Pinning trouble

[Krolik1519]

I just got a drill from citadel and I am using the drill bits that came with it but the drill bits keep slipping inside the drill after using the drill for a few seconds no matter how tight I twist the thing that holds the drill bit. It came with two sized holders. One big, one small, I am trying to use the small one. Does anyone else have this problem with this drill or am I doing something wrong... since the drill didn't actually come with instructions.

[All-Terrain Monkey]

Don't bear down hard with the drill; it doesn't take a lot of pressure to drill through pewter.

[Heisler]

As ATM said, in addition you can wrap a very small piece of tape around the part of the bit that rests in the handle to help hold it in place. Its bit of a tricky operation to do but it will work.

 

 

[joshuaslater]

This happens even to experienced modellers. Getting the drilling done right takes practice.

[Doug Sundseth]

Also, you can reduce drill binding by lubricating the cutting edges of the drill bit with soap or light machine oil.

[herzogbrian]

What they all said, plus you can use 2 sets of pliar to really tighten the bit grip up. My small 0.020" bit will bind and spin if not tightened properly, and I just cant get it that tight with finger strength alone.

[Loim]

I've also found that using a flat file or a Dremel to make a small "flat" on the base of the bit can help as well.

[Wren]

I have that same drill. I do have to tighten it a little more with some pliers to get the bits to hold. I do not have to do this with any of the other two brands that I have, but neither of them have that nice comfort handle.

[Ferox]

Also, you can reduce drill binding by lubricating the cutting edges of the drill bit with soap or light machine oil.

This. I use candle wax (real cutting oil would probably work better), and the difference is like night and day.

 

If you're using a larger bit and find it slipping in the chuck, you could also try drilling a pilot hole with a smaller bit first. It doesn't take much more time (except for changing bits -- drill all of your pilot holes first, then follow up), and since you're moving less metal with each bit it goes much more smoothly.

[joshuaslater]

Let us know when you slip and jam the drill bit into your thumb, especially under the nail, and bleed profusely.

 

Then you've passed your initiation and you're in the club.

[Ddot]

What everyone has mentioned, plus this: Slow down. Most of the time when this happens to me it's because I'm working too quickly. Also, don't try to get it all in one go; drill a bit, remove the bit, clean off any metal, and start back from where you ended.

[Loim]

There's a club for driving a drill bit into your thumb? Do I get a badge?

[Bruunwald]

Also, you can reduce drill binding by lubricating the cutting edges of the drill bit with soap or light machine oil.

This. I use candle wax (real cutting oil would probably work better), and the difference is like night and day.

 

If you're using a larger bit and find it slipping in the chuck, you could also try drilling a pilot hole with a smaller bit first. It doesn't take much more time (except for changing bits -- drill all of your pilot holes first, then follow up), and since you're moving less metal with each bit it goes much more smoothly.

I also drill a sort of pilot hole, but I generally just do it with a hobby knife. More control that way, at least for me. Probably recommended only for people who have already been "initiated" many times, per Joshuaslater's comment.

 

After awhile, you just lose fear of that blade. It's gonna get you sooner or later, may as well be happy about it.

 

To be honest, though, I don't have this problem with my pin vice. And I press down harder than a sumo wrestler on a pogo stick. But I think mine is from Armory. It has four different sized heads. Hurts to use, but I love it anyway.

[Doug Sundseth]

Also, you can reduce drill binding by lubricating the cutting edges of the drill bit with soap or light machine oil.

This. I use candle wax (real cutting oil would probably work better), and the difference is like night and day.

 

If you're using a larger bit and find it slipping in the chuck, you could also try drilling a pilot hole with a smaller bit first. It doesn't take much more time (except for changing bits -- drill all of your pilot holes first, then follow up), and since you're moving less metal with each bit it goes much more smoothly.

 

Good point. I normally use a pilot hole even when drilling out the hands of 15mm spearmen and pikemen. #78 for the pilot hole and #72 for the final hole, IIRC. Two holes are faster for me than one and the hole is much closer to precisely where I want it. (This turns out to be pretty important at that size.)

[Hot Lead]

What everyone has mentioned, plus this: Slow down. Most of the time when this happens to me it's because I'm working too quickly. Also, don't try to get it all in one go; drill a bit, remove the bit, clean off any metal, and start back from where you ended.

 

Truer words were never spoken! I've lost way too many drill bits to galling on soft pewter... Now I use bee's wax and this same technique.

 

The only difference is I use an electric screwdriver, with a drill bit adapter for smaller bits. Makes the drilling much easier on the hands!

 

Later,

Laszlo