When you are drilling a hole into a piece of wood or metal, and the drill bit breaks in the middle of the drilling operation, it is a scary time. There are several methods for removing a damaged drill bit, but the critical element is to ensure that the material you were drilling retains structural integrity.
In summary, our experienced team compiled a concise yet practical list of cost-effective and user-friendly methods for quickly how to remove a broken drill bit. Therefore, select your preferred technique for completing the project.
Table of Contents
3 Easy Methods to Remove a Broken Drill Bit
Method 1: Take It Out!
Let us begin with the obvious. We always attempt to extract the drill bit instinctively once it breaks and becomes stuck on any surface. The disadvantage is that we try it with our bare hands.
Why is this incorrect, you inquire? To begin, it’s painful, and an oily material coats the lower portion of the drill bit to keep it lubricated for better revolutions. This oil is referred to as cutting fat.
Due to the slick surface, you’ll want to use something to provide some traction. As a result, you can use a clean cloth to offer some grip and jimmy it free from the surface it is stuck on.
However, this is primarily dependent on the surface. The most effective approach is to use this procedure on hardwood surfaces, as they are considerably softer than other hard surfaces.
You must utilize textiles with increased grip. Because using silk or anything similar will be ineffective. Thus, this is the simplest method for removing damaged drill bits from wood.
Method 2: Get the Pliers Out!
The handiest unit is a lockable plier when it comes to having equipment to assist you around the house. When it comes to removing drill bits from metal, pliers are the tool of choice.
You may require a few additional tools, such as a chisel, along with the plier. Let’s take this one step at a time —
- As previously demonstrated, you can remove the drill bit by grasping it with your clothes. We use a similar beginning procedure for this as well, which is to secure the fractured end as much as possible.
- If there is insufficient space for the plier to grip, you may need to use a chisel to clear some area around the broken drill bit and secure it.
- Finally, you grasp the broken edge firmly with a plier and pull on the drill bit in a counter-clockwise motion, jimmying it out.
This will immediately liberate the broken bit and allow you to resume regular operation.
Read More: Ultimate Guide of How to Sharpen a Drill Bit with a File?
Method 3: Get an Extractor!
This is one of the most often utilized techniques for extracting the fractured bit with greater sophistication. We mean that you will require significantly more instruments to complete this task by technicalities.
Therefore, it’s critical to highlight some of the items you’ll need to complete this task successfully and independently —
- Pliers with a lock
- Hammer
- Bit extractor
- Punch chisel
- Drill bit with a countersink
- Drill
Do not be daunted by the sheer number of tools available. It’s pretty simple. And, perhaps most importantly, you now understand how to remove a broken drill bit from an impact drill.
Let us proceed with the steps:–
- The first and most critical step is to flatten the fractured edge of the drill bit. You’ll need to use a chisel to smooth and flatten the broken portion to accomplish this.
- Then, using a center punch, create a divot on the smoothened edge to accommodate the drill. You may produce the divot by striking the center punch with a hammer.
- Now you use a countersink drill; you can find the best countersink drill bit everywhere. Consider obtaining one that is smaller than the already-broken drill bit so that you can create a hole in the divot.
- Following that, you create a proper clearance for inserting the extractor and inserting the extractor’s coned portion into the divot. You can use the hammer to insert it properly and secure it.
- Finally, you hold it firmly with the locking pliers and pull it out as carefully as possible. You counter-clockwise crank the broken bit, which gradually frees the drill bit.
With this method, you can dislodge the drill bit from even the most difficult surfaces, and anyone with these tools may do it.
Video Instruction for More Details —>
Read More: How To Sharpen Rock Drill Bits
(FAQs) about How to Remove a Broken Drill Bit
What is the proper way to remove a damaged carbide drill bit?
Tap the same diameter soft metal into the drilled hole with pliers and undo the fractured carbide drill bit. The soft substance is intended to fit into the voids and aid in unscrewing the bit.
How can I get a damaged drill bit out of a brick?
Simply drill a hole near the fractured piece of brick. Now, using pliers, retrieve the damaged drill bit. You can readily fill the previously created spot to reshape the brick.
How to remove a tiny drill bit caught in metal?
Weld a metal rod to the top of the little drill bit using a welding machine, maintaining a 90-degree angle. Then, reverse the drill bit using the welded rod as a lever. At this stage, you can hit the drill bit’s end tip a couple of times to loosen it.
How to prevent a drill bit from overheating?
After using the drill, set it aside for a while. Utilize the appropriate drill bit at the proper speed. Working slowly and softly may take some time but will ensure long-term service. Additionally, while drilling, carefully press the drill to avoid overheating.
Why do drill bits corrode?
The drill bit can break due to stretching it, applying pressure to it, using a cheaply constructed drill bit, or failing to clear away the chips.
Last Thought
Nothing is more infuriating than a broken drill bit caught in wood, metal, or other material. Fortunately, you can deal with this aggravating problem now that you can correctly remove a broken drill bit.
Fortunately, you have various options with step-by-step instructions that will simplify the process and allow you to apply based on your resources. Thus, whichever concept you pursue will triumph. However, even if the chance of an accident is low, it is prudent to wear protective gear.
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