Use a center punch or masking tape to create a starting point

Create a small indentation or add a grippy surface to give the drill bit a seat to register in, preventing it from skating across the material on the first rotation.

Center Punch Method (Metal, Hard Plastic)

Place the pointed tip of a manual center punch precisely on your marked drilling location. Hold the punch perpendicular to the surface and tap the flat end firmly with a ball-peen hammer or regular hammer. This creates a small conical dimple that the drill bit tip drops into, preventing any lateral movement.

Masking Tape Method (Tile, Glass, Smooth Surfaces)

Place one or two layers of masking tape or painter's tape (blue tape) over the marked drilling location. Mark your drilling point again on the tape surface. The tape provides friction that prevents the bit from skating on the first few rotations. Once the bit has started a hole, stop, remove the tape, and continue drilling.

Nail or Screw Method (Wood, Soft Plastics)

Place a sharp nail or screw tip on the mark and tap it lightly with a hammer to create a small starting divot. This is essentially an improvised center punch using hardware you likely already have.

Why It Works

A standard twist drill bit has a chisel-shaped center point that does not cut -- it pushes material sideways. On a smooth, hard surface, this causes the bit to wander before the outer cutting edges can engage. A punched dimple gives the chisel point a pocket to sit in. Tape increases friction so the bit begins cutting before it can slide. Both methods prevent the bit from traveling away from your intended location during the critical first revolution.

Tips

Always start the drill at the lowest speed setting with firm, steady downward pressure until the bit establishes a hole
For the center punch method, one solid hammer strike is usually sufficient; multiple strikes can create an oversized dimple that causes imprecise centering
Use multiple layers of tape on very slippery surfaces (glazed tile, polished granite); a single layer may tear through instantly
On tile, combine tape with very low RPM (under 500) for best results -- high speed generates heat that makes the tape adhesive fail
A center punch costs $3-6 for a basic model; painter's tape costs $4-7 per roll
Common mistake: applying the center punch at an angle rather than perpendicular -- this creates an off-center dimple that guides the bit crooked