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How to Make Small Drills for Metal

It's hard to consider making a small drill for metal or metal work when power drills are so economical and drill bits can be as small as 1/32 of an inch. Any 1/2-inch chuck drill has a variable speed button and can take such a small bit, and the most delicate metal can therefore be drilled through with precision. There are steps to take to ensure that the hole goes cleanly through the metal surface, but the means to drill small holes can be self-made.

Things You'll Need

Small tungsten-carbide drill bits
Power drill
Awl

Instructions

Using Existing Tools
- 1
  Insert a 1/32 drill bit into the chuck of a 1/2-inch power drill.
- 2
  Tighten the drill bit securely, making sure it's straight in the chuck. The smaller the drill bit, the more problematic straight bit insertion can be.
- 3
  Make a small pilot hole or indentation with an awl, especially in thin-gauge metal, to prevent "bit creep."
- 4
  Drill carefully and slowly but firmly into the metal surface. Make several cuts to reduce metal shards. Both the drill bit at this size and the metal surface can be fragile.
- 5
  Employ a hand drill to make the perforation. Older hand drills can be used, and slow bit speeds will not pose any problem. Just make sure the very small drill bit doesn't bend against the metal surface.

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