If you’ve ever tried to drill a hole in the wood and found yourself struggling to get the drill bit out, you’re not alone. Drilling into wood is tricky because the wood’s grain direction changes every few millimeters to control the drill bit. When you drill into hardwood it can cause the bit to become stuck, which is difficult to remove.
When it happens, try using a different bit size. If that doesn’t work, try using a different type of drill. If those don’t work, try using a drill bit extension. In this article, I would like to show you how to easily get a drill bit out of wood using a few methods. So let’s try!
Why Do Your Drill Bits Get Stuck on Woods?
As frustrating as it may be, there are quite a few reasons drill bits can get stuck in the wood. One reason is related to the material of the tree. A focus issue occurs when you drill into a specific hard type of wood. Another item is when you drill too deep, and there’s no room for the heavy bit to move. Wood is comparable to an organic item; consequently, it could deform over time.
Another common reason is when the bit gets too close to an edge and curls up into itself instead of spinning freely around the intended axis. Other causes include if the center or bottom of the bit has been damaged or ground down. Sometimes, a hole does not get stuck, but the bit gets so hot and melts the wood that it gets gummed up in the process.
How to Get a Drill Bit Out of Wood?
Often a drill bit will get stuck in the wood, and you’ll want to remove it. If you can’t pull the bit out with just your hands, there are a few things you can try. Here are three ways to get it out:
Use Plier to Remove Stuck Drill Bit
A plier is a type of tool that has a strong clamping action. It has rubber handles, and they’ll help you get the drill bit out effortlessly. If you see that the bit is stuck in the wood, try using a plier first to pry it out.
Step 1: Hold it with Pliers
First, hold the bit with pliers. Place one of the jaws on the end of the drill, and you can adjust it by sliding it around if you need to. You’ll see that the bit will be pulled out when you twist it with your fingers on the other jaw.
Step 2: Rotate counterclockwise
In some cases, this method only works for bits not too deep in the wood. If you have a stuck bit that is hard to get out of, you can try this method to help you out. Now, try moving the drill bit out of the wood by rotating it counterclockwise. Be sure to hold your pliers properly until the drill bit is free.
Step 3: Free the drill bit
Now, you can pull the drill bit out from the end. If you notice it’s stuck in the wood again, check our other methods.
Use Screw Extractor to Remove Stuck Drill Bit
Screw extractors are small tools with a screwdriver and pliers in one package. The essential tool will be made of metal, and they’re often used to remove screws that have become stuck.
With a caliper or a tape measure, determine the diameter of the debris-free drill bit. Choose a screw extractor and screw a bit smaller than the unusable drawback from the screw extractor kit. Connect the screwdriver bit to a power drill. Place the power drill in the center of the drill chuck so the drill guide is close to the ends of the exhausting shaft. Drill halfway through the screw shaft.
Insert the extractor into the hole bored up by the extractor’s shank. Once you have the thread, insert the extractor into the bit by twisting the wrench counterclockwise. Continue to hold up the wrench as you continue to twist the extractor. The loose nut on the base of the extractor wrench should be released before the wrench is fully extracted from the wood.
Drilling from a Different Side
If you cannot work from above, you can try drilling into a wood corner. This method is an effective method of removing drill bits that have become stuck in the wood surface. Here’s how it works.
Identifying the specific location of the stuck bit will allow you to accomplish that in several different ways. Mark the wood where the stuck drill bit is. Use a drill bit with a smaller diameter than the jammed bit in a drill and drill very slowly.
Once you arrive at the stuck drill bit, insert a metal rod into the hole, and using a rod that gradually expands into the hole will soften the bit. Ensure you’re gentle with the surfaces, so you don’t damage the works of art.
How Can You Avoid Your Drill Bits Stucking?
Here are some simple rules that you can follow to help yourself avoid getting your drill bits stuck in the wood:
1. Use a sharp drill bit for hardwoods. Some of the harder woods include ash, alder, beech, and hickory. These woods are particularly hard to get through with a dull bit. It could catch and stop spinning if you try using a dull bit on these types of wood. It’s also possible to get your drill bit stuck in the wood again if it heats up too much while drilling. The bit will melt into the hole slightly as it gets stuck inside of the hole before you can remove it completely.
2. You can use a smaller bit if you’re working with small areas. Smaller bits are perfect for working with tight spots. They’ll offer more control and will be less inclined to catch on the wood if you’re using it in a cramped space or on a small piece of wood. Not only will these bits be easier to work with, but they’ll also allow you to have an easier time controlling the drill into the wood.
3. Always wear safety glasses when drilling various materials, including woods. The drill can sometimes kick up debris from the hole and send it flying toward your face at high speeds. Safety glasses will keep this debris from hitting your eyes, which are very sensitive and could easily get injured.
4. Try using a bit extender if you encounter any problems with your drill bit getting stuck in the wood. A long rod can help you avoid getting your drill bit stuck in the wood if you need to drill through a spot that’s too low for you or far away from the hole. The extender will allow you to reach those hard areas much more easily. You can get one for each type of drill bit that you have.
