How to Use Auger Drill Bits

Auger bits are types of drill bits used to drill holes in wood. They are mostly used to drill holes in bulkheads and other types of wood material. The auger drill bit for wood has a spiral bit head, which is used to push and remove the bit from the wood during the drilling process. Auger bits require less pressure for drilling.

What are the Advantages of Using an Auger bit?

• Auger bits can perform multiple tasks.
• Used to drill deep holes.
• Produce clean and uniform holes.
• The spiral shape feature avoids clogging of holes.
• Efficient removal of waste material (wood shavings and dust).
• Wide deep flighting feature.

How to Use a Wood Auger?

Most woodworkers are still unaware of how an auger drill bit works.

The auger bit works on three main components, the first wide deep flighting, the second sharp edge spurs, and the third a guide screw or gimlet point.

The shank of the drill bit includes a long stem that attaches to the drill chuck and the screw that guides the drill bit to move it more easily into the wood. An auger bit for hand drill can drill under low pressure, they are also designed to drill at a slower speed.

The auger bit use is not only limited to softwood but can also drill plywood and hardwood materials. When drilling, use the ideal 600 rpm speed.

How to Use an Auger bit?

Before starting drilling considers the following important factors:

• Choose the right place for work
• Mark the hole
• Check the drill
• Check drill bit (if damaged, replace it)
• Follow safety measures
• Keep precaution

Initial Set up (to use auger drill bits)

The auger bit guide screw is an amazing feature. It helps to drill precise holes by pulling the drill bit through the workpiece, reducing the amount of pressure required to drill.

Use, the appropriate wood auger hand tool. Set your drill to low speed before starting drilling (standard 500-750 rpm) on a drill press/power drill. Choose a drill bit with an appropriate diameter that should be long enough to drill the hole depth you need. This check makes drilling through wood a lot easier.

Use Drilling Nail/Screw-

Drilling through a deck screw with an auger bit provides the strength and cutting power to drill through nails and screws. It is important to maintain a slow speed and let the auger bit do its job. Once you have drilled through the nail, keep drilling until you get a well-finish hole.

Read More: Auger bit vs Spade bit

Steps to Drill Hole with an Auger Bit

Step 1 – Secure your workpiece

To secure the workpiece, attach your workpiece to the drill press table or lock the table. Secondly, before you start drilling, mark the center of the required borehole with an auger bit.

Step 2 – Align the guide screw 

Align the center point of the guide screw or gimlet point with the location where you will drill the hole. If you are using the auger barefoot, check the target location thoroughly (as close as possible).

Step 3 – Mark the hole and Start drilling

Once you have successfully placed the bit in the target location, activate your drill (at 500-750 rpm). Control the guide screw in the right direction as soon as the drill bit begins to move into the workpiece. You do not need to apply much pressure when drilling with an auger bit, also do not lean on the drill to push the drill bit inside the workpiece as this may damage the bit and the workpiece.

Step 4 – Withdraw, check and clean the hole

As soon as you start drilling, withdraw the drill bit within 5-6 seconds to check if you are drilling the hole correctly. After rechecking start drilling and complete boring holes as required. Once you have completed the boring hole, remove the drill bit from the hole and clean dust, wood shavings, and residue

Now, you have a well-finished hole with an auger bit. This is how you would use auger drill bits.