-tech manual hand drill tool isn't actually easy as compared to the new high-powered drilling tools. Thus, if you want to quickly drill a hole with less effort then better use a power drill.

No comments:

Post a Comment