Creating a small indentation or adding a grippy surface gives the drill bit a point to settle into, ensuring an accurate start.

Mark Spot: Clearly mark the exact location where you need to drill the hole.
Option A: Center Punch (Metal, Hard Plastic): Place the pointed tip of a center punch (or spring-loaded automatic center punch) precisely on your mark. Tap the end of the punch firmly with a hammer (or press down if automatic). This creates a small conical dent.
Option B: Nail/Screw (Wood, Some Plastics): Use a sharp nail or screw tip placed on the mark and tap it lightly with a hammer to create a small starting divot.
Option C: Masking Tape (Tile, Glass, Smooth Surfaces): Place a small piece of masking tape or painter's tape over the marked spot. The tape provides friction and helps prevent the bit from slipping as it begins to cut.
Start Slowly: Place the drill bit tip into the dent or onto the tape. Begin drilling at a very slow speed with firm, steady pressure until the bit bites into the material. Once the hole is started, you can increase speed and remove tape if used.

N/A - Offers simple, effective techniques using basic tools or materials to guarantee drilling accuracy on slippery surfaces.

4/23/2025, 10:42:45 PM

solution

Drilling a smaller hole first is easier to control and provides a guide for the final, larger drill bit.

Mark the desired hole location.
Use one of the methods from Solution 1 (punch, tape) to prevent the initial pilot bit from slipping.
Select a drill bit significantly smaller than the final desired hole size (e.g., 1/8" pilot for a 1/2" final hole).
Carefully drill the small pilot hole at the marked location.
Switch to the final, larger drill bit. Place the tip of the larger bit into the pilot hole.
Drill the final hole. The pilot hole will guide the larger bit and prevent it from wandering.

N/A - A standard drilling technique that improves accuracy, especially when drilling larger holes.

4/23/2025, 10:42:45 PM

solution

A block of wood with a pre-drilled hole can act as a template to keep the bit aligned on the workpiece.

Take a scrap block of wood (preferably hardwood).
Carefully drill a hole straight through the block, matching the size of the drill bit you intend to use on your workpiece.
Place this guide block onto your workpiece, aligning the hole in the block precisely over your marked drilling location.
Clamp the guide block securely to the workpiece if possible.
Insert the drill bit through the hole in the guide block.
Drill into the workpiece. The guide block prevents the bit from slipping sideways.

N/A - Creates a stable, physical guide for the drill bit, ensuring accurate placement.

4/23/2025, 10:42:45 PM

solution

How can I prevent a drill bit from slipping on a hard surface when starting to drill?