5. Keep the drill as close to the surface as possible when drilling into wood. It will help to prevent your bit from intruding on the piece. If your bit gets stuck, you can adjust it slightly so that it won’t spin freely in the hole and cause trouble for you and your drill.
What Should You Think of the Best Drill Bits for Wood?
Every woodworker will tell you that the best drill is not a matter of cost. A good drill is the one that meets your needs and helps to meet your budget. But if you are a newbie and don’t exactly know which is the right one for woodworking, here I will show you what you should look for while choosing a drill bit set:
What type of drill do I need?
There are many types of drills out there in the market at present. They vary by size, tip material, geometry, and other features. But generally speaking, they can be divided into three categories:
A. Twist Drills: These are the most basic drills. Its tip is conical, not pointed, with a simple, straight flute. It is used for making holes in wood as well as other materials like plastic, etc. It requires very little maintenance and can give you a professional-looking job.
B. Spade drill bits: It is perfect for drilling holes in thin materials like aluminum, plastic, and paper. They have a flat pointed flute, ideal for drilling near edges or corners of metal or metal-like materials. Spade drill bits are often used to drill through ferrous metals and holes in metal-like material. This type of bit can also be used to make a hole in wood.
C. Forstner drill bits: This type of drill bit is used for producing elongated holes in wood or even other materials as well. This type of drill bit is ideal for drilling accurate and clean holes. On the other hand, they are generally used to drill holes on wood larger than 1/2 inch in diameter.
D. Countersink drill bits: These are drill bits that have double-ended tips. The cutting edges of the drill bit will be in a cone shape, and the flat area is called the shank. This type of bit can be used to create a shallow dent in the surface to provide flush mountings. This bit is also very useful for making counter-sunk holes in wood or other materials like plastic, drywall, or even metal. This can be done by using just one drill bit instead of a combination of bits.
What is the drill tip material?
The drill bit’s tip material can determine how well it will work for you in woodworking applications. The general rule of thumb is that if it’s metal. It should be more expensive; while plastic bits will be cheaper. They won’t perform at the same level as metal ones.
Does the drill bit have an Anti-kickback Design?
It would help if you had a solid and reliable drill that can handle heavy-duty work without getting burned. And you need a drill specifically designed to reduce kickbacks. Because if it doesn’t have this feature, you risk not being able to control your drilling tool.
Is the Drill Bit made out of High-quality Steel?
The metal used in making the bits directly affects the performance of the bit and its durability as well, in particular, toughness, resistance, and hardness. You must select the drill bit material from a trusted manufacturer with high-quality standards in terms of metal used in its products.
Is the Bit Durable?
The type of drill bit you get should be durable and long-lasting. You don’t want to buy a new drill bit constantly. Because it gets jammed in your drill after just a few minutes of use. But even if you have to replace it, you will have one that lasts long and doesn’t require frequent replacement. So this is why you need to consider the type of material used in making the bits and ensure they are reliable too.
Are the Drill Bit precision cut and ground to perfect measurements?
While it is not a requirement, it is still a good idea if your bit matches what you need for the job that you want to do. And this applies to as many things as possible when choosing a woodworking drill bit set. So it’s better if you get one that’s close enough to fit your exact needs rather than having one that’s oversized so that you have to spend time adjusting the drill bit once it gets stuck in your piece of wood.
Is the Drill Bit easy to use and controls well?
Well, you need to be able to control your drill bit so that it doesn’t get jammed in your wood piece and cut it unevenly. If this happens, you can have difficulty getting rid of that chunk of wood, which might cause more damage. So I guess the answer is yes to this one as well.
Do the Drill Bits give a clear-cut hole?
The Drill Bits will create a hole in the material, but it will not be a perfect hole. There are many factors that can affect the quality of the hole that is created, including the bit size, type of material, and how well the drill bit is sharpened.
FAQs
Can I Use A Regular Drill Bit For Wood?
No, a regular drill bit will not work for wood. A drill bit designed specifically for wood is needed.
You May Also Read: 10 Best Brad Point Drill Bits: Reviews and Buying Guide
How Can You Remove When Your Spade Drill Bit Stuck In A Wood?
If the bit is stuck in the wood, Grip the handles of the pliers with both hands, and try counterclockwise twisting the drill bit. Turn the pliers the same way to loosen the drill bit and draw the bit out of the wood.
Why do drill bits break off Sometimes?
One common issue is that the bit becomes over-torqued, which can cause it to break off. Over-torquing can also be caused by using the wrong bit for the job or by using the bit too aggressively. Another issue is that drill bits can get caught on rocks or wood, which can cause them to break.
Final Words
Finding a good set of drill bits can be challenging. There are many types of drill bits available for you to choose from. Take the time to read details about the item and decide based on the abovementioned things. Choose a drill bit that is sturdy, affordable, and durable.
Try to use the tips in this article about getting a drill bit out of wood. Be careful not to use excessive force, as this could damage the drill or the wood. Use a screwdriver or a knife to pry the bit out while holding on to the handle. If the bit is difficult to remove, try soaking the wood in hot water for a few minutes before trying to extract.
