Drill Bit Maintenance
Keep Drill Bits Sharp
Dull drill bits are the primary cause of drill breakage and production tie-ups. After about two hours of drilling, depending on the type of paper being processed, drill bits should be sharpened using an approved Challenge sharpener. Using dull drill bits results in poor work quality and will damage your drill due to the excessive force placed on the drill and drill bits.

Keep Drill Bits Clean
Dirty and rusty drill bits will not permit the free upward passage of chips. Pressure built up by drill chips may cause a clogged bit to split or break. Keep the bit free from dirt or rust, clean the drill of all chips after each use, and apply a lightweight machine oil to the inside and outside of the bit. Drill bits should be cleaned out immediately after each use. This is particularly true if coated or varnished stocks are being drilled. On these jobs, the coating on the chips frequently fuses into one solid mass when the bit cools. This can cause breakage the next time the drill is used. When not in use, drill bits should be stored in a bath of lightweight machine oil to prevent corrosion.

Lubricate Drills
Lubrication assists the passage of chips and helps prevent overheating. Use readily-available lubricant sticks (#4688) for this purpose. Hold the end of the stick against the side of the rotating drill bit. Also, be sure to touch the cutting edge of the bit with the lubricant stick. Lubricant must make its way inside the drill bit for ease of chip passage, and on the outside for smooth clean drilling. Wipe off excess oil before drilling. Care must always be taken when handling or lubricating drill bits. Never allow loose clothing, hair, or jewelry to come in contact with a spinning drill bit.

Check Your Drill Sharpener
The cutting edge of the sharpening bit should be inspected frequently to make certain that it is sharp and free of nicks. Never allow a drill to drop onto the sharpening bit -- it will chip the carbide tip. Use gentle pressure and allow the sharpening bit to do the work. Check the sharpness of the drill after sharpening. The cutting edge should be razor-sharp.

Drill Maintenance
Keep the Spindle Clean
Clean out the drill spindle frequently. This will prevent buildup in the spindle of the drill.

Set the Drill Correctly
Do not cut too deeply into the cutting block. The drill bit should cleanly cut through your last sheet and just touch the block. During drilling, do not reset the drill depth. Rather, change the position of the block frequently. Drilling deeper into the block dulls drill bits quickly. As an alternative to drilling into the block, use a piece of chipboard underneath your stock. This will make handling the stock easier and will ensure that the last sheet is cut cleanly through.

Check for Drill Wobble
If spindles are badly worn or bent due to incorrect adjustment, have them replaced immediately. A wobbly or loosely-held bit could break.

Important!
To prevent the drill from overheating, always avoid drilling too slowly. With constant and even pressure, drive the drill bit through your stack of paper. Allow the drill to easily cut through the paper. Remember you are using a drill, not a punch.