Sep 092020
In the short video below, Justin Moon explains the use of a wide variety of Hand Drills, including the three sizes of Schroeder Hand Drills, two different Bit Braces and a 2-speed Breast Drill. If you are trying to find a tool that will help ease tearout and allow you to drill more precisely, a hand drill might be just what you are looking for!
A hand drill is a manual tool that converts and amplifies the circular motion of the crank into the circular motion of a drill chuck. Though it has been replaced in most applications by power drills, the hand drill is used by many woodworkers. The hand drill consists of a cranking handle that turns pinion gears on the main shaft. A chuck at the end of the shaft holds a drill bit. The opposite end of the shaft has a second handle that is held stationary while the chuck turns. The drill bit is selected to cut a hole of a specific width, such as 3/8 inch; the size typically is inscribed on the bit’s shaft. To safely use a hand drill, loosen the chuck and insert the appropriate drill bit, then tighten the chuck. Most hand drills require a special tool to firmly tighten the chuck. Place the bit’s tip where you want to cut a hole, making sure the bit is at the same angle as the desired hole. Turn the cranking handle to rotate the bit and drill the hole. With smaller drill bits, be careful not to apply excess pressure on the handle or the bit may bend or break.