Drill bits are fine metallic tools to drill different surfaces. They are commonly used in wood works too. They are easy to install, but sometimes they are stuck in wood, so your whole project might be delayed.
Therefore, it is worth learning how to get a stuck drill bit out of wood; then, you will no longer waste your time on this little issue. There are a number of ways to remove a stuck drill bit from the wood, so you can try whichever is convenient for you. Moreover, you can avoid this from happening beforehand; those pre-tips have been listed too.
What Causes a Drill Bit to Get Stuck in Wood?
The main reason could be blunt drill bits. The drill bits should be sharp enough to creep in the wood fibers. And also, you should tighten the drill bit in the chuck properly. When you use an incorrect bit for your material (wood), it might be stuck.
If the drill bit is overtightened, this problem can arise too. And if there is a lack of oiling, those tools cannot function smoothly. Further, when there are misaligned holes, the bit is unable to align on wood, so they are stuck. Finally, when the bit cuts the wood, it might meet some harder parts, such as a knothole, then the bit cannot go further.
How to Prepare the Wood for Bit Removal?
Before you remove the drill bits from the wood, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly because any dirt, debris, and wood chips on the surface can disturb the task you are going to do next. If you can use a mini vacuum, the dust and wood chips can be quickly blown out. But if the problematic area is smaller, you do not need to use larger tools; use some old cloth to wipe the dirt. But do not use some other liquid cleaners and water because you might need to apply lubricant in the problematic area.
And for your own safety, wear gloves since you have to operate the tools firmly to remove the drill bits. And you might want to apply some lubricant as well.
What Are the Tools Needed for Removing a Stuck Drill Bit?
Mainly, there are two tools you can use to remove a stuck drill bit, pliers and a screw extractor kit.
Pliers are especially helpful in removing the smaller and/or broken drill bits. Serrated jaws and vice grip pliers will work well. But when a spade bit is broken, it would be better to use a needle-nose plier. The screw extractor kit is perfect for removing the headless bolt/screw. So, it can be used to remove drill bits too. Apart from those, you will need some lubricant to loosen the stuck drill bit.
How to Remove the Stuck Drill Bit from Wood Using Pliers?
This method is the most convenient one. Pliers are mostly recommended if the drill bit has been broken. Any type of plier will work, such as serrated jaws, vice grip pliers, etc. And below are the steps you should adhere to.
- Use the open plier to hold the shaft tip. The cut edge can be sharp, so it would be better to wear gloves.
- Rotate the plier counterclockwise to loosen the drill bit. You need to press the handles firmly in order to do that. Most of the time, it does not move easily, so use some lubricant to trickle in then the stuck drill bit will loosen.
- When you feel the drill bit has been loose, pull it out. But take your time because the drill bit can be broken again if you jerk a lot. And also, it may not be safe for you.
How to Remove the Stuck Drill Bit from Wood Using a Screw Extractor?
This method is a bit challenging because you have to drill a hole at the snapping point of the stuck drill bit. But you can follow these instructions to remove the drill bit without any issue.
- Choose the most compatible size of extractor according to the drill bit from the screw extractor kit.
- Now the extractor should be set in the drill as the head sticks out. Utilize a professional-grade drill while doing this.
- Use a small amount of oil to apply on the snapping point. Then create a hole about ¼ inch deep using the end of the drill.
- Now you can separate the extractor from your drill. Then it should be put with the drilling end. Make sure to rotate the drill counterclockwise.
- Press it inwards to begin drilling until the bit comes out.
Related: How Long Does Wood Glue Take to Dry?
How to Use a Lubricant to Remove a Stuck Drill Bit from Wood?
As we mentioned in the above methods, lubricant can be utilized to loosen the drill bit. Lubricants can enhance the efficiency of metallic tools. If you use the plier method, apply a lubricant and wait for a few minutes until it becomes loose. Then you can easily remove the drill bit. If you use a screw extractor kit, you will need some lubricant to apply on the snapping point.
WD-40 is a well-known product to use for these tools because it has proved its ability to protect the metal from corrosion. Do not wait until something happen, like sticking drill bits; use a lubricant to maintain the quality of drill bits. Then you do not have to face such issues.
How to Prevent Drill Bits from Getting Stuck in Wood?
Here are some important tips to prevent drill bits from getting stuck unnecessarily.
- Make sure to choose sharp drill bits because blunt ones are unable to carve tough wood fibers.
- Choose the drill bits that are compatible with the wood you are working with. According to the wood type, there are several types of drill bits. And also, there are drill bits for other materials such as metal, concrete, etc. So, avoid them on wood surfaces. Adhere to the experts’ recommendations if you do not have enough knowledge.
- When you are drilling, do not take breaks; drill the hole fast and straightforwardly. Otherwise, the wood may splinter, and the bit may stick.
- Always utilize a professional-grade drill to do the job. If the drill is powerful, it can back up the bit to creep without issue.
- Remember to maintain the tools with proper oiling so they can function smoothly since their body has no rust.
- If you have no experience regarding this task, practice several times using a piece of another wood. It will help you to avoid overtightening drill bits.
Peter Willy is a dedicated smart home lighting enthusiast with a passion for exploring the latest innovations in the field. With years of hands-on experience, Peter buys new smart lighting products, rigorously tests them, and shares his insights through detailed troubleshooting guides and informative articles. His deep understanding of smart lighting technology and commitment to helping others make him a trusted source for anyone looking to enhance their home with the latest in smart lighting solutions